The View
10:30pm MST
10:30pm MST
Some Thoughts On Tonight's North Korean Nuclear Test
*WNU Editor*: With this North Korean nuclear test .... the Iran - Saudi Arabia war of words is going to take a back seat for the next day or two. There is still no word from the White House on today's test .... but Asian countries are quickly condemning what has happened. China is still quiet. No word from Russia. I am sceptical that this was a Hydrogen bomb test. I was told a long time ago that only a few people in the world (about 300) understood the physics and engineering required to assemble a Hydrogen bomb. This is in contrast to assembling an atomic bomb, where there are ... more »
U.S. Army Troops Trapped Amid Afghan Firefight
Over a dozen U.S. Army troops have been left trapped in Marjah, Afghanistan, amid enemy fire by Taliban fighters after a U.S. special operations soldier was killed earlier on. Enemy forces surround the compound the soldiers are taking cover in, as they wait for backup over night. Foxnews.com reports: A U.S. official described the “harrowing” scene to Fox News, saying there were enemy forces surrounding the compound in which the special operations team sought refuge. “On the map there is one green dot representing friendly forces stuck in the compound, and around it is a sea of red ... more »
New Study Says Fracking Wastewater Causes Cancer
A new scientific study published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology has proved that fracking wastewater causes cancer in humans. The paper titled, Malignant human cell transformation of Marcellus Shale gas drilling flow back water, confirms the suspicions already held by many people – that fracking pollution is carcinogenic. Scott.net reports: The new collaborative study was conducted by scientists at esteemed institutions in both the U.S. and China and found that so-called “flow back” fracking wastewater induced malignant changes in human bronchial epithelial cells consistent ... more »
North Korea Conducted A Successful SLBM Test Last Month
Photograph of a SLBM test launch released by Pyongyang in May, 2015. Yonhap 38 North: *North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Full Steam Ahead* *A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr.* Reports of a North Korean “ejection” test of the Bukkeukseong-1 (Polaris-1, KN-11) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on December 21, 2015, appear to be supported by new commercial satellite imagery of the Sinpo South Shipyard. This imagery also indicates that despite reports of a failed test in late November 2015 North Korea is continuing to actively pursu... more »
2016-- And The GOP Is Still Playing Their Voters For Fools Over Obamacare And Planned Parenthood
Rubio has been boasting on the campaign trail and on Hate Talk Radio that he killed Obamacare. Since it isn't dead, he must be lying. Although he is trying. What he's trying to do is to lead an effort to deny requests to reimburse big insurers some $2.5 billion for unexpected losses suffered in 2014, which falls under a key Affordable Care Act provision known as risk corridors, included to help insurance companies that suffer higher-than-expected losses. Rubio with a cynical ploy persuaded Republicans to insist on "budget neutrality" and has engineered a $2.5 billion loss to insur... more »
Untitled
*From* *Jenna Orkin* A "Perfect Storm Is Coming" Deutsche Warns As Baltic Dry Falls To New Record Low Big banks are joining forces with the firms that were supposed to be disrupting them Russia and China are drastically scaling up their presence in Antarctica The Italian Mob Is To Blame For Naples' High Cancer Rates Whereas in the rest of the world, it's often the government. But who wants to defend the mob against a smear campaign? - JO Syrian Residents Are Starving To Death Inside Besieged Town Germany In Shock After "Monstrous" Attacks, Rape By 1,000 Men "Of Arab Or North African ... more »
Why The Pentagon Is Worried That North Korea Has Conducted A Nuclear Test
*Charles Tiefer, Fortune:* *North Korean Nuclear Test: Six More Worries for the Pentagon* North Korea’s underground test of an atomic bomb is worrisome enough in itself. But, further, it means facing a whole group of potentially alarming developments. Specifically, it increases six types of concerns that have been growing in 2015. *1. Growing arsenal – 10? 20? More?* The U.S. used to have a relatively benign view that the North Korean nuclear arsenal amounted to some ten atomic bombs. But, contact with Chinese academics in 2014 has led to a realization that in China, there is a ... more »
New Year Assaults by Apparent Immigrants Spark New Debate in Germany
[image: A woman protests against sexism outside the cathedral in Cologne, Germany, Tuesday Jan. 5, 2016. Poster reads " Mrs. Merkel. Where are you? What do you say? It's scary". German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced outrage Tuesday at a series of sexual assaults in the western city of Cologne on New Year's Eve, saying the perpetrators need to be found as soon as possible. Merkel called Cologne's mayor Henriette Reker to express her concern about the assaults, which took place around Cologne's main train station, next to the city's famous cathedral.] BERLIN (AP) -- A string of sex as... more »
Montage: In 33-Minute Speech on Guns, Obama Refers to Himself 76 Times
[image: Obama] While announcing his new executive actions on guns, President Obama spoke today about the pain of having to give speeches after mass shootings. He also spoke about meeting Gabby Giffords shortly after she was shot, and noted that she opened... Continue reading *“Montage: In 33-Minute Speech on Guns, Obama Refers to Himself 76 Times”* at *grabien.com*.
BREAKING NEWS: North Korea Has Conducted A Nuclear Test. Claims It Was A Hydrogen Bomb
*Daily Mail: **BREAKING NEWS: North Korea confirms it has launched a 'successful' HYDROGEN BOMB test causing 5.1 magnitude man made earthquake * * Sizeable tremor recorded 30 miles from the Punggye-ri nuclear test site * Chinese and South Korean officials say tremor appears to be man-made * US Geological Survey reading sparks worry that atomic weapon involved * Epicentre was 30 miles north west of Kilju city in north east of the country North Korea today conducted a 'successful' hydrogen bomb test, Pyongyang has confirmed. The detonation of the thermonuclear weapon triggered a massi... more »
Inside The Islamic State's Terror Weapons Lab
*SKY News*: *Exclusive: Inside IS Terror Weapons Lab* Experts describe the footage obtained by Sky News of a "jihadi technical college" as an intelligence gold mine. Terror group Islamic State is employing scientists and weapons experts to train jihadists to carry out sophisticated "spectacular" attacks in Europe, while also modifying weapons systems capable of targeting passenger jets and military aircraft. From a "jihadi university" in the Syrian city of Raqqa, the scientists have stunned western weapons experts by producing a homemade thermal battery for surface-to-air missile... more »
US Pacific Fleet Shrinks As China’s Military Grows
[image: FILE - This Oct. 17, 2015 file photo shows a U.S. Navy fighter jet approaching to land on the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt during Exercise Malabar 2015 about 150 miles off Chennai, India. The U.S. Pacific Fleet is smaller than it was in the 1990s, helping fuel a debate about whether the U.S. has enough ships to meet challenges posed by fast-growing and increasingly assertive Chinese naval forces. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K., File)] PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) -- The U.S. Pacific Fleet is shrinking even as the U.S. and its allies are facing challenges posed by ... more »
Twitter Suspends Account of Oregon Militia Leader Ammon Bundy
[image: Ammon Bundy] The Twitter social media site on Tuesday restored the suspended the account of Ammon Bundy, the Nevada rancher who is leading a group of armed men occupying federal buildings at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. On Tuesday afternoon,... Continue reading *“Twitter Suspends Account of Oregon Militia Leader Ammon Bundy”* at *usatoday.com*.
New Navy Leader: Nukes ‘Foundational to our Survival’
[image: Those who have been marveling at Donald Trump's political showmanship were given a reminder of who is the top showman of them all, when President Barack Obama went on television to make a pitch for his unilateral actions to restrict gun sales and make a more general case for tighter gun control laws.] WASHINGTON (AP) -- In his blueprint for a stronger Navy, the sea service’s new top boss, Adm. John M. Richardson, is blunt about what he thinks matters most: nuclear punch. Battling terrorists is today’s problem, but in looking toward a... more »
Islamic State has lost 30 Percent of Its Territory in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Says
[image: In this Monday, Jan. 4, 2016 photo, smoke rises from Islamic State positions following a U.S.-led coalition airstrike in Ramadi, 70 miles (115 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq. Islamic State had captured Ramadi in May, in one of its biggest advances since the U.S.-led coalition began striking the group in 2014. Recapturing the city, which is the provincial capital of Anbar, provided a major morale boost for Iraqi forces. (AP Photo)] BAGHDAD (AP) -- The U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group said Tuesday that the militants have lost 30 percent of the territory th... more »
Gun Sales Soar after Obama Calls for New Restrictions
[image: gun sales] More guns were sold in December than almost any other month in nearly two decades, continuing a pattern of spikes in sales after terrorist attacks and calls for stricter gun-buying laws, according to federal data released on Monday. The heaviest... Continue reading *“Gun Sales Soar after Obama Calls for New Restrictions”* at *nytimes.com*.
America, They Are Now Definitely Going For Your Guns - Criminal US President Gives BS Speech And Sheds Fake Tears For Gun Control!
Lets face it... The American people have been inundated by the liars in the Jew spew media, and their own government. throwing the constant bullshit propaganda of fake "shootings" over the last while, with the agenda and ultimate goal being that the American people will stupidly and gullibly surrender their last line of defence from a tyrannical government, which is of course their guns.... It is sad that most of the American people do not understand the meaning of their 2nd Amendment and how it was put into place to prevent their republic from becoming a dictatorship! Just today, I... more »
Franklin Graham Explains His ‘Campaign for God’
[image: Franklin Graham] Evangelist Franklin Graham is launching a nationwide effort to urge Christians to get out and vote in 2016, but the son of the legendary Billy Graham isn’t backing any one candidate or party, insisting his aim is to launch a... Continue reading *“Franklin Graham Explains His ‘Campaign for God’”* at *nbcnews.com*.
Is The Obama Administration Favouring Iran Over Saudi Arabia?
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) and U.S. President Barack Obama are greeted upon their arrival on Marine One for a meeting with Saudi King Abdullah at Rawdat al-Khraim (Desert Camp) near Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, March 28, 2014. REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE *Josh Rogin and Eli Lake, Bloomberg:* *Obama’s Middle East Balancing Act Tilts Toward Iran* As the cold war between Iran and Saudi Arabia heats up, the Barack Obama administration is trying to straddle the fence and not take sides, but its actions tell a different story -- they all seem to favor Tehran. Following the Saudi gover... more »
2016 And Wasserman Schultz Is Still Head Of The DNC!
Roots Action came up with a great way to launch 2016-- removing Debbie Wasserman Schultz as chair of the DNC. A better idea, though not as feasible, would have been to travel back in time and warn Obama what would happen if he followed Rahm Emanuel's terrible advise and appointed her to the job. They reached almost 20,000 signatories in 2 days! Washerman Schultz first came to my attention when, as a Florida state senator, she drew her own future congressional district-- making it as "Jewish" as she could-- in return for giving Republicans in the state legislature unfair and unwarr... more »
Musical Interlude: Kevin Kern, “Another Realm”
Kevin Kern, “Another Realm” - https://www.youtube.com/
"We May Be..."
“We may be in the Universe as dogs and cats are in our libraries, seeing the books and hearing the conversation, but having no inkling of the meaning of it all.” - William James (1908)
"A Look to the Heavens"
"The majestic Lagoon Nebula is filled with hot gas and the home for many young stars. Spanning 100 light years across while lying only about 5000 light years distant, the Lagoon Nebula is so big and bright that it can be seen without a telescope toward the constellation of the Archer (Sagittarius). Many bright stars are visible from NGC 6530, an open cluster that formed in the nebula only several million years ago. The greater nebula, also known as M8 and NGC 6523, is named "Lagoon" for the band of dust seen to the right of the open cluster's center. *Click image for larger size.* T... more »
Chet Raymo, "Final Exam: Philosophy 101"
*"Final Exam: Philosophy 101"* by Chet Raymo "Among the collected aphorisms of the poet Wallace Stevens is this: "The thing seen becomes the thing unseen. The opposite is, or seems to be, impossible." Discuss. The first question to ask is whether this aphorism, or any of Mr. Stevens aphorisms, means anything at all. Stevens is known for his tricky opacity, his oblique glance, his wry twists. All of this sometimes makes him seem profound, and fine fodder for the critic, but one has to ask: Does it really add up to a hill of beans? And the answer, I think, is: Yes. It does add up to... more »
Regulator quietly shelves inquiry into banking culture. Another victory for the bank lobby
Chris has it all explained by a banker... SOURCE BBC NEWS: Banking culture inquiry shelved by regulator FCA The FCA had planned to look at whether pay, promotion or other incentives had contributed to scandals involving banks in the UK and abroad. The Treasury denies involvement in the decision - which some commentators have suggested was politically motivated. Banks around the world have
European Tinder Box
The Zero Hedge headline is designed to shock: Germany In Shock After "Monstrous" Attacks, Rape By 1,000 Men "Of Arab Or North African Origin", Zero Hedge January 5, 2016, http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-01-05/germany-shock-after-monstrous-attacks-rape-1000-men-arab-or-north-african-origin ZeroHedge references BBC coverage of the event. Here is an excerpt: Germany shocked by Cologne New Year gang assaults on women, BBC January 5, 2015, accessed January 5, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35231046 What is particularly disturbing is that the attacks appear to have been ... more »
Dr. Seuss, "The Waiting Place"
*"The Waiting Place"* "…for people just waiting. Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or the waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting. Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for the wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting. NO! That's not ... more »
The Daily "Near You?"
Banting, Selangor, Malaysia. Thanks for stopping by!
Speaking Truth to Militarized America
Posted by Bruce Gagnon on Tuesday, January 5, 2016
The House Of Saud Is A Western Plot To Control The Middle East
The House of Saud isn’t exactly what it appears to be, as the Saudi Arabia royal family was actually born out of a zionist Western plot to exert control over the Middle East on behalf of the UK and U.S. The west wished to dominate the Arabian Peninsula, with its vast oil reserves and geopolitical advantages offered by its highly sought after location, and they have done exactly that. Stateofthenation2012.com reports: The original conspiracy to dominate the Arabian Peninsula was hatched by a rogue Zionist clan that murdered and killed, pillaged and plundered, bribed and blackmailed i... more »
India Is Under Attack
A few days ago Pakistani forces infiltrated the Indian airforce base on the western border. And more recently there was news of an Indian consulate in Afghanistan coming under attack. These provocations run a very real risk of war if India retaliates against Pakistan. That war could go nuclear as Pakistan previously declared that any attack by Indian forces would lead to a nuclear retaliation. Here are some events showing that India has been under attack recently: Pathankot: Gunmen attack India air force base near Pakistan border Five attackers and three members of the security forc... more »
"Why You're Always Right: The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind"
"Why You're Always Right: The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind" by Rith "Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you." - Richard Bach "No. I'm not talking about indignant righteousness that usually happens when you have to be right because you can't stand losing an argument and want to stand your ground (hey it happens to the best of us). I'm talking about something profoundly powerful… You see, the job of our subconscious mind is to obey the directions of what the conscious mind repeatedly think... more »
Who Would Win In A Saudi - Iran War?
*Harold Hutchison, Daily Caller:* *Who Would Win In A Saudi Arabia vs. Iran Showdown?* With the growing tensions in the Persian Gulf after the Saudi embassy in Tehran was stormed and set on fire in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s execution of a Shia cleric, Americans ought to take notice. Five of the top seven oil producing nations are in the region of the Persian Gulf. So, even though fracking has helped increase American oil reserves to a 42-year high, things could get rocky if Iran and Saudi Arabia go to war. How bad could it get? Well, keep in mind, in the Iran-Iraq War back in the... more »
Jan. 5: Just thinkin'
Norbert Cunningham, the noted columnist and education authority who writes for the Irving press, has read a book. I'm so happy. It's a book by Stephen Pinker on how the level of violence has been declining in the world for centuries. (Actually, Norbert, Pinker spells his first name 'Steven'.) Hitler wrote a book, too. So did Mao. I can't wait for Norbert's column on those. Now, Professor Pinker undoubtedly has a first-rate mind. But even first-rate minds can have failings. That's why good newspapers have book review sections. People read those to get a general idea of how experts ... more »
"There Are Some Things..."
“There are some things which cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring. They are the very simplest things and because it takes a man's life to know them the little new that each man gets from life is very costly and the only heritage he has to leave.” - Ernest Hemingway, “Death in the Afternoon”
Biomedical Science Studies SHOCKINGLY Hard to Reproduce
*Smithsonian * Considering rampant fraud & agenda pushing alongside a complete agenda of exploitation for maximum profit extraction in the medical industry, the* inability to reproduce so called scientific studies is NOT shocking *in the least. I'll highlight the sad truth behind* medisin* and it's manipulations But over the past several years,* a growing contingent of scientists has begun to question the accepted veracity of published research*—even after it's cleared the hurdles of peer review and appears in widely respected journals. *The problem is a pervasive inability to rep... more »
“Sipping Champagne on the Titanic: Twenty Billionaires Own More Than the Bottom Half of Americans”
*“Sipping Champagne on the Titanic: * *Twenty Billionaires Own More Than the Bottom Half of Americans”* By Rivera Sun "The new Institute for Policy Studies report "Billionaire Bonanza: The Forbes 400 and the Rest of Us" is out. I printed a copy, started reading and promptly threw it against the wall in fury and disgust. How can the wealthy be so cruel? How can there be 400 billionaires so self-absorbed in their fortunes and greed that they cannot see the sea of suffering that surrounds them? They are sitting in the 16 lifeboats of the ill-fated Titanic wearing mink coats, diamonds... more »
Obama Struggles To Explain America’s Allegiance To Saudi Arabia
The Obama administration have refused to publicly condemn the execution of a dissident cleric who challenged the Saudi royal family, amid fears that speaking out could damage U.S.-Saudi relations. When pressed to condemn al-Nimr’s execution, officials at the White House only went as far as to say they wished “calm on all sides“. Irishtimes.com reports: The United States has usually looked the other way or issued carefully calibrated warnings in human rights reports as the Saudi royal family cracked down on dissent and free speech and allowed its elite to fund Islamic extremists. In... more »
Scientists: Trees Near Fukushima Have Mutated, People May Be Next
Japanese scientists have revealed that up to 90% of fir trees in forests surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant show signs of mutations and abnormality. Insects sampled in a town over 50 kilometers from the disaster zone also showed signs of having deformed or missing legs. Scientists are said to be worried that these deformities are a precursor to what is in store for the Japanese people. Nsnbc.me reports: Japanese scientists are reluctant to comment on the record. Several attempts by nsnbc to reach out resulted in off-protocol confirmations of suspicions and refere... more »
Trump Vows To Spy On Israel To Make America ‘Strong’ Again
US presidential candidate Donald Trump has said that he is open to the possibility of “spying on Israel” if he becomes President. Trump was asked by CBS News for his views on the NSA spying on Israel in order to obtain information to counter Netanyahu’s anti-Iran nuclear deal campaign. Trump said that if he were President, he would probably do the same. He told the Sunday morning news program, “I have to say this. We’re being spied on by everybody. And it’s terrible what is going on in that whole thing. We find out that we’re being spied on by them. And they’re being spied — everyth... more »
ACLU Bullies School into Ending ‘God Bless America’ Tradition
[image: Child, Grief, American Flag] For more than a decade boys and girls at Glenview Elementary School would start the day by gathering on the playground to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The children of Haddon Heights, New Jersey would conclude their patriotic service by... more »
The Case for Civil Disobedience in Oregon
[image: Oregon protest - 400] Watching the news yesterday, a person could be forgiven for thinking that a small group of Americans had literally lost their minds. Militias are marching through Oregon on behalf of convicted arsonists? A small band of armed men has taken... Continue reading *“The Case for Civil Disobedience in Oregon”* at *nationalreview.com*.
GAIA PORTAL: Settlements in Gaia energetics have formed and establishments empowered.
*Settlements in Gaia energetics have formed and establishments empowered.* by ÉirePort Settlements in Gaia energetics have formed and establishments empowered. Technicalities are of no consequence to shadow energetics. Listing of consorts is pronounced. Sources have aligned. ÉirePort | January 5, 2016 at 09:09 | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p2sFUY-wV
Oklahoma Ordered To Cut Fracking After Unsual Spike In Earthquakes
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission have issued an order to reduce fracking by 50% due to a recent spike in earthquake activity, which they say is a direct result of fracking activity. At least a dozen earthquakes hit Oklahoma City in less than a week last week, which officials say is ‘highly unusual’. Yahoo News reports: “We are working with researchers on the entire area of the state involved in the latest seismic activity to plot out where we should go from here,” Oil and Gas Conservation Division Director Tim Baker said, adding that responding to the swarm of earthquakes in the... more »
Obama’s Gun Control Executive Order May Restrict Private Gun Sales
President Obama has signed an executive order on gun control that requires private individuals to obtain a Federal Firearms License before selling their gun. The new gun control laws were rushed through by Obama who bypassed Congress in order to implement stricter rules following the recent San Bernardino shooting. Freebeacon.com reports: The action, officials explained, would include guidance on how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives will now determine who is “engaged in the business” of selling firearms under federal law and, therefore, who is required to ob... more »
UK Parliament Schedule Debate On Whether Or Not To Ban Trump
British MPs have decided to hold a debate in Parliament about whether U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump should be allowed into the UK following a petition that attracted 565,000 signatures calling for Trump to be barred from the UK. The House of Commons petitions committee announced that a debate would be held on January 18th, in Parliament’s secondary debating chamber. Politico.eu reports: A rival petition opposing a ban has been signed by nearly 40,000 people. It will also be debated. In December, the government said it “may exclude” someone if their presence is “non-conduc...more »
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 5, 2015
Supporters of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr protest against the execution of Shi'ite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia, during a demonstration in Najaf, Iraq January 4, 2016. REUTERS/ALAA AL-MARJANI *Angus McDowall, Reuters*: *New Saudi-Iran crisis threatens wider escalation* The last time Saudi Arabia broke off ties with Iran, after its embassy in Tehran was stormed by protesters in 1988, it took a swing in the regional power balance in the form of Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait to heal the rift. It is hard to see how any lesser development could resolve the r... more »
World News Briefs -- January 5, 2016 (Evening Edition)
*Spiegel Online:* *New Year's Eve Attacks: Dozens of Women Sexually Assaulted in Cologne* Dozens of women celebrating New Year's Eve in Cologne have said they were the victims of sexual assault. With a group of men with North African and Middle Eastern appearances under suspicion, the incident threatens to augment growing concern over Germany's refugee policies. German politicians and officials are voicing concern on Tuesday over reports that dozens of women were harassed and groped in the heart of Cologne on New Year's Eve by a large group of men on the crowded square in front o... more »
New Face Of ISIS Terror Is A Former British Bouncy Castle Salesman
The masked man who featured in the latest ISIS video, showing the apparent killing of five men accused of being western spies, is thought to be a former Londoner who used to work in the child entertainment business. The new face of Islamic State terror is believed to be Siddhartha Dha, a former Arsenal fan from north London known as Sid, who used to sell inflatable bouncy castles as a living before changing to a more gruesome profession. Gawker reports: Dhar was apparently identified by his former friends and family after ISIS released video of a masked man killing prisoners accused ... more »
Atlanta to Feature New School Aimed at Gay and Transgendered Kids
[image: gay and transgendered] A private school opening in Atlanta says it is going to be a first-of-its-kind school targeted specifically at gay, bisexual and transgender teenagers. Pride School Atlanta says it hopes to appeal to students who feel bullied or isolated for their...more »
New Years Day: A Walk on the Wild Side
*Slozo: I'm sharing my experience with you and everyone else here to enjoy* *New Years Day 2016- Short Hills Provincial Park* *Hubby- snowing upon arrival* love this falls downstream Sunset through the Pines*My idea of an awesome day!* *Don't Miss:* Former PM Harper's Bandmate Sentenced for Pedophilia
Dutchsinse:Hammond + Bundy "Ranches" -- Volcanoes, Gold, URANIUM + BLM / Government
The whole thing in Eastern Oregon has smelled bad to me. Smells like hmmm.. Ruby Ridge, with a tinge of the Montana Freeman infiltration and setup by the FBI (btw many of the Freeman were former US Marshalls who KNEW the laws as patriots), and then there's Janet Reno burning down WACO compound and frying children, to save the children and all that. And then there's the Bundy's The Sequel, coming to a ranching situation not their own. Something off in that. Sounds like someone cut a deal to create a scene for perhaps some slack on an earlier confrontation? Did you know tha... more »
Might this open up an avenue to cure a whole host of genetic diseases and disorders?
Members of the UT Southwestern team whose research successfully halted progression of a form of muscular dystrophy in mice included (l-r) Dr. Chengzu Long, Dr. Eric Olson, Dr. Rhonda Bassel-Duby, Dr. Leonela Amoasii, John Shelton, and Alex Mireault. If this really results in a cure for a disease — in this case Duchenne muscular dystrophy — and not just a reduction in symptoms, the breakthrough reported by Science Daily is huge news: *Using a new gene-editing technique, a team of scientists from UT Southwestern Medical Center stopped progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)... more »
Memphis Schools Matter: Details on ASD's Rigged Takeover of Memphis School...
Memphis Schools Matter: Details on ASD's Rigged Takeover of Memphis School...: from the Commercial Appeal : Less than 1.5 percentage points — That's the margin by which the Hillcrest High School Neighborhood Advi... more »
We Already Know Exactly What The Republicans Plan To Do To The Economy. Bernie Has A Different Idea
Today, *The Economist* took a helpful look at the American tax system-- short version: "American taxes are a mess"-- and at the Republican candidates' proposals to reform the system. The conclusion is that all of the GOP tax proposals are exorbitant. The Republican plans are not achievable. All propose to lower the top rate, currently 39.6% (Bush to 28%, Herr Trumpf, the most costly and ridiculous of all the proposals, to 25%; Cruz wants to institute a 10% flat tax and a 16% national sales tax) and all would cripple the government and, eventually, the economy. None of their propos... more »
‘Darth Nino': Powerful El Nino Storms Begin Pounding the West Coast
[image: El Nino - 900] SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Californians were warned against abandoning conservation efforts Tuesday as several weeks of storms spawned by El Nino began hitting the West Coast. Heavy rain and snow are welcome after four years of drought in California, despite their... more »
Greed Ain't Good
For those of you who missed it in the *New York Times* and on cable TV, here's Bernie Sanders in the Big Apple today, calling for the breakup of the banks. (Only kidding about the coverage in the corporate media: there was none. The media were too busy taking a group swim in Obama's coincidentally-timed tears.) - It's interesting that for all the rumors of his lack of support among black voters, Bernie was rousingly introduced by his "twin," State Senator James Sanders of New York, who happens to be black. "In New York City, we're starting to feel the Bern!" he said. So... more »
Midday Musical Interlude: Leonard Cohen, “Everybody Knows”
Leonard Cohen, “Everybody Knows” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lin-a2lTelg *"Everybody Knows"* "Everybody knows that the dice are loaded, Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed . Everybody knows that the war is over, Everybody knows the good guys lost. Everybody knows the fight was fixed The poor stay poor, the rich get rich, That's how it goes, Everybody knows. Everybody knows that the boat is leaking, Everybody knows that the captain lied. Everybody got this broken feeling Like their father or their dog just died. Everybody talking to their pockets, Everybody wants a ...more »
"How It Really Is"
"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." - Benjamin Franklin
Former PM Harper's Bandmate Sentenced for Pedophilia
*The media isn't using the pedophile word, but, that's what he is. * * Following up on this previous post:* PM Harper's drummer charged with sexual assaults. On children*Sentenced* *Phil Nolan* —* who played drums in former prime minister Stephen Harper’s band until the sins of his past caught up with him *— got two years in prison Monday after pleading guilty in October to two counts of sexual interference. Disgraced teacher Phillip Nolan leaves the Ottawa courthouse on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 after pleading guilty to counts of sexual interference involving a 13-year-old former stu... more »
Married At First Sight Explains Why Americans Can’t Commit
[image: Married at First Sight - 402] Finding love is hard. Making love deepen and last is even harder. If reality TV is any indication, love has gone off the rails in America. Contrary to so much of what women read about modern romance, the men on... Continue reading *“Married At First Sight Explains Why Americans Can’t Commit”* at *thefederalist.com*.
Jesse Marcel Conundrum
I knew the “This and That” post would draw some interesting responses, but I didn’t see it moving into the arena it has. Some of the questions being asked are quite insightful and I have some of the answers. For those answers I don’t have, David Rudiak will probably provide some additional commentary to help us understand the situation. According to Stan Friedman, he was in Baton Rouge on February 20, 1978, when one of the directors of a television station told Friedman he should talk to Jesse Marcel. Marcel said that he had handled pieces of a flying saucer, and though Friedman sai... more »
“Premise Ten"
*“Premise Ten:* "The culture as a whole and most of its members are insane. The culture is driven by a death urge, an urge to destroy life.” - Derrick Jensen, “20 Premises” - http://www.gutenberg.us/
Will Twitter Declare War on Religious Conservatives?
[image: Twitter - 900] With a view toward curbing abusive posts, Twitter has established new, stricter guidelines, stating, "We do not tolerate behavior that crosses the line into abuse, including behavior that harasses, intimidates, or uses fear to silence another user's voice." So far,... more »
The View Host Joy Behar Suggests She’d Vote for a Rapist as Long as He Votes for Abortion
[image: Joy Behar] The View's Joy Behar on Tuesday insisted that, regardless of whether Bill Clinton raped a woman or Ted Kennedy drowned someone, she would vote for these liberal politicians. Behar and her fellow co-hosts were discussing how Clinton's past would impact... Continue reading *“The View Host Joy Behar Suggests She’d Vote for a Rapist as Long as He Votes for Abortion”* at *lifenews.com*.
FBI Asks Public for Help with San Bernardino Mass Shooting
[image: San Bernardino press conference - 400] SAN BERNARDINO -- The FBI asked the public Tuesday morning for help filling in a "missing 18 minutes" in what San Bernardino shooters Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik did on Dec. 2. FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Bowdich said investigators... Continue reading *“FBI Asks Public for Help with San Bernardino Mass Shooting”* at *sbsun.com*.
Untitled
*Corps recommends opening Bonnet Carre Spillway, possibly beginning Saturday ~Mark Schleifstein*
Saudi Arabia Goes Full On ISIS To Terrify The World
At the cost to world peace, the Saudi government experiments with terror on its perceived Shia enemies. Dan Sanchez reports: The Saudis Go Full ISIS In Their US-Backed Takfiri War on the Shia Saudi Arabia has perpetrated a mass execution that puts ISIS’s beach beheadings to shame. Forty-seven heads rolled on Saturday. One of them belonged to Nimr al-Nimr, a revered Shi’ite cleric who had been sentenced to death for sermons in which he criticized the government (especially for its persecution of the country’s Shi’ite minority). His brother has been sentenced to be crucified. This was ...more »
Trump to Court Evangelicals in Talk at Liberty University
[image: Donald Trump3 - 400] Donald Trump is expected to speak later this month at evangelical bastion Liberty University, an appearance that could provide the Republican presidential front-runner another chance to bolster his already strong showing with conservative Christians. The Jan. 18 talk to students... Continue reading *“Trump to Court Evangelicals in Talk at Liberty University”* at *religionnews.com*.
Sometimes political balance is important to the BBC
There's a fascinating article in The Times today, page 5 of the print edition. Apparently Barry Humphries wanted to tell a joke about Jeremy Corbyn when he was to appear on Michael MacIntyre's Christmas show. He was told that for balance he'd 'also have to say something about Mr Cameron.' Oddly this political balance doesn't seem to apply to the majority of BBC topical news quizzes and panel shows where lampooning Conservatives is de rigeur, Labour less so. And as for UKIP and Donald Trump, well the BBC don't even pretend to be impartial there.
ACLU Wants Students at NJ Elementary School to Stop Saying ‘God Bless America’
[image: God Bless America] The American Civil Liberties Union called for an end to a South Jersey elementary school's tradition of having students say “God bless America” after the Pledge of Allegiance. The practice has been in place at Glenview Elementary School in Haddon... Continue reading *“ACLU Wants Students at NJ Elementary School to Stop Saying ‘God Bless America’”* at *nbcphiladelphia.com*.
Christian Colleges Ask Supreme Court to Stop Obama from Forcing them to Obey HHS Mandate
[image: Christian colleges] A group of Christian colleges based in Oklahoma are asking the Supreme Court to help them in their battle to stop the Obama administration from forcing them to obey the HHS mandate, which compels them to pay for abortion-causing drugs... Continue reading *“Christian Colleges Ask Supreme Court to Stop Obama from Forcing them to Obey HHS Mandate”* at *lifenews.com*.
Nikki Haley to Deliver GOP’s State of the Union Response
[image: Nikki Haley] South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is slated to deliver the Republicans’ response to President Obama’s final State of the Union address next week. Haley’s communications director, Rob Godfrey, said on Twitter that the governor is honored to have been asked... Continue reading *“Nikki Haley to Deliver GOP’s State of the Union Response”* at *thehill.com*.
The Islamic State In Libya Continues Its Military Offensive To Seize Libya's Ports And Oil Fields
*Reuters*: *More guards killed in Islamic State attacks on Libya's oil ports* Islamic State militants attacked checkpoints near the Libyan oil port of Es Sider for a second day on Tuesday and an oil storage tank in the port was set on fire by a long-range rocket, a spokesman for the security guards said. Ali Hassi said militants had attacked checkpoints 30-40 km (19-25 miles) from the port, and that two guards were killed and 16 wounded in the fighting. Seven guards were killed and 25 were wounded in Monday's clashes, he said. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) said the oil tank... more »
Dogs Are Eating The Heads Of Dead Islamic State Fighters In Ramadi
*Daily Mail:** Survivors of ISIS Ramadi siege say the streets are filled with 'dogs eating the heads of Islamic State fighters' after battle to reclaim the city left it unrecognisable* * City of Ramadi recaptured by Iraqi government forces last week * Survivors now reveal the devastation left behind from ISIS siege * Witnesses say there's been no food or water and homes are destroyed Survivors of the battle of Ramadi have revealed the devastation left behind after Iraqi government forces reclaimed the city from ISIS militants last week. The provincial captial of Anbar, some 70mil... more »
BWorld 36, What if the Philippines splits into many new island-countries?
* This is my article in BusinessWorld yesterday. This piece will attempt to provide an outlook for the Philippines many decades from now, a view different from articles and analyses seeking to explain what happened during the previous year and what to expect for the next. In particular, this will be an outlook of the Philippines if it splits up into many new, small island countries. There are two reasons for considering this view, however unthinkable it may be for some. First point: There are dozens of other small countries with very small populations and small land areas yet th... more »
Saudi Executions Followed Huge Arms Deal With U.S.
At the tail end of last year, just days before Saudi Arabia executed 47 people in one day , the US announced approval of more military contracts with the Gulf Kingdom. The executions caused international outrage and have increased tensions with Iran, due to the killing of revered Shia cleric, Sheik Nimr al-Nimr. RT reports: The New York Times Editorial Board condemned the executions: “America’s longstanding alliance with the House of Saud is no reason for the Obama administration to do anything less than clearly condemn this foolhardy and dangerous course with a more robust response... more »
7 Crucial Elements of the #OregonUnderAttack Narrative That Go Overlooked
[image: BURNS, OR - JANUARY 05: A sign is posted on a fence at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters on January 5, 2016 near Burns, Oregon. An armed anti-government militia group continues to occupy the Malheur National Wildlife Headquarters as they protest the jailing of two ranchers for arson.] A militia protesting against the Bureau of Land Management seized an unoccupied building in a remote Oregon wildlife refuge over the weekend, prompting massive social media backlash and panicky headlines alleging that the militia were terrorists. Hashtags like #OregonUnderAttack ... more »
U.S.-Aligned Regimes in Middle East Cutting Ties to Iran
[image: Putin and Obama-400] Most of the reporting on the diplomatic dominos falling in the Middle East focuses on Saudi Arabia's efforts to isolate Iran, which appear to be succeeding. As the Washington Post notes in two different articles this morning, Riyadh's foreign-relations offensive... Continue reading *“U.S.-Aligned Regimes in Middle East Cutting Ties to Iran”* at *hotair.com*.
Police Find Bodies At Missing Eastenders Star’s Home
The search for a former EastEnders actress and her two children, has led police to the discovery of three bodies in the back garden of the family’s home in southeast London. Sian Blake, 43, and her sons Zachary, 8, and Amon, 4, have been missing since 13 December. The Telegraph reports: Sian Blake – a motor neurone sufferer whose condition is said to be life-threatening – and four-year-old old Amon and Zachary, eight, have not been seen for more than three weeks. The Metropolitan Police said the 43-year-old’s car had been found at the weekend as it announced the Homicide and Major C...more »
Ukrainian Cyber Malware Responsible For Power Outage Is Widespread
Internet security software firms believe that last month’s cyber attack on a Ukrainian power plant, was the first time a malicious software had been traced to a power outage. The cyber attack on Ukrainian power companies resulted in an electricity blackout for tens of thousands of homes, and is more widespread than previously thought, according to software firm ESET. Engineering & Technology reports: Prykarpattyaoblenergo, a power company in Western Ukraine, reported an outage on 23 December that affected the nearby area including regional capital Ivano-Frankivsk. At the time, Ukrain...more »
The War on Ted Cruz’s Faith
[image: Ted Cruz6 - 400] Ted Cruz’s six-day bus trip in Iowa launched as more of religious revival tour than a presidential barnstorm. In the most conservative parts of the state on Monday, the Texas senator weaved in faith at every turn, soliciting shouts of... Continue reading *“The War on Ted Cruz’s Faith”* at *cnn.com*.
40,000 Christian College Students Flood Three Arenas for Massive ‘Passion’ Event — and Here’s the Remarkable Thing They Accomplished
[image: Passion] More than 40,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 flocked to three arenas in two different cities from Jan. 2-4 to attend “Passion,” an annual Christian event that brings scores of youths together to worship, pray and... Continue reading *“40,000 Christian College Students Flood Three Arenas for Massive ‘Passion’ Event — and Here’s the Remarkable Thing They Accomplished”* at *theblaze.com*.
Even The Washington Post Gets Why People in Oregon are Frustrated over Federal Land Management
[image: Duane Ehmer of Irrigon, Oregon, member of an armed militia, walks near a building at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters near Burns, Oregon January 4, 2016. The FBI on January 4 sought a peaceful end to the occupation by armed anti-government militia members at a US federal wildlife reserve in rural Oregon, as the standoff entered its third day. The loose-knit band of farmers, ranchers and survivalists -- whose action was sparked by the jailing of two ranchers for arson -- said they would not rule out violence if authorities stormed the site, although federal o... more »
Bill Gutting Obamacare Would Save Half-Trillion over a Decade, CBO Finds
[image: Obamacare] A GOP-led effort to repeal the biggest parts of ObamaCare would cost about $42 billion less than previously expected, saving more than a half-trillion dollars over a decade, the congressional budget scorekeeper said Monday. Continue reading *“Bill Gutting Obamacare Would Save Half-Trillion over a Decade, CBO Finds”* at *thehill.com*.
Another Obama End Run: New DHS Rule Would Let Businesses Bypass H-1B Cap Set by Congress
[image: Visa - 900] President Barack Obama's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new rule Thursday that would blow the lid off the current cap on the number of foreign workers businesses can hire via the H-1B visa program. Each year, demand for these... more »
Ted Cruz’s Chilling New Ad Imagines America’s Borders Overrun by … Illegal Attorneys
[image: illegal immigrants] Campaign ads warning of immigrants illegally crossing the border into the U.S. are quickly becoming a staple of the Republican presidential primary fight. But Ted Cruz has added a new twist: His latest ad imagines the border crossers as dozens of... Continue reading *“Ted Cruz’s Chilling New Ad Imagines America’s Borders Overrun by … Illegal Attorneys”* at *time.com*.
Surrogate Carrying Triplets Sues to Stop Forced Abortion
[image: surrogate] A surrogate mom who refuses to abort one of the triplets she's carrying because the father only wants two of the kids filed a lawsuit Monday claiming that California's surrogacy law is unconstitutional. "I no longer view surrogacy arrangements in... Continue reading *“Surrogate Carrying Triplets Sues to Stop Forced Abortion”* at *nypost.com*.
During 2015 The Islamic State Lost 40% Of Its Territory In Iraq And 20% In Syria
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* *The Independent:* *Isis 'loses 40% of Iraq territory and 20% in Syria' as international air strikes support ground operations* *The US-led international coalition bombing the group believes the strategy is working* Isis has lost 40 per cent of its territory in Iraq and a fifth in Syria as the so-called “Islamic State” continues to diminish, military officials have said. A spokesperson for the US-led coalition bombing the group’s territories said the retreat was from militants' point of “maximum expansion” in both countries. Colonel Steve Warren tol... more »
ISIS, Oil & Another US-NATO War In Libya
The US-NATO military alliance ravaged Libya in 2011. North Africa’s most developed country was left in complete political anarchy, with a destroyed economy and a war torn society. The country remains chaotic and it’s oil fields, which were controlled by the country’s National Oil Company, have been under constant threat from extremist groups and militias….and now of course they are threatened by ISIS Just this week, ISIS fighters tried to enter Libya’s oil port of Sidra. Global Research reports: Washington helped ISIS establish a foothold in Sirte, a jumping off point to expand to ot... more »
Mixed Bag of Rants
*ROK stands for Republic of Korea (South Korea). This provocative military alliance is being aimed at China (Photo from Jeju Island)* - The US has made Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Mongolia partners in the cancerous NATO as it becomes a 'global military alliance' on behalf of corporate capitalism. Any nation that gets in the way of total corporate domination of the world economy is being taken down - thus we saw Libya get zapped by the NATO war machine and presently we witness Syria under full NATO attack. Russia and China are on the take d... more »
Quote of the Day: "...a flood of immigrants..."
*"Since immigration seems to be incompatible with the welfare state, a flood of immigrants, be they political, economic, or stowaways, could be a blessing in disguise: it may have the effect of proving what we suspect: that the welfare state is unsustainable."* ~ Pedro Schwartz, from his article, 'A Flood of Immigrants' *RELATED POSTS*: - *Immigration Plus Welfare State Equal Police State** – GEORGE REISMAN’S BLOG* - *Fighting Terrorism Requires Legalizing Immigration – James Valliant, SOLO* - *Do Refugees Need Food Stamps or Freedom? - NOT PC* - *Governments ... more »
"Methane Leak In California A ‘Major Catastrophe‘"
*"Methane Leak In California A ‘Major Catastrophe‘"* by ENE News Weather Channel, Dec 29, 2015: “The video looks like something out of a science fiction horror movie,” Brian Panish, one of the lawyers who helped bring the issue to light, told NBC." CBC News, Dec 31, 2015 (emphasis added): "Methane leak in California a ‘major catastrophe‘; Leak ‘largest ever recorded‘ could take 4 months to stop. “The amount of methane and natural gas that’s coming out of the Aliso Canyon Facility really is probably one of the largest volumes of gas ever recorded from a single leak,” says Tim O’Conno... more »
The Big (Retraction) Short: Securitized loans paper may get change of venue
A paper on the securitized loan industry’s pricing practices was pulled from the Journal of Finance, but may be appearing in another journal. The Journal of Finance issued a notice of withdrawal, for “Who Facilitated Misreporting in Securitized Loans?” by John M. Griffin and Gonzalo Maturana, but does not say why it was taken out. Griffin’s web […] The post The Big (Retraction) Short: Securitized loans paper may get change of venue appeared first on Retraction Watch.
Jeremy Corbyn is Not a Misogynist
Like a lot of members *from all wings of the movement*, I'm getting fed up of the bullshit swilling about our party. Unfortunately, the latest to stir the stinking, steaming pot is Jess Phillips, the new go-to woman for "plain speaking". Last night on *Newsnight*, she had this to say: "What is worrying about the culture of the Labour Party is very left-wing feminists are putting up with a lot more than they would of than any other man because Jeremy Corbyn's saying it. Had Tony Blair not given any of the top jobs to a woman, had that same make-up of his team existed, people would r... more »
A Tale of Two Interviews
I was going to write something long and detailed about Sarah Montague's interview with Conservative London mayoral candidate Zak Goldsmith on this morning's *Today*, but *Dateline London *regular Alex Deane has already said all that needs saying via Twitter: The interview was certainly a good deal more hostile than Sarah Montague's equivalent interview yesterday with Labour's Sadiq Khan. There was no laughter today, far more questions, far *tougher *questions and a lot more interruptions. Indeed, were I to revive my old 'interruption coefficients', Zak Goldsmith would have score... more »
Behind the Scenes of the new Nicholas Sparks movie The Choice
A little over a year ago I got an email that made jump out of my seat. I was invited to North Carolina to spend a day on the set of the new Nicholas Sparks movie, The Choice. I was able to interview the principal cast and Nicholas Sparks about the upcoming movie and their roles. The set was absolutely gorgeous, something out of a fairy tale and the cast was incredible. So nice and down to earth. Teresa Palmer is an amazing mother and the kind of person everyone wants as a friend. Benjamin Walker might literally be the most charming person I have ever met. They are both vibrant peo... more »
Belfast Preacher Acquitted of Hate Speech Against Muslims
[image: Belfast preacher - 900] BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) -- A Belfast evangelist charged with hate speech against Muslims has been acquitted after a judge ruled that his sermon had not been sufficiently offensive. Scores of Christian supporters cheered Tuesday’s judgment at Belfast Magistrates Court... more »
Putin Unleashes Cyborg Rats In War Against ISIS
Brave Vladimir Putin has unleashed a new weapon in his valiant fight against ISIS and the threat of World War 3 – an army of super smelling cyborg RATS. Next Generation Warfare is the motto for 2016, according to Kremlin sources, in a bold attempt to stay ahead of the dark forces threatening humanity. The cyborg rodents have microchips implanted in their heads which allows military scientists to monitor their brain waves. At the same time the rats are being taught to recognize the smell of explosives, drugs, terrorists, and shadow governments. The Daily Mail reports: Three teams are... more »
Supplemental: Candidate Carson reveals his tax plan!
*TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2016And the New York Times instantly bungles:* No one actually cares at this point, but Candidate Carson has finally unleashed his formal tax proposal. For unknown reasons, Carson describes his plan as "a true flat tax." Before we discuss the problem with that designation, let's note the inevitable: The New York Times has massively bungled its account of the Carson proposal. As noted, no one actually cares about the Carson proposal. At the Times, they haven't even done a hard-copy report about the crazy effects of the *Trump* tax proposal, which was released ... more »
Russian President Putin: "I Can Destroy America In Half An Hour Or Less."
Reuters *Business Insider*: *Putin once casually said over dinner that he could destroy America in a half-hour — or less* In December 2011, Vladimir Putin, then Russia's prime minister, was positioned to reclaim his role as Russia's president in the March 2012 elections. Fittingly, Putin hosted a lavish banquet at New Century, Moscow's richest equestrian club, for members of the Valdai Club and distinguished academics and journalists from around the world. "The fare was extravagant: smoked trout, duck liver, venison soup, rhubarb sorbet, veal cheeks, and pear soup with caramel," ... more »
The Problem is Drug Law, Not Drugs
*Phillip J. Watt * - The war-on-drugs has been one of the biggest policy failures of modern society. The post The Problem is Drug Law, Not Drugs appeared first on Waking Times.
What happens when you cross a cat with a Weeping Angel?
https://youtu.be/fzzjgBAaWZw What happens when you cross a cat with a Weeping Angel (from Doctor Who)?
Palestinians Removed From Flight Following Demands Of Israeli Passengers
Greece’s Aegean Airlines issued an apology Tuesday afternoon for an incident in which Israeli passengers demanded that two Palestinian travelers be removed from a plane. Cabin crew were forced to remove two Palestinians from a recent flight from Greece to Israel following demands made by Israeli passengers. The incident happened at Athens airport on Monday night when Jewish Israeli passengers decided that the two Israeli Arab passengers on the flight were a security risk. They alerted the crew about their concerns and prevented the flight from taking off by standing in the aisles. T... more »
The Somerset Flood Action Plan – Two Years On
By Paul Homewood http://somersetnewsroom.com/2014/03/06/a-big-step-forward/ Two years on, it is time to see what progress has been made with the Somerset Flood Action Plan. This is the latest update from the Environment Agency: The Somerset Levels and Moors lie between the Quantock and Mendip hills in central Somerset. Much of […]
The Five Most Outrageous Facts About Obama’s Executive Gun Control
[image: Obama gun control - 400] The five most offensive aspects of those controls: The main policy would not have stopped any recent mass shootings. The controls expand background checks to cover more private sellers, although private sellers are not the source of guns used in mass shootings... Continue reading *“The Five Most Outrageous Facts About Obama’s Executive Gun Control”* at *breitbart.com*.
Yes, Muslims Should Be Asked to Condemn Islamic Terror
[image: Charlie Hebdo terrorism attack] Last week, an opinion piece appeared in The Washington Post that tells you much of what you need to know about the moral fabric and intellectual depth of the ACLU and much of the left. Written by Rana Elmir, deputy... more »
Tearful Obama Announces Gun Control Actions, Expands Background Checks
[image: WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 05: With tears running down his cheeks, U.S. President Barack Obama talks about the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and about his efforts to increase federal gun control in the East Room of the White House January 5, 2016 in Washington, DC. Without approval from Congress, Obama is sidestepping the legislative process with executive actions to expand background checks for some firearm purchases and step up federal enforcement of existing gun laws.] President Obama formally announced plans Tuesday to expand background checks an... more »
Unusual Clinton Payments to DNC Create Conflict of Interest
[image: Hillary DNC - 900] Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee have an unprecedented and unusual agreement in which an entity she controls has paid nearly $20 million to the political panel, even as its leadership plays a supposedly impartial role in fostering competition... more »
2016 Terrors: 2008 Credit Crunch Redux Offering, MidEast/Asia in Flames, MSM Naysay Militia/Deregulation Threats (Debunking “The Big Short" - How Michael Lewis Turned the Real Villains of the Crisis into Heroes Leaving US Unprepared for Next Onslaught?)
(Click on photo to enlarge.) Investors at a stock brokerage house in Beijing on Monday. The benchmark Shanghai index fell 6.9 percent, but that doesn't really matter. What matters, according to prominent economists, is how governments continue their failed response to the economic failures that austerity, rightwing ideology, and the global corporate elite have wrought. (Photo: EPA)Happy
Why Are the Largest Corporations Sitting on Trillions in Cash?
*As the value of money rises, the value of things goes down, and vice versa (illustration by Constance Heffron, *Happy Days*, 1951, Allyn and Bacon; source).* *by Gaius Publius* Why are the world's largest corporations sitting on trillions in cash? Thom Hartmann's answer is — they know a crash is coming. *The Relationship Between Money and Things* Before we look at Hartman, however, let's consider the relationship between "money" and "things." Money and the things that money buys are, by definition, on opposite sides of a kind of see-saw or teeter-totter. When "things" (goods, c... more »
Iran Unveils A New Underground Missile Depot Site
*Reuters:* *Iran unveils second underground missile, likely to irk U.S.* Iran unveiled a new underground missile depot on Tuesday with state television showing Emad precision-guided missiles in store which the United States says can take a nuclear warhead and violate a 2010 U.N. Security Council resolution. The defiant move to publicize Iran's missile program seemed certain to irk the United States as it plans to dismantle nearly all sanctions on Iran under a breakthrough nuclear agreement. Tasnim news agency and state television video said the underground facility, situated in m... more »
Edgar Cayce: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Messenger
*Mitch Horowitz *- Just where did Edgar Cayce’s “insights” come from? The post Edgar Cayce: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Messenger appeared first on Waking Times.
Russia Offers To Be A Mediator Between Saudi Arabia And Iran
*TASS:* *Russia ready to invite Saudi, Iranian top diplomats to Moscow for talks - source* *Russia has been always interested in "mutual understanding between Shiites and Sunnis and the unity of the Muslims world"* MOSCOW, January 4. /TASS/. Russia is ready to invite the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers to Moscow for negotiations, a diplomatic source told TASS on Monday. "We express sincere regrets over the escalation of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia," the source said. "Russia has always been in favor of dialogue and constructive contacts. Therefore, if partners in R... more »
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Iran - Saudi Conflict: January 5, 2016
*NPR*: *Saudi Arabia And Iran: Here's How Their Feud Could Escalate* In a Middle East already aflame, a fresh feud between Saudi Arabia and Iran threatens to complicate almost every major issue from the Iranian nuclear deal to the Syrian civil war to global oil markets. These are all U.S. priorities, and the Obama administration finds itself staring at another Middle Eastern conundrum. White House spokesman Josh Earnest on Monday called on Iran and Saudi Arabia to exercise restraint and offered mild criticism of both. His language pointed to the difficult position facing the admin... more »
US Special Forces Killed And Injured During Mission In Afghanistan
A US special forces team on a counter-terrorism mission in Afghanistan have come under fire in Helmand province, sustaining casualties. A helicopter sent in to rescue the team, also came under attack and was immobilized, according to US officials. The BBC reports: Some 12,000 foreign soldiers are still deployed in Afghanistan to help local forces and some were deployed recently to tackle Taliban fighters in Helmand. ‘Not shot down’ Details of what happened in the incident, which took place near the town of Marjah on Tuesday, remain sketchy. US military spokesman Brig Gen Wilson Shof...more »
Large Apes Died Out After Refusing To Give Up A Fruit Diet
Gigantopithecus, one of the largest apes to roam the earth over 100,000 years ago, refused to adapt to a new diet after the last ice age and became extinct. It refused to eat its greens laid out in the new Savannah grasslands and remained partial to its preferred diet of fresh and fermented fruits of the remaining forested sanctuaries. Scientists are puzzled at the choice, that eventually condemned the mega ape to extinction. The Guardian reports: Gigantopithecus – the closest nature ever came to producing a real King Kong – weighed five times as much as an adult man and probably st... more »
2016: The Year of Transformation
*Wes Annac *- Our social and spiritual work each year lays the foundation for what we’ll achieve in the years to come The post 2016: The Year of Transformation appeared first on Waking Times.
Bad Blurbs
Granted, the official line is writers support each other. We're supposed to sit collegially at round tables and give each other constructive criticism and unstinting support or what Keats called "tea and comfortable advice" both in the meat world and online. We do stupid little things like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to see how prolifically and horribly we can write a full-length novel in a month. In reality, however, and I count myself as the only writer of consequence on the planet earth who will publicly admit this, writers actually loath and despise each o... more »
Compassion
An ex-friend and I had a debate. I said compassion is required if we need to build a better world. He said he disagreed, that sometimes you have to take action rather than passively stand by doing nothing. He supported violent protest marches suggesting that sometimes the ends justify the means. I disagreed. Thinking I was he declared he wasn't a pacifist. Now it seems he has changed his mind and has said he is a pacifist surely proving my point that compassion is required if we are to build a better world.
Bahrain Halts All Flights To & From Iran Over Saudi Embassy Attack
A day after it joined Saudi Arabia in severing diplomatic ties with Iran, Bahrain has halted all flights to and from the Islamic republic. Bahrain’s transport ministry announced the move Tuesday in a statement carried by the official Bahrain News Agency. Kuwait also recalled its ambassador from Tehran on Tuesday amid a growing regional dispute surrounding Saudi Arabia’ execution of a Shiite cleric on Saturday. The Mail Online reports: Bahrain is a close ally of Saudi Arabia, which severed diplomatic ties and also halted all flights to and from Iran after Iranian protesters attacked ... more »
US Soldier Killed, One Wounded in Afghanistan Attack
[image: Afghanistan - 900] WASHINGTON (AP) -- One U.S. service member was killed and two were wounded in fighting Tuesday in southern Afghanistan, the U.S. military command in Kabul said. The fighting, which reflects intensified efforts by the U.S. and its Afghan partners to... more »
59,000 Residents Could Soon Lose Food Stamps in North Carolina
[image: welfare - 900] North Carolina food stamp recipients in 23 counties have just three months to find a job as state officials reinstated work requirements Friday in those areas. The decision puts 59,000 residents at risk of losing their food stamp benefits. Work requirements have... more »
Mr. "Got to Go" Had to Go
from the NYTimes: The principal at a Success Academy charter school who created a “Got to Go” list of difficult students is taking a personal leave of absence, a Success Academy spokeswoman said on Monday. Critics of Success Academy, the high-performing New York City charter school network, have said its high test scores are partly a result of weeding out underperforming and disruptive students. The existence of the list, reported by The New York Times in October, appeared to support the accusations. At a news conference that month, Success Academy’s founder, Eva S. Moskowitz, said ... more »
A Look At How Tensions Between Saudi Arabia And Iran Are Impacting Oil Markets
Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi talked to journalists during a meeting of OPEC oil ministers in Vienna on Dec. 4, 2015. PHOTO: HEINZ-PETER BADER/REUTERS *Wall Street Journal*: *Tension Between Iran and Saudi Arabia Presents New Test for OPEC* *Diplomatic crisis comes amid a sharp tumble in oil prices.* LONDON—The diplomatic crisis between Saudi Arabia and Iran presents a new test for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries at a particularly challenging time for the oil-producing cartel. The 13-nation group that controls more than a third of the world’s oil s... more »
Blind Woman Can See Again With Latest Bionic Eye Implant
A blind woman from Cardiff in south Wales has been able to see again for the first time in more than five years thanks to a ‘bionic eye.’ She was able to spot the time on a clock after having her sight partially restored with an advanced electronic ‘bionic eye’ implant. The Sunday Herald Scotland reports: The mother of two, from Cardiff, has suffered from retinitis pigmentosa – an inherited disorder – since she was five. The condition causes gradual deterioration of the light-detecting cells (photoreceptors) in the retina, which can lead to blindness.. One in 3,000 to 4,000 people i... more »
A bullshit excuse? My lab notebook “was blown into a manure pit”
A researcher who studies how to turn dairy cattle manure into natural gas falsified and fabricated data in a journal article and failed to declare a commercial conflict of interest, a Washington State University investigation has found. The study “Evaluation of Co-Digestion at a Commercial Dairy Anaerobic Digester” was published in 2011 in the journal […] The post A bullshit excuse? My lab notebook “was blown into a manure pit” appeared first on Retraction Watch.
Obama's gun grab...
*from law abiding citizens.* Does he really think it's going to stop the gang-bangers who creep about the lower denizens of Baltimore, Cleveland, and Chicago from getting guns? Does he also really think these people, mostly black, are going to go to a gun show and buy a gun and submit to a background check? I guarantee you that the people who scream the loudest about the so-called "gun show loophole" have never, ever been to a gun show. *How about this:* If you receive social security and have someone else manage your money you will be put on a no-buy list. The Social Security Adm... more »
THE YEAR OF THE LIBERAL: Candidate Trump goes to Taxachusetts!
*TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2016Part 2—The year of liberal dumbness:* Something unusual, something good, occurs at Slate today. Jamelle Bouie, a career liberal journalist, challenges our tribe's latest talking-point. Truth to tell, our latest bumper sticker is a bit dumb. It involves the federal government's refusal to drop a drone on the Malware Bird Reserve, which has recently been seized by an armed gang of The Others. On a journalistic basis, the year just passed has been declared The Year of the Liberal. An unfortunate fact became clear last year. To a large extent, our liberal wor... more »
U.S. Special Operations Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Fire-Fight. US Medevac Helicopter Damaged During Rescue
In August, the Taliban seized back control in the Musa Qala district in the north of Helmand Province. They are trying to recapture towns in the area from Afghan forces. Daily Mail *FOX News*: *US Special Ops soldier killed in Afghanistan firefight* One U.S. special operations soldier was killed and another was wounded while fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan Tuesday, a U.S. defense official confirms to Fox News. When a U.S. military “medevac” helicopter landed in Helmand Province in the city of Marjah to get wounded U.S. and Afghan troops out of the area, the helicopter sustaine... more »
Germany shocked by Cologne New Year gang assaults on women per BBC News
The BBC have finally http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35231046 got around to reporting the Cologne attacks. I found this part of their report interesting: 'A policeman who was outside Cologne station during the New Year's Eve trouble told the city's Express news website that he had detained eight suspects. "They were all asylum seekers, carrying copies of their residence certificates," he said. However, there was no official confirmation that asylum seekers had been involved in the violence. Commentators in Germany were quick to urge people not to jump to conclusions.' Are... more »
Gold King Mine Disaster Cause May Never Be Known, Thanks to EPA
[image: Emergency tailing ponds constructed in response to the 2015 Gold King Mine spill, pictured on August 7, 2015.] A definitive explanation for what caused the Gold King Mine disaster may never be known if the Environmental Protection Agency is not investigated just as a private company responsible for the calamitous spill would be, according to a former enforcement... more »
Planned Parenthood Is About to Shut Down a Christian Pharmacy for Refusing to Sell Abortion Drugs
[image: pharmacy] Washington state passed a law in 2007 that pharmacies must provide emergency contraceptives, like the morning after pill and the week after pill, which many pro-life groups say are equivalent to abortion because they may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting... more »
Exceptional USA: So Special, So Sick
*The New York Times* finally discovers what thinking people living in the real world have known all long: that Obamacare is not only not all it's cracked up to be, it's a disease unto itself. Insured Americans are still going bankrupt, getting sicker, and dying younger. (Hillary Clinton, for her part, has cold-bloodedly called such atrocities mere "glitches.") The *Times* is even openly soliciting testimony about medical insurance nightmares from its readers.The lede of the front-page article is reminiscent of Rep. Alan Grayson's legendary 2009 rant on the House floor: *Here is the... more »
McIntyre Resigns Before Being Fired
With orders from oil man and then-mayor, Bill Haslam, a group of Knoxville businessmen in 2008 flew to Boston to illegally hire corporate mole, Jim McIntyre, as superintendent of Knox County Schools. The board vote was 5-4 at that time to hire, and ever since teachers have been fighting an uphill war to maintain their dignity as the Knoxville community has fought to maintain humane public schools. This past summer the board voted 5-4 to renew McIntyre's contract, but in the fall election, one of McIntyre's stooges lost his seat on the board of education. With the writing on the ... more »
Saudi Arabia is Imploding
Theodore Karasik, Senior Adviser on Gulf State Analytics and former Director of Research and Development at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai, speaks to euronews about recent events in the Middle East and comments on the roles played by Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Security In Iraq, Dec 22-28, 2015
Iraq ended 2015 on a good note taking central Ramadi after a five month siege. There were still parts of the city to clear and most it was destroyed leaving a huge reconstruction project for the future. Violence in the rest of the country continued on the same pace as the last quarter of the year. From December 22-28, 2015 there were 127 reported attacks in Iraq. Baghdad was the most violent as usual with 59 incidents, along with 24 in Ninewa, 21 in Anbar, 9 in Salahaddin, 7 in Diyala, 4 in Babil, 2 in Kirkuk, and 1 in Basra. There are always more attacks then what gets in the me... more »
Thousands Protest In Iraq Over Saudi Execution Of Shia Cleric
Thousands took to the streets of Baghdad and Southern Shi’ite cities in Iraq on Monday in protest over the Saudi execution of Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Demonstrators carrying portraits of Nimr rallied outside the Green Zone, a heavily fortified district that houses government departments and diplomatic representations, including the newly reopened Saudi embassy.Police guarding the zone pushed back a group that attempted to cross a line of barbed wire as they chanted “Damned, damned be Al Saud!,” referring to the Saudi ruling family. There were similar protests in Basra, s... more »
Iran - Saudi Arabia Tensions Are Impacting The Entire Middle East -- News Roundup January 5, 2016
*Bloomberg*:* Saudi Feud With Iran Risks Fueling Unrest Across Middle East* * Proxy wars between two rivals could escalate in Yemen, Syria * Al-Nimr's execution expected to bring Saudi Shiites together The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has certainly had more downs than ups, yet seldom have they come at a worse time for the region’s prospects. The latest standoff, triggered by the execution of prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi authorities over the weekend, risks erasing the scant progress that has been made to resolve the crises in Syria and Yemen, where th...more »
Cancer study pulled when published without supervisor’s consent
The Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences has retracted a paper after concerns surfaced from a researcher who claims to have supervised the research but was not listed as a co-author. The first author completed the research — which explored the use of epigenetic alterations as potential early signs of cancer — as part of her […] The post Cancer study pulled when published without supervisor’s consent appeared first on Retraction Watch.
Washington Quietly Adopts New Transgender Bathroom, Locker Room Policies
[image: transgender] One day after Christmas, Washington state quietly adopted a set of new policies regarding transgender individuals using sex-specific facilities. The rules, adopted by the state Human Rights Commission, make it illegal for business owners to limit sex-specific facilities such as bathrooms,... more »
King Herod Wins and Wins … Until He Loses
[image: magi] It's still Christmas, Christians. Yes, the tinsel is receding, and the lights are going out all across America, as the federal government gets back to its workaday business of threatening violence against its citizens. Yet Christmas continues. In the technical... more »
German Officials Accused of Covering Up Mass Sexual Assaults by Arab Mob
[image: A man holds fireworks as it explodes near the Cologne Cathedral during New Year's celebrations in Cologne on January 1, 2016.] A group of up to 1,000 men of "Arab background" sexually assaulted dozens of women New Year's Eve in Cologne, Germany, according to police. The assaults, however, were not confirmed for days, leading to public accusations of a cover-up. Cologne Police Chief Wolfgang... more »
Keep Your Eye On Burundi
The Rwandan Massacre haunts us to this day. Gerry Caplan writes: In all the years I’ve been consumed with the Rwandan Genocide, I’ve rarely met a Canadian who didn’t feel some guilt about his or her failure to do something – anything – about it. Yet why should Canadians have done anything? In conventional terms, Canada had few interests in the country, and most Canadians knew next to nothing about it. So, along with the rest of the world, the government of the time decided this distant, little-known place simply wasn’t the business of Canada. This failure ended up shaming many Ca... more »
World News Briefs -- January 5, 2016
*Washington Post*: *Kuwait becomes latest Saudi ally to downgrade ties with Iran* BEIRUT — Kuwait became the latest in a growing list of Saudi Arabian allies to cut or downgrade ties with Iran, saying Tuesday that it had recalled its ambassador to Tehran in solidarity with the kingdom. The widening rift between Western-backed Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies with the Shiite government in Tehran has pushed the region dangerously closer to conflict, prompting alarmed appeals for restraint from powers across the globe. Bahrain and Sudan joined Saudi Arabia in severing diplomatic re... more »
If Ted Cruz Is A Real Conservative, Why Isn't He In Burns, Oregon With That Engraved Shotgun Of His?
Right-wing terrorist Ammon Bundy loves showing off his taser "wounds" What are we to make out of this episode of domestic terrorism in Burns, Oregon? Maybe Ammon Bundy's crackpot father should have been dealt with more like the law deals with terrorists in places other than Nevada? He still owes a million dollars to the American taxpayer and his lenient treatment-- to put it mildly-- seems to have enabled the even crazier son (we'll get to what precisely "crazy" means in a moment). A little background: Ammon Bundy and a few pals, armed and ready to kill or be killed, according to the... more »
Apologies
Been vacationing. Now catching up on all the work I put off. Will be back in a couple of days... _______________________ [Taiwan] Don't miss the comments below! And check out my blog and its sidebars for events, links to previous posts and picture posts, and scores of links to other Taiwan blogs and forums!
Kuwait Recalls Its Ambassador From Iran
Kuwait has recalled its ambassador from Iran as the regional row over the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia deepens. Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran was stormed and set alight by angry protesters on Saturday, following the execution of Shia Muslim cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and 46 others. Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic ties with Iran in response, followed by its allies Bahrain and Sudan. The BBC reports: Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran are major rivals for power in the Middle East and back opposing sides in the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Saudi insists peace ...more »
Tobacco Giants Eye Lucrative $50-Billion U.S. Marijuana Market
[image: Seattle, USA - August 16, 2013: A man smoking marijuana out of a glass pipe at the 2013 Hempfest in Seattle.] Big tobacco is positioning itself to muscle into the growing marijuana business if the drug wins nationwide legal status, according to a Daily Caller News Foundation investigation. Four states and the District of Columbia have already approved some level of... more »
Militant in Islamic State Video Believed to Be British ‘Bouncy Castle’ Salesman
[image: British Islamic State militant] The masked militant in an Islamic State video showing the killing of five men accused by the group of being Western spies is believed to be a Londoner known as Sid who once sold inflatable bouncers. Siddhartha Dhar, who left... Continue reading *“Militant in Islamic State Video Believed to Be British ‘Bouncy Castle’ Salesman”* at *reuters.com*.
After Body of Country Singer Craig Strickland Found, Wife Issues Powerful Statement: ‘I Know He Saw Jesus.’
[image: Craig Strickland] The wife of Backroad Anthem singer Craig Strickland is expressing her gratitude as she offers more details about the discovery of her husband's body. Helen Elizabeth Strickland says she's sure Craig, her husband of one year, saw Jesus at the moment of his... Continue reading *“After Body of Country Singer Craig Strickland Found, Wife Issues Powerful Statement: ‘I Know He Saw Jesus.’”* at *tasteofcountry.com*.
Britain Set for First Mass Strike by Doctors in 40 Years
[image: London, UK - October 17, 2015: Thousands Junior doctors marching in London streets to campaign against NHS contract changes] The British government said it was seeking to hold talks with doctors in its state-funded health service in a last-ditch bid to avert a series of mass walkouts, potentially the first such strikes for four decades. Junior doctors, or doctors... Continue reading *“Britain Set for First Mass Strike by Doctors in 40 Years”* at *in.reuters.com*.
When Humanity Can Let Go Of Being Controlled - An Inspirational Quotation from Michael Brine
*When Humanity can let go of being controlled through fear and resist judging others, and follow the deeper urgings of their hearts then, and only then, will we be able to soar to new heights of understanding, letting go of the shackles that we have allowed to bind us, discovering some of the very real mysteries that when understood will move us to new heights of awareness.* Michael Brine
8 Writing Tips from Nicholas Sparks on the Set of The Choice
A little over a year ago, I got the chance of a lifetime. I was asked if I wanted to come to the set of Nicholas Sparks' latest movie and interview him and the cast. It was an amazing experience to see the beautiful scenery that has inspired so many of his novels and even more fun to hear first hand his experiences as a writer and what advice he gives to other writers. I have all sorts of tibits and information from the cast and the movie, but I wanted to put together all of Sparks' advice for those of you who are aspiring writers like myself. *Read a little bit of everything.* "... more »
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 5, 2016
An MQ-9 Reaper with an extended range modification takes off for a sortie from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2015. The Reaper is assigned to the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys *Washington Post*: *Pentagon shutters African drone base, moves aircraft to other hotspots* The Pentagon has closed a drone base in Africa and moved the unmanned aircraft to other locations as it strains to cope with a surge in demand for drones from military commanders fighting the Islamic State and other militant groups. The U.S. milit... more »
Brazil Facing Its Worst Recession Since 1901
*Bloomberg:* *Brazil Heads for Worst Recession Since 1901, Economists Forecast* Brazil’s economy will contract more than previously forecast and is heading for the deepest recession since at least 1901 as economic activity and confidence sink amid a political crisis, a survey of analysts showed. Latin America’s largest economy will shrink 2.95 percent this year, according to the weekly central bank poll of about 100 economists, versus a prior estimate of a 2.81 percent contraction. Analysts lowered their 2016 growth forecast for 13 straight weeks and estimate the economy contracte... more »
UN Human Rights Envoy To Palestinian Territories Resigns
The United Nations special rapporteur for human rights in the Palestinian territories, submitted his resignation to the president of the Human Rights Council on Monday, citing Israel’s refusal to grant him access to the West Bank and Gaza. The Indonesian diplomat Makarim Wibisono said: “unfortunately, my efforts to help improve the lives of Palestinian victims of violations under the Israeli occupation have been frustrated every step of the way.” RT reports: Wibisono said his applications for access both written and oral were repeatedly rejected. “With no reply from Israel to my lat... more »
Untitled
*For Some Foreign Students, Education Isn't the Goal* *A Look at 2 Bay Area Schools Majoring in Immigration Benefits* The Center for Immigration Studies has looked at the case of two U.S. universities where receiving an education is apparently secondary to providing immigration benefits for foreign students. These visa mills, both in the San Francisco Bay Area, draw attention to how the minimal scrutiny DHS provides to lower-level educational institutions leads to tens of thousands of foreign nationals entering the country. The two educational institutions, Silicon Valley Universi... more »
A British Exit from European Union Could Be Just the Start of Europe’s Unraveling in 2016
[image: Britain] LONDON -- Europe was pummeled by crises from start to finish in 2015, with terrorist attacks, bankruptcy brinkmanship and an unparalleled refugee influx combining to leave continental unity in tatters by year's end. But instead of relief, 2016 could bring... Continue reading *“A British Exit from European Union Could Be Just the Start of Europe’s Unraveling in 2016”* at *washingtonpost.com*.
Rahm Under Siege: Emails Show Coordination between Chicago Police and Mayor’s Office after Laquan Shooting
[image: Mayor Emanuel] In November of 2015, the dash cam video footage of the shooting death of Laquan McDonald was released by order of a Cook County judge. It was footage that the city had worked to suppress, claiming it would hinder the... Continue reading *“Rahm Under Siege: Emails Show Coordination between Chicago Police and Mayor’s Office after Laquan Shooting”* at *townhall.com*.
Obama Thrusts Gun Control Debate into Forefront of 2016 Race
[image: David Foley holds a handgun while shopping at the Spring Guns and Ammo store Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in Spring, Texas. President Barack Obama is making good on his pledge to politicize gun violence. The package of gun-control executive actions Obama will formally announce Tuesday has pushed the contentious issue to the forefront of the 2016 presidential campaign, just weeks from the Feb. 1 Iowa caucuses.] WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is making good on his pledge to politicize gun violence. The package of gun-control executive actions Obama will formally announce Tu... more »
SWAT Team on Scene of Standoff at Hotel
[image: hotel standoff] CBS46 News has learned that a SWAT team has been deployed to a standoff involving two adults and 11 children at a DeKalb County hotel. It is taking place inside a room at the Rite4Us Inn & Suites location on Snapfinger Woods... Continue reading *“SWAT Team on Scene of Standoff at Hotel”* at *cbs46.com*.
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*Greenland icecap discovery* *I don't know much about glaciology but nor do glaciologists, it seems. Ice lenses (isolated masses of ice) are familiar in rock and soil but glaciologists seem to have discovereed only recently that they exist in glacial firn (semi-compacted snow) as well. And they have figured a way to see that as promoting the Greenie scare of sea-level rise, as they would of course. That's a great basis for a big juicy new research grant.Most interesting, however is their discovery that ice lenses are becoming more massive in firn. But what does that tell u... more »
No-Hurry Defense: Oregon Wildlife Refuge Takeover Requires Delicate Response
[image: Harney County Sheriff David Ward, left, speaks as Judge Steven Grasty looks on during a news conference Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in Burns, Ore. A group calling itself Citizens for Constitutional Freedom sent a "demand for redress" to local, state and federal officials as they occupied a federal wildlife reserve.] BURNS, Ore. (AP) -- The armed activists who flocked to a remote wildlife refuge to take a stand against the federal government also looked prepared for a nippy day of hunting or fishing. They were bundled in camouflage, plaid shirts,... more »
The F-15 Gets A New 'Supersensor Pod'
The new system, marked with an arrow, will allow the elderly F-15 to access secure battlefield networks and turn it into an online 'war hub'. *Daily Mail:* *First glimpse of mysterious supersensor pod codenamed HATE that will give F-15 Eagle fighter jet a 'new brain'* * Expected to give a new lease of life to the F-15, which first flew in 1972 * Will allow plane to communicate with modern fighters such as the F-22 * Also contains full suite of infrared sensors The US Air Force has begun testing a radical 'brainpod' set to give the F-15 fighter a new lease of life - as well as double... more »
Is This China's 'Best' Spy Satellite?
Photo taken on Dec. 29, 2015 shows the Long March-3B carrier rocket is launched with the Gaofen-4 Satellite in Xichang of southwest China's Sichuan Province. China on Tuesday launched its most sophisticated observation satellite, Gaofen-4, as part of the country's high-definition (HD) earth observation project. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin) *Xinhuanet:* *China launches HD earth observation satellite* XICHANG, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday launched its most sophisticated observation satellite, Gaofen-4, as part of the country's high-definition (HD) earth observation project. Gaofen-4 w... more »
Is China About To End America's Monopoly On Stealth Fighter Jets?
Reuters *David Axe, Daily Beast*: *China Assembles Its Stealth Jet Fleet* Beijing’s newest supersonic warplane could mark the end of the American monopoly on stealth fighter jets. China has apparently begun mass production of its new J-20 stealth fighter, making it only the second country in the world to produce radar-evading warplanes on a large scale. But as with all military developments in China, it’s hard to separate fact from Communist Party-sponsored fiction—and equally difficult to predict just how heavily even large numbers of working J-20s could weigh on the military ba... more »
Back To School For Comrade Harrabin!
By Paul Homewood h/t Craigm350 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35228779 Phew!!!
Freedom of Information is very important to the BBC
This BBC article bemoans the way that the government doesn't comply with Freedom of Information requests, it's an interesting article and worth a read. However I'd take Michael Buchanan, BBC Social Affairs Correspondent more seriously were he not working for an organisation that routinely refuses to divulge information when in receipt of an FOI request. There are numerous examples of this culture of secrecy at the BBC but possibly the most disgusting is their refusal to release the Balen Report. If you don't know what the Balen Report is, then here's Wikipedia: '*The Balen Report*... more »
Economic News , Data & Views ( January 5 , 2016 ) Europe Round Up ( 1. Refugee Items Of Note . 2. EU Parliament Chief Visits Peshmerga Front-Lines In Syria - MENA Events Will Continue To Influence and Draw Focus Of Europe In 2016. 3. Poland Continues To Be in Focus With Its Actions On Its Constitution Court , EU Commission Still Talking But Not Acting Against Poland . 4. UK's Referendum Items . 5. ECB In Spotlight As Inflation Stuck Close to Zero . 6. VW Bounds Back Into the News - Civil Lawsuit In Focus . 7. Additional Items / Areas / Odds & Ends ) Asia / Emerging Nations In Focus ( 1. China - China fails to prop up stocks w/ big interventions. Shanghai Comp closes down 0.3%, Shenzhen Comp -1.9%, ChiNext -3%. 2. Saudi showdown w/ Iran puts strain on decades-old US ties . 3 Japan In Focus - Japan's Nikkei closes down 0.4% at 18374.00 as China fails to calm nerves w/ big market interventions. )
Evening wrap...... *Katerina Sokou* @KaterinaSokou 2h 2 hours ago It may be challenging its role in new program, but Greek government has invited 11-person IMF mission to take part in negotiations 18-30 Jan *Kathimerini English* @ekathimerini 4h 4 hours ago Ministry, prosecutors clash over use of 'illegal' lists http:// dlvr.it/DBcRW8 [image: Embedded image permalink] *fred walton* @fredwalton216 4h 4 hours ago fred walton Retweeted Nick Malkoutzis Just 272 resettled after 4 months ? Who is the EU kidding here ? fred walton added, *Nick Malkoutzis* @Nick... more »
Is The Middle East Dividing Into Sectarian - Religious Regions?
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* *Zero Hedge*: *This Just Became The Most Important Map In Geopolitics* Earlier today, in “Mid-East Melee: Sectarian Showdown Looms As Bahrain Cuts Ties With Iran, UAE Recalls Ambassador,” we brought you the latest from the war-torn Mid-East where a worsening spat between Saudi Arabia and Iran threatens to plunge the region into chaos. Make no mistake, things were already out of control. The conflict in Syria has mushroomed into a global proxy war, Iraq is struggling to drive Islamic State from key cities, and Yemen remains mired in war nine months afte... more »
Is The Saudi-Iran Crisis A Rebuke Of U.S. Policy In The Middle East?
A security personnel asks reporters to leave a room where U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) is meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (2nd R) at a hotel in Vienna, Austria July 1, 2015. Reuters/Carlos Barria *AFP:* *Saudi-Iran crisis a rebuke for US policy in region* Washington (AFP) - The dramatic escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran has dealt a major blow to US standing in the region, and some experts say the blame lies with its single-minded focus on mending relations with Tehran. Washington has failed to manage its traditional Sunni Ara... more »
Untitled
*From* *Jenna Orkin* "It's Coming To A Head In 2016" - Why Bank of America Thinks The Probability Of A Chinese Crisis Is 100% Mid-East Melee: Sectarian Showdown Looms As Bahrain Cuts Ties With Iran, UAE Recalls Ambassador With A Straight Face, US Government "Finds" Number Of Retiring 20-24 Year-Olds Has Doubled Happy New Year: Global Stocks Crash After China Is Halted Limit Down In Worst Start To Year In History Angola's Currency Collapses To Record Low As "Hyperinflation Monster" Looms Over Africa Iraq Says Mosque Bombings Were False Flag ISIS Attacks Drilling-Crazy Oklahoma Has ... more »
Guido Fawkes is farcicle/farcical!
Look at the fourth item in the 'Seen elsewehere' section; farcicle, really?
Were these remarks by Chris Gayle in an interview really apology worthy?
Watch the video here and tell me what you think. Should Chris Gayle have apologised? Should Australia's Channel 10 have apologised? Why do the BBC consider this mild story worthy of coverage but not the mass sexual assaults at Cologne station?
TN Special Report: The Iceland Meme that won't die
Good morning my friends. After recording last nights Transpicuous News January 4th Report, I continued the session with this special report. Distractions are the name of the game these days, and discerning Distraction from Disinfo is sometimes damn difficult. In this recording I discuss the waves of distractions that keep rolling over us, and a few of the main points I look at when these same ol' stories keep coming back to life. Case in point: The Iceland Revolution that wasn't. I've spoken about Iceland's perceived "revolution" for several years now, but when the next "wave"... more »
No Explanation From the White House On Why New Iranian Sanctions Have Been Delayed
*Washington Examiner:* *White House refuses to explain delay in Iran sanctions* A White House spokesman on Monday declined to say why the Obama administration changed course and decided to delay sanctioning Iran for its illegal ballistic missile tests, but also rejected the idea that the sanctions were delayed because of pressure from Tehran. "Ultimately we will impose those financial penalties, we'll impose those sanctions, at a time and place of our choosing, when our experts believe that they will have maximum impact," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Monday. "And th... more »
\(E_6\) grand unification, F-theory prevail in the \(750\GeV\) phenomenology today
Models of numerous kinds have been proposed in about 130 model builder papers so far that try to explain the diphoton resonance of invariant mass around \(750\GeV\) seen at the LHC – which may turn out to be a manifestation of new physics or a fluke. Tommaso Dorigo is a cynic but I found his recent comment amusing, even if it is wrong. He claims that the \(750\GeV\) bump can be neither the Loch Ness Monster nor Mickey Mouse, because of some differences in the shape. Otherwise, the bump can be anything. *The bump may actually be due to Loch Ness and Mickey Mouse assuming that both... more »
Military Photo of the Day: January 5, 2016
[image: EOD Training-900] Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians conduct counter-improvised explosive ordnance training exercises at the Barry M. Goldwater Range in Yuma, Ariz., on Dec. 8, 2015. Thank you to our military’s EOD community for repeatedly risking their lives to find and disable... more »
Elaine J. Cohen : METRO | Are the dreaded immigration sweeps coming to a city near you?
My friends trembled as they shared their stories of crossing the Rio Bravo and the desert, and hiding from ‘la migra.’ By Elaine J. Cohen | The Rag Blog | January 6, 2016 “Raids are planned in Dallas, Houston, El … finish reading Elaine J. Cohen : *METRO* | Are the dreaded immigration sweeps coming to a city near you?
Canada: The Colonial Curse ....Part I
Canada: The Colonial Curse *Written by Robin Mathews* *The Canary In The Coal Mine: Culture...*We often think of ‘*Culture*’ as out there. But it’s here. And it has to be here because it’s us. Economics makes possible the culture we know and live and create… and is part of culture. And culture is, normally, the voice and character of the people (visibly expressed in the arts). As “speaking of what we are” culture is very important … and so (in a colony) it’s controlled in a hundred ways (we don’t see). “Speaking of what we are” can be dangerous. So, for instance, ap... more »
Star Wars Cast Sings "Stayin' Alive"
Genius! Star Wars songs could be a rich vein to mine.
German police hunt for group of up to 1,000 men over sex attacks
'German police are hunting for a group of up to a 1,000 men 'of Arab and North African origin' who are accused of sexually assaulting numerous women and causing trouble at Cologne's main station. Police described the series of sexual assaults against women in Cologne on New Year's Eve as 'a completely new dimension of crime.' Officers received numerous complaints from women who said they had been assaulted around Cologne's main train station next to the western German city's famous cathedral on the night from Thursday to Friday. The group of men reportedly also robbed their victi... more »
These Are The Saudi Weapons That Iran Should Fear
Saudi security forces march during a parade in preparation for the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in April 2012. PHOTO: MOHAMMED SALEM/COURTESY REUTERS *Dave Majumdar, National Interest*: *5 Saudi Weapons of War Iran Should Fear* With tensions flaring between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the specter of a war between the two powers is once again on the rise. In recent days, Saudi Arabia has severed diplomatic ties with Tehran after Riyadh’s embassy was set ablaze on Saturday by an angry mob. The protesters were enraged after Saudi Arabia executed forty-seven prisoners—including a top S... more »
Picture Of The Day
An MQ-9 Reaper equipped with an extended range modification sits on the ramp on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2015, before a sortie. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys
Tweet For Today
World's largest employers. (Via WEF) pic.twitter.com/usg8jpa1Zh — The Int'l Spectator (@intlspectator) January 3, 2016
Paul McCartney’s 1966 Death Conspiracy Goes Deeper Than We Thought
Ringo Starr has apparently come clean about the infamous conspiracy that Paul McCartney died in the 60’s, saying that the burden of the secret has become too much for him to bare. Prior to Ringo coming forward with this information, a large number of conspiracy theorists suggested that the original Paul McCartney left The Beatles in 1966. Does this latest revelation ‘confirm’ what conspiracy theorists have been saying for years? Themillenniumreport.com reports: There is now a massive body of forensic proof, anecdotal testimony, scientific photograph assessment, comparative voice an... more »
Russia’s Top Military Spy Dies Mysteriously
Russia’s Defense Ministry has reported that one of Russia’s top spies, Col.-Gen. Igor Sergun, has died aged 58 unexpectedly. The ministry have failed to give a cause of death, but say his death was sudden. Cbsnews.com reports: The military intelligence service, widely known by the acronym GRU, is believed to be Russia’s largest foreign intelligence operation. Ukraine has alleged that soldiers connected with the GRU have taken part in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where government forces and Russia-backed separatists have been fighting since April 2014. Sergun was on the list of R...more »
Ohio Hikers Capture ‘Devil Tree’ Burning From The Inside
A group of hikers from Ohio were stunned and “freaked out” after stumbling upon a burning tree dubbed the “devil tree” during a routine hike last week. The two hikers filmed a video of the spectacle and shared it on social media where users could clearly see a raging inferno burning inside of the tree but without any smoke or apparent damage to the outside of it. Dailymail.co.uk reports: In the beginning of the 30-second video, one of the hikers can be heard saying ‘What the f***,’ as the person filming aims the camera at the top of the tree, which is engulfed in flames from the in... more »
Top Pentagon Commanders: “We’ll Quit If Trump Becomes Commander-In-Chief”
*Top Pentagon Commanders* *Top Pentagon Commanders: “We’ll Quit If Trump Becomes Commander-In-Chief”* *Is that a promise?????*
Seven Reasons On Why/How Russian Analysis Goes Wrong
Photo from kremlin.ru *Michael Kofman, War On The Rocks*:* The Seven Deadly Sins Of Russia Analysis* As the clock counts down to the end of another tumultuous and difficult year of dealing with Russia, the natural instinct is to look back on the battles and surprises of 2015 with an eye to making predictions for the coming year. There is material aplenty: the battle of Debaltseve, Moscow’s operations in Syria, a crisis with Turkey that still burns bright. A new year offers new opportunities for prognostication: Where will Russia strike next? What is Putin thinking? What are the li... more »
The Escalating Situation In The Middle East Between Saudi Arabia And Iran: My Take....
It is so amazing that there has been absolutely very few reports coming out of the Jew spew media over the last few days about the dangerous escalating situation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.....Common sense would tell anyone that carefully analyzes this situation that someone seriously wants to see these two nations go to war, and with that I smell a rat..... The facts are that the entire situation started out last week when the criminal government in Saudi Arabia decided to execute some of its political prisoners including several Iranians including a Shia Muslim cleric named Nim... more »
China ‘Concerned’ Over Escalating Tension Between Saudi And Iran
China has expressed ‘concerns’ over the escalating tensions in the Middle East between Iran and Saudi Arabia, after both countries severed diplomatic ties with eachother following the execution of top Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. “Like the international community, China is highly concerned about the developments and expresses concern that the relevant event may intensify conflict in the region,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. Presstv.com reports: She further expressed “hope the relevant parties can maintain calm and restraint, properly resolve their dif... more »
Spreading Chaos
Chaos is spreading throughout the Middle-East as nations divide along religious lines: Catherine E. Shoichet and Mariano Castillo, "Saudi Arabia-Iran row spreads to other nations," CNN, January 4, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/04/middleeast/saudi-arabia-iran-severing-ties-whats-next/ (CNN)The fallout of Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite cleric is spreading beyond a spat between the Saudis and Iranians, as other Middle East nations chose sides Monday and world powers Russia and China weighed in. Bahrain announced Monday that it was severing diplomatic ties with Iran, citing... more »
The Delusional Self-Importance of the Liberal Media
[image: Self Important Reporter - 900] I have long marveled at liberals’ air of superiority and lack of self-reflection, which have always been particularly evident among liberal media elites and journalists. They tend to view themselves as sacrosanct and above scrutiny. Perhaps this attitude sprang from... more »
Russia's Top Military Intelligence Chief Has Died Unexpectedly. No Cause Given
Igor Sergun's position as GRU chief landed him on the sanctions lists imposed in early 2014 by both the United States and the European Union, which specifically cited his oversight of "the activity of GRU officers in eastern Ukraine." TASS *BBC*: *Russian GRU military spy chief Igor Sergun dies* The head of Russia's secretive GRU military intelligence service, Gen Igor Sergun, has died suddenly aged 58. Expressing condolences, President Vladimir Putin called him "an experienced and competent commander, a man of great courage, a true patriot". The circumstances of his death are not... more »
Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA)-- Very Much NOT Like Gov. Rick Snyder (R-Flint)
The first time I spoke with Tom Wolf was in March, 2013 when he was considered a longshot to replace Pennsylvania's Republican Governor Tom Corbett. It only took a few minutes of listening to him talk before I realized that he was the guy-- the guy who could stop conservaDem Allyson Schwartz from getting the Democratic nomination, the one who could retire Corbett and the one who could show Pennsylvanians what it was like to have a good governor. (Anyone remember Milton Shapp?) Anyway, Tom did a guest post for *DWT* explaining who he is and how he wanted to approach governing Penn... more »
The So Called "Refugee" Crisis And Migration Is A Sham!
I have been saying for the last several months through my rants, and through several other articles here at this blog that the so called "refugee" crisis that we have been inundated by the Jew spew media to believe is a serious situation, is indeed a sham and not as it seems.... I have also said that when it comes to the Syrian "refugee" crisis and the massive migration of both refugees and migrant workers into Europe and here in North America that we are not being told the truth and that something is seriously amiss.... I have smelled a rat and I suspect that there is indeed so muc... more »
These Are The 10 Main Conflicts That The World Will Face In 2016
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher uses hand signals to marshal an MQ-9 Reaper for end-of-runway checks on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2015. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys *Jean-Marie Guehenno, Foreign Policy*: *10 Conflicts to Watch in 2016* From Syria to the South China Sea, the conflicts and crises the world will face in the coming year. Pulling together a list of the wars most in need of international attention and support in 2016 is challenging for all the wrong reasons. For 20 years after the end of the Cold War, deadly conflict was in decli... more »
Musical Interlude: Liquid Mind, "Liquid Mind IX: Lullaby" (Full Album)
Liquid Mind, "Liquid Mind IX: Lullaby" (Full Album) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y23JgRyhZGU
Monkey Selfies, a Hug, and a Football Game Make the List of Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2015
[image: ridiculous lawsuits] The U.S. legal system continues to be a magnet for costly abuse. The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform collected the ten most ridiculous lawsuits of 2015. "These stories will make you laugh, but sadly, frivolous lawsuits are all too common,"... Continue reading *“Monkey Selfies, a Hug, and a Football Game Make the List of Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2015”* at *uschamber.com*.
Bill Clinton Kicks off Tour for Wife’s Presidential Campaign
[image: Former President Bill Clinton speaks during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in Nashua, N.H.] NASHUA, N.H. (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton made his debut solo appearance in New Hampshire Monday on behalf of his wife, Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign -- a lot grayer, a bit trimmer and far more subdued than nearly... more »
Panetta, Petraeus to Address Benghazi Committee Behind Closed Doors
[image: Benghazi Committee] Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and ex-CIA Director David Petraeus will be interviewed this week in a pair of closed-door sessions of the House's Select Committee on Benghazi, the panel announced on Monday. Petraeus will answer questions on Wednesday. Panetta,... Continue reading *“Panetta, Petraeus to Address Benghazi Committee Behind Closed Doors”* at *thehill.com*.
Central African Republic's Election News Round-up -- January 4, 2015
*Reuters*: *Candidates call for halt in Central African Republic vote count* Two thirds of the 30 candidates standing for president of Central African Republic on Monday demanded the authorities halt the vote count because of what they said were irregularities in the ballot. Many voters hope the Dec. 30 poll will restore peace after three years of conflict between Muslim rebels and Christian militias in which thousands of people have died and around 1 million have fled their homes. The protest by the candidates could mean the final result is contested, but it may be seen by some v... more »
SpaceX’s Returned Booster Rocket Back in Hangar
[image: SpaceX's Falcon 9 back in it's hangar] CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- SpaceX’s booster rocket, the Falcon, is back in its nest following a historic landing. The California company led by Elon Musk shared a picture of the returned booster Sunday. The used Falcon 9 is shown... more »
Experts Are Cautioning Everyone To Stay Calm After Monday's Stock Market Sell-Off
An investor sits in front of an electronic board showing stock information at a brokerage house in Beijing, China, January 4, 2016. REUTERS/Li Sanxian *David Wertime, Foreign Policy*: *Experts: Keep Calm After China’s Latest Stock Market Plunge* *They say the drop has more to do with technical issues and a herd mentality than anything else.* On Jan. 4, Chinese stock markets offered a rude greeting to the new year. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index closed down 6.86 percent, with trading paused, then eventually halted as part of what analysts are calling “circuit breaking” meas... more »
Divorce
If you are legally married and your marriage breaks down you must get a divorce in order to remarry. It also is psychologically helpful for many people, when a marriage breaks down, to get a divorce as that helps to give closure to the failed relationship. That said, as a legal matter there is no formal need to divorce and many couples separate and never divorce. In such circumstances the couple remains legally married and there is no time limit whereby a married couple that separates ceases to be married. I often hear people who tell me they split up, say, ten years ago and assume ... more »
Finally, A Democratic Candidate For The Blue Central Valley District Dave Valadao Occupies-- Emilio Huerta
I don't know Emilio Huerta yet, but I do know his mom, Dolores Huerta, a national treasure who I've been urging to run for Congress for years. She always smiles but I get the idea she knows her national activism is accomplishing more than anything she could do in Congress. I knew Emilio had been considering running for one of the Central Valley seats and over the weekend he announced he would be taking on Republican David Valadao in CA-21. The district, which covers all of Kings County and chunks or Kern and Fresno counties, practically surrounds Bakersfield and heads north to Del... more »
Complicating the Obvious
[image: car manual - 900] Engineers who design computerized products and services seem to have an almost fanatical determination to avoid using plain English. It is understandable when complicated processes require complicated operations. But when the very simplest things are designed with needless complications or... more »
Stocks Sink around the World on First Trading Day of 2016
[image: Trader Peter Mancuso, center, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. U.S. stocks are opening 2016 on a grim note, dropping sharply after a plunge in China and declines in Europe.] NEW YORK (AP) -- The new year got off to an inauspicious start on Wall Street as stocks tumbled Monday in a global sell-off triggered by new fears of a slowdown in China and rising tensions in the Middle East.... more »
These Are The Top 10 Risks To Stability For Global Investors
Participants at the 2015 G20 Summit in Turkey. Wikipedia *The Telegraph*: *The top 10 risks to the world in 2016 — the ailing trans-Atlantic partnership is number one* The Eurasia Group's annual list of the political and geopolitical trends that threaten stability focuses on the weak relationship between the US and Europe Each year the Eurasia Group, a global political risk research and consulting firm, produces a list of the top 10 risks to stability for global investors. This is their list for 2016. *WNU Editor:* No mention of Afghanistan .... nor the growing debt crisis.
Is China About To End America's Monopoly On Stealth Fighter Jets?
Reuters *David Axe, Daily Beast*: *China Assembles Its Stealth Jet Fleet* Beijing’s newest supersonic warplane could mark the end of the American monopoly on stealth fighter jets. China has apparently begun mass production of its new J-20 stealth fighter, making it only the second country in the world to produce radar-evading warplanes on a large scale. But as with all military developments in China, it’s hard to separate fact from Communist Party-sponsored fiction—and equally difficult to predict just how heavily even large numbers of working J-20s could weigh on the military ba... more »
Next Maine Peace Walk Planning Underway
*Maine Peace Walk Planning Committee Meeting Minutes* January 2, 2016 Orland, Maine *Present:* Andrew Watkins, Katie Greenman, Jason Rawn, Connie Jenkins, Nancy Larson, Starr Gilmartin, Russell Wray, Mary Beth Sullivan, Bruce Gagnon *Previous Walk Review:* Some of the comments on our last Maine Peace Walk included: The walk allowed for expression of our spirituality; What happened to the letters we delivered to BIW and Naval shipyard in Kittery?; Need to do more on social media to spread word about walks; We have been changed from the depth of the ocean to the stars in the gala... more »
The Year the Politically Correct Chickens Came Home to Roost
[image: politically correct] In last year's roundup of the top stories of the year, I argued that 2014 was the year we were all drafted into the culture wars. "This is the year when we were served noticed that we won't be allowed... Continue reading *“The Year the Politically Correct Chickens Came Home to Roost”* at *thefederalist.com*.
Duckies, nomination period extended
The new deadline is January 11th, so nominate away!
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 4, 2015
Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Saudi King Salman in October. PHOTO: CARLO ALLEGRI/PRESS POOL *Jay Solomon, WSJ:* *Obama’s Mideast Plan Faces a New Hurdle* U.S. officials concerned that Iran-Saudi conflict could undermine broader efforts in Middle East WASHINGTON—The sudden upheaval that shattered ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia over the weekend also saddled the Obama administration with unexpected complications in what already was a long-shot bid to ease the crises of the Middle East. Administration officials voiced rising concern that the conflict between Iran and S... more »
Jan. 4: Time's a'wasting.
The lead story in a wretched four pages – count them – four – of what is grandly called the Canada and World section – and the lead is “Christmas never came for victims of massacre”. It's very heart-wrenching. The reference, of course, is to the 14, good Americans killed by those terrible Muslims at a Christmas barbecue in San Bernardino. True. Christmas never came for them. Nor did it come for the thousand or so Americans killed by American Christians all over the U.S. in the past year. But they don't get a mention. Nor is there mention of the thousands killed by American bombers ... more »
Transpicuous News: Jan 4th.... Welcome to 2016!
Welcome to 2016! In less than 4 days, the world has gone to hell in a hand basket, with the Middle East exploding (quite literally), and the financial sector plays it's favorite roller coaster tunes, all the while armed men in Oregon take control of a federal building.... but just a little one. d News Links for January 4th, 2016 Report Bahrain, Sudan sever ties with Iran, UAE reduces number of diplomats https://www.rt.com/news/327839-bahrain-iran-ties-saudi/ Saudi Arabia to cut commercial ties, flights to Iran - Foreign Minister https://www.rt.com/news/327866-iran-saudi... more »
PKK’s War of Choice lacks Kurdish public support in Turkey- YPG Terror in Syria
*"The PKK's - WAR OF CHOICE- lacks Kurdish public support in Turkey"* *MEeye * As long as the lying war whore media, alongside the phony whoring alternatives, continue to portray Turkey or "Hitler Erdogan" as the aggressor in the events current in Turkey. I will continue to expose their lies! Not because I'm a fan of Erdogan. I'm not a fan at all. It's simply because* Truth Exists and the truth is the PKK started this fight* * Armed PKK fighters in Turkey's cities- Where do they get the means to wage war?* The cost of the recent low-intensity urban warfare between Turkey and the K... more »
US And Britain Invade Libya As ‘Alien’ Nazi Artefacts Discovered
The Ministry of Defense have announced that 6,000 Western troops led by Britain, the U.S., France, and Italy have invaded Libya after ISIS fighters hijacked a key oil port of Es Sider, thus threatening to take away control of the countries oil infrastructure currently supported by the West. However, the report also suggests that certain Nazi artefacts have been discovered in the region, which the US-UK led invasion is keen to take hold of. Whatdoesitmean.com reports: According to this report, Libya was deliberately destroyed under orders given by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinto... more »
Iranian Intelligence Say Saudi Arabia Collapse Is Imminent
The Iranian Intelligence Minister, Seyed Mahmoud Alavi, has said that Saudi Arabia’s government will soon be “toppled”, following the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. In a message on Monday, the Minister announced, “By adopting terroristic and inhuman policies, the Al Saud regime will not achieve enhanced security; on the contrary it will face imminent downfall“. Farsnews.com reports: The Iranian intelligence minister condemned Sheikh Nimr’s execution, and extended his condolences to the Muslim Ulemmas (scholars), freedom-seeking nations and the axis of resistance. Al... more »
Top Doctors Admit Vaccines Turn Our Immune Systems Against Us
An abundance of scientific research suggests that vaccines can trigger a large number of diseases and autoimmunity shortly after being administered. The Godfather of Autoimmunology, Yehuda Shoenfeld, is suggesting that vaccines – specifically, their ingredients such as the toxic metal aluminum – is a significant contributor to the growing global epidemic of autoimmune diseases. Greenmedinfo.com reports: Take for example, a recent article published in the journal Pharmacological Research in which Shoenfeld and colleagues issue unprecedented guidelines naming four categories of peopl... more »
Saudi Arabia Orchestrated Iran-Crisis, Leaked Memo Reveals
A leaked memo has revealed that authorities in Saudi Arabia were well aware of the crisis that would ensue, following the mass execution of 47 people in the New Year. The memo reveals that the intelligence community anticipated and may have orchestrated the angry response from Iran. Middleeasteye.net reports: The document was leaked to the human rights group Reprieve, which believes it shows the executions were “politically motivated”. The killings took place on 2 December, and included high-profile Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr who was arrested in 2012 for his role in organising protes... more »
Post 9/11 United States: Was It Worth It?
Fourteen years after 9/11, the United States is still marching, undeterred by the millions killed and trillions of dollars wasted, towards something beyond grim, according to Riley Waggaman of Russia Insider who writes: “Let us consider the way in which we spend our lives.” So begins Thoreau’s greatest treatise against trains and fools with too much money, Life Without Principle. (And not to spoil the gripping plot, but Thoreau argues that we do not spend our lives particularly well. Why does Henry David Thoreau hate Facebook?) Since it’s September 11, the day we are supposed to Nev... more »
Pentagon: Hundreds Of Military Kids Are Sexually Abused Each Year
The Pentagon have revealed that hundreds of incidents involving sexual assaults with children of service members occur every year. The revelation by the Defense Department shows that abuse is mostly committed by male enlisted troops and family members. Yahoo News reports: The figures offer greater insight into the sexual abuse of children committed by service members, a problem of uncertain scale due to a lack of transparency into the military’s legal proceedings. With more than 1 million military dependents, the number of cases appears statistically small. But for a profession tha... more »
Chinese Trading Halted Amid Stock Markets Worst Start To The Year
Monday proved to be the worst-ever start to a year for China as stock markets plunged, triggering a trading halt in more than $7 trillion worth of equities, futures and options. Trading was halted at 1:34 p.m. local time after the CSI 300 index dropped to 7 percent. Bloomberg.com reports: An earlier 15-minute suspension at the 5 percent level failed to stop the retreat, with shares extending losses as soon as the market re-opened. Traders said the halts took effect as anticipated without any major technical problems. The world’s second-largest stock market began the year on a down ... more »
Pregnant Women Die Mysteriously In Italy Over Christmas Week
Italian officials have launched an inquiry after five pregnant women died within the week after Christmas from unknown causes. Sputnik reports: Four investigative teams have been sent to hospitals to look into a string of deaths of heavily pregnant women in the north of the country, which has one of the lowest levels of maternal deaths in the world, the Guardian reported. On Christmas Day, Anna Massignan, 34, died during an emergency caesarean section at a hospital in the Verona area. A day later, 39-year-old Angela Nesta suffered a deadly heart attack after giving birth to a stillb... more »
U.S. Farmers Are Dropping GMO Crops En Masse
Jackson Country, Oregon, have joined an ever-increasing number of “GE-free” areas in the U.S., where farmers do not cultivate GMO crops. It’s the eight county in the country to ban the practise of GE farming, as farmers across the land drop producing GMO crops en masse. Washingtonpost.com reports: The Jackson County designation was made final on Dec. 22, when a federal judge approved a consent decree protecting the zone. The ordinance was originally passed in May 2014 by the voters of Jackson County, but was challenged in court by two GE alfalfa farmers, who argued that it violated ... more »
Ranchers Who Inspired Oregon Occupation Report to Prison
[image: Members of the group occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters stand guard Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, near Burns, Ore. The group calls itself Citizens for Constitutional Freedom and has sent a "demand for redress" to local, state and federal officials. The armed anti-government group took over the remote national wildlife refuge in Oregon as part of a decades-long fight over public lands in the West. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)] BURNS, Ore. (AP) -- Father-and-son ranchers convicted of setting fire to federal grazing land reported to prison Monday as the armed anti-gove... more »
Armed Arab Killer Sets Off Panic in Israel’s Heartland
[image: In this Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, file photo, an Israeli woman holds her dog next to a bus station shattered by bullets at the scene of a deadly shooting attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel. For all its years of strife, Israel has rarely seen anything quite like this: an armed, wanted Arab killer on the loose who is spreading fear across the land. Even the proudly stoic are keeping children home from school as they brace for another potential attack after the weekend's deadly daytime shooting at a Tel Aviv bar in what has become the most baffling event in a three-month wave of violence... more »
How A 16 Year Old White Boy Became A Chinese Mafia Godfather
A 16-year-old orphaned white boy from Boston rose up through the ranks of Chinatown’s underworld to become a major Chinese mafia crime boss. John Willis was only sixteen, down on his luck and looking for his next meal when he first ran into the Chinese mafia in Boston. The Daily Mail reports: With his father long gone and his mother dead, he was taking steroids to beef himself up and convince the owner of a club in Boston that he was 18 and therefore old enough to be a bouncer. After helping a young Asian man called Woping Joe out of a fight at the club, he was handed a card with a ...more »
Meteor Shower This Tuesday, Then Kiss Of Two Planets On Saturday
On Tuesday this week there will be a spectacular meteor shower visible from Earth from 11 p.m. Pravdareport.com reports: One will not need to have any special equipment to see the space extravaganza. It will be possible to enjoy the view of the quadrantids – particles of an extinct comet – with the naked eye. Astronomers say that in clear weather it will be possible to see up to 200 meteors per hour. On January 9, 2016, Saturn and Venus will showcase their closest conjunction since August 26, 2006. This phenomenon was dubbed as the kiss of two planets. On January 17, 2016, Catalina C... more »
The Bundy Family and Armed Resistance to ‘Government Land Grabs’: Know the Facts
[image: rangers - 400] Ammon Bundy, son of infamous Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, is leading an armed effort to occupy a headquarters building located in a federal wildlife preserve near Burns, Oregon, as a reaction to a local criminal case between ranchers and public... Continue reading *“The Bundy Family and Armed Resistance to ‘Government Land Grabs’: Know the Facts”* at *breitbart.com*.
President Obama Claims Executive Action on Gun Control Is Within His Authority
[image: gun control] The executive actions on gun control under consideration by President Obama are within his legal authority, the president said today after a meeting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, FBI Director James Comey and other U.S. law enforcement officials. "The good... Continue reading *“President Obama Claims Executive Action on Gun Control Is Within His Authority”* at *abcnews.go.com*.
World News Briefs -- January 4, 2015 (Evening Edition)
*CNN:* *Saudi Arabia-Iran row spreads to other nations* (CNN)The fallout of Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite cleric is spreading beyond a spat between the Saudis and Iranians, as other Middle East nations choose sides and world powers Russia and China weigh in. Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran -- two Middle Eastern powerhouses -- have deteriorated following Riyadh's execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr Saturday. Hours after the death sentence was carried out, protesters in Shiite-majority Iran attacked the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. The Saudis cut diplomatic relations... more »
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