Tuesday, February 11, 2020

11 February - Blogs I'm Following - 4 of 5

10 pm MST

White Lynch Mobs in America Murdered at Least 4,467 People Between 1883 and 1941

Malcolm Brian Foley at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Malcolm Brian Foley* *History, Americas* Sometimes, the victim was a pastor. White lynch mobs in America murdered at least 4,467 people between 1883 and 1941, hanging, burning, dismembering, garroting and blowtorching their victims. Their violence was widespread but not indiscriminate: About 3,300 of the lynched were black, according to the most recent count by sociologists Charles Seguin and David Rigby. The remaining dead were white, Mexican, of Mexican descent, Native American, Chinese or Japanese. Such numbers, based on verifiable newspaper reports, represent a minimum. Th... more »

Japan Is Following America's Lead In Getting Its Own Space Force

Michael Peck at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Michael Peck* *Security, Asia* And not just Japan... *Key point: *Multiple nations are considering getting their own Space Force. Japan is creating its own military space force. The new unit will apparently mirror many of the functions of the U.S. Space Force, a controversial new sixth branch of the U.S. military. Japan’s Space Domain Mission Unit will not be an independent branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. But like the U.S. Space Force, which is linked to the U.S. Air Force in the same way that the U.S. Marine Corps is part of the Navy, Japan’s space unit will be part o... more »

Can Syria Survive Another Tragedy?

Danielle Pletka at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Danielle Pletka* *Security, Middle East* [image: Reuters] Syrian forces backed by their Russian and Iranian overlords are pounding Idlib Province in a desperate attempt to take this last remaining slice of Syria. In January. On February 2, a little known anniversary passed with barely a remark. On that day in 1982, Syrian forces entered the town of Hama and massacred thousands, as many as 20,000 men, women and children. When I visited almost a decade later, the town was still in ruins. So it should come as no surprise that 38 years later, as Russian-backed Syrian forces try to t... more »

The U.K. and Canada Should Quickly Negotiate a Free-Trade Deal

Eugene Beaulieu at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Eugene Beaulieu* *Economics, Europe* [image: Reuters] We have the details. The hard work now begins for the United Kingdom to shape an independent trade policy outside of the European Union. Brexit has finally happened after more than three years of negotiations, posturing, parliamentary shenanigans, two elections and considerable policy uncertainty. As the *New York Times* reports, the U.K. faces complex and arduous negotiations trying to maintain its privileged access to 450 million European consumers with zero tariffs or other trade restrictions. It’s crucial for the U.K. t... more »

Berry Fast: This Native American Ritual Is Making a Comeback

Rosalyn R. LaPier at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Rosalyn R. LaPier* *History, Americas* [image: Reuters] Many Ojibwe women discontinued this ritual when most of their religious and cultural practices were made illegal by the U.S. and Canadian governments in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Ojibwe, one of the largest indigenous groups in North America, with communities from Quebec to Montana, are revitalizing the “berry fast,” a coming-of-age ritual for girls. Ojibwe women historically conducted a ritual for their girls when they started their first menstruation, part of which included fasting from eating... more »

Why Hollywood Films Lack Diversity

Roberto Pedace at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Roberto Pedace* *Entertainment, Americas* [image: Reuters] Actress Viola Davis focused her speech at the 2015 Emmy Awards on diversity, saying ‘The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.’ In 2014, a hacker group leaked confidential information from Sony Pictures Entertainment, including a controversial email written by an unnamed producer. In the email, which went viral, the producer questioned the decision to cast Denzel Washington as the lead in “The Equalizer”: “I believe that the international motion-picture audience is racist – in genera... more »

The King of Debt? Is Donald Trump's Spending Out of Control?

Chris Edwards at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Chris Edwards* *economy, Americas* [image: Reuters] In just four years under this president, spending will be up $850 billion, or 21 percent. President Trump’s new budget projects that federal spending will rise to $4.83 trillion in fiscal year 2021. When Trump came into office in 2017, spending was $3.98 trillion. In just four years under this president, spending will be up $850 billion, or 21 percent. In reality, however, federal spending in 2021 will be more than $4.83 trillion. That figure is “net” outlays, but “gross” outlays will be $5.41 trillion, as shown in the chart. ... more »

The Robot Revolution Is Here: Just Look At Singapore's New Tank

David Axe at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*David Axe* *Technology, Europe* Russia won't be happy. *Key point:* Russia more than most countries is in a hurry to actually field armed UGVs. An Estonian company has teamed up with a Singaporean firm and joined the expanding global race to develop robotic fighting vehicles. More and more firms are developing armed unmanned ground vehicles, some as private ventures and others in response to formal government programs. But it’s unclear how quickly armies might actually field meaningful numbers of tank-like ground robots. News broke in June 2019 that Estonia’s Milrem Robotics a... more »

Could This Machine Replace Your Local CVS Pharmacy?

Jeffrey A. Singer at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Jeffrey A. Singer* *Health, Americas* [image: Reuters] Drugs purchased this way not only offer convenience but usually cost less. The *New York Times* recently published a disturbing report about life‐​threating errors made by overworked pharmacists, many of whom complain of “burnout.” A relatively recent innovation can provide them some needed relief while at the same time improve convenience and reduce costs to consumers, if regulators get out of the way: the pharmacy kiosk. These vending machines contain prescription and over‐​the‐​counter drugs (but not controlled substance... more »

The Navy And Soviet Union Went To War Over Siberia, And This Is Why No One Knew About It

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *History, Asia* Since November 1950, Soviet MiG-15 units had been battling American fighters over Korea. *Key Point:* The Panther on MiG skirmish over Vladivostok was the last occasion in which a U.S. fighter plane shot down a nominally Russian fighter, but not the last aerial engagement between Soviet and U.S. military forces. On the afternoon of November 18, 1952 four sleek jets painted an inky navy blue soared off the deck of the carrier USS Oriskany into a swirling Siberian snow storm gusting over the Sea of Japan. The carrier was part of Task Force 77, a... more »

How Iran’s Millennials are Grappling with Crippling U.S. Sanctions

Manata Hashemi at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Manata Hashemi* *Security, Middle East* Within Iran’s lower and middle classes, youth culture is highly conformist. In early January, after tensions between Iran and the United States escalated to the brink of war, President Donald Trump announced a detente of sorts, stating, “The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.” It may have sounded like a conciliatory gesture, but the Trump administration went on to levy additional economic sanctions against the country only two days later. As someone who has studied the lives of Iran’s working classes, I know jus... more »

Why Is America Still Storing Dozens Of Nuclear Weapons In Turkey?

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Middle East* Isn't it time to bring them home? *Key point:* At 52 years and going strong, the B61 series of bombs are likely the oldest serving nuclear weapons in the U.S. arsenal. One of the longest-serving nuclear weapons in America’s arsenal is the B61 nuclear free-fall bomb. The B61 bomb was first introduced in 1966 with more than three thousand bombs produced to date. The bomb is famous for its adjustable yield capability, giving it the versatility to operate in both the tactical and strategic nuclear roles. The United States forward deploys many ... more »

Dating Is Difficult in the Era of Trump

Daniel A. Cox at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Daniel A. Cox* *Politics, Americas* [image: Reuters] Women, particularly Democratic women, are far more likely to refuse to date someone if they have differing views of the president. Former AEI President Arthur Brooks made an impassioned plea for Americans to excise contempt from our national debate at the annual National Prayer Breakfast. At the event, held only 24 hours after a contentious, divided Senate voted to acquit President Trump on two impeachment charges, Brooks challenged the audience to raise their hand if they had people in their lives who they loved despite their... more »

Debt Doctor Diagnosis: Don't Borrow Money While You're in College

Walter V. Wendler at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Walter V. Wendler* *economy, Americas* [image: Reuters] This is one college president’s advice to college students of the future: Don’t borrow. Back in 2017, I started regularly leaving my office at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, to speak to high school students in the Texas Panhandle. This past fall, I did the same thing in the South Plains. These two areas are the northern most 46 counties in the state of Texas. Driving a silver SUV owned by the university, I logged a total of 14,000 miles throughout these two regions over a total of 10 months. I visited 132 high... more »

Iran Could Have A Nuclear Weapon By This Time Next Year

David Axe at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, Middle East* Is this the result of Donald Trump's "diplomacy"? *Key Point:* The European Union, China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Iran remain parties to the deal. America is not. The commission overseeing the 2015 deal limiting Iran’s nuclear program is “treating this issue with the seriousness it deserves,” said Jackie Wolcott, the U.S. ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran’s effort to shorten the time to produce a nuke “does not pose an immediate risk,” *wrote* Kelsey Davenport, an expert with the Arms Control As... more »

Collecting signatures for Lisa Savage

Bruce K. Gagnon at Organizing Notes - 16 hours ago
I hit a rough patch - my ice caused flying fall onto my ribs was followed by a several day bout of the bug with sneezing, runny nose and coughing. Due to these temporary disabling maladies I have missed the last two weeks of productive door-to-door work on behalf of Lisa. I probably lost out on at least 50 signatures and every one of them are needed badly for us to hit our goal of 2,000 by March 15. Fortunately there have been other things I could do such as mailing materials to others around Maine who are helping and working with our signature coordinator Isaac to package and... more »

Is Today The Day Bernie Seals The Deal With America-- Will The Real Remedy To Trumpism Win Big Enough In New Hampshire To Power Him Into Nevada?

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 16 hours ago
I guess the Iowa counting is done now. Here's how the establishment cheated Bernie. In the first round, he received 43,699 votes (24.7%) to Mayo Pete's 37,596 votes (21.3%). In the second round Bernie received 45,842 votes (26.5%) to Mayo's 43,274 votes (25.1%). As you know 43,699 and 24.7% are more than 37,596 and 21.3% and 45,842 and 26.5% are more than 43,274 25.1%. But the Iowa Democratic establishment awarded Mayo 13 delegates and Bernie 12 delegates. Sounds similar to how Trump got into the White House with 62,984,828 votes (46.1%) even though Hillary won 65,853,514 votes (48... more »

Harvard group retracts Nature paper

Adam Marcus at Retraction Watch - 16 hours ago
A group of researchers based at Harvard University have retracted an influential 2017 letter in Nature after a change in lab personnel led to the discovery of errors in the analysis. The article, “Microglia-dependent synapse loss in type I interferon-mediated lupus,” emerged from a collaboration including scientists at Harvard Medical School, the Rockefeller University in … Continue reading Harvard group retracts Nature paper

Chart: Arizona’s medical marijuana market marches forward in 2019 with more patients, higher sales

Eli McVey at Marijuana Business Daily - 16 hours ago
Continual, steady growth has characterized Arizona’s medical marijuana market for the past few years, and 2019 was no exception. Arizona’s MMJ program added nearly 34,000 patients to its rolls over the course of the year – an 18% increase over 2018. The percentage of medical marijuana patients as a portion of the state’s population now […] Chart: Arizona’s medical marijuana market marches forward in 2019 with more patients, higher sales is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

Easy cheesy potato gratin

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 16 hours ago
https://www.dairycarrie.com/2019/06/04/easy-and-cheesy-potato-gratin/ She recommends a strong cheese and real cream. Read the full directions at the link. Sounds yummy. 8-12 servings, can pair with ham or bacon *Ingredients* - 5-6 large russet potatoes - 1 large onion - 2c heavy cream - 2Tbs butter, softened - 2c Gruyere or other strong cheese, shredded - Optional- ham, cooked Bacon, or other meat - 1tsp Dried thyme, - 1tsp Dried rosemary - 1Tbs minced garlic - Salt and... more »

Dairy Carrie has a few words for vegan Joaquin

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 16 hours ago
“When you went on to say that we are “more disconnected from the natural world” in the same breath as saying that animals are equal to humans, you lost me. In the natural world where Mother Nature reins supreme, the lion does not see the gazelle as its equal. The lion sees the gazelle as its lunch. The natural world is where predator/prey relationships and the food chain exist. Humans have been eating animal products since the first person realized that meat is tasty and according to McDonald’s, since then billions and billions of burgers have been served. “ https://www.dairycarri... more »

In Mayor Pete’s little town

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 16 hours ago
“Had they not been aborted, the 2,411 children whose tiny bodies will be laid to rest on Wednesday would now be in their late teens,” Scheidler said. “They’d be finishing high school, starting college, entering careers, planning for their futures. Instead, they will be buried, nameless and unknown — the only act of justice we can offer them.” Found in a garage in South Bend, home of Mayor Pete. https://www.lifenews.com/2020/02/10/2411-aborted-babies-abortionist-hoarded-will-be-buried-wednesday-finally-given-proper-burial/?

Giuliani Presents Evidence of the Bidens’ Bribery and Corruption in Ukraine

21wire at 21st Century Wire - 16 hours ago
*21WIRE* | The scale of corruption suggests that Democrats mounted Presidential impeachment proceedings to deflect investigators away from the Bidens.

U.S. Enters into Trilateral Agreement with Nigeria and Jersey to Repatriate Over $300 Million to Nigeria in Assets Stolen by Former Nigerian Dictator General Sani Abacha

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 16 hours ago
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, February 3, 2020 U.S. Enters into Trilateral Agreement with Nigeria and Jersey to Repatriate Over $300 … Continue reading →

US House Judiciary Chair Demands Answers from AG Barr on Giuliani Back Channel to Dept. of Justice

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 16 hours ago
“Chairman Nadler Demands Answers from AG Barr on Giuliani Back Channel to DOJ Washington, February 10, 2020 Tags: Government Oversight … Continue reading →

Contesting Control of the Atlantic Ocean

A Political Junkie at Viable Opposition - 16 hours ago
Here is a screen capture from the United States Naval Institute News website from February 2020: Here is another screen capture from the same website from late January 2019: The Second Fleet, which is headquartered at the Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads in Virginia, was reactivated in 2018 as a response to the "surge" in Russia's submarine activities. After 65 years of service, the Second Fleet was deactivated on September 30, 2011 because the United States Navy needed the funding for acquisitions as shown here: Here is a quote from the commander of the United States Second... more »

US naval expenditure: is reality finally beginning to bite?

Peter at Bayou Renaissance Man - 16 hours ago
I've long been annoyed and frustrated at the US Navy's visible incompetence and waste of taxpayers' time and money in designing, building and commissioning new generations of warships. The "Little Crappy Ship" imbroglio, the Zumwalt train wreck and the USS *Gerald R. Ford'*s litany of failures are only the first three programs to come to mind - there are many more. Therefore, I wasn't surprised to see the Defense Secretary's decision about funding a new generation of nuclear missile submarines. After years of warnings from U.S. Navy leaders that replacing the aging Ohio-class bal... more »

Russia Has A New T-90M Tank, And We Have The Details

David Axe at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*David Axe* *Technology, Europe* Everything you want to know. *Key point:* The Kremlin has prioritized the T-90M over the more ambitious Armata tank, a highly sophisticated but less reliable vehicle. The Russian army will receive its first new T-90M tanks as part of a batch of 400 armored vehicles heading for the ground-combat branch in 2019. The T-90M, arguably Russia’s most advanced front-line tank, is a modernized version of a vehicle that first entered service in 1993. "This year, over 400 new and upgraded armored vehicles are due to arrive for the troops,” Russian defense m... more »

This Genius Gene Therapy Plan Could Combat Cocaine Addiction

Rachel Patton McCord, Rebecca A. Prosser at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Rachel Patton McCord, Rebecca A. Prosser* *Health, Americas* [image: Reuters] More than 1 million people in the U.S. are addicted to cocaine. Have you ever slipped when trying to avoid sugar, quit smoking, or break another habit or addiction? Usually that one piece of cake or one cigarette won’t ruin your whole plan, but for people struggling with cocaine addiction, one slip can undo months of hard work. Cocaine consumption is increasing, with 2.2 million people in the U.S. admitting to recent cocaine use in 2017. In 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated th... more »

These Russian Submariners Had More To Worry About Than Enemy Navies

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Eurasia* They were their own worst enemy. *Key Point:* The frequent, catastrophic disasters onboard the Project 627 boats seem almost like gruesome public service announcements for everything that could conceivably go wrong with nuclear submarines. The United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS* Nautilus*, in 1954, revolutionizing undersea warfare. The *Nautilus*’s reactor allowed it operate underwater for months at a time, compared to the hours or days afforded conventional submarines. The following year, the Soviet Union b... more »

Russia's Su-57 Stealth Fighter Fleet Is Operational And Getting Stronger

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, Europe* Bad news for Europe *Key point: *Putin’s willingness to tie his personal reputation to Russia’s fifth-generation flagship fighter may speak to his growing confidence in its long-term viability. Back in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s IL-96-300PU presidential plane was flanked by no less than six Su-57 stealth fighter jets while en route to the 929th Chkalov State Flight-Test Center in southwestern Russia. *Video footage* of the flight shows the Su-57 fighters grouped in what better resembles a parade column than an escort formation, su... more »

Is The Navy Up To The Challenge Of Stopping Anti-Ship Missiles?

Kris Osborn at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Kris Osborn* *Security, * Enemy nations are building tons. *Key point: *Networking new sensors between ships will be a game-changer. Descending from high altitudes at lethal speeds and often guided by precision sensors, technically improved enemy ballistic missiles can increasingly close in on surface Navy ships, often holding large platforms and even groups of vessels at tremendous risk of destruction. Many of these threats, to include long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, can travel hundreds of miles to their targets, moving beyond the horizon toward surface ships challenged ... more »

Russia's Tsar Bomba Nuke Is So Destructive That It Was Only Tested Once

Paul Richard Huard at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Paul Richard Huard* *Security, * And never used. *Key Point:* The bomb also had a parachute to slow its drop, giving both planes time to fly about 30 miles from ground zero before the nuke detonated. Maj. Andrei Durnovtsev, a Soviet air force pilot and commander of a Tu-95 Bear bomber, holds a dubious honor in the history of the Cold War. Durnovtsev flew the aircraft that dropped the most powerful nuclear bomb ever. It had an explosive force of 50 megatons, or more than 3,000 times more powerful than the Hiroshima weapon. Over the years, historians identified many names for th... more »

Banned in Britain: This Evangelist's Tour Plans Were Canceled Over His Religious Beliefs

Nicole Russell at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Nicole Russell* *Religion, Europe* [image: Reuters] The United Kingdom Has Rejected Billy's Tour Plan Evangelist and missionary Franklin Graham’s seven-city tour of the United Kingdom is now a trial, as all seven venues have dropped him. Graham’s canceled dates likely are due to an “an outcry over his homophobic and Islamophobic comments,” CNN reports. Although I don’t agree with everything Graham has said by any means, it’s disheartening to see that the United Kingdom, once a beacon of free speech, now leads the way in “cancel culture.” To be sure, Graham’s reputation has shif... more »

India Learned A Hard Lesson About Buying Aircraft Carriers From Russia

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * Russian weapons platforms can come with problems. *Key Point:* India’s options were limited by cost considerations. Like a lot of countries, India wants the best weapons it can afford. But ideological and financial concerns mean there are a lot of things it won’t buy from the United States or Europe. That pretty much leaves, well, Russia. India has been a big buyer of Russian weapons for 50 years. Those haven’t been easy years for New Delhi. India’s defense contracts with Russia have consistently suffered delays and cost overruns. And the resulting ha... more »

Britain's Navy Isn't Huge, But Its Nuclear Weapons Pack A Punch

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * A submarine force to be reckoned with. *Key Point*: The UK would need at least five ballistic missile submarines to maintain a credible deterrent posture. The United Kingdom maintains a fleet of four ballistic missile submarines with the ability to devastate even the largest of countries. This fleet came into being after its ally, the United States, canceled a key weapon system that would have been the cornerstone of London’s nuclear arsenal. Fifty years later, the UK’s missile submarine force is the sole custodian of the country’s nuclear weapons, p... more »

Jihadists launch big attack west of Saraqib to retake city

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:20 P.M.) – The jihadist rebels have launched a big attack west of Saraqib this afternoon, following the downing of a Syrian military chopper near the town of Nayrab. READ ALSO: Jihadists Preparing for Major Counter-Offensive to Retake Saraqib Led by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the jihadist rebels reportedly began today’s attack by […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Breaking: Syrian military chopper shot down over Idlib

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 P.M.) – A Syrian military chopper was shot down over the Idlib countryside today as it was carrying out a mission near the town of Nayrab. According to reports, the Syrian military chopper was shot down by a MANPAD; however, it is not clear if it was downed by the Turkish Armed […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

US official denies withdrawal of American troops from Iraq

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:45 A.M.) – Gabriel Soma, a member of the advisory board to U.S. President Donald Trump, said that there has been no withdrawal of American forces from Iraq at this present time. READ MORE: Iraq Will Not Sign Agreement to Keep US Forces Inside Country Soma said in an interview with Iraq’s Al-Sumaria […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Video footage of Syrian Army’s new points along Aleppo-Damascus Highway

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:30 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is on the verge of imposing full control over the strategic Aleppo-Damascus Highway (M-5) for the first time since 2012. READ ALSO: Russian Ambassador Slams Latest Israeli Attacks on Damascus According to the latest reports from this front, the Syrian Arab Army is only a […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Turkey demands Russia stop Syrian Army attacks on Turkish military posts

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
Turkey demands Syrian government troops stop attacks on Turkish observation stations in Syria’s Idlib governorate, Anadolu agency said on Monday after Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin’s talks with the visiting Russian delegation led by Russian president’s special envoy for Syrian settlement Alexander Lavrentyev. According to the agency, during the contacts Ankara resolutely condemned the attack […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Iraqi forces arrest ISIS air defense commander in Mosul

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:45 A.M.) – The Iraqi Military Intelligence Directorate announced on Tuesday the arrest of the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) air defense commander in Mosul city. READ ALSO: Iraqi Intel Believes ISIS Carried Out Attack Used by US as Pretext to Assassinate Qassem Soleimani The directorate said in a statement, “With a qualitative and proactive […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Syrian Army is about to establish full control over Aleppo-Damascus Highway

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
Syrian governmental troops, advancing from southwestern outskirts of Aleppo, have gained control over a vast section of the Hama-Aleppo road, the last stretch of the strategically important Damascus-Aleppo highway linking the country’s north and south. According to Al-Mayadeen, Syrian army units liberated from militants the villages of Khirbat Jazrayah and Qanatir in the south of […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Syrian Army surrounds strategic Turkish military post in Idlib: video

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 16 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:40 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) claims they cordoned a Turkish observation point in the city of Saraqib near Idlib, a major opposition-controlled stronghold in the country. READ ALSO: Syrian Army Captures 2 Towns in Eastern Idlib Despite Reports of Jihadist Offensive Footage filmed on Sunday shows the observation point with […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Pacific and Indian Ocean atoll islands are either stable or increasing in area

drinkingwateradvisor at The Drinking Water Advisor - 17 hours ago
Virginie K. E. Duvat. A global assessment of atoll island planform changes over the past decades. WIREs Climate Change, Volume 10, Issue 1, 2018 https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.557 Over the past decades, atoll islands exhibited no widespread sign of physical destabilization in the … Continue reading →

Links 2/11/2020

Lambert Strether at naked capitalism - 17 hours ago

Coronavirus 101

Ron Clutz at Science Matters - 17 hours ago
The best overview I have seen comes from Rud Istvan at Wuhan Coronavirus–a WUWT Scientific Commentary Excerpts in italics with my bolds Basic Virology What follows perhaps oversimplifies an unavoidably complex topic, like sea level rise or atmospheric feedbacks to CO2 in climate science. There are three main types of human infectious microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, […]

Australian researchers show why pumping iron can help people at risk of Alzheimer's

Just In - 17 hours ago
A University of Sydney study shows for the first time that strength training slows, and sometimes even halts, degeneration in the parts of the brain vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease.

US Coast Guard drug busts net $500m of cocaine

Just In - 17 hours ago
The drug haul of about 9,000 kilograms of cocaine was seized by the crews of four cutters over the course of a two-month campaign launched by the US against drug cartels in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

With a stepfather dead and a mother vanished, a family's worst-case scenario has been realised

Charlotte Hamlyn at Just In - 17 hours ago
The mystery surrounding the death of Raymond Kehlet and the presumed death of his wife in WA's outback realised their family's 'worst case scenario', a coronial inquest has been told.

Spacecraft lifts off on mission to take first-ever photos of Sun's poles

Just In - 17 hours ago
The $2.2 billion Solar Orbiter will join NASA's Parker Solar Probe, launched 18 months ago, in coming perilously close to the Sun to unveil its secrets.

Robodebt victims should be refunded, Labor says

Dan Conifer at Just In - 17 hours ago
The Opposition calls for the Federal Government to refund any welfare debt it claimed solely through the controversial automated robodebt process.

'Governed by greed': Weapons and drugs seized in raids targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs

Rachel Riga at Just In - 17 hours ago
Gold Coast police say they have conducted multiple raids on properties linked to a drug trafficking syndicate involving members of the Lone Wolfs, Hells Angels, Mongols and Rebels motorcycle clubs.

Cricket trials new no-ball system at Women's T20 World Cup

Just In - 17 hours ago
Scenes of players making their way off the field only to be called back will hopefully become a thing of the past as world cricket's governing body introduces a new system for front-foot no-ball calls.

Ruptured water main causes traffic snarl in Fortitude Valley

Rebecca Hyam And Stephanie Zillman at Just In - 17 hours ago
A burst water main under Ann Street has ripped up the road surface and caused heavy traffic delays around the Brisbane CBD.

Death of “Captain Adriano” Increases Anxiety Over Investigations of His Political Links

Arkady Petrov at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The trajectory of former state police (PM) officer Adriano da Nóbrega, or Captain Adriano, had his last deed entangled under the same haze of mystery that followed him throughout his outlaw life. He was found . . . To read the full NEWS and much more, Subscribe to our Premium […] The post Death of “Captain Adriano” Increases Anxiety Over Investigations of His Political Links appeared first on The Rio Times.

Over 8,000 São Paulo Inmates Temporarily Left Without Food Because of Rainfall

Dorah Feliciano at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL - At least nine units of the Casa Foundation and six Provisional Detention Centers (CDPs) were left without meals between the morning and afternoon of Monday, February 10th, in the northern area of the capital of São Paulo, due to the heavy downpour in the city and Greater São Paulo. In all, […] The post Over 8,000 São Paulo Inmates Temporarily Left Without Food Because of Rainfall appeared first on The Rio Times.

Brazilian and Portuguese Hackers Expose 100 Pedophilia Websites

Dorah Feliciano at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The CyberTeam hackers, comprised of Portuguese and Brazilian hackers, have 'invaded' the official websites of ten cities in the Brazilian state of Paraíba in recent days to denounce an international pedophilia network. According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the institutional websites targeted by the attack have been . . […] The post Brazilian and Portuguese Hackers Expose 100 Pedophilia Websites appeared first on The Rio Times.

Solar Power Developer Faro Energy Issues Brazil’s First “Sustainable” Bond

Newsfeed at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The company last week raised R$15 million (US$3.48 million) to finance solar power projects. A small amount of the proceeds, R$100,000, will be used to finance a course aimed at teaching emotional intelligence to 600 students in the city of Pirapora, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The 10-year […] The post Solar Power Developer Faro Energy Issues Brazil’s First “Sustainable” Bond appeared first on The Rio Times.

Untitled

jonjayray at EDUCATION WATCH INTERNATIONAL - 17 hours ago
*Did You Know? Trade Schools Showing Strong Enrollment Growth* As students are pushed to attend college more than ever before, many of them are beginning to push back. Many students struggle with that predetermined outcome of their lives and have become more open to other options such as vocational education or trade schools. For people with some college or an associate degree, the unemployment rate was 3.5 percent at the end of 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers used to hands-on labor or IT work have been thriving. Firms in the 1980s and 1990s faced a... more »

Essays On Fashion History

The important operate of a financial institution is to provide products and services similar to the storing of deposits and the extending of credit rating. Basic function may well involve Credit history collection, Issuer of banking notes, Depositor of revenue and lending loans. Scheduled banking institutions represent of professional financial institutions and co-operative financial institutions. There are about 67,000 branches of Scheduled financial institutions spread across India. In the course of the initially stage of economic reforms, there was a nationalization of 14 main ba... more »

Untitled

JR at GREENIE WATCH - 17 hours ago
*Greenpeace abandons science and attacks Golden Rice* Join me in a story that traveled two decades from 1999 to early this year, when efforts to reduce premature death and childhood blindness in the developing world may finally reach fruition. This can occur through the use of a special grain called Golden Rice. It’s daffodil like color occurs from the presence of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A in the human body. It was developed by Professor Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, where Albert Einstein had studied and taught, and his colleag... more »

TO PROTECT TRUMP'S FRAGILE EGO

Steve M. at No More Mister Nice Blog - 17 hours ago
The New Hampshire primary is today. South Carolina's primary is at the end of the month, and we know what Republicans have planned there: State Republican leaders in South Carolina are urging GOP voters to vote for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the state's Feb. 29 Democratic primary. The plan — orchestrated by Greenville GOP chairman Nate Leupp and several other prominent Republican Party leaders — revolves around GOP leadership's belief that Sanders poses the least amount of challenge to President Trump in November's general election.... Why aren't Republicans doing something simi... more »

The Meaning I Picked - A Quotation by Richard Bach

Stranger in a Strange Land at Stranger in a Strange Land - 17 hours ago
*"The meaning I picked, the one that changed my life. Overcome fear, behold wonder."* *Richard Bach*

China's red carpet trap for Sri Lankan media

bilaterals.org - 17 hours ago
11-Feb-2020 Sri Lanka maintains a strong and close relationship with China. The country supported Sri Lanka during the war and also in postwar development via the issuance of loans.

S. Korea eyes further economic cooperation with India

bilaterals.org - 17 hours ago
11-Feb-2020 Consider India as the key partner of the country's New Southern policy, South Korea need to further beef up the economic cooperation.

Chengdu Trilateral Summit still to deliver

bilaterals.org - 17 hours ago
11-Feb-2020 The fact that China, Japan and South Korea (CJK) engaged in an agreed-upon trilateral summit framework, and bilateral dialogues on the sidelines, was no small achievement given heightened tensions between the three countries.

Developing Countries Showing America Up

Yves Smith at naked capitalism - 18 hours ago
America isn't a very comfortable place.

Qanon - Bigger than Vindman: Trump scrubs 70 Obama holdovers from NSC

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
From this it is clear that the Trump administration chose to keep this body of suspect holdovers in order to literally set up their enemies. All this fed the recent impeachment hoax. now that is over, these holdovers have served their purpose and have now been removed. It is also noted that Bolton served the same purpose as well. We have had three years of obvious hoaxes authored by the DEMs whose existence has been sustained by the MSM to their serious detriment. I do feel sorry for the many who have accepted these narratives. I completely fail to understand how DEM opera... more »

'Dogman' Observed, Then Vanished,

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
this is extremely interesting as it addresses problem of mobility. The actual work on the fossils of the Giant Sloth certainly begs that exact question. Now we get the best possible information. I am surprised to discover just how fast they are. They are clearly faster than any of their niche sharers and over a very decent distance as well. I already understand that they can also leap through trees at serious speed. Up to this report, i had presumed that they were likely slower. not so lucky. We know also that they are also skilled stalkers as well, making them the likelies... more »

Vitamin C Protects Against Coronavirus

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
This is not as effective as Colloidal Silver when you already are infected, but it certainly is a major barrier against infection in the first place. So yes, do get on the Vitamin C protocol. I consume around 8,000 mg every day and have done so for well over a decade. probably too much, but then Pauling was using twice as much. Either way it surges the system and that cannot be a bad thing. With Corona-virus stalking the land, we need this protection... *Vitamin C Protects Against Coronavirus* *Posted on: * *Wednesday, January 29th 2020 at 12:30 pm* *Originally published on w... more »

Last-Ditch Effort

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
One take home that is really useful. Tie all subsidies to cover crops. It may well be to support actual propduction but what is most valuable is the winter cover crop. It is a case of forcing the right idea in terms of husbandry. Long term, much else needs to also be done. but this is actually most of the fertilizer problem. And if you then plow it in, you have converted the excess fertilizer into plant based fertilizers. Just this policy change though can get so much done in a mere decade. Last-Ditch Effort *America has a fertilizer problem. This ditch in Indiana could provi... more »

Could the F-22 Beat China's New J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter?

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Asia* [image: A J-20 stealth fighter of Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) performs during the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Zhuhai Airshow in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China November 6, 2018. REUTERS/Stringe] India thinks they can track it. *Key Point:* International observers generally concluded the large twin-engine jet possessed high speed and long operational range, but that the Mighty Dragon lacked the maneuverability necessary to prevail in close engagements with enemy fighters. In January 2011, t... more »

How the Wuhan Coronavirus Crisis Challenges Xi Jinping's Power

Frédéric Keck at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Frédéric Keck* *Politics, East Asia* [image: Reuters] We have the details. The emerging coronavirus epidemic has placed Wuhan at the epicentre of the crisis. The city, along with an area containing 50 million people, is currently under an anti-epidemic lock-down, a hybrid measure between quarantine and sanitary cordon. Unlike the recent cases of avian influenza in Hong Kong in 2011 and Shanghai in 2013, controlled by massive poultry killing, this crisis is not happening on the borders of the Chinese territory, but in its very centre. In the context of the neo-Confucianist ideol... more »

Israeli Warplanes Launch Several Airstrikes in Gaza

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
Israeli Warplanes Launch Several Airstrikes in Gaza by https://www.telesurtv.net/ On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to wage a military offensive against “terrorist organizations” in the Gaza Strip to protect Israeli citizens. Israeli war jets bombed the Gaza Strip on Monday as an Egyptian security delegation arrived in the Palestinian enclave …

Global Systemically Important Distractions In 2020 And The Pre-Planned Coronavirus Health Crisis

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
TRUTH is highly offensive to people brought up in the Satanic world system of LIES! – Global Systemically Important Distractions In 2020 And The Pre-Planned Coronavirus Health Crisis by https://www.silverdoctors.com/ Could the current global health crisis be the last attempt to bring in the New World Order? – by Mike Manwell of Rethinking the Dollar The biggest …

Russian Scientists Believe America Created the Wuhan Coronavirus to Sabotage China

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
I would not characterize it as America who is behind this. It gives the impression that the American people and Trump are behind this, which is FALSE. It is more accurate to say that the western Illuminati, Deep State, is behind this to protect their global hegemony. China is an obvious threat to their global …

109 US Service Members Suffered Brain Injuries in Iran Missile Strike – Pentagon

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
The Iranians say that ‘mild traumatic brain injury’ is a euphemism for DEATH. It would not surprise me if they are telling the truth. Trump backed down big time it would appear. 109 US Service Members Suffered Brain Injuries in Iran Missile Strike – Pentagon by https://www.rt.com/ The number of US troops that suffered ‘mild …

Russian Envoy: Israeli Strikes in Syria ‘Increase Possibility of Conflict’

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
Russian Envoy: Israeli Strikes in Syria ‘Increase Possibility of Conflict’ by https://www.timesofisrael.com/ Alexander Yefimov, ambassador to Syria, calls raids targeting Iran and its allies ‘provocative and very dangerous,’ says strikes ‘threaten lives of innocent people’ – Russian Ambassador to Syria Alexander Yefimov on Monday condemned Israel for its alleged strikes in Syria, the latest of …

Israeli War Jets Bomb Gaza as Egyptian Security Delegation Arrives

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 19 hours ago
Israeli War Jets Bomb Gaza as Egyptian Security Delegation Arrives by http://www.xinhuanet.com/ GAZA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) — Israeli war jets bombed the Gaza Strip on Monday as an Egyptian security delegation arrived in the Palestinian enclave for its cease-fire with Israel, security sources said. Israeli war jets struck several sites belonging to al-Qassam Brigades, armed …

Petrobras’ 4th Quarter Production Exceeds Three Million Barrels for First Time

Xiu Ying at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Petrobras' production (PETR3; PETR4) in the fourth quarter of 2019 was 3.025 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/D), up 13.7 percent from 2.660 million BOE/D in the same period last year. This was the first time the company exceeded 3 million barrels in a quarter. In the year […] The post Petrobras’ 4th Quarter Production Exceeds Three Million Barrels for First Time appeared first on The Rio Times.

Rio Mayor Crivella Reallocates Money from Education and Drainage to Advertising

Contributing Reporter at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - There' s nothing quite like priorities. According to journalist Berenice Seara/Extra, Mayor Marcelo Crivella issued Decree 47,108/2020, providing an additional credit of R$180.2 million, and thus reallocating the budget passed by the city councilors. This money was pulled from Infrastructure (R$45.9 million), of which R$8.2 million from storm drain maintenance! […] The post Rio Mayor Crivella Reallocates Money from Education and Drainage to Advertising appeared first on The Rio Times.

Stock Market Closes at Lowest Level in Nearly Two Months

Richard Mann at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - In another day marked by a volatile financial market, the stock market fell sharply and closed at its lowest level in almost two months. The IBOVESPA index of the B3 (former São Paulo Stock Exchange), closed Monday, February 10th, at 112,570 points, down 1.05 percent. This was the third consecutive […] The post Stock Market Closes at Lowest Level in Nearly Two Months appeared first on The Rio Times.

Trump Pulls “Developing Country” Trade Privileges from Brazil, 20 Other Countries

Arkady Petrov at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Aiming principally to affect China economically, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday, February 10th, a measure that could adversely affect Brazil's economic interests. According to UOL columnist Jamil Chade, Brazil and some 20 other countries have now been removed from the list of "developing countries" as defined by the […] The post Trump Pulls “Developing Country” Trade Privileges from Brazil, 20 Other Countries appeared first on The Rio Times.

Maia Discards CPMF and Says Tax Reform Will Take Months

Xiu Ying at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Claiming to be more optimistic than he should regarding the schedule he is presenting, Chamber President Rodrigo Maia said on Monday, February 10th that the tax reform proposal will be passed in plenary over the first five months of the year. According to him, the discussion of the bill - […] The post Maia Discards CPMF and Says Tax Reform Will Take Months appeared first on The Rio Times.

Following Chaotic Monday, São Paulo Floods Last Night

Iolanda Fonseca at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The heavy downpour that struck São Paulo from late afternoon on Sunday, February 9th, has caused destruction and chaos during the day. The storm caused rivers to overflow, dozens of floodings, landslides and brought the city to a halt. Over Monday night, February 10th, the water level did not drop […] The post Following Chaotic Monday, São Paulo Floods Last Night appeared first on The Rio Times.

Brazilians in Limbo Both Here and in China Due to Coronavirus

Lise Alves at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
[image: Brazil,Eight year old Benjamin Pacheco is stranded in Santa Catarina with his family, waiting to return home to China.] SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – The thirty-four Brazilians, whom the government sent two air force planes to pick up in Wuhan, China, landed in Anapolis, Goias on Sunday and will spend eighteen days in quarantine to make sure they have not been infected with the coronavirus which has spread throughout China and other parts of the […] The post Brazilians in Limbo Both Here and in China Due to Coronavirus appeared first on The Rio Times.

Pelé Is Depressed, Reclusive Due to Health Issues, Says Son

Newsfeed at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - (Reuters) Pelé, widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers in history and who will turn 80 in October, has had hip trouble for years and now needs a frame to walk. Many of his recent public appearances have been in a wheelchair. “He’s pretty fragile. He had a […] The post Pelé Is Depressed, Reclusive Due to Health Issues, Says Son appeared first on The Rio Times.

Rainfall Places Rio on Alert; Santos Dumont Closed for About an Hour

Iolanda Fonseca at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Rio has been placed on alert - the third level on a scale of five - at 3:20 PM on Monday, February 10th. Given the overcast skies, the Santos Dumont airport was closed for about an hour for landings and take-offs, according to INFRAERO. The Galeão International Airport, on Ilha […] The post Rainfall Places Rio on Alert; Santos Dumont Closed for About an Hour appeared first on The Rio Times.

The DC Cover-up That’s As Big As Spygate…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 19 hours ago
Former U.S. Attorney for DC, Jessie Liu, is scheduled for a Senate confirmation hearing this upcoming Thursday at 10:00am. There’s also an unreported background story connected to the DOJ, Rod Rosenstein and Ms. Liu so controversial, it’s as big as … Continue reading →

Twofer Tuesday

LL at Virtual Mirage - 20 hours ago
*Devout Mohammedan Congress person Ilhan Omar*, a member of "the squad" has been officially accused of appropriating Alabama's culture by marrying her brother. She countered that while it's true that she did marry her brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, it was only a marriage of convenience and that his heart always belonged to his goat, Jasmine. While many can understand a preference to a she-goat over Ilhan Omar, the matter of culturally appropriating an Alabama custom remains and may be an issue in her coming bid for re-election this November. If 'taco Tuesday' (which happens to be t... more »

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