Thursday, December 31, 2020

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

 10:09 pm MST

Want High-Speed Internet? These 5 States Don't Make It Easy.
Stephen Silver, The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Stephen Silver* *Technology, Americas* [image: https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2014%3Anewsml_BM2EA8K0V6O01&share=true] What makes these states especially difficult to find a good connection in? The need for fast and reliable broadband is more acute than ever, especially in the year of the coronavirus pandemic in which most Americans have been stock working at home for much of the year, often with children around and using the same router. Broadband providers in 2020 gained millions of high-speed customers, including more than 1.5 million in the third q...
Why Was America’s “Capitalist” Neutron Bomb Shelved?
Mark Episkopos, The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *History, World* [image: https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C1998%3Anewsml_RP2DRIOLJAAA&share=true] The idea behind the weapon was to maximize enemy deaths while minimizing the destruction of property. In the years following the end of the Second World War, the wary postwar states slowly confronted the imminent realties of the new nuclear age. A world where entire countries can be erased at a moment’s notice is, as writer Christopher Hitchens put it, a world where every single person has been conscripted into military service—whether they r...
Unchallenged Supremacy: Why the F-22 Is Still King
Robert Farley, The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Robert Farley* *Security, * This is despite it not having participated in any major way in a military conflict thus far. *Key Point:* The F-22 is so advanced its existence is almost unnecessary. The F-22 has been the world’s most formidable air superiority fighter since it first entered service in 2005. Although the Raptor has yet to kill a target in anger, aviation specialists almost unanimously agree that it can outclass any opponent, foreign or domestic. The only hard limitation on its ability to kill appears to be the number of missiles that it can carry. But what if the F-...
Japan Wanted to Build the Biggest Battleships Ever. It Was a Pipedream.
Robert Farley, The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Robert Farley* *History, * Tokyo would have been bankrupted. Here's why. *Here's What You Need to Remember: *Warships are (imperfect) reflections of existing economic realities. Timing, technology and grand strategy matter, but in raw competition involving mature technologies, superior economic strength will eventually prevail. In January 1936 Japan announced its intention to withdraw from the London Naval Treaty, accusing both the United States and the United Kingdom of negotiating in bad faith. The Japanese sought formal equality in naval construction limits, something that ...
A World without the B-52 Bomber: Bad for the U.S. Military?
Robert Farley, The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Robert Farley* *Security, United States* What would have happened if the iconic bomber had never been invented? *Key point:* The B-52 would serve in many conflicts and the Air Force would certainly have needed another type of bomber if it didn't exist. Since 1955, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has flown at the front lines of America’s national defense. Initially intended to deliver strategic nuclear weapons against the Soviet Union, the B-52 has kept that mission long after the USSR itself ceased to exist. Over the years, it has been assigned to other missions, including conve...
Why the Royal Navy Never Built the Formidable Lion-class Battleships
Robert Farley, The National Interest - 16 hours ago
*Robert Farley* *History, Europe* HMS Vanguard, the last battleship ever built by the United Kingdom, did not enter service until after the war. *Here's What You Need to Remember: *In most configurations, the* Lion*s would have been somewhat smaller, somewhat slower, slightly better protected Iowas, more effective than the U.S. *North Carolina* and *South Dakota* classes. *Lion* likely would have had little trouble with the latest German or Italian battleships, in part because of the latter’s fiscal inability to compete with the Royal Navy, and the former’s habitual inability to...
A tip of the hat to racial inclusion in brewing
Evelyn C. White, Halifax Examiner - 16 hours ago
Nearly a decade into writing a book that had been contracted for four years, I began to exhibit signs of mental distress — crying fits, panic attacks, and terrifying nightmares. The latter included an episode during which I was stalked by a snarling herd of beasts (picture supersize Komodo Dragons). Just as the animals were […]
‘We monitor Israel’s movements and warn them of any dangerous action’: Houthis intel chief
[image: ‘We monitor Israel’s movements and warn them of any dangerous action’: Houthis intel chief] BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:20 P.M.) – The Intelligence and Monitoring Authority of the Ansarallah Movement of Yemen announced that it is monitoring “all Israeli movements in the region and is following up all its hostile plans against Yemen.” The head of the commission, Major General Abdullah Yahya Al-Hakim, said, during a speech delivered on Wednesday in Sana’a: “We are in the highest security, military and moral readiness to carry out all kinds of work and tasks to face the various challen...
Rare video shows Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandis discussing Hezbollah leader
[image: Rare video shows Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandis discussing Hezbollah leader] BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:10 P.M.) – Al-Mayadeen TV revealed a rare video clip of the late deputy head of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units, Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandis, commenting on why he was watching the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah. During a video recorded by the chairman of the board of directors of the Al-Mayadeen Network , Ghassan bin Jeddo, Mohandis responded to the question: “Why is Abu Mahdi al-Mohandis watching a speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah?” Mohandis the replied...
Police, FBI Were Told in 2019 Nashville Bomber Was Building Bomb in RV — Did Nothing
Matt Agorist, The Free Thought Project - 16 hours ago
[image: bomber]The Nashville bomber's girlfriend told police, who told the FBI that he was "building bombs in the RV trailer at his residence," but no warrant was ever issued.
Two US warships cross the Taiwan Strait as tensions with China intensify
[image: Two US warships cross the Taiwan Strait as tensions with China intensify] BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:00 P.M.) – Two US warships sailed across the Taiwan Strait on Thursday, sparking a protest from China, in the second such crossing this month and in a move that comes nearly two weeks after a Chinese battle group led by an aircraft carrier used the same waterway. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has been angered by the intensification of US support for the island, which includes arms sales and the conduct of warships across the Taiwan Strait , which further deter...
New Year's Eve Autism Style
Age of Autism, AGE OF AUTISM - 17 hours ago
Happy New Year's Eve. 2020 can't leave soon enough, though to be honest, I am a bit worried that 2021 could bring even more topsy turvies, and that's saying something. What are your plans for tonight? A bit of bubbly?...
White is the New Black
Robert, Small Dead Animals - 17 hours ago
The insanity of the Wokeraties continues unabated: Jason Wardill, who is a design technology teacher, was surprised to be invited by the National Education Union (NEU) to a meeting of black teachers last year. Mr Wardill, 42, is of Mediterranean and Jewish heritage and has been trying to stop his union referring incorrectly to his… Continue reading →
Iran begins first response to scientist’s assassination by raising uranium enrichment
[image: Iran begins first response to scientist’s assassination by raising uranium enrichment] BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:45 P.M.) – The Director of the Iranian Presidency Office, Mahmoud Vaezi, said on Wednesday, that the Iranian Atomic Energy Commission is preparing action plans in accordance with the law to cancel restrictions imposed on the nuclear file approved by Parliament, including raising uranium enrichment to 20%. In statements to Iranian state television, Vaezi said, “The Iranian Atomic Energy Authority is preparing action plans in accordance with the law to cancel restrictions...
Houthi forces demand Saudi Arabia release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for pilot
[image: Houthi forces demand Saudi Arabia release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for pilot] BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:20 P.M.) – The Ansarallah Movement, also known as the Houthis, accused the Yemeni government of thwarting a new round of negotiations on prisoners that the United Nations called to hold last November in the Jordanian capital, Amman. The head of the Prisoners’ Affairs Committee in the Ansarallah Movement, Abdul Qadir Al-Murtada, was quoted by Al-Masirah TV as saying: “We announced that we had received an invitation from the United Nations for a round of negotiations on p...
Global Hurricane Activity Below Average In 2020
Paul Homewood, NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT - 17 hours ago
By Paul Homewood As the year draws to a close, we can note that, despite a busy Atlantic hurricane season, global hurricane activity has actually been well below average: http://climatlas.com/tropical/ And in the US, tornado activity has also been below average, according to provisional data: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/wcm/#data What is particularly notable is […]
Overview 2020: IBOVESPA Closes at 119,000, Up 3% over 2019; Dollar Rises 29%
Richard Mann, The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Brazilian stock market was turbulent up to the last trading session in 2020. After beating the historical intraday record of 120,149 points, the IBOVESPA lost ground and began to swing between losses and gains to close Wednesday, December 30th, down 0.33% to 119,017 points. The financial volume reached R$29,4 […] The post Overview 2020: IBOVESPA Closes at 119,000, Up 3% over 2019; Dollar Rises 29% appeared first on The Rio Times.
Speaking Truth to Power: Dakota Waziyatawin on Indigeneity Rising Radio Minneapolis
Unknown, CENSORED NEWS - 17 hours ago
Speaking Truth to Power: Dakota Waziyatawin on Indigeneity Radio MinneapolisSpeaking truth to power: Waziyatawin: The U.S. took the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota land by fraud and theft. The land is the key to justice. She also speaks on the construction of earth lodges, The radio show is in the archives in the dropdown menu. https://www.kfai.org/player/Indigeneity RisingJoin Host Roy Taylor (Pawnee
Go Native, Orders Prince Charles!
Paul Homewood, NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT - 18 hours ago
By Paul Homewood https://www.climatedepot.com/2020/12/30/prince-charles-we-can-learn-so-much-from-indigenous-communities-on-living-in-balance-with-the-natural-world-mother-nature-is-our-sustainer/ Says the man with four stately homes, and a carbon footprint of a small town! https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7929735/Prince-Charles-flew-16-000-miles-just-11-days-proudly-posing-Greta-Thunberg-Davos.html Meanwhile he apparently expects the rest of us to live like a tribe of natives in the Amazonian jungle. Maybe he could explain how the world could support billions of people in ...
Links 12/31/2020
Lambert Strether, naked capitalism - 17 hours ago
Provisional World Record for High Air Pressure set in Mongolia as majority of Asia hit by Historic Cold
Cap Allon, Electroverse - 17 hours ago
An automatic weather station in Tsetsen-Uu recorded a mean sea-level pressure of 1,094.3 millibars along with bitter temperatures of -45.5C (50F). The post Provisional World Record for High Air Pressure set in Mongolia as majority of Asia hit by Historic Cold appeared first on Electroverse.
Severe weather conditions, up to 2 m (6.5 feet) of fresh snow through New Year's Day, Japan
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings for blizzards, high waves, and freezing temperatures as a potent winter storm pressure system continues affecting the country, mainly areas along the Sea of Japan through New Year's Day. The storm could...... Read more »
Top Ten Dance Songs 2020
Phil, All That Is Solid ... - 17 hours ago
Time for 2020's final act on this here blog: the unveiling of the hottest sounds the last 12 months have to offer. Unavoidably, just like the top 100 of the 2010s, it's the nostalgic sounds that have squeezed the juice this year. Seeing the yoof plunder the oldies is good for us, um, oldies. Before we go there, a couple of honourable mentions to a pair of tunes who just missed the cut - *Hypnotized* by Purple Disco Machine and Sophie and the Giants, and *Torn* by Hemstock & Mercurial Virus are well, well worth your time. With the preliminaries done, onto the main event. 10. *Never...
Britain Braces for its Biggest Snowstorm in a Decade+, as Rare Phenomenon Hits the Scottish Rivers of Dunbeath Strath
Cap Allon, Electroverse - 18 hours ago
UK meteorologist, Jim Dale: "The beast is getting closer ... this is the greatest threat posed by the weather since the big freeze of 2010/11." The post Britain Braces for its Biggest Snowstorm in a Decade+, as Rare Phenomenon Hits the Scottish Rivers of Dunbeath Strath appeared first on Electroverse.
Brazil Fails to Secure Syringes for COVID-19 Vaccine Jabs
Latin America News, The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Brazilian syringe and needle makers warned on Wednesday the country’s coronavirus vaccination program was at risk after the government set auction prices too low and failed to draw bids for enough syringes to meet its requirements. The Health Ministry sought to buy 331 million syringes at an electronic auction on […] The post Brazil Fails to Secure Syringes for COVID-19 Vaccine Jabs appeared first on The Rio Times.
Argentina Suspends Corn Export Sales until March, Infuriating Surprised Farmers
Latin America News, The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Argentina will suspend sales of corn for export until February 28th, the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday, December 30th, announcing the surprise move as part of the government's effort to ensure ample domestic food supplies. The move by the world's No. 3 corn supplier was a sign of tightening global […] The post Argentina Suspends Corn Export Sales until March, Infuriating Surprised Farmers appeared first on The Rio Times.
Argentina’s Regulator Approves AstraZeneca/Oxford University Covid-19 Vaccine
Latin America News, The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Argentina's health regulator on Wednesday, December 30th, approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University for emergency use, AstraZeneca said in a statement. AstraZeneca said the approval by the National Administrator for Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) made Argentina “one of the first countries in the world to […] The post Argentina’s Regulator Approves AstraZeneca/Oxford University Covid-19 Vaccine appeared first on The Rio Times.
Bolivia Signs Major Vaccine Deal for Russia’s Sputnik V
Latin America News, The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Russia’s sovereign fund, Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), agreed to supply Bolivia with enough of its two-dose Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to vaccinate 2.6 million people, RDIF said on Wednesday, December 30th, marking the South American nation’s first major vaccine deal. RDIF said the agreement would make it possible for […] The post Bolivia Signs Major Vaccine Deal for Russia’s Sputnik V appeared first on The Rio Times.
Record Breaking Blizzard Blasts Nunavut, Canada
Cap Allon, Electroverse - 19 hours ago
...shaking houses and crushing cabins. The post Record Breaking Blizzard Blasts Nunavut, Canada appeared first on Electroverse.
Waning Last Days of a Lost Empire
Steve Brown, The Duran - 19 hours ago
Submitted by Steve Brown… As if proof were needed that behemoth mining corporations are inhuman, that proof comes in the form of the recurrent threat to Oak Flat in Arizona, an important ground sacred to Native Americans (specifically the San Carlos and Apache tribe) where the same ground is rife with copper. Well, Making America […]
Oooh! What’s that Smell in Serbia? The Tainted River
Steve Brown, The Duran - 19 hours ago
Submitted by Steve Brown… Whether Balkan politics or any other type of dog mess, Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium project in Serbia is just another dog mess for Rio Tinto to typically step in, while its ‘investors’ shrug and move on. Of course we refer to the Tainted River’s proposed latest foray into lithium production via […]

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