Friday, July 03, 2020

3 July - Blogs I'm Following - 4 of 5

10 pm MDT

Grocery stores can stay open, but churches can’t?

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 16 hours ago
I'm not sure I've ever shopped at a grocery store associated with Southeastern Grocers. Their web page has a statement I wish we'd seen from our churches. They stayed open--they were "essential." They also donated a lot of money to food pantries and are supporting a big fund raiser for July 4. "We are committed to providing the safest and healthiest store experience for our associates, customers and communities. We will continue to refine our processes and protocols in our stores, with health and safety as our guide, as long as this pandemic remains a threat. You can always count on... more »

Incentivized Murder: After Killing Unarmed 17yo Boy On Video, Cop Got $70K Payout

Matt Agorist at The Free Thought Project - 16 hours ago
[image: unarmed]“We essentially incentivized police misconduct by giving Jenison a payout,” the mother of the unarmed boy killed by police said.

Russian Constitutional reform passes – but with criticism [Video]

Seraphim Hanisch at The Duran - 16 hours ago
The July 1st referendum, or election, regarding the approval of the Russian Constitutional reform, has come and gone. It yielded interesting results, though, thank God, it yielded the right ones for the nation. Overall, a very strong majority, 77.92% of the voters approved the changes, and 21.27 opposed them. The voter turnout is understood to […] More The post Russian Constitutional reform passes – but with criticism [Video] appeared first on The Duran.

How Sick Will The Pandemic Make The Texas Republican Party By November?

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 16 hours ago
Two COVID records for one-day case increases were broken Wednesday: the U.S. hit its highest number ever-- 51,097, it's first day over 50,000 (although yesterday that mark was topped again, this time with 57,236 new cases)-- and Texas increased by 8,240 cases, more than any *country* in the world other than the U.S., Brazil or India. Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have failed-- and failed spectacularly-- in their approach to the deadly pandemic. 2,541 Texans are dead and before the end of the week Texas will have the third most cases of any state in... more »

A study on fruit flies is retracted “owing to legal issues of confidentiality”

Leto Sapunar at Retraction Watch - 16 hours ago
A preliminary study which found that using cold treatment worked to combat a Mediterranean species of fruit flies in blueberries has been retracted. The study, “Cold Responses of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Blueberry” was published in Insects, an MDPI journal on May 1, 2020. The retraction appears to be … Continue reading A study on fruit flies is retracted “owing to legal issues of confidentiality”

Joint Statment Issued by Iranian, Russian And Turkish Leadership: July 01/2020

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 16 hours ago
PDF* or *Mehr News *President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir Putin, and President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, held a tripartite virtual summit on 1 July 2020.* *The Presidents:* *1. Discussed the current situation on the ground in Syria, reviewed the developments following their last meeting in Ankara on 16 September 2019, and reiterated their determination to enhance the trilateral coordination in light of their agreements.* *2. Emphasized their strong commitment to the sovereignty... more »

Central control: why has the government withheld testing data from councils?

Kathleen Hall at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism - 16 hours ago
Why did it take two months and a local outbreak in Leicester for authorities to gain access to data on coronavirus testing?

New Jersey: Largest Hail in Cape May County since 2008 (Solar Minimum of Cycle 23) + Record Rainfall Submerges Atlantic City

Cap Allon at Electroverse - 16 hours ago
Svensmark's Solar Minimum/Cosmic Ray/Cloud Nucleation link grows stronger by the day... The post New Jersey: Largest Hail in Cape May County since 2008 (Solar Minimum of Cycle 23) + Record Rainfall Submerges Atlantic City appeared first on Electroverse.

Canada Day 2020 went down as one of the Coldest on Record across BC, AB, and SK

Cap Allon at Electroverse - 16 hours ago
These record-low temps run against the politicized AGW narrative, which is why the socialist elites and their MSM lapdogs will never pick up on them, and, in turn, which is why the climate alarmists will never hear of them. The post Canada Day 2020 went down as one of the Coldest on Record across BC, AB, and SK appeared first on Electroverse.

Niue ratifies regional PACER Plus trade agreement

bilaterals.org - 16 hours ago
03-Jul-2020 Niue has ratified the regional trade agreement PACER Plus, pushing it closer to implementation.

Brexit: Serious differences over trade deal, say UK and EU

bilaterals.org - 16 hours ago
03-Jul-2020 The UK and EU have said serious differences remain over a post-Brexit trade deal, following the latest negotiations in Brussels.

L'accord UE-Mercosur plombe la lutte pour le climat

bilaterals.org - 16 hours ago
03-Jul-2020 Après 20 ans de négociations, l'accord entre l'Union européenne et les pays latino-américains de Mercosur a été conclu au grand dam des agriculteurs et des ONG environnementales.

EU-Mercosur deal will have devastating impact on climate, NGOs warn

bilaterals.org - 16 hours ago
03-Jul-2020 While the agreement still has to be approved by the European Parliament and Council, farmers and environmental NGOs remain disappointed.

Los países que son serios en cuanto al cambio climático deben abandonar el Tratado de la Carta de Energía (TCE), dice una ex-funcionaria del TCE

bilaterals.org - 16 hours ago
03-Jul-2020 Entrevista con Yamina Saheb que fue la Jefa de la Unidad de Eficiencia Energética en el Secretariado del Tratado de la Carta de Energía entre 2018 y 2019.

LEE CAMP: Connecting the Dates – US Media Used To Stop The ‘Threat’ of Peace

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 16 hours ago
No, this is a column about context. When The New York Times reports anonymous sources from the intelligence community say Russia paid Taliban fighters to kill American soldiers, context is very important. Some of that context is that Mike Pompeo said, “I was the CIA director – We lied, we cheated, we stole. We had entire training courses.” So we know for certain that U.S. intelligence agencies lie to you and me. We saw it with WMD, and we might be seeing it again now.

The New York Times fabricates Russian murder plot

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 16 hours ago
There is not the slightest factual basis for the series of articles and commentaries published by the Times, beginning last Saturday, claiming that the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU, paid bounties to Taliban guerrillas to induce them to attack and kill American soldiers in Afghanistan. Not a single soldier out of the 31 Americans who have died in Afghanistan in 2019-2020 has been identified as a victim of the alleged scheme. No witnesses have been brought forward, no evidence produced.

Week in Review: US cannabis sales to top $15B, Illinois licensing delays, NJ at forefront of legalization & more

Jeff Smith at Marijuana Business Daily - 16 hours ago
Medical and recreational cannabis sales in the United States are on track to exceed $15 billion this year, a jump of 40% over 2019, according to the new Marijuana Business Factbook. Moreover, total U.S. sales could reach as high as $37 billion by 2024. MJBizDaily takeaway: The projections come with a big, two-pronged caveat: The coronavirus pandemic and […] Week in Review: US cannabis sales to top $15B, Illinois licensing delays, NJ at forefront of legalization & more is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

Summer snowstorm kills nearly 500 livestock animals, strands 400 tourists in Xinjiang, China

An unexpected summer snowstorm hit Xinjiang, China, on June 29, 2020, resulting in traffic disruption, more than 400 tourists stranded, and deaths of nearly 500 livestock. Herdsmen in Tekes County in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have suffered heavy losses...... Read more »

Links 7/3/2020

Yves Smith at naked capitalism - 17 hours ago
Yves here. We are on a holiday schedule through Monday. I nevertheless am busy with eldercare matters (interviewing new agencies, gah) which is why no original posts today. Hope your holiday is fun or at least restful. A ‘Viral’ New Bird Song in Canada Is Causing Sparrows to Change Their Tune Gizmodo (David L) Elk […]

Will India attack China with new Russian weapons?

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
[image: Will India attack China with new Russian weapons?] BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:10 P.M.) – On Friday, a Chinese newspaper published a report on the possibility of India taking military steps towards China on the disputed border between the two countries and weapons that the Indian Army might use in the conflict. The Chinese newspaper “Soho” reported that India may use modern Russian weapons in its confrontation with China through the use of the new Russian “Armata” tank. The Chinese newspaper indicated, based on military information, that India has concluded urgent military agreement... more »

Large Turkish military convoy enters Idlib amid Syrian Army buildup

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
[image: Large Turkish military convoy enters Idlib amid Syrian Army buildup] BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:00 P.M.) – The Turkish military has sent another convoy through the Kafr Lousen crossing that links the Hatay Province with Idlib. According to opposition reports, the Turkish military sent another large convoy to Idlib, deploying several commandos and their armored vehicles to different parts of this governorate in northwestern Syria. The arrival of the Turkish military convoy comes at the same time that the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continues to buildup its forces in the Jabal Al-Zawiya re... more »

Iran warns US and Israel after big explosion at nuclear reactor

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
[image: Iran warns US and Israel after big explosion at nuclear reactor] BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:40 P.M.) – Hours after the Natanz nuclear facility was destroyed, the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) published an article in which it alluded to the involvement of enemy states, including Israel and the United States, in the incident. The agency said: “If there are indications that hostile countries cross Iran’s red lines in any way, especially Israel and the United States, then Iran’s strategy to confront the new situation should be reviewed intensely.” The IRNA report stated ... more »

Russia’s new S-500 air defense system is capable of hitting hypersonic missiles in space: commander

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
[image: Russia’s new S-500 air defense system is capable of hitting hypersonic missiles in space: commander] BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:30 P.M.) – The commander of the Russian Air Force, General Sergei Surovkin, confirmed that the S-500 missiles are capable of hitting hypersonic missiles in space. He said in an interview with “Al-Najma Al-Hamra” channel: “The characteristics stipulated in the S-500 air defense system enables it to intercept and drop hypersonic targets.” He continued: “This is in addition to its ability to address dynamic targets and ballistic missiles … There is no match ... more »

The Daily Brief 2020-07-02

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 17 hours ago
[image: The Daily Brief 2020-07-02] This is a summary of *23* AMN articles on the following subjects: *China, India, Russia, Latakia, Syria, Iran, IRGC, Venezuela, Tehran, Hasakah, France, NATO, Turkey, Egypt, Libya, Sirte, US, Lebanon, Baltic, UK, Saudi, Yemen, Iraq, ISIS, Raqqa, Rouhani, Tripoli, Watiyah*. Categories covered in this brief: World-News, Syria, Iran, Turkey, Middleeast, North-Africa, Lebanon, Gulf, Yemen, Iraq Let us know how you like this brief in the comments below. Continue reading The Daily Brief 2020-07-02 at AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز.

COVID-19 in Texas: Not as black as it's painted

Peter at Bayou Renaissance Man - 17 hours ago
Like many Texans, I've been puzzled by the deluge of allegedly bad news about the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections in this state. The reports don't square with what I'm seeing around us here in north Texas, and certainly don't match up to what ward staff at our local hospital are reporting. I was interested to read the account of an emergency clinic administrator in this state, who runs a number of so-called "doc-in-a-box" walk-in medical services facilities. He had this to say to the American Institute for Economic Research. I am the Managing Partner and General Counsel o... more »

'Extratropical bomb cyclone' lashes southern Brazil, leaving at least 10 people dead and 1 million affected

A rapidly developing storm -- extratropical bomb cyclone -- lashed southern Brazil on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, killing at least 10 people. Winds of up to 110 km/h (68 mph) blew away tile roofs, sheet roofing, and power lines, resulting in disruptions that affected...... Read more »

Why America (and Donald Trump) Are Addicted to Drone Wars

Michael Horton at The National Interest - 17 hours ago
*Michael Horton* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Despite few or no signs of success in countries like Somalia, the Trump administration has doubled down on a core tactic embraced by politicians from both parties in the war on terror: the use of drones. As the United States convulses with protests and riots over the killing of George Floyd, assassinations continue to be carried out in our name around the world. Despite few or no signs of success in countries like Somalia, the Trump administration has doubled down on a core tactic embraced by politicians from both parties in... more »

It Would Cost Trillions: The Day North Korea Collapses

Daniel Runde at The National Interest - 17 hours ago
*Daniel Runde* *Security, Asia* The prospect of a peaceful Korean Unification, however remote it seems, would be a historical event worth planning for. While preparing for the worst, we should hope for the best. Hoping for the best means there is a scenario where North Korea’s collapse and regime change occur miraculously, opening doors to South Korea and the West to take over North Korea in what one hopes would be a peaceful absorption. As unlikely as this sounds, it is important to remember that it is not without historical precedent. The prospect of a peaceful Korean Unificati... more »

Bolsonaro Lowers His Tone Against Mercosur at First Virtual Leaders Summit

Juan Martinez at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Jair Bolsonaro no longer says he wants Brazil to withdraw from Mercosur. In . . . To read the full NEWS and much more, Subscribe to our Premium Membership Plan. Already Subscribed? Login Here Subscribe Login Here The post Bolsonaro Lowers His Tone Against Mercosur at First Virtual Leaders Summit appeared first on The Rio Times.

Portuguese Government Rescues TAP Airlines, Causing Short-term Losses for Azul

Oliver Mason at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Portuguese government's €1.2 billion (R$7.2 billion) aid package to TAP airlines will have an impact on Azul here in Brazil. The Brazilian airline, founded by David Neeleman, indirectly holds a six percent stake in the Portuguese company since the second quarter of 2019, and is also a TAP creditor, […] The post Portuguese Government Rescues TAP Airlines, Causing Short-term Losses for Azul appeared first on The Rio Times.

Research Suggests Brazil Could Have Eight Million Infected by Covid-19

Dorah Feliciano at The Rio Times - 17 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Between mid-March and early June, the contingent of Brazilians who contracted the novel coronavirus doubled from 1.9 percent of the population to 3.8 percent, according to data released on Thursday, July 2nd, in the third round of the EpiCovid-19 BR survey, conducted by the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel). The […] The post Research Suggests Brazil Could Have Eight Million Infected by Covid-19 appeared first on The Rio Times.

Protests Break Out in Africa Over COVID-19 Vaccine Testing & The Herd Shaming Begins

Age of Autism at AGE OF AUTISM - 17 hours ago
Let the herd shaming begin.... "It would be tragic if Africa chose not to take part, at all levels, in clinical trials of a Covid-19 vaccine — or any medical treatment that could save lives." Protests Against COVID Vaccine Show... more »

More than 1.4 million affected as flood situation remains severe in Assam, India

The flood situation remains grim in Assam, northeast India, with more than 1.4 million people already affected as of Thursday, July 2, 2020. Six more fatalities due to flooding were reported on Wednesday evening, July 1, adding to the death toll of 33; casualties...... Read more »

Hundreds rally behind mother whose son died after being restrained for eating a biscuit

Melissa Martin, Kirstie Wellauer And Luisa Rubbo at Just In - 18 hours ago
An Indigenous woman has led a hundreds-strong, traffic-stopping rally in NSW calling for justice for her son, who said the words "I can't breathe" shortly before he died in custody.

Heavily armed SA Police unit prompts backlash and 'gun culture' concern

Just In - 18 hours ago
SA Police defends a new security unit that will deploy heavily-armed officers to major events, but will not confirm if it will patrol a Black Lives Matter protest planned for this weekend.

Federal health authorities say it's too early to know if coronavirus cases are stabilising in Victoria

Stephanie Dalzell at Just In - 18 hours ago
Victoria has had 17 consecutive days of double-digit coronavirus case growth, recording more than 300 new cases in the past week. The number of people hospitalised and in intensive care due to COVID-19 is also rising.

Narendra Modi visits Himalayan border where troops clashed with China

Just In - 18 hours ago
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flown into the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh, officials say, weeks after Indian and Chinese troops clashed on their disputed border there, escalating tension between the Asian powerhouses.

Woman assaulted near Torture Hill track in Adelaide conservation park

Just In - 18 hours ago
A man is charged with assault after a young woman is attacked at a popular walking track in a recreation park on the edge of suburban Adelaide.

Grieving dad calls for specialised PTSD clinic to serve veterans and first responders

Emily Baker at Just In - 18 hours ago
Mike Turner's war veteran son Ian took his own life. Now, the grieving father wants a 24-hour mental health service for ex-servicemen and women, and for first responders.

NSW Attorney General calls for answers on harassment in legal system, launching 'robust' review

Ellyn Duncan at Just In - 18 hours ago
The unprecedented move follows revelations about allegations that former High Court Justice Dyson Heydon sexually harassed six female associates.

Ghislaine Maxwell was hiding out in a secluded $US1 million hilltop home. Then the FBI came knocking

Just In - 18 hours ago
The luxury timber-framed home perched on 156 acres of New Hampshire pine and oak forests boasts dramatic views of Mount Sunapee's foothills. But it is secluded enough to have kept Maxwell out of eyeshot of the tight-knit locals.

'It will be up to the PM': Political rivals fighting to save NT seat axed in redistribution

Jacqueline Breen at Just In - 18 hours ago
The NT has lost one of its two lower house seats following a redistribution. Politicians from rival sides of politics have teamed up to get it back.

Perth councillor forged records to commit electoral fraud and claim fake expenses, police allege

Jessica Warriner at Just In - 18 hours ago
Former City of Perth councillor Jim Adamos is charged over alleged electoral fraud following a police investigation into misconduct at the council.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and five million people uprooted

Lee Jay at Modern Tokyo Times - 18 hours ago
The Democratic Republic of Congo and five million people uprooted Noriko Watanabe and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is extremely severe. This relates to ethnic massacres, religious atrocities, and an infrastructure that barely exists in parts of the country. At the same time, Ebola and […]

John Pilger film - a must watch

Bruce K. Gagnon at Organizing Notes - 18 hours ago
The Coming War on China, from award winning journalist John Pilger, reveals what the news doesn’t – that the world’s greatest military power, the United States, and the world’s second economic power, China, both nuclear-armed, may well be on the road to war. Nuclear war is not only imaginable, but planned. The greatest build-up of NATO military forces since the Second World War is under way on the western borders of Russia. On the other side of the world, the rise of China is viewed in Washington as a threat to American dominance. To counter this, President Obama announced a ‘pi... more »

Deforestation Leads China’s Food Giant to Track Brazilian Soybeans

Richard Mann at The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The increase in deforestation in the Amazon and the Cerrado (vast tropical savanna ecoregion) is starting to impact national agribusiness. Two major buyers of The post Deforestation Leads China’s Food Giant to Track Brazilian Soybeans appeared first on The Rio Times.

Brazil Passes 1.5 Million Infections and 61,000 Deaths by Covid-19

Dorah Feliciano at The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Yesterday, Brazil reached a total of 1,501,353 people infected with the novel coronavirus since the The post Brazil Passes 1.5 Million Infections and 61,000 Deaths by Covid-19 appeared first on The Rio Times.

W.H.O.: Vaccine in Third Stage of Trials in Brazil Is Most Advanced in Research

Xiu Ying at The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Under testing in Brazil, the vaccine against Covid-19 researched by Oxford University and AstraZeneca is now the furthest along in terms of development. Soumya Swaminathan, a scientist with the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), disclosed on Thursday that 17 . . . To read the full NEWS and much more, Subscribe […] The post W.H.O.: Vaccine in Third Stage of Trials in Brazil Is Most Advanced in Research appeared first on The Rio Times.

Havana Leaves Confinement and Cuba Returns to Normal

Juan Martinez at The Rio Times - 18 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Havana, the last coronavirus hotspot in Cuba, will gradually restart its activities from Friday, July 3rd, although still without foreign tourists, after over 100 days of confinement due to the pandemic. The capital joins the rest of the territory, which has already begun a gradual relaxation of the measures to […] The post Havana Leaves Confinement and Cuba Returns to Normal appeared first on The Rio Times.

The Ferret

Larry-Lambert at Virtual Mirage - 18 hours ago
If you’re thinking of gifting something to somebody who would appreciate it, think no further. I believe that I could use a Ferret as a ranch vehicle…and to support local efforts to keep the great unwashed masses in line. Buy here. I prefer the Mark 2/3 with the turret, but any model will do. […] The post The Ferret appeared first on Virtual Mirage.

Tonnes of ‘recycled’ European plastic pollute the oceans

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 18 hours ago
Researchers from National University of Ireland Galway and the University of Limerick have concluded that “Recycling of European plastic is a pathway for plastic debris in the ocean.” That’s the title of a study published this week in the journal Environment International, showing that much of the plastic supposedly recycled by the EU, UK, Switzerland and Norway actually ends up in the ocean.

The storm of protest in the United States

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 18 hours ago
ÖŞK: The protests started after George Floyd’s death continue all over the United States. Do you think these protests will fuel the will to organize among the working-class people? Can the energy coming out of the protests be persistent? What are the obstacles?

Open letter calling for the release of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 18 hours ago
On 8 June 2020, responding to a question in the House of Lords about the United Kingdom’s stance regarding the protection of journalists and press freedoms, Minister of State Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said, “Media freedom is vital to open societies. Journalists must be able to investigate and report without undue interference”.

40+ Rights Groups Call on UK to Free Julian Assange

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 18 hours ago
Dozens of press freedom, human rights, and privacy rights organizations across five continents have co-signed an open letter to the U.K. government, calling for the immediate release of imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The publisher, who turns 49 years old today in HMP Belmarsh, is facing extradition to the United States where he has been indicted under the Espionage Act for WikiLeaks’ 2010-11 publications of the Iraq War Logs, the Afghan War Diaries, and State Department cables. If convicted, Mr Assange would face up to 175 years in prison, “tantamount to a death senten... more »

GM groups call on the public: Ask Ministers to reject plans to de-regulate gene editing

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 18 hours ago
Three of the UK’s largest GM campaigns – GM Freeze, Beyond GM and GMWatch – have joined together to oppose an amendment to the Agriculture Bill that would give the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice, the power to change the definition of a GMO and re-classify many forms of gene editing as non-GM.

Gene Editing: Scientifically indefensible, anti-democratic, and harmful to trade

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 18 hours ago
An amendment has been tabled[1] in the UK House of Lords to the Agriculture Bill, seeking to change the definition of a genetically modified organism (GMO) in the UK’s Environmental Protection Act (1990) in order to exempt certain types of new genetic modification techniques, such as gene editing, from GMO regulations, within the context of “Agriculture Research”. This would mean that certain types of genetically modified organisms, including gene-edited ones, would escape safety checks and labelling. The Agriculture Bill will go to the committee stage in the House of Lords on 7 July.

Why America's Virginia-Class Is Really 5 Submarines In 1

Caleb Larson at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Caleb Larson* *Technology, Americas* So if they’re so different—why aren’t they a different class? *Here's What You Need To Remember: *New submarine classes have to undergo extensive testing and validation in order to be put into production. By implementing incremental changes and improvements in the design (and not just in the production process) the Navy is able to get better submarines out of shipyards and into the water much more quickly than would otherwise be possible. America’s Virginia-class submarines come in five “blocks,” and the latest hulls, block Vs, are essentia... more »

Yes, Mossberg MC1 Pistol Is Amazing. History Tells Us Why.

Peter Suciu at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Peter Suciu* *History, World* [image: https://cdn.athlonoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2019/01/mossberg-mc1sc-profile.jpg] Mossberg started did not start out as a shotgun maker. When O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc won the 2020 NRA Gold Bullseye Award for its Mossberg MC1pistol this past April, it may have come as a surprise to many shooters—because for the past century the company has been known for its shotguns. But in fact, when the company was founded in 1919 by Swedish immigrant Oscar Frederick Mossberg and after World War I, its first product was a handgun, not a shot... more »

The Five Greatest Firearms Inventors of the 19th Century

Peter Suciu at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Peter Suciu* *History, Europe* [image: https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-xshyi] While everyone knows the inventions of Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers—even if there is some debate whether they were actually the first to invent or the first to patent. Yet, no one knows exactly who invented the firearm—all that is known is that its origins in China go back more than 900 years. However, there are a handful of inventors and innovators that stand out from the rest. While everyone knows the inventions of Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and the Wri... more »

Why Donald Trump Should Think Twice About Moving U.S. Troops from Germany to Poland

Michael Rubin at The National Interest - 18 hours ago
*Michael Rubin* *Security, Europe* Poland is in the midst of a democratic backslide. Washington should do nothing that disincentivizes Poland’s increasingly dictatorial regime to return to democracy, even if it means forfeiting a base. As President Donald Trump plans to remove many U.S. forces from Germany, Poland is scrambling to welcome them. Poland has reason to fear Russia rising on its eastern flank but before committing further to Poland, U.S. policymakers should first consider whether moving troops to Poland would win a battle but lose the war. Defense against Russia is no... more »

How the coronavirus kills people – and how to stop it

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
We are six months on and it appears that best practise is steadily imnproving without any serious glitches. You can see that it is still a challenge to work with and that it really demands early testing. Not least because it is novel and does look like any number of colds and the like. THe real tip off is a low grade fever. Then you run to get tested. You may still have it with no fever, and you immune system is handling it. Not getting sick is good, but then you are a real unwitting carrier. hopefullly safe testing is soon available.. *How the coronavirus kills people –... more »

solar video 2010 to 2020

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
This is a beauty and it properly shows us the decline in sun spot activity, It is well worth the watching because it allows your mind to grasp it all while seeing the trend unfold. Much better than a chart which naturally loses possibly important information through the needed filters. .

Giant Flying Manta-Ray of Provo, Utah

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
We have had other stories of flying manta rays which are a sparse. That it could be a flight of bats is completely plausible. Starlings come close to doing much the same thing. So yes, this is more than good enough and is well linked to a bat colony as well. One can not ask for a better resolution.. *Giant Flying Manta-Ray of Provo, Utah* *Friday, June 26, 2020* *A witness reports seeing a 'gigantic black manta-ray' flying across the Provo, Utah sky. This sighting led to further reports of this bizarre cryptid.* *The following account was forwarded to me by Danny B. Stewar... more »

Lab Cultured Breast Milk?

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 18 hours ago
Does Gates actually look for markets most likely to produce consumer distrust? Almost everyone uses formula and it has been good enough, but it is not a best solution which the human body produces. For convenience we do have pumping technologies which likely need to be improved from what one can tell. My take home is that pumping breast milk out takes minutes at best with the right equipment. Cow based systems get it done in five minutes. All this places the product into storage mode allowing convenience. The actual convenience of formula is completly possible with breas... more »

Gap in homelessness help could force thousands back onto streets

Cat McShane at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism - 19 hours ago
Although the majority of those housed in hotels during the pandemic have no recourse to public funds, there is no national plan to help them stay off the streets

“A Scandal’: Contracts Show Trump Giving Big Pharma Free Rein to Price Gouge Taxpayer-Funded Coronavirus Drugs

Yves Smith at naked capitalism - 19 hours ago
Drug price gouging is so widespread in the US that it seems unlikely that there will be enough outrage to limit coronavirus drug price gouging.

Countries serious about climate change should leave the Energy Charter Treaty, says former ECT official

bilaterals.org - 19 hours ago
03-Jul-2020 Interview with Yamina Saheb, former head of unit in the Energy Charter Treaty Secretariat .

Les pays prenant le changement climatique au sérieux devraient quitter le Traité sur la Charte de l'énergie, selon une ancienne responsable du TCE

bilaterals.org - 19 hours ago
03-Jul-2020 Interview de Yamina Saheb, ancienne responsable de l'unité efficacité énergétique au secrétariat du Traité de la Charte de l'énergie entre 2018 et 2019.

“…the left is weaponizing science for its benefit.”

drinkingwateradvisor at The Drinking Water Advisor - 19 hours ago
“What’s really going on is that Birol is using his cachet as a prominent “expert” to push bogus claims to further his political agenda. Those goals also rather conveniently align with the wishes of Democrats and the liberal media.” click … Continue reading →

Infrastructure Ministry Delivers 39 Works in First Semester Despite Pandemic

Daniel Lopes de Alcantara at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Ministry of Infrastructure, headed by Captain Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, completed 39 deliveries in the first half of the year, 36 of which were inaugurated in the period. This represents R$3.5 billion (US$700 million) in value. The balance was . . . To read the full NEWS and much […] The post Infrastructure Ministry Delivers 39 Works in First Semester Despite Pandemic appeared first on The Rio Times.

Lake Erie wind turbines lethal threat to migratory birds

Bonner Cohen, Ph. D. at CFACT - 19 hours ago
The Icebreaker Wind project is situated on a north-south flyway for millions of birds that migrate over Lake Erie every spring and fall. The post Lake Erie wind turbines lethal threat to migratory birds appeared first on CFACT.

Analysis: Agrobusiness, the Part of Brazil Doing Well

Richard Mann at The Rio Times - 19 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - In recent months, 40-year-old Maurício De Bortoli, from Rio Grande do Sul, has been dedicated to deciphering colors. They help him interpret the soybean productivity on his 9,000-hectare farm in Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul. It is . . . To read the full NEWS and much more, Subscribe […] The post Analysis: Agrobusiness, the Part of Brazil Doing Well appeared first on The Rio Times.

Education 101: Don’t Open a New Charter School in the Middle of a Pandemic

Yves Smith at naked capitalism - 19 hours ago
A hard look at charter school misleading ads, racial segregation, and dodgy economics.

Funny Friday

Terry at 'Nox & Friends - 19 hours ago
~ From Terry ~ I couldn’t resist…… ~ From Foguth ~ Featuring Calvin The Deplorable ~ From RAD219 ~ Antifa Hunting I was so depressed last night thinking about COVID-19, the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Hotline. I got a call center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck. ~ From Felinity & SafeSpace ~ Nancy Pelosi was visiting a primary school in Tampa and visited a grade four class. They were in the middle of … Continue reading →

Indian boycott of Chinese goods would be against their own national interests

InfoBrics at The Duran - 20 hours ago
Chinese products cannot be replaced by Indian industries More The post Indian boycott of Chinese goods would be against their own national interests appeared first on The Duran.

Israel awaits US authorization to annex West Bank

InfoBrics at The Duran - 20 hours ago
Despite public pronouncements in defense of annexation, Washington has not given Israel carte blanche to start a military operation More The post Israel awaits US authorization to annex West Bank appeared first on The Duran.

The Elite Prevent the Bright Future of Humankind

Aleksandar Sarovic at The Duran - 20 hours ago
The elite oppress people The elite has emerged from the industrial revolution in the last three centuries. They dominate countries and people with the financial power they acquired. The elite have learned through history that suppressing people may initiate rebellion, which could take power from them and even their lives. They found it convenient to hide […] More The post The Elite Prevent the Bright Future of Humankind appeared first on The Duran.

The Dastardly Plot to Destroy American Democracy (Part 1)

John Hagan at The Duran - 20 hours ago
Rising to full height, which wasn’t much more that a tall midget and facing the august panel Cok Scumer read from his brief. “I should like to first point out to the panel that Cycel , born male, overcame great setbacks in life. Cycel being a transgendered individual and taking into account our Democratic Party’s […] More The post The Dastardly Plot to Destroy American Democracy (Part 1) appeared first on The Duran.

Palestinian Lives Matter

TheDarkMan at The Duran - 20 hours ago
While the murder of George Floyd provoked genuine public outrage, the death of this unfortunate individual has long since been hijacked by people who don’t really give a stuff about him or other blacks but are simply using it as a pretext for looting, wanton criminality, and an attack on America’s past. On July 4, […] More The post Palestinian Lives Matter appeared first on The Duran.

Gerald Töben (1944-2020)

TheDarkMan at The Duran - 20 hours ago
The death has been announced of the retired Australian academic Gerald Töben. Known to his friends as Fredrick, Dr Töben was a man of great character and personal courage who willingly suffered at the hands of a powerful political lobby in the quest for historical truth. Born in Germany, he emigrated to Australia as a […] More The post Gerald Töben (1944-2020) appeared first on The Duran.

Democratic Anarchy is the Future of Democracy

Aleksandar Sarovic at The Duran - 20 hours ago
Democracy must prevent politicians from hurting people and must force them to fulfill electoral promises. To achieve this goal, we have to build an efficient instrument that will make authorities responsible to people. We cannot count on the representatives of people to do it efficiently because they may get corrupted by the elite. For example, […] More The post Democratic Anarchy is the Future of Democracy appeared first on The Duran.

Pork Missile: Government fires cash at weapons-maker EOS in Battle for Eden-Monaro

Michelle Fahy at Michael West - 20 hours ago
[image: photo of Joint Light Tactical Vehicle with EOS weaponry] ACT remote weapons systems manufacturer, Electro Optic Systems Holdings, that has hitched its wagon to countries known to be engaged in gross violations of human rights and likely war crimes, wins big from the Coalition's weapons announcement, writes Michelle Fahy.

Melbourne's 3031 postcode is in the top four for COVID-19 cases this week, but isn't a 'hotspot'

Just In - 20 hours ago
Today, Victoria's Health Minister listed four postcodes that recorded the highest number of infections over the past week: 3064, 3047, 3031 and 3060. One of those is not locked down, but the Premier hasn't ruled it out.

Perth councillor set up sham lease to commit electoral fraud, police allege

Jessica Warriner at Just In - 20 hours ago
A former Perth City councillor is charged over alleged fraud following a police investigation into misconduct at the council.

How Speaking Out blazed a trail in telling First Nations stories

Jai McAllister at Just In - 20 hours ago
For the past 30 years, the Speaking Out team has covered every major turning point in Indigenous affairs. And from the start — unlike many other programs on the ABC — it has been produced and presented by Indigenous broadcasters.

Flag-wielding man becomes first charged with inciting terrorism under new Hong Kong laws

Just In - 20 hours ago
A motorcyclist who rode into police carrying a flag emblazoned with the slogan "Liberate Hong Kong" is the first person charged with inciting separatism and terrorism under new laws imposed on Hong Kong.

Queensland police warn against attempts to smuggle in travellers from Victoria during coronavirus border ban

Allyson Horn at Just In - 20 hours ago
The Queensland Premier says police have expressed concerns about Victorians being smuggled over the Queensland border as concealed passengers of cars and trucks, flouting coronavirus restrictions.

Victoria Police sergeant charged with arson over alleged insurance scam fire

Danny Tran at Just In - 20 hours ago
Internal investigators charge Jonathon Edward Miller with two counts of arson after he allegedly set fire to his girlfriend's investment property for the insurance money.

'This will be difficult. Work with us': Shock move as existing Queensland border passes rendered invalid

Mark Zita at Just In - 20 hours ago
As part of stage 3 restrictions introduced across Queensland at midday, existing border passes are no longer valid. Here's why you need to get a new pass.

Melbourne only option for 2021 Australian Open

Just In - 20 hours ago
The Australian Open will only take place in Melbourne in 2021, despite the coronavirus spike in the state.

Things are looking a little bit different at Canberra Stadium this weekend

Brett McKay at Just In - 20 hours ago
The gates of Canberra Stadium have reopened, with the Raiders facing the Dragons, and the Brumbies kicking off against the Rebels.

Punters hit the streets as venues throw open their doors to welcome further easing of restrictions

Tim Swanston at Just In - 20 hours ago
Pubs across Queensland are welcoming back patrons eager to enjoy the freedoms of a pre-pandemic world as stage three eased restrictions kicked in at midday.

ASX closes higher, Westpac admits to underpaying staff $8 million

Sue Lannin And Stephanie Chalmers at Just In - 20 hours ago
Australian shares claw back in late trade, while Westpac is the latest major Australian company to admit to underpaying staff, saying it owes 8,000 employees long-service-leave entitlements.

Trump's Worst Nightmare: Could Iran's Navy Be On Its Way To Nuclear Submarines?

Caleb Larson at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Caleb Larson* *Technology, Middle East* Is this possible? *Here's What You Need To Remember: *Questions of feasibility aside, Iran’s anti-access/area-denial strategy relies on using cheap, easy to produce, plentiful weapons against a much more technologically advanced enemy. At sea, this likely means the United States Navy. Against American aircraft carriers and destroyers, Iran doesn’t need an expensive, hard to maintain nuclear powered submarine—it needs seamines, and lots of them. Which it already has. In 2018, Iran informed the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, the International At... more »

Special Privileges: Why Only Israel Can Tinker With America's F-35s

Caleb Larson at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Caleb Larson* *Security, Middle East* Israel secured a number of contractual rights from Lockheed-Martin that make their F-35I variants optimized for conflicts in the Middle East. *Here's What You Need To Remember: **Israel’s unique geopolitical situation in the Middle East* necessitates a rapid domestic-repair capability. In the event of a regional conflict, Israel could require rapid on-site repairs to keep their F-35I fleet in the air. Although the requisite technician training tooling installation won’t happen overnight, Israel is the only F-35 partner country with a domesti... more »

Israel's Missile Force Could Easily Kill Millions of People in Minutes

Caleb Larson at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Caleb Larson* *Security, * Nuclear missiles and more. *Here's What You Need To Remember: *Although never officially acknowledged, Israel has widely considered a nuclear power. Though the Popeye Turbo and Jericho 3 are the likely nuclear delivery vehicles, Israel’s non-nuclear missile umbrella is also quite impressive. Enemies beware. Israel’s missile capabilities are perhaps among the most advanced in the Middle East. Through extensive aid from the United States and Europe, as well as collaboration in developing missiles, Israel has been able to nurture a mature domestic missil... more »

Watch Out, Glock: The Faxon FX-19 Pistol Is Coming for the Throne

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Americas* [image: https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2018%3Anewsml_RC112C772810&share=true] A great upset? *Key point:* Glock is the long-reigning king. However, this new contender is one for everyone to pay attention to.. The Glock is America’s most popular pistol. Used by almost every branch of the military and over 70 percent of police departments nationwide, the pistol is practically the gold standard from which all other modern pistols are judged. But with the popularity comes the clones. While attempts to mimic the Glock ori... more »

What If the Air Force Arms Its B-1 Bombers With Hypersonic Missiles?

Caleb Larson at The National Interest - 20 hours ago
*Caleb Larson* *Security, Americas* [image: https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C1999%3Anewsml_RP1DRILLGWAB&share=true] It would be a powerful combo. *Key Point: *These bombers are some of the best. If hypesonics are an important part of future war, why not add them to the plane's weapons? After the Cold War, the B-1 platform lost a clear mission, their specific role was no longer needed. In Afghanistan they found a new calling as a ground-attack, close air-support platform, thanks to a high weapon load out, and long loiter times. Fast forward to today. The... more »

Russian Bounty Killing Forces Trump’s Hands On Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan

M. K. BHADRAKUMAR at OrientalReview.org - 20 hours ago
As expected, the controversy over Russia’s alleged bounties for killing American and NATO troops in Afghanistan is steadily snowballing. The New York Times has come out with more leaks such as bank transfers from accounts identified with the Russian military intelligence to the Taliban, “hawala” transactions as well as the […]

Celeste Solum — “The Art & Magic Of Deception: Published Classified Docs Coming True Right Now”

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 20 hours ago
diamondisc Important article links: https://theintercept.com/2014/02/24/j… https://theintercept.com/document/201… – Celeste Solum – “The Art & Magic Of Deception: Published Classified Docs Coming True Right Now” – Update 6/24/20 end

For Israel, Iran Strike Could Be Back On The Table

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 20 hours ago
For Israel, Iran Strike Could Be Back On The Table by Associated Press, https://www.israelhayom.com/ While Israel has kept a low profile since the US killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last Friday, it will be difficult to remain on the sidelines if Iran follows through on its pledge to step away from the nuclear accord. …
( I'm flummoxed. I can't see an "Iran Strike" as ever being "off the table" - any more than I would expect the Golan Heights to revert to outside control )

Every Man for Themselves Will Soon Be the Order of the Day! America is Teetering On Collapse!! Bob Griswold and Dave Hodges

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 20 hours ago
Every Man for Themselves Will Soon Be the Order of the Day! America is Teetering On Collapse!! Bob Griswold and Dave Hodges by Dave Hodges, https://thecommonsenseshow.com/ All hands on deck! The great empire known as the United States is no more. Even Angela Merkel recently stated that very soon, America will no longer be a …

NEW: God Bless the U.S.A - Lee Greenwood, Home Free and The Singing Sergeants...

Adrienne at Adrienne's Corner - 20 hours ago
*released June 30.* There is so much on my mind right now, I'm incapable of sorting it out into a coherent post. Adding to the muddle is the over 25 articles I've tucked into OneTab just today for future reference - joining about 300 other reference articles. For instance, at Breitbart this morning there was a snippet (6:59) video of an *Ezra Levant interview with Joel Pollak*, Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart. It was a *very* sobering look at the future of the U.S.A., and the importance of the upcoming election. Also this morning, Brian C.Joondeph, MD, at American Thinker, a... more »

Beyond Ending Conflict in Africa, We Must Tackle its Root Causes

Jul 03 (IPS) - Hanna Tetteh is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union. As head of the UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU), she spoke with Africa Renewal's Kingsley Ighobor on, among other issues, the current state of the UN-AU partnership and how women and young people can help resolve conflict. Read the full story, “Beyond Ending Conflict in Africa, We Must Tackle its Root Causes”, on globalissues.org →

Institute of Race Relations fortnightly digest (17 June – 1 July 2020)

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 20 hours ago
2 July 2020 — Institute of Race Relations If you suddenly move hundreds of extremely vulnerable people, en masse, together in vans, out of safe, self-contained flats where they could cook for themselves, giving them less than an hour’s notice, to shared accommodation in hotels where social distancing is impossible, at the same time withdrawing … Continue reading Institute of Race Relations fortnightly digest (17 June – 1 July 2020)