10 pm MST
Are Evangelicals Dragging America Down? Oh Yes
*Fascism Comes To America by Nancy Ohanian* I was born in Brooklyn. I lived in New York City and it's suburbs until I was around 20 and after that lived in Afghanistan and Holland, then San Francisco and Los Angeles. I had never met an evangelical pastor in my life-- until the last few years when I was already in my 60s. And then I met a whole bunch at once-- in a room where everyone but Ted Lieu and I were the only non-evangelicals and the only non-pastors. That was the beginning of Vote Common Good, a group of evangelical ministers eager to persuade evangelical voters that they ... more »
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*A Path Forward for Reforming College Sports* As we move into 2020, it is important to assess where we are with the uniquely American phenomenon of elite, commercialized college sports. Often, what is claimed about college sports is not what’s actually happening. The industry and its largest governing body, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), claim to promote an academic-first culture where sports are a student’s hobby, played by amateurs driven by their love of the game to represent their school. Yet, in reality, commercialized college sport has produced pressure... more »
Sunday morning music
Here's a work by a Finnish composer of whom I'd never heard until just the other day. It's the Third Symphony in F Major, Op. 40, composed by Erkki Melartin in 1907. I find it reminiscent of Gustav Mahler's work. The four movements are: 1 - Allegro moderato 00:00 2 - Andante 09:08 3 - Scherzo (Vivacissimo) 18:19 4 - Largo 28:34 Interesting music, and a nice change of pace from last week's rock memorial. Peter
Powerful software available to analyze GHCN temperature data
Surface temperatures have been generally decreasing in the United States. Now software is freely available for anyone to check this out for themself. Click here for the windows version. Click here for the linux/Mac version.
Hidden From The Eyes Of Modernity
“No one will know what you’re doing.” I recently took an evening for a movie – a fairly rare undertaking. The movie was Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life, which depicts the story of a Catholic man and his family who refused to take an oath of loyalty to Hitler during […]
Surprise: Iran Never Saw This F-22 Stealth Fighter Coming
*Robert Beckhusen* *Security, * And it would be worse in a war. *Key point:* It would be interesting to know how the Raptors managed to remain in stealth. Back in 2013, Pentagon press secretary George Little said that an Iranian air force F-4 Phantom combat plane attempted to intercept a U.S. MQ-1 Predator drone flying through international airspace near Iran. As we reported back then, one of the two F-4 Phantom jets — in service in Iran since the Shah — came to about 16 miles from the Predator, but broke off pursuit after two American planes escorting the drone broadcast a war... more »
The Army Is Excited About Its New Artillery Rockets (And For Good Reason)
*Joseph Trevithick* *Security, * And we have video. *Key point: *This is all part of the Pentagon’s plan to phase out cluster munitions. The U.S. Army is cooking up new warheads for its 227-millimeter artillery rockets to replace versions filled with cluster bombs. An official video shows the deadly effects of these so-called “alternative warheads” on simulated vehicles, command centers and people. For more than two years, the ground combat branch has been working on the improved design. Instead of more than 400 small bomblets in older models, the upgraded weapons will shoot ou... more »
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*Californians Turn a Cold Shoulder on Bill Requiring Climate-Change Education/b>* A bill introduced in the California Assembly January 13 would require students to study the causes and effects of climate change in grades 1-6. It would also make the subject a requirement for high-school graduation. When I read the news, I first thought, “What’s surprising? Climate alarmists have long since taken over California.” But it looks like ordinary Californians aren’t going to be so easily led. Comments on the news story at CBS Sacramento were overwhelmingly negative. Early on, someone call... more »
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From Jenna Orkin The case for ... making low-tech 'dumb' cities instead of 'smart' onesFederal court dismisses ‘Climate Kids’ lawsuit Ukraine’s Leader Rejects Premier’s Resignation Over Leaked Audio ELECTORAL COLLEGE OVERWHELMINGLY FAVORS REPUBLICANS, ABOLISHING ENTIRE SYSTEM ONLY REMEDY: STUDY Civil Forfeiture of Life Savings Australia bushfires: Scorched animals treated with New Zealand's golden mānuka honey Study: U.S. Fossil Fuel Subsidies Exceed Pentagon Spending Germans now ‘obsessed’ with refugee porn after country took in more than a million migrants Life Copies Drama: The Spi... more »
A Very Stable Genius: Trump ‘Dumbfounded’ re Sarcastic Title of A Book About His Presidency
US President Donald Trump placed an advance order to purchase 10,000 copies of a book about his presidency titled “A Very Stable Genius,” days before aides realized that the title is sarcastic. “The president had planned to just hand out the copies — to family, friends, visiting world leaders — as a testament to his cognitive … Continue reading A Very Stable Genius: Trump ‘Dumbfounded’ re Sarcastic Title of A Book About His Presidency →
Soleimani Fallout Continues to Produce Diplomatic Dividends for Russia
Ahead of this year’s Munich Security Conference, due to begin on February 14th, its chairman Wolfgang Ischinger praised what he called President Putin’s “method” concerning security-issues in the Middle East. Talking to the ZDF television channel on January 13th, Ischinger said that managing ME-security required “political power of persuasion, clever diplomacy and military support if … Continue reading Soleimani Fallout Continues to Produce Diplomatic Dividends for Russia →
On Sanctity of Human Life Sunday Let's Make Vaccines Part of the Conversation?
Note: We ran this post in June of 2016. Today is "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday": On January 13, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating January 22 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. (January 22,... more »
For a Sustainable Food System, Look to Seeds
The work of building biodiversity into our food systems has two distinct challenges. One is preserving the genetic material contained in the seeds and the centuries of agricultural knowledge that have developed alongside them. And two is nurturing a relationship with the seeds as living beings.
Look Now - A Poem by 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*
Russia Is Worried About Britain's Astute-Class Submarines
*Robert Farley* *Security, Europe* The class seems to have overcome its technical and financial problems, although the lingering impact of those issues could affect not only future classes of SSNs, but also the UK’s commitment to building a new class of SSBNs. *Key point: *The Astutes are the largest SSNs ever operated by the Royal Navy, half again as large as the Trafalgar class. Since the commissioning of HMS *Dreadnought* in 1963, the Royal Navy has maintained a formidable force of nuclear attack submarines. Indeed, HMS *Conqueror* is the only nuclear attack submarine (SSN) t... more »
The Handgun Market Was Swept Away By Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield 2.0
*Kyle Mizokami* *Technology, Americas* [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_M%26P#/media/File:Smith_&_Wesson_M&P_Shield_(23643915529).jpg] Why is it so popular? *Key point:* Smith & Wesson's new handgun is compact and comes with a variety of aiming systems. In 2017, Smith & Wesson refreshed its Military and Police Shield (M&P Shield) series of compact handguns. The result was the M&P Shield 2.0. The M&P Shield 2.0 has all the features of a full-sized pistol in a package small enough for concealed carry. Smith & Wesson also offers the pistol in a wide variety ... more »
DARPA: Stealth Weapons Could Soon Be Going The Way Of The Battleship
*Michael Peck* *Security, * Obsolete. *Key point: *“Platform stealth may be approaching physical limits,” says DARPA. Did the Pentagon just admit that stealth technology may not work anymore? Or that America must be ready to face a future where its airpower doesn't control the skies? DARPA, the Pentagon's cutting-edge research agency, has quietly raised these possibilities as it searches for future technology to fight the next war. And stealth technology may not be the answer. “Platform stealth may be approaching physical limits,” says DARPA. The agency also admits that “our a... more »
Could This Be the Case That Reopens Roe v. Wade?
*Star Parker* *Politics, Americas* [image: FILE PHOTO: The exterior of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, U.S., as seen on September 16, 2019. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo] Maybe... In March 2020, the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of Louisiana’s new abortion law, which requires that physicians doing abortions have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic. Under the leadership of House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, an amicus—”friend of the court”—brief supporting the law was just filed, signed by 207 members of Congress, 39 senat... more »
Is Singapore's New Naval Addition A Threat to China?
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Asia* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/USA--GM1EA6R1PKA01.html] Singapore imports some German industriousness. *Key point: *Singapore might be small, but its used its wealth to invest in a capable military. On February 18, 2018, officials gathered to *celebrate the launch* of a new state-of-the-art submarine at a shipyard in Kiel, Germany. But unlike similar *Type 212 submarines* previously built there, the seventy-meter long diesel-submarine isn’t destined to shadow Russian submarines in the cold waters of the Baltic Sea. Instead, the ... more »
F-35, Lasers, Hypersonic Missiles and More: How the Navy Will Fight the Next War
*Kris Osborn* *Security, Americas* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/RUSSIA-USA-DESTROYER--GF10000115699.html] A plan is emerging. *The Point:* No enemy of America is safe. None. (*Washington, D.C*.) Hypersonic attack weapons, laser-armed surface ships, F-35 equipped amphibs, new long-range radar, Tomahawk missiles built to attack moving targets and drone fleets are all key emerging technologies woven into the Navy's new "offensive" attack strategy, designed to prepare for and win the wars of the future, Navy senior leaders said. "Today we are moving to the offensi... more »
CAMERON: Running for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People on Navajoland
Photos by Western Shoshone Photojournalist Carl Bad Bear Sampson Saturday, January 18, 2020 Running for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People: Women, Men and ChildrenMMIP Sunrise Run, Flagstaff to Window Rock.Join the walkers and runners as they pass through Tuba City, Second Mesa and Ganado on their way to Window Rock the next few days.
ICYMI: Saturday Snow Day (1/18)
A Saturday Snow Day is when the weather is so awful that adults are absolved of any obligation to go anywhere and get anything done. We were having one right now in NW PA, with Interstates shut down and folks huddled up home. It's not a bad thing. If you need something to read while you huddle, I've got you covered. *Why Aesha Ash Is Wandering Around Inner City Rochester In A Tutu* Let's start the week with a really cool story about a Black ballerina creating her own project to make a difference. *The Rhetorical Secretary * Okay, so much for good feelings. Here's Mark Hlavacik in T... more »
Background Briefing With White House Counsel…
In advance of the formal answer to the Senate summons, the White House counsel held a background press briefing with media. Here’s the transcript as released: MR. GIDLEY: Thank you very much. Good afternoon, everyone. Thanks for taking the time … Continue reading →
Fighting fires with facts, not fear
Fire, while devastating, is occurring at historically normal rates. That won't stop team warming from cashing in on other people's misery. Does it ever? The post Fighting fires with facts, not fear appeared first on CFACT.
Airline Giants Look to Brazil and Latin America for Global Boost
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The American and European skies have become small for the ambition of the major airlines on both sides of the Atlantic. With low-cost companies dominating a significant share of the short and medium-sized cake in both the US and the Old Continent, and the possibilities for expansion constrained by the […] The post Airline Giants Look to Brazil and Latin America for Global Boost appeared first on The Rio Times.
Discover Brazil’s ‘Wine Capital’ in Its Southernmost State
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The region of Bento Gonçalves, in the Serra Gaucha of Rio Grande do Sul state, holds traditions and charms from the time when the Italian immigrants settled in the region, around 1875. Due to its gently rolling hills, the region is also called the Brazilian Tuscany. Dazzling vineyards attract the […] The post Discover Brazil’s ‘Wine Capital’ in Its Southernmost State appeared first on The Rio Times.
Eduardo Bolsonaro Says Communism Worse Than Nazism
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Federal Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PSL-SP) said communism and socialism are worse than Nazism. The statement was made on Friday night, January 17th, just hours after Roberto Alvim was fired from the Secretariat of Culture for paraphrasing a Nazi speech in a government video. "Brazil rightly abhors Nazism, a nefarious system […] The post Eduardo Bolsonaro Says Communism Worse Than Nazism appeared first on The Rio Times.
New Thread: Questions for Mr Ridley
There are still a number of people commenting on the piece I posted about the delay to the Inquest into Dawn Sturgess’s death, and because that comment section is now vast and barely navigable, and the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner’s court has just released a document relating to the scope of the Inquest (which you can download here), it seemed to be an opportune time to start a new thread so that comments do not get completely lost. I will […]
Clashes in Beirut based on the economic crisis and political impasse in Lebanon
Clashes in Beirut based on the economic crisis and political impasse in Lebanon Noriko Watanabe and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Several months ago the president of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, expressed the need to listen to protesters and the silent masses. This call by the president was based on the visible disillusionment of ordinary […]
Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Saturday 18th January 2020
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 […]
If A U.S. Pilot Goes Down, They Can Count On the GAU-5A Rifle To Keep Them Safe
*Charlie Gao* *Technology, * [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAR-15#/media/File:USAF_MP_with_Colt_Commando.JPEG] And now even you can get one. *Key point: *One of the reasons the GAU-5A was chosen was for its compactness. While most pilots like to think of themselves as fairly detached from the brutality of warfare on the ground, they all face the very real possibility of being shot down and forced to defend themselves on the ground. For most of the twentieth century, shot down pilots could be expected to be captured and interned as POWs, so were generally armed with lig... more »
For U.S. Soldiers, World War II Was More Than A Fight For The Fate Of The World
*Warfare History Network* *History, * But for their very lives. *Key point: *For about a month Lorenzi and his brother spent their nights drinking, getting the war out of their systems. Then their father told them, “It’s about time you boys got back to work.” And that is just what they did. Private Armand Lorenzi and his fellow soldiers were advancing through a snowy German forest when enemy machine guns opened fire. It was Lorenzi’s first time in combat. He started scraping a shallow foxhole until he heard German mortars and artillery exploding and rockets screaming in. Then he... more »
Please Join Us! NYC Meetup This Thursday January 23 With Michael Hudson
Hope you can visit with Michael Hudson and Yves at our meetup this Thursday!
Lula Wants Worker’s Party Mayoral Candidates in Ten State Capitals
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - On Friday, January 17th, in front of the national directorate of the Worker's Party (PT), former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reiterated that the party should have its own candidates in as many important cities as possible in this year's municipal elections. However, in reserved conversations with party leaders, […] The post Lula Wants Worker’s Party Mayoral Candidates in Ten State Capitals appeared first on The Rio Times.
Rio Carnaval: Blocos in South and Central Zones Will Parade Simultaneously
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Rio's City Hall announced parade plans for the street Carnaval blocos, on Friday January 17th.There were several changes to the schedule of the traditional blocos that parade in the south zone of town. There will also be only one megabloc per day, always in the city center and in the […] The post Rio Carnaval: Blocos in South and Central Zones Will Parade Simultaneously appeared first on The Rio Times.
Anti-abortion Lobby Spreads to Brazilian State Assemblies
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The anti-abortion lobby has adopted a new strategy. The group plans to increase pressure on the federal Congress through the founding of parliamentary fronts in the Legislative Assemblies, and the modification of state constitutions. Their goal is to end any possibility of legal abortion, even in cases that have been […] The post Anti-abortion Lobby Spreads to Brazilian State Assemblies appeared first on The Rio Times.
Brazilian Trade Balance Surplus Shrinks in 2019
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Brazilian trade surplus decreased from US$58 (R$240) billion in 2018 to US$46.7 billion in 2019. The trade flow fell 4.6 percent last year as a result of a 6.4 percent reduction in exports and a 2.1 percent drop in imports. The data are from the Foreign Trade Indicator (ICOMEX), […] The post Brazilian Trade Balance Surplus Shrinks in 2019 appeared first on The Rio Times.
Botafogo Beach in Rio Suffers from Garbage, Sewage Build-up
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - 'I got nauseous from the smell at various points,' says activist Vladimir Brichta, who flew over the area in a helicopter and claims that even at 300 meters the smell is overwhelming. On the eve of St. Sebastian's Day (January 20th) celebrations, the patron saint of Rio is in need […] The post Botafogo Beach in Rio Suffers from Garbage, Sewage Build-up appeared first on The Rio Times.
January 21st-26th Program at Federal Justice Cultural Center in Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Check out the events currently scheduled at the CCJF — Centro Cultural Justiça Federal (Federal Justice Cultural Center) in downtown Rio de Janeiro for the week of January 21st until January 26th. CINEMA Classics and Successes of the Cinema / Film Club. (Photo: internet reproduction) Classics and Successes of the […] The post January 21st-26th Program at Federal Justice Cultural Center in Rio appeared first on The Rio Times.
Brazil’s Ambitious Plan to Privatize Over US$36 Billion in Assets
[image: Brazil,Brazil for Sale: See Bolsonaro or Paulo Guedes poster signals resistance of government's privatization plans.] SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – The Ministry of Economy announced on Tuesday (14) that the government intends to sell about 300 public assets in 2020, bringing in over US$36 billion. The assets include state-owned companies, such as Eletrobras, subsidiaries and equity interests. "A bloated state does not invest, does not let the private sector invest and […] The post Brazil’s Ambitious Plan to Privatize Over US$36 Billion in Assets appeared first on The Rio Times.
Greg Hunter, "Fed Prints Money or Financial System Implodes – Rob Kirby"
*"Fed Prints Money or Financial System Implodes – Rob Kirby"* By Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com "Macroeconomic analyst Rob Kirby can sum up the massive Fed money printing it is doing each and every day. Kirby explains, “We are on a vertical curve where money has to be added to the system. The Federal Reserve knew this would occur at some point 20 years ago. This is why they had to create a slush fund, which has grown into a very large pile of dung heap money. What’s being reported to us on a daily basis in terms of the ‘add’ from the repo activity is just the publicly acknowledged ad... more »
Believe - A Quotation by M.N. Hopkins
*Believe in a future that brings you more happiness and it will be so in time.* *© **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*
Virginia 2nd Amendment Rally Being Herded into a Box Canyon...
*this whole thing smells.* Since it's Sunday, please offer up prayers for tomorrow's 2nd amendment rally in Richmond, Virginia being promoted by the Virginia Citizens Defense League on the annual Lobby Day at the capitol. Governor Blackface Northam has put out an executive order making the area below in blue, site of the rally, as a no-guns allowed zone. Notice there's only one entrance to the area (marked with the green cross), and from what I understand, the entire area has been surrounded by chain link fence. And that, my precious poodles, is what is known as a box canyon. Ask ... more »
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