Wednesday, January 15, 2020

15 December - Blogs I'm Following - 4 of 5

10 pm MST

Video Alert: The F-35 Can Maneuver Like Nothing Else

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Technology, Americas* The highly circulated video, posted last week, begins with Olson performing a pitch-up that seamlessly transitions into a tight loop. *Key point: *We keep learning more about America's F-35. Recent commentary on the F-35 fifth-generation fighter has centered around its firepower and stealth capabilities, but a recently released demonstration video depicts the fighter jet in a pleasantly different light. A clip from Capt. Capt. Andrew "Dojo" Olson’s instagram page showcases the F-35A Lightning II in a series of dramatic aerial maneuvers, per... more »

Think You Understand Naval Warfare? This Submarine Could Change That

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Technology, * AIP submarines are surging in popularity. *Key point:* It is no surprise that navies that operate largely around coastal waters are turning to cheap AIP submarines, as their disadvantage are not as relevant when friendly ports are close at hand. Nuclear-powered submarines have traditionally held a decisive edge in endurance, stealth and speed over cheaper diesel submarines. However, new Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology has significantly narrowed the performance gap on a new generation of submarines that cost a fraction of the price of... more »

Watch America's Immense Navy Aircraft Carriers Do High-Speed Maneuvers

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, * It's quite the sight. *Key point: *Just because the Lincoln’s hauling hundreds of tons of high-tech equipment, dozens of aircraft, and thousands of sailors doesn’t mean the carrier can’t turn on a dime at more than 30 knots. The USS Abraham Lincoln is objectively not the most nimble vehicle in the Pentagon’s arsenal. At 1,092 feet long, 252 feet wide and nearly 100,000 tons of naval engineering expertise, the nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier wasn’t designed to chase Russian submarines or blow up Somali pirates, but to serve as a floati... more »

The radioactive tanks of Chernobyl

Peter at Bayou Renaissance Man - 16 hours ago
There's a fascinating article at Firearms News titled "The Radioactive ISU-152". It describes how some of the biggest, heaviest tanks of World War II returned to the scene of one of their victories, four decades later, to act as saviors rather than destroyers. The SU/ISU-152 was designed specifically to be a part of both the shock and breakthrough elements of the Soviet Deep Battle doctrine. The KV heavy tank chassis would provide the base for the massive ML-20S, a portable version of the standard 152mm howitzer in service. The gun had a range of 10km for indirect fire but was red... more »

Nadal, Federer donate $250k as Aus Open's Rally For Relief raises $5m for bushfires

Just In - 16 hours ago
A few games of hit-and-giggle tennis between some of the sport's biggest stars raises $4.8 million for bushfire relief, with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal announcing a donation of $250,000 out of their own pockets.

Iran rejects idea of 'strange' new 'Trump deal' to end nuclear dispute

Just In - 16 hours ago
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dismisses a proposal for a new "Trump deal" aimed at resolving a nuclear row, saying it is a "strange" offer and criticising the US leader for always breaking promises.

Yamaha warns against climbing into instrument cases after Carlos Ghosn's escape

Just In - 16 hours ago
Yamaha says it has recently fielded a lot of questions about climbing inside large instrument cases, echoing the method ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is believed to have used to escape from Japan.

'I would never consider diversity in matters of art': Stephen King wades into Oscars debate

Sophie Meixner at Just In - 16 hours ago
Can art be objectively judged, as Stephen King tweeted, or should more be done to ensure the industry combats subconscious biases when making award nominations?

Love Those #NeverTrumpers-- Except When They Interfere With The Democratic Party

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 16 hours ago
The newest-- I guess-- #NeverTrumpster conservative group is the Lincoln Project, basically George Conway, Rick Wilson, Steve Schmidt, Reed Galen, Jennifer Horn, Mike Madrid, Ron Steslow, John Weaver, Sally Canfield, Chip Felkel, Molly Jong-Fast, Sophia Nelson, Tom Nichols, Tara Setmayer, and Chris Vance. They call themselves "advisors" to the Lincoln Project. And they define their mission as defeating Trump and Trumpism at the ballot box. "We do not undertake this task lightly nor from ideological preference," they wrote. "Our many policy differences with national Democrats rem... more »

A saint who came late to the party, St. Claude la Colombiere, 1641-1682, beatified 1929

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 16 hours ago
"I am resolved to put no limit to my trust, and to spread it out to everything. It seems to me that I ought to make use of Our Lord as an armor which covers me all about, by means of which I shall resist every device of my enemies. You shall then be my strength, my God! You shall be my guide, my director, my counselor, my patience, my knowledge, my peace, my justice, and my prudence. I will have recourse to you in my temptations, in my dryness, in my repugnances, in my weariness, in my fears; or rather I will no longer fear either the illusions or the tricks of the demon, nor my ow... more »

Thanks for the Christmas display

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 16 hours ago
When we moved to Columbus in 1967, the area we live in now was farm woods and pasture—ravine, woods, and creek. There was a 19th century farm house and old barn (now gone) on the property. We had actually watched this area being built and the firm Bob worked for, Urban Calabretta (now Brown Calabretta) in the 1970s designed this very attractive 30 unit condominium community, a concept still rather new to Columbus 50 years ago. We had never driven back here until 2001 when we noticed several listings in the paper, and we fell in love with the setting. So we have a lovely view ... more »

Galloway: Boris Rejection of ‘IndyRef2’ Could Be Silver Lining for SNP

21wire at 21st Century Wire - 16 hours ago
*George Galloway* | London has just handed the SNP a new grudge to nurse.

Information Clearing House Headlines 13 January 2020

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 17 hours ago
13 January 2020 — Information Clearing House Trump and Congress Double Down on Demonizing Iran By Philip Giraldi The United States did things based on a delusional view of the Middle East and will have to pay a price. – Continue ==== Iranian Flight Crash Facts Not Adding Up By Russell Bentley One thing I am certain … Continue reading Information Clearing House Headlines 13 January 2020

My latest show

Bruce K. Gagnon at Organizing Notes - 17 hours ago
Richard Rhames discusses the current crisis situation with Iran after the US assassination of Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Richard is from Biddeford, Maine and is a multi-generational vegetable farmer on land in family hands. He is also a public access TV show host (maybe one the longest running hosts in Maine) and a rock and roll band member. Richard and I have been trading doing interviews on each others shows for many years. He's a very smart and direct person who is not afraid to say what he thinks. He's also alot of fun to be around. Bruce

Infants are Uniquely Vulnerable to Aluminium in Vaccines

Age of Autism at AGE OF AUTISM - 17 hours ago
Infants are Uniquely Vulnerable to Aluminium in Vaccines Professor Chris Exley | 9th January 2020 | Infection/Disease, Paediatrics, Pharmacy/Drugs The Hippocratic Post Aluminium is Toxic In 1984, as an undergraduate at the University of Stirling, Scotland and while carrying out... more »

If At First You Don't Succeed Introduce the Bill Again

Age of Autism at AGE OF AUTISM - 17 hours ago
An Act concerning exemptions from mandatory immunization requirements and amending various parts of the statutory law New Jersey is ready for the next session after their loss on Monday. We aren't going away. None of us. There will be more... more »

Links 1/15/2020

Yves Smith at naked capitalism - 17 hours ago

ISIS suffers heavy losses in fierce battle with Syrian Army forces

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:45 A.M.) – The Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) launched a number of attacks on the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) positions in the Badiya Al-Sham region of Homs this week. ISIS reportedly entered the Syrian Arab Army’s areas from the nearby Al-Tanf Zone, which is currently occupied by the U.S. Armed Forces. Upon entering the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Kata’eb Hezbollah threatens to kick US forces out of Iraq if they don’t leave

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:10 A.M.) – Kata’eb Hezbollah released a statement on Wednesday that their forces will kick the U.S. military out of Iraq if they refuse to leave. “Their determination to defy the will of the Iraqi people by refusing to comply with the decision of the Council of Representatives to withdraw its troops from […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Syrian military says Israel was behind attack on T-4 Airbase: full details

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:45 A.M.) – The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced last night that an Israeli warplane entered Syrian airspace from the U.S.-occupied Al-Tanf Zone in southeastern Homs. Upon entering Syrian airspace, the Israeli warplane reportedly fired several missiles at the T-4 Military Airport in the eastern countryside of the Homs Governorate, resulting in a […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Libyan ceasefire is over, war to resume: Haftar

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar and the head of the rival Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Sarraj, took part in peace talks mediated by Russia and Turkey in Moscow. At the end of the talks, the GNA delegation signed a ceasefire agreement, while the LNA commander left the Russian capital without inking […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Untitled

jonjayray at EDUCATION WATCH INTERNATIONAL - 17 hours ago
*How confusion over federal rules can get in the way of smart school spending* Of the many factors that affect what school districts buy and do for their students, an often-overlooked issue is the influence of federal education grant programs. Nearly every school district in the country receives funding from the US Department of Education (ED) through grant programs that support elementary and secondary education.1 While this funding represents a relatively small share of education spending overall,2 the rules governing how it can be spent strongly influence local decisions about ... more »

Conservation Nation E3: Reformers draining the swamp

Gabriella Hoffman at CFACT - 17 hours ago
In Episode 3 of CONSERVATION NATION, host Gabriella Hoffman interviews several conservation stakeholders who are implementing reforms in the name of true conservation. The post Conservation Nation E3: Reformers draining the swamp appeared first on CFACT.

Untitled

JR at GREENIE WATCH - 17 hours ago
*World's biggest investment firm BlackRock to shun fossil fuels as it steps up efforts to tackle climate change and calls for 'a fundamental reshaping of finance'* *Good news for keen investors. Selling off fossil fuel shares will drive their price down -- making them a good buy for realistic investors* The world's biggest investment manager BlackRock has said it will sell-off shares in coal firms and other major polluters as it called for a 'fundamental reshaping of finance' to tackle climate change. Chief executive Larry Fink warned company boards they must step up efforts to ... more »

Russia's Fifth-Generation Fighter Can Now Shoot Hypersonic Missiles (And The F-35 Can't)

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 17 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, * Look out, America. *Key point: *Can Russia afford these expensive weapons? In the prior months, *The National Interest* discussed the possibility of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter being outfitted with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles. Russian state news reported Kinzhal integration on the Su-57 earlier this week: "In accordance with Russia's State Armament Program for 2018-2027, Su-57 jet fighters will be equipped with hypersonic missiles. The jet fighters will receive missiles with characteristics similar to that of the Kinzhal missiles, but ... more »

Untitled

Jenna Orkin at From the Wilderness' Peak Oil Blog - 17 hours ago
From Jenna Orkin 6,000 Dead From Measles Outbreak In Congo, WHO SaysWill alleged CIA misbehavior set Julian Assange free? Trump authorized Soleimani's killing 7 months ago, with conditions ‘We are going to have a horrible time,’ Jim Rogers tells Boom Bust as global debt skyrockets Scientists Found Ancient, Never-Before-Seen Viruses in a Glacier Australia's bushfire smoke will do a full lap of the earth: NASA Global Births & Population of Potenial Mothers...Down, Down, Down Aleutian volcano spews up ash cloud, prompting warning to pilots Sabancaya Volcano Volcanic Ash Advisory: continuous... more »

In Gesture to Bolsonaro, USA Backs Brazil’s OECD Candidacy

Dorah Feliciano at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - In a gesture towards Jair Bolsonaro's government, the United States will formally declare that they consider Brazil's accession to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) a priority. According to sources, the Americans submitted a letter to the organization stating that they wish for Brazil to be the next […] The post In Gesture to Bolsonaro, USA Backs Brazil’s OECD Candidacy appeared first on The Rio Times.

US Raises Security Alert for Travel to Brazil

Adele Cardin at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The US State Department has raised the alert level for tourists traveling to Brazil and for those visiting certain areas such as slums, border areas and some administrative regions of the Federal District. The measure was taken due to the increased risk of crime. According to the travel recommendations released […] The post US Raises Security Alert for Travel to Brazil appeared first on The Rio Times.

Brazilian Courts Order Families to Innoculate Their Children

Lachlan Williams at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Amidst the drop in vaccination coverage and the reappearance of eradicated diseases such as measles, cases of families that fail to innoculate their children have reached the courts, which now determine the immunization of children. Over the past six months, there have been at least three events in the country. […] The post Brazilian Courts Order Families to Innoculate Their Children appeared first on The Rio Times.

Portugal Offers Financial Support for Descendants to Return to Ancestral Home

Iolanda Fonseca at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - For years, the Portuguese government has been watching its population decline, with the birth rate falling and the mortality rate showing no reduction. In 2018, Portugal had the fourth-lowest birth rate among EU members - a major problem for the future of the Lusitanian nation's economy. In order to reverse […] The post Portugal Offers Financial Support for Descendants to Return to Ancestral Home appeared first on The Rio Times.

World’s Largest Asset Manager Places Climate at Center of US$7 Trillion Strategy

Richard Mann at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - BlackRock CEO Larry Fink included an urgent observation in his annual letter to US corporate executives: Climate change will transform global finances sooner than one might think. Fink made the most serious warning so far to business leaders regarding the climate crisis, saying it is an issue that must be […] The post World’s Largest Asset Manager Places Climate at Center of US$7 Trillion Strategy appeared first on The Rio Times.

GERMAN PARLIAMENT OFFICE REPORTS NO RUSSIAN INVASION OF DONBASS, REJECTS MEDIA AND GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA

Editor at Dances With Bears - 18 hours ago
by John Helmer, Moscow @bears_with A report by a research unit of the German Bundestag, just released in Berlin, has defied the narrative of the European Union, NATO and the US, with the conclusion that since the Ukraine civil war began in early 2014, there has been no reliable evidence of Russian troop invasion or […]

Ceasefire Failure as Haftar Leaves Russia To Resume Military Operations in Libya

InfoBrics at The Duran - 18 hours ago
Haftar: the document presented in front of me was a document of betrayal More The post Ceasefire Failure as Haftar Leaves Russia To Resume Military Operations in Libya appeared first on The Duran.

Macron forced to back down over pension reform amidst raging protests

InfoBrics at The Duran - 18 hours ago
The Macron presidency has been coloured by social unrest from the very beginning, with the latest demonstrations being the worst for 50 years... More The post Macron forced to back down over pension reform amidst raging protests appeared first on The Duran.

If you believe in freedom, then you should support Open Borders.

Mousumi Roy at The Duran - 18 hours ago
Immigrants labor lowers our "real" costs of living. Immigrant labor, whether "legal" or "Illegal" reduces the costs of construction, food, maintenance, ... and on and on. More The post If you believe in freedom, then you should support Open Borders. appeared first on The Duran.

Meghan Markle was hellbent on destroying the British monarchy.

George Callaghan at The Duran - 18 hours ago
The House of Windsor bent over backwards to accommodate Miss Markle. They strove to make this woman feel welcome. But nothing was good enough her. More The post Meghan Markle was hellbent on destroying the British monarchy. appeared first on The Duran.

Impeachment, Soleimani and the Pull of the Swamp

Tom Luongo at The Duran - 18 hours ago
Impeachment was the leverage point to drive open a wedge between Republicans and Trump through Iran. More The post Impeachment, Soleimani and the Pull of the Swamp appeared first on The Duran.

Former Federal Agent Blows the Whistle on Alleged Illegal Spy Ring Led by Rod Rosenstein Against Investigative Journalist and Other US Citizens

Sharyl Attkisson at Need To Know - 18 hours ago
Sharyl Attkisson filed a lawsuit against Rod Rosenstein for conducting illegal surveillance from 2011 to 2014 under a government operation. A forensic expert said that remote spies had access to Attkisson's computer, files, photographs, internet activities, and could listen to her audio through Skype.

Project Veritas: Bernie Sanders Field Organizer, Kyle Jurek, Plans for ‘Re-Education’ Gulags to Help ‘Nazified’ Trump Supporters If Sanders Wins

Project Veritas at Need To Know - 18 hours ago
Kyle Jurek, Sanders' field organizer, is also against liberals who are not hard leftists and said that liberals will be shot against the wall first, and that liberals at MSNBC should be lit on fire.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘Threat of a No-Holds Barred Interview’ If They Don’t Get Their Way Stirs Fears They May Brand Royal Household ‘Sexist and Racist’ 

DailyMail at Need To Know - 18 hours ago
The Royal couple said they would no longer receiving funding through the Sovereign Grant that provides 5% of their income. It is unclear whether they will give up their other sources of funding.

History Lesson: The Largest Tank Battle In History Is Too Often Forgotten

Robert Beckhusen at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Robert Beckhusen* *Security, * [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Brody_(1941)#/media/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-185-0139-20,_Polen,_Russland,_Panzer_in_Bereitstellung.jpg] The Battle of Brody, 1941, ought to be remembered. *Key Point:* Even though the battle was a German victory, it proved that Nazi tank armor was not invincible. 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 th... more »

Stealth vs. Stealth: Can Russia's Su-57 Take Down America's F-22?

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Europe* Fifth vs. fourth-generation. *Key Point:* If the two ever meet it will be a battle for the ages, but our world will be much worse for it. Russia’s official designation of the PAK-FA/T-50 jet as the Sukhoi Su-57 is just another reminder that the field of fifth generation fighters is about to get more crowded. The United States, China, Russia, Japan and Korea are all working on their own fifth generation designs, but so far only three planes, the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Chinese J-20 are operational. Increased tensions betwe... more »

Worrying about Being Drafted Doesn’t Make You a Disloyal American

Amy Rutenberg at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Amy Rutenberg* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Efforts to avoid the draft during World War II extended to women, as well. In mid-1942, an estimated 500,000 wives quit their war jobs in order to strengthen their husbands’ claims to a dependency deferment. Fear of imminent war and a draft have escalated in the wake of U.S. forces killing Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in early January. Misinformation spread across social media platforms. The Selective Service System’s website crashed on Jan. 3. Some people even received fraudulent texts, supposedly from the Army Recruitin... more »

Learn About Israel's Secret Nuclear Submarine Fleet

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Middle East* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/ISRAEL-ARMS--GF20000092315.html] Which they "officially" don't have. *Key Point:* Government representatives might keep their existence hush hush, but everyone knows Israel's capabilities. Israel has never officially admitted to possessing nuclear weapons. Unofficially, Tel Aviv wants everyone to know it has them, and doesn’t hesitate to make thinly-veiled references to its willingness to use them if confronted by an existential threat. Estimates on the size of Tel Aviv’s nuclear stockpile... more »

Liar, Liar, Constitution on Fire: Why the Government Can't Stop Misleading the Public

Helen Norton at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Helen Norton* *Politics, America* [image: Reuters] The old joke says you can tell a politician is lying if his lips are moving. When regular people lie, sometimes their lies are detected, sometimes they’re not. Legally speaking, sometimes they’re protected by the First Amendment – and sometimes not, like when they commit fraud or perjury. But what about when government officials lie? I take up this question in my recent book, “The Government’s Speech and the Constitution.” It’s not that surprising that public servants lie – they are human, after all. But when an agency or offic... more »

The Clock Is Ticking: China Will One Day Invade Taiwan

Ian Easton at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Ian Easton* *Security, Asia* Which means war is coming. *Key Point:* America has some decisions to make. Various *sources* from within the People's Republic of China have *allegedly suggested* that time is running out for Taiwan's democracy. In their narrative, China's iron-fisted leader, Xi Jinping, is "losing patience" and could order the invasion of Taiwan in the early 2020s. The world's most dangerous flashpoint might witness an overwhelming amphibious blitz, perhaps before July 2021 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Th... more »

Decarbonization is economically unsustainable

drinkingwateradvisor at The Drinking Water Advisor - 18 hours ago
“A prominent economist says that Britain’s climate and energy policies are ‘futile gesture politics’, and will fail to bring about any change to the climate.” click here

Taking on Mount Everest history for first winter summit in 27 years

Just In - 19 hours ago
Twelve people died on Mount Everest during the 2019 climbing season, now, a handful of German and Spanish alpinists are looking to complete a historic winter summit in the Himalayas, all without additional oxygen.

Camels swap sand for snow as Saudi Arabian desert hit by winter storm

Zena Chamas at Just In - 19 hours ago
A powerful storm bringing sub-zero temperatures transforms parts of the Saudi Arabian desert into a winter wonderland.

Aussie paceman Pat Cummins named ICC Test cricketer of the year

Just In - 19 hours ago
Australia's big year in cricket is recognised, with fast bowler Pat Cummins named ICC Test player of the year, as five Australians make the Test XI for 2019.

South Australian investment manager charged over alleged superannuation scam

Just In - 19 hours ago
A South Australian investment manager is charged after allegedly ripping off his customers when he was in charge of their self-managed superannuation funds.

WA tourist town to be transformed into a zero-emission community powered by hydrogen

Nicolas Perpitch at Just In - 19 hours ago
Hydrogen micro grids could replace costly poles and wires in towns across Australia if this trial at the Shark Bay world heritage area is successful.

'Completely bogus': Cambodia begins treason trial of Opposition Leader

Just In - 19 hours ago
The trial of Cambodia's Opposition Leader on charges of treason is underway, drawing condemnation from rights groups who say the case is a move by longtime leader Hun Sen to crush his political rivals.

Jeanswest collapses into voluntary administration, 988 jobs at risk

Stephanie Chalmers at Just In - 19 hours ago
Australian-founded, Hong Kong-owned denim label Jeanswest is the latest retailer to enter voluntary administration, with the future of its 146 stores uncertain.

The 10-second Sanders-Warren moment that overshadowed two hours of debate

Peter Marsh And Emily Olson at Just In - 19 hours ago
With a non-aggression pact between them buried, everyone was watching Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders at the Democratic debate. But it wasn't until everything was over that tempers actually flared.

Rabobank: "World War 3? The US Has Crossed A Red Line... But It’s Not The One They Think"

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 19 hours ago
Excellent analysis here. It understands that Trump's preferred strategy happens to be decapitation and that he is not afraid to use it. The big stick is back.. So yes, this all means that large scale conventional warfare is mostly out. The potential collateral damage is also much less as well. As i posted earlier, i do think that this event was decisive. Thinks will start changing for the better behind the curtain.. *Rabobank: "World War 3? The US Has Crossed A Red Line... But It’s Not The One They Think" * * Mon, 01/06/2020 - 13:22 * *Submitted by Michael Every of... more »

Will Italy’s ‘Sardines’ Be Effective in the Upcoming Regional Election?

Yves Smith at naked capitalism - 19 hours ago
Will the populist Sardines shake up the Italian fake left, or will they just be a flash (mob) in the pan?

We Watched So You Didn't Have To. Democrat Debate #72. Pillow Fight in Des Moines.

Diogenes Sarcastica™ at Diogenes' Middle Finger - 19 hours ago
Since I was taking at easy this evening while recuperating from all the Napoleon Liqueur someone kept putting in my *celebratory orange juice* last night, I decided to tune in to "The Most Trusted Name in News" CNN, and lo and behold, there was a debate about to break out. Not feeling a lot like getting up to retrieve the remote, I just settled in for hopefully a laugh or two. It turned out unfunny and a bit pathetic. I mean, no Marianne Sparkledust Williamson? No Spartacus?? But I did think it was a nice touch for a democrat event to have running during the breaks the 'Freedo... more »

Humpday Blues

LL at Virtual Mirage - 19 hours ago
*Where's the Devil?* I'm speaking of course of Devil Patrick, the only black Democrat left in the race for nomination now that Spartacus Booker dropped out. The decision to leave him out of the debates is racist, but then again, the Democrat Party is the traditional party of the Klan. And Mariann Williamson is gone too. We know that she's a witch because that's what she claims to be, and POOF! Disappearing act. It will come down to the old white men in the donkey party. Bernie and Joe, toe to toe, with Joe suggesting that they host a push-up competition to decide who the nominee i... more »

Gone Fishing? No Fish but Plenty of Pesticides and a Public Health Crisis

Unknown at EAST BY NORTHWEST - 19 hours ago
Coutercurrents, Dissident Voice, CounterPunch, OffGuardian, Global Research There is mounting evidence that a healthy soil microbiome protects plants from pests and diseases. One of the greatest natural assets that humankind has is soil. But when you drench it with proprietary synthetic chemicals or continuously monocrop as part of a corporate-controlled industrial farming system, you can kill essential microbes, upset soil balance and end up feeding soil a limited doughnut diet of unhealthy inputs. Armed with their synthetic biocides, this is what the transnational agritech conglomm... more »

Fed Repo Market Warning of Dire Financial Risks Greg Hunter

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
Fed Repo Market Warning of Dire Financial Risks Greg Hunter by Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com On the surface, everything looks to be going swimmingly for the U.S. economy. The rest of the world may not be doing as well as the U.S., but according to the legacy financial media, there is no real trouble being reported. Below …

Britain’s First Astronaut Says Aliens Definitely Exist and May Already Be Living Among Us

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
Not “Aliens” but fallen angels and the Nephilim. Britain’s First Astronaut Says Aliens Definitely Exist and May Already Be Living Among Us by JOHN VIBES, https://themindunleashed.com/ “Aliens exist, there’s no two ways about it.” (TMU) — According to the first Briton to go into space, Dr. Helen Sharman, extraterrestrials do exist, and it could even be …

Syrian Army Says Israeli Jets Struck Military Air Base in Homs

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
Syrian Army Says Israeli Jets Struck Military Air Base in Homs by https://www.france24.com/en/ The Syrian army said on Tuesday Israeli jets attacked the main T4 air base in Homs province and that its air defences downed several missiles in strikes that caused only material damage. – An army spokesman told state media that four Israeli missiles …

First Self-Assessment by Alberto Fernández’s Government in Argentina

Juan Martinez at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - One month after taking office, President Alberto Fernández and several ministers in his cabinet have drawn an initial summary of their governmental activities. Through social media, several cabinet members stressed the disastrous situation in which they had taken over their respective portfolios from the previous government and outlined the main […] The post First Self-Assessment by Alberto Fernández’s Government in Argentina appeared first on The Rio Times.

Sweeping Charges Made by ‘Human Rights Watch’ Against Bolsonaro’s Government

Richard Mann at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The 30th edition of the International HRW (Human Rights Watch) World Report, released on Tuesday, January 14th, in New York, devotes nine of its 652 pages to Brazil. In the document, the NGO denounces what it calls the "carte blanche" granted by Jair Bolsonaro's government to the illegal deforestation of […] The post Sweeping Charges Made by ‘Human Rights Watch’ Against Bolsonaro’s Government appeared first on The Rio Times.

São Paulo Nightlife Guide for Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Beatriz Miranda at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
We have the top three picks for this Wednesday, and below is a list of bars and lounges that are always a good option. LIVE: Madeira Trio (República) – The Madeira Trio will be playing tonight at Jazz B, in República. The trio will present "Pau-Brasil", a show honoring Brazilian music masters such as Pixinguinha, […] The post São Paulo Nightlife Guide for Wednesday, January 15, 2020 appeared first on The Rio Times.

Rio Nightlife Guide for Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Beatriz Miranda at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
We have the top three picks for this Wednesday, and below is a list of bars and pubs that are always a good option. PARTY: Quarta do Dendê (Lapa) – It's time for live Afro-Brazilian music with Quarta do Dendê, at Hotel Selina. Group Awurê will perform from 6 PM on. Hotel Selina – Largo […] The post Rio Nightlife Guide for Wednesday, January 15, 2020 appeared first on The Rio Times.

Thailand’s previously apolitical join the Run Against Dictatorship

Nick Nostitz at New Mandala - 19 hours ago
Previously politically disengaged members of the population are joining organised political activity alongside older red shirt activist groups. The post Thailand’s previously apolitical join the Run Against Dictatorship appeared first on New Mandala.

Sketchy Changes to IG FISA Report Cover-Up Major Discrepancy in First Version…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 20 hours ago
There was a major discrepancy in the Inspector General report on FISA abuse, that appears to have been overlooked and casts a considerable cloud upon the DOJ Office of Inspector General and Michael Horowitz. In chapter ten of the report, … Continue reading →

No More Free Bags Distributed in Rio Supermarkets as of Wednesday

Xiu Ying at The Rio Times - 20 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The free supply of the first two bags should be stopped by shops from January 15th onwards. The decision was reached following the Special Meeting of the Rio de Janeiro State Supermarket Association (ASSERJ) to allow consumers more time to adjust to the law. "This is a first step in […] The post No More Free Bags Distributed in Rio Supermarkets as of Wednesday appeared first on The Rio Times.

Rappi, iFood’s Competitor, Sued for Alleged Theft of Trade Secrets

Dorah Feliciano at The Rio Times - 20 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Simón Borrero, CEO and co-founder of Colombia-based Rappi, is accused of stealing trade secrets to develop the delivery App that competes with iFood and Uber Eats. Three Colombian businessmen have filed a lawsuit in San Francisco. The company says the allegations are "objectively incorrect". The company has recently dismissed six […] The post Rappi, iFood’s Competitor, Sued for Alleged Theft of Trade Secrets appeared first on The Rio Times.

Museum of Illusions Reaches Rio With Realistic 3D Scenery

Dorah Feliciano at The Rio Times - 20 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - In the first room, a line of children and adults waits to record their moment of being trapped in a giant bowl by a Cyclops. Just next door, a young man is caught climbing on the shoulders of Christ the Redeemer. In the next room, tourists balance on top of […] The post Museum of Illusions Reaches Rio With Realistic 3D Scenery appeared first on The Rio Times.

Rio de Janeiro’s State Police Seized 505 Rifles Throughout 2019

Xiu Ying at The Rio Times - 20 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The number is the highest ever recorded by state security forces. The previous record occurred in 2017, when 382 rifles were seized. According to the State Police Secretariat, the mark had already been reached last September. The total number of weapons seized in 2019 was 8,400. Last year, the seizure […] The post Rio de Janeiro’s State Police Seized 505 Rifles Throughout 2019 appeared first on The Rio Times.

America's Ford-Class Aircraft Carriers Could Be a Game-Changer

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * It's amazing. *Key Point:* USS *Ford* follows in the steps of the highly successful Nimitz-class carriers. In 2009, the U.S. Navy finally began construction of the first new type of aircraft carrier in nearly thirty-five years. Named after former president and naval aviator Gerald R. Ford, the USS *Ford* fully takes the nuclear supercarrier into the twenty-first century. The technological innovations built into the new ship, while causing the inevitable delays involved in building a first-in-class vessel, will keep the Navy’s unique fleet of super f... more »

The Navy's USS Missouri Was The Most Dangerous Battleship Ever

Robert Farley at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Robert Farley* *Security, * And the Navy considered reactivating her class. *Key point: *All of the late American battleship designs combined a grim practicality with a streamlined aesthetic. The North Carolina– and South Dakota–class battleships were designed with the limits of the Washington Naval Treaty in mind. Although much more could be accomplished in 1938 with thirty-five thousand tons than in 1921, sacrifices still had to be made. As had been practice in the first round of battleship construction, U.S. Navy architects accepted a low speed in return for heavy armor and ... more »

Why America's A-10 Warthog Provides The World's Best Close Air Support

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Americas* The A-10 has served in most of America’s post–Cold War conflicts, from the Balkans to Afghanistan. *Key point:* The A-10 is one of the most successful weapons of the post–Cold War era, and has won legions of fans both in and outside the armed services. One of the most iconic airplanes in the U.S. Air Force’s flying inventory is the A-10 Thunderbolt, also affectionately known as the “Warthog.” Designed to mow down rows of invading Soviet tanks during an anticipated World War III, the A-10 has served in most of America’s post–Cold War conflict... more »

It's Past Time To Put These Military History Clichés To Rest

Tom Ricks at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Tom Ricks* *Security, North America* And stop talking about them. *Key point*: Some basic rules for history writers. The other evening in my reading room I reached over to the three-foot stack of military history books I need to go through for my next roundup for the “New York Times Book Review.” Contemplating which book to crack next. I opened one, and almost at random saw the phrase, “Artillery stocks were critically low.” I thought, *Well yes, a year or so into every war, that is almost always true.* You know the joke about comedians at their convention just yelling out num... more »

What's The Deal With Russia's AK-308 Assault Rifle?

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, * How has it changed? *Key Point: *At first glance, the AK-308 appears to be a rebrand of Kalashnikov’s AK-12 with some design elements from the AK-103. Russian weapons manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern has unveiled their new AK-308 assault rifle at the “Army 2018” expo in Moscow. At first glance, the AK-308 appears to be a rebrand of Kalashnikov’s AK-12 with some design elements from the AK-103. But its tame appearance belies what makes the AK-308 one of Kalashnikov’s most ambitious products in decades: it houses 7.62x51mm NATO rounds. Since the Seco... more »

France's Dassault Rafale Is No F-35 Stealth Fighter, But It Wasn't Meant To Be

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Europe* It's a stopgap that will protect French airspace for the time being. *Key point: *France must wait nearly two decades before a European stealth fighter can enter service. In January 2019, French Defense Minister Florence Parly announced France would commit $2.3 billion to develop an F4 generation of the Dassault Rafale twin-engine multirole fighter. This would include production in 2022–2024 of the last twenty-eight of the original order of 180 Rafales, followed by the purchase of an additional thirty Rafales F4.2s between 2027–2030, for a ... more »

China Figured Out The Secret To Closing The Gap With America's Military

Robert Farley at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Robert Farley* *Security, Asia* More than just defense spending. *Key point: *China stole and spied its way to improved military prowess. As the People’s Republic of China (PRC) emerged from war and revolution in 1949, it became apparent that the Chinese economy lacked the capacity to compete with the U.S. or the U.S.S.R. in the production of advanced military technology. Transfers from the Soviet Union helped remedy the gap in the 1950s, as did transfers from the United States and Europe in the 1970s and 1980s. Still, *the Cultural Revolution* stifled technology and scientifi... more »

Have Faith In Yourselves - A Quotation by M.N. Hopkins

Stranger in a Strange Land at Stranger in a Strange Land - 20 hours ago
*Art Work by John Finn* *Have faith in yourselves and believe that one day Mankind will again have direction and systems in place that actually work and that have a co-ordination of actions with words. * *© **M.N. Hopkins* *Note: During this month of January 2020 I intend to release one to two of my quotations which were taken from earlier inspirational writings going back 23 years to today. I will also post any newly inspired quotations or poems written during this month of January, 2020 along with perhaps some older poetry put into meme form.* *To read more of my poems ... more »

Man Refuses To Look For New Ways Of Being - A Quotation by M.N. Hopkins

Stranger in a Strange Land at Stranger in a Strange Land - 20 hours ago
*To see clearly, please click on the above image.**Man refuses to look for new ways of being in his world but rather clings to the old ideas and beliefs, which no longer have the power necessary to hold or bind together Man's communities.* *© ** M.N. Hopkins* *To read more of my poems & quotations, please click on the link below:* *Poems & Quotations by M.N. Hopkins* *or visit:* *Pinterest*

"How Iranian General Soleimani was Assassinated"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 20 hours ago
*"How Iranian General Soleimani was Assassinated"* by Global South "Qassem Soleimani was under near-constant surveillance by US, Saudi and Israeli forces, and was targeted as he was leaving Baghdad airport in his car. He had survived several assassination attempts over the past two decades. Video footage of the hit shows Soleimani was targeted by a laser-guided Hellfire missile fired from a near-silent MQ-9 Reaper drone sent from the US Central Command headquarters in Qatar, Daily Mail reports. Local militia commander Abu Muntather al-Hussaini said two missiles hit the car carryin... more »

Greg Hunter, "Fed Repo Market Warning of Dire Financial Risks"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 20 hours ago
*"Fed Repo Market Warning of Dire Financial Risks"* By Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com "On the surface, everything looks to be going swimmingly for the U.S. economy. The rest of the world may not be doing as well as the U.S., but according to the legacy financial media, there is no real trouble being reported. Below the surface, warning signs abound that the economy is in trouble now. One of the biggest warning signs is coming from the repo market that provides lending to financial institutions. Since mid-September, the Fed has been getting increasingly involved with providing fundi... more »

No comments: