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Decision to keep away from RCEP, right move on part of India
bilaterals.org - 21 hours ago
05-Dec-2019 India, in recent days, is faced with Hamletian dilemma. To join or not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade association consisting of 16 nations including India.
Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*by Noah* Count me in! I wanna know! Oh wait, I know! Trump makes his crookedness plain as day every day! Republicans celebrate him for it! As for Trump as Elvis, well... certainly not the sexy, young Elvis as Trump himself claims. Fat Elvis? Yeah. Sort of, maybe if we just go by the flab factor but, there's no indication that Trump can sing a single note. I wouldn't want to hear him try either. He can sing "You Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog" to himself in front of a mirror. I sure don't see him having the compassion or soul it takes to sing "In The Ghetto." Can you see Donnie sh... more »
Myanmar, Genocide and Aung San Suu Kyi’s Gamble
Leaders currently in office rarely make an appearance before either the International Court of Justice or the International Criminal Court. International law remains affixed to the notion that heads-of-state are, at least for the duration of their time in office, safe from prosecution. Matters change once the time in office […]
"Just Remember..."; "This Is For All Of You Fighting Battles Alone"
"I know the world seems terrifying right now and the future seems bleak. Just remember human beings have always managed to find the greatest strength within themselves during the darkest hours. When faced with the worst horrors the world has to offer, a person either cracks and succumbs to ugliness, or they salvage the inner core of who they are and fight to right wrongs. Never let hatred, fear, and ignorance get the best of you. Keep bettering yourself so you can make the world around you better, for nothing can improve without the brightest, bravest, kindest, and most imaginative... more »
Traders and sports groups 'concerned' as Government green-lights major road project
Traders at Watsonia in Melbourne's north-east fear up to 20 businesses will have to close, as the Victorian Government gives the go ahead to the city's massive $16 billion North East Link project.
Cave expert suing Elon Musk for 'pedo guy' tweet describes humiliation
Just In - 21 hours ago
The British cave explorer suing Elon Musk testifies he felt "branded a paedophile" by the billionaire entrepreneur, despite Mr Musk's assertion that his "pedo guy" tweet at the heart of the defamation case was not meant to be taken literally.
Hermit crabs no match for human waste on remote islands
A new scientific study measures the deadly toll plastics and other pollution are taking on hermit crabs — an important part of marine ecosystems — on remote islands that should be paradise.
CCTV footage shows motel hostage siege before police shot gunman
A coroner investigating the fatal police shooting of a gunman, who had taken his wife hostage during an Adelaide motel siege in 2017, releases footage showing the tense stand-off unfolding.
'Tough decision' — council deems bushfire escape route too expensive to fix
Experienced firefighters say a council's decision not to upgrade an old wooden bridge could leave residents in Victoria's west in danger of being trapped in a fire emergency.
Thrift-shop baby bouncer turns out to be bargain-price assault rifle
Just In - 21 hours ago
On the list of gifts you don't expect to get for your expected child at a baby shower, a semi-automatic rifle is probably right up there, but that is just what one Florida woman found when opening her presents.
Firefighters battle to save homes on Sydney's doorstep as state burns
Just In - 21 hours ago
Homes are under threat as bushfires burn west of Sydney and the Central Coast, blanketing the capital with thick smoke into the night.
Man accused of attacking pregnant woman in Parramatta refuses legal advice, to plead guilty
A 43-year-old man tells court he does not want legal representation and will plead guilty to assault and affray charges after allegedly punching and stomping on a pregnant woman in Parramatta cafe last month.
Pelican found in boot of car: Woman sentenced felt she was 'doing the right thing'
An elderly woman who says her love for animals had been the focus of her life has been ordered not to go near animals for a year after she was pulled over by police with a pelican trapped in the boot of her car.
Women accusing Craig McLachlan of indecent assault have 'other motives', court told
Just In - 21 hours ago
An actor who worked with Gold Logie winner Craig McLachlan tells a contested court hearing hearing that women accusing him of indecent assault have "other motives".
Murder trial aborted for man charged with killing woman linked to notorious cold case
The trial of a Perth man accused of murder 18 years ago is abandoned amid revelations new information has been uncovered about the alleged victim.
The biggest existential threat to public education is giving teachers anxiety
Just In - 21 hours ago
The working conditions of teachers is the learning environment for students — so to improve outcomes for our kids, we need to first take a hard look at the growing pressures on our educators, writes Dan Hogan.
Up to 57,000 NT public servants caught in $30 million super bungle
The NT Government reveals it overpaid 14 politicians and hundreds of high-income public staffers while also owing $30 million in unpaid superannuation to thousands of public servants after the tax office issued a clarification.
'Violent' threats against politician spark fresh calls to improve Australia's protection laws
For nearly two years, Territory senator Malarndirri McCarthy has been receiving "disturbing and hurtful" threats to gang-rape, bash and kill her — including one vicious threat to execute her in the Federal Parliament.
On a boat in the middle of the Atlantic, an Aussie family got a glimpse of the real Greta Thunberg
The Australian couple who sailed Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic for the UN COP25 climate summit say people would be shocked to see how vulnerable the teen climate activist is.
Australia's big four banks forced to hold billions more in NZ
The big four banks will be forced to hold more capital in New Zealand after the country's central bank increased requirements, but analysts say there shouldn't be a need to cut dividends to fund it.
Party denies cultural problem after another Young LNP member disciplined
Liberal National Party leaders deny there are cultural problems among the Young LNP, despite revelations of another member coming under scrutiny days after three other Young LNP members were suspended over a racist video.
"5 More Signs That The Global Economy Is Careening Toward A Recession"
*"5 More Signs That The Global Economy* * Is Careening Toward A Recession"* by Michael Snyder The global economy is already in the worst distress that we have seen since 2008, and it appears that the global slowdown is actually picking up pace as we head into 2020. And this is happening even though central banks around the world have been cutting interest rates and pumping massive amounts of money into their respective financial systems. The central bankers appear to be losing control, and it certainly wouldn’t take much of a push for this new crisis to evolve into a complete and ut... more »
North Korea's Underground Air Bases Would Be Key In a War Against America
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Asia* Keep it secret, keep it safe. *Key point: *Underground headquarters, fortifications and troop depots have the potential to not only enhance the Korean People’s Army’s ability to mount a surprise attack, but also to prolong the war. North Korea, one of the most secretive countries in the world, is no stranger to building underground military facilities. Whether a tunnel dug under the demilitarized zone designed to pass thousands of troops an hour, or bunkers to accommodate the regime’s leadership, North Korea has built extensive underground facili... more »
Why an Electromagnetic Pulse Attack (EMP) Attack Is Just Fake News on Steroids
*Matthew Gault* *Technology, Americas* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/NORTHKOREA-MISSILES--RC1DAE93D220.html] Vastly overblown. *Key point:* EMPs aren't powerful enough to cause a ton of damage, but the nukes that could cause them are a real problem. Few weapons are as scary as those that exist only in our minds. A few years ago when the Republican Party released its platform to the public in the run-up to its national convention at the tail end of a section titled “America Resurgent,” GOP leaders detailed what they felt is a looming threat of America — electromag... more »
North Korea's Artillery: Could Kim's 'Big Guns' Destroy Seoul?
*Prakash Menon, PR Shankar* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] Seoul isn't safe, but it isn't doomed either. *Key point:* Pyongyang's artillery are a vastly-overrated problem. The year 2017 marked a highpoint in U.S.-North Korean tensions with the United States continuing to maintain that the military option was still on the table. Though nuclear threats have also been exchanged, one of the oft-quoted retaliatory capability of North Korea has been its ability to devastate Seoul within a day by applying its conventional artillery fire power. This has been a powerful argument that s... more »
Don't Forget The Battle Of Brody (History's Biggest Tank Battle)
*Robert Beckhusen* *Security, * Hundreds of Soviet tanks took on Nazi Germany. *Key point: *An enormous conflagration of flesh and metal. A thousand coffee table books and countless hours of popular history programs have described the Battle of Prokhorovka, part of the Third Reich’s 1943 Operation Citadel, as the largest tank battle in history. Near the city of Kursk on the Eastern Front, hundreds of Soviet tanks slammed into the 2nd SS Panzer Corps in an enormous conflagration of flesh and metal. Prokhorovka was certainly an important clash and one of the largest tank battles ... more »
Senate ready for confirmation vote on Hahn as next FDA commissioner
The Senate committee charged with reviewing the nomination of Dr. Stephen Hahn as the next FDA Commissioner has approved his appointment by an 18-to-5 vote, sending the nomination to a Senator floor vote. If confirmed by the full Senate, Hahn will succeed Scott Gottlieb to become the 24th FDA Commissioner in the history of the... Continue Reading
US finds ‘significant cache’ of Iranian missiles being smuggled to Houthis by boat
The USS Forrest Sherman seized missile parts found onboard a boat in the Gulf of Oman last week, an anonymous US official told the Associated Press Wednesday. The official said the weapons were linked to Iran and believed to be bound for Yemen and the Shiite Houthi militant movement there. The anonymous official did not […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Massive explosion hits Turkish military convoy in northern Aleppo
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:20 A.M.) – A massive explosion was reported in the northern countryside of the Aleppo Governorate last night after a Turkish military convoy hit was suspected to be a roadside bomb near the city of Jarabulus. According to reports from northern Aleppo, the explosion occurred as the Turkish military was heading towards their […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
'American Experts' Did Not Forsee The Current Uprising In Iran
People protest against increased gas price, on a highway in Tehran, Iran November 16, 2019. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS *Liel Leibovitz, New York Post*: *Iran in flames and ‘experts’ didn’t foresee it due to Trump-hate blindness * The Iranian regime faces the most serious popular challenge to its tyranny in 40 years. Sparked by a 50 percent hike in fuel prices last month, the uprising has spread to the whole country. Security forces have killed hundreds of protesters, and at one point they were even forced to shut down the internet — a sign that th... more »
The Debt Delusion
A short take on John Week's new book, The Debt Delusion, and why it matters.
China's Ambassador To The U.S. Warns Of 'Destructive Forces' Trying To Undermine U.S.-China Ties
China’s ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai Photograph: Jim Bourg/Reuters *Reuters:* *Beijing envoy warns of 'destructive forces' trying to undermine U.S.-China ties* WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China’s envoy to the United States on Wednesday said the two countries were trying to resolve their differences over trade, but he warned of forces that he said were trying to drive a wedge between the two, without providing any details. Ambassador Cui Tiankai, speaking at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council, said U.S.-Chinese ties were at a critical crossroads due to tr... more »
Next week, Czech PM plans to block the EU gretin plans
According to most Czech observers, Czech billionaire prime minister Andrej Babiš – who is worth some $3 billion – is living through a terrible week. (Babiš himself says that he is very happy now – especially because his family will be saved from the legal harassment for the first time in years. Not too many people believe that he's too happy now.) Once a gold-digger, always a gold-digger. An 1898 photograph of the Yukon/Klondike Gold Rush showed a lookalike of Greta's – perhaps because that 19th century girl's mother was a Swede who drank during pregnancy The final EU audit of his "... more »
December 5th – 2019 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1050
In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and … Continue reading →
Thursday December 5th – Open Thread
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those … Continue reading →
US House of Representatives Approves Bill Sanctioning Chinese Officials Over Uighur Detentions
*ABC News Online:* *Uyghur bill demanding sanctions on Chinese officials passes US House of Representatives* The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on its Muslim minority, drawing swift condemnation from Beijing. The Uyghur Act of 2019 is a stronger version of a bill that angered Beijing when it passed the Senate in September. It called on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions for the first time on a member of China's powerful politburo, even as he seeks a deal... more »
Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Wednesday 4th December 2019
By Anton Lang ~ This Post details the daily wind power generation data for the AEMO coverage area in Australia. For the background information, refer to the Introductory Post at this link. Each image is shown here at a smaller size to fit on the page alongside the data for that day. If you click […]
Big Tech CEOs Support Paris Climate Agreement, Opposing U.S. Government
By Corinne Weaver ~ Big Tech CEOs for Apple, Google, Microsoft, and other companies signed an agreement with a labor union leader stating that they would uphold the standards set by the Paris Agreement. The United States government, under President Trump, pulled out of the Paris Agreement in 2017, the only country to do so. […]
For Climate Extremists, Animal Lives Are Expendable
By James Taylor ~ Earlier this month I participated in climate interview in which I mentioned peer-reviewed research finding that wind turbines kill more than 1 million birds and bats each year in the United States. The host of the program did not seem to care much, dismissively asserting that buildings kill more birds than […]
6 Big Moments From Day 1 Of The Second Round Of Impeachment Hearings
By Fred Lucas ~ The House Judiciary Committee, holding its first day of impeachment hearings Wednesday, heard from four legal scholars on the case for and against removing President Donald Trump from office less than a year before a presidential election. After five days of public hearings over two weeks, the House Intelligence Committee submitted […]
Freeland is pushing Trudeau to spend heavily on ‘defense research’ in Alberta to meet NATO obligations
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is now largely presumed to be Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s planned successor, is preparing to bring a mammoth new infrastructure proposal to Cabinet in her new role as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. The initiative
Planned Parenthood is Murder Inc
Over the last 10 years at Planned Parenthood: ⬇️ 68% - Cancer screenings ⬇️ 65% - Breast exams ⬇️ 72% - PAP tests ⬇️ 32% - Facilities ⬇️ 21% - Patients ⬆️ 9% - Abortions ⬆️ 188% - Excess revenue And they kill 38 children every hour. Time to defund & shut them down #DefundPP — Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) December 4, 2019 Also note that PP fired its president after she said that PP should concentrate more on women's health. Abortion is the core of PP. It's who they are. It's in their DNA.
Germany Expels Two Russian Diplomats Over Killing Of Chechen Separatist In Berlin
*DW:* *Germany expels Russian diplomats after murder in Berlin* German prosecutors said evidence suggests Russia or Chechnya may have ordered the murder of a Georgian man in Berlin. Two Russian diplomats have been expelled, with the German government discussing further steps. German federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday that they are taking over investigations into the murder of a Georgian asylum-seeker in Berlin, confirming earlier reports. With Berlin's attorney general saying evidence points to Russian state involvement, pressure is likely to mount on German Chancellor Ang... more »
Puzzlement
I am puzzled. I have been concerned for a long time about actions and behavior of the current occupant in the White House. Why am I puzzled? We have a national security risk in the White House and his actions … Continue reading →
Happiness 101: Let Us Tell You How to Live Your Best Life
*Sam Wren-Lewis* *Health, Americas* [image: Reuters] How can we actually create happy societies? Imagine two different societies. In the first, people tend to be stressed, tense, irritable, distracted and self-absorbed. In the second, people tend to be at ease, untroubled, quick to laugh, expansive and self-assured. The difference between these two imagined scenarios is vast. You’re not only more likely to be happier in the second scenario – you’re also more likely to be safer, healthier and have better relationships. The difference between a happy and an unhappy society is not t... more »
Get the Missiles: The Army's Bradley Fighting Vehicle Is Getting a Big Upgrade
*Sebastien Roblin* *Technology, Americas* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/GEORGIA-US-EXERCISES-GF10000091108.html] TOW missiles for all. *Key point:* The M2 Bradley will be able to better take on enemy tanks with this upgrade. The M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle is nominally used to carry infantry into battle, but is frequently misidentified by journalists as a tank. This is understandable, as the tracked vehicle currently tips the scales at thirty-three tons from all the add-on armor it has received, and bristles with both a twenty-five-millimeter Bushmaster ... more »
After Testing In Syria, Russia's New A-50U Reconnaissance Aircraft Is Ready To Rock
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, * Here's what we know. *Key point: *Like many Russian weapons, the AU-50U saw testing over Syria's many battlefields. Russia’s Beriev A-50U reconnaissance aircraft is rapidly moving along in serial production, according to the Beriev Aircraft Company. "*On December 6, the Beriev Aircraft Company delivered another A-50U serially modernized long-range radar surveillance plane (side number “red” 45) to the Aerospace Force of Russia. After passing all the necessary trials, the plane was transferred to an Aerospace Force crew and made a successful flight ... more »
Fire the Guns! Check Out World War II's Deadliest Tanks
*Michael Peck* *Security, * [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-34#/media/File:T-34_prototypes.jpg] Which side had them? *Key Point:* Small differences in design can mean big differences in weapon capability. It can be argued that the best tank is the one that destroys the enemy. Or, depending on your point of view, it's the one that isn't shooting at you. But otherwise, choosing the top tank is always a nightmare of technical and historical analysis. There are so many variables, and so many experts and history buffs that will argue those variables to the death. Yet into the... more »
Are Generic Drugs Worth the Health Risks Associated With Them?
*C. Michael White* *Health, Americas* [image: Reuters] Generic drugs can be a great way to save money, but a recent study shows there are potential dangers involved. Generic prescription drugs have saved the U.S. about US$1.7 trillion over the past decade. The Food and Drug Administration approved a record 781 new generics in 2018 alone, including generic versions of Cialis, Levitra and Lyrica. They join generic versions of blockbusters from yesteryear, like Lipitor, Nexium, Prozac and Xanax. Seniors are the biggest purchasers of generics, because they take the most medications... more »
US Navy Sailor Shoots Dead Two Civilian Workers At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
*Daily Mail:* *US Navy Sailor shoots dead two civilian workers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard before turning the gun on himself - sending the home of the Pacific Fleet into lockdown* * The shooter has been identified as a U.S. Sailor, the military said Wednesday * They did not release a motive or any identifying information about the sailor * One eyewitness described seeing three people shot and a gunman 'in uniform' * Emergency crews raced to the scene at around 2:30pm local time on Wednesday * A third victim is at a hospital and the base has reopened following the lockdown ... more »
Experts meet in Kenya to discuss seafood safety
Food safety professionals from 12 African countries met in Kenya for a workshop on seafood safety. The African regional workshop on bivalve mollusk sanitation was held in Nairobi this past month and included visiting experts from the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada. The aim was to build programs of capability building and networks in Africa... Continue Reading
Letter to the Editor: Romaine industry should ‘just do it’
Opinion Editor’s note: We want to hear from our readers, and that’s you. Letters to the Editor can be submitted via the Contact Us link on our website. Dear Editor, Your article states (on the romaine E. coli outbreak) ” larger buffers may be needed. . .” Please change it to say “impervious barriers are... Continue Reading
Climate News - December 2019
A review and commentary on topical matters concerning the science, economics, and governance associated with climate change developments. Alan Moran 1 December 2019 Climate Science 11,000 'scientists' sign a petition that, in the absence of massive emission reductions, the end of the world is nigh. Micky Mouse was among the signatories. Ezra Levant found the 400 Canadian signatories were undergrads, people with phoney diplomas, yoga teachers, experts in reincarnation and romance, and hypnotists. There were no recognised Canadian climate scientists. Jo Nova shows that only 156 (1%... more »
Is Trump Destroying-- Or Has He Already Destroyed-- U.S. Foreign Policy And Trade Consensus?
The week started with Señor Trumpanzee announcing an expansion of his trade war antics against Brazil, Argentina and France (and its only Wednesday!)-- followed by grandstanding self-destructive nonsense about trade with China that caused domestic and world markets to crash. Bloomberg reporters Derek Wallbank and Jordan Fabian: "Stocks dropped in Europe and U.S. equity futures sold off as Trump’s comments indicated no urgency to reach a deal by Dec. 15, which U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Monday called a 'logical deadline.' The Trump administration has threatened to impos... more »
The night Sarah Spiers vanished, residents recall hearing 'blood-curdling' screams
Amanda Spiers dropped her little sister Sarah off for a night out with friends in Claremont, gave her a hug and a kiss and said goodbye, never to see her again.
Elton John fan praises stranger's random kindness after securing tickets following scam
An Adelaide mother and her autistic son would have been among 200 people who missed out on last night's Elton John concert because of ticket fraud — were it not for the random kindness of a nearby stranger.
Landholders launch court case against Clive Palmer's Galilee mine, but water not a legal avenue
Lawyers representing landholders in the footprint of Clive Palmer's proposed Galilee Basin mine say a recent court decision has stopped them from objecting to it in the Land Court on the basis of the mine's groundwater use.
RSL 'gravy train' funded former president's phones, car and mortgage, court hears
A court hears how former RSL president Don Rowe used a car allowance to pay off his mortgage and funded his wife and three children's mobile phones, as he faces charges of deception.
Indigenous rock art rediscovered at one of Australia's best climbing spots
Just In - 1 day ago
The exact location of rock art near Mount Arapiles in Victoria's south-west is being kept secret and the site may close for rock climbers.
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