11:31 pm MDT
Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign just got a boost. And the media won’t like it at all
Jeremy Corbyn is narrowing the gap in polling. New figures released on 13 May show support for Labour is now higher than the vote share Ed Miliband received in 2015. But there is a problem. This rise is happening despite the widespread media hostility that was highlighted in a letter to The Guardian by nearly 70 media […]
Thousands Of Muscovites Protest Over Housing
© Vladimir Astapkovich / Sputnik *Bloomberg:* *Mass Rally in Moscow Against Home Demolition Challenges Putin* * Activists say 20,000 took part in protest; police 8,000 * Russian leader faces rising social unrest ahead of re-election Thousands of people jammed the Russian capital to protest a plan to demolish decades-old apartment blocks housing more than a million people, delivering a new challenge for President Vladimir Putin as he gears up for re-election in less than a year. About 20,000 people rallied Sunday in Sakharov Prospect in Moscow’s downtown, according to an activist gr... more »
US HOSPITALS PREP FOR EBOLA. TIME TO GO THROUGH CHECK LIST OF ERRORS LEARNED IN 2014 AND SCAN VIGILANTLY FOR NEW BREACHES IN BIODEFENSES
At least one hospital in Spokane, Washington, which was designated in 2014 as special Ebola treatment centres, has personnel trained and equipped with the appropriate protective gear, and ready, in theory, for any Ebola outbreak, report local media. But, as this blog has noted, the screening protocols for detecting people incubating Ebola are still, at least in some hospitals such […]
CDC/WHO Ebola recommendations may put sewer workers at risk
Haas CN, et al. Water Environ Res. 2017;doi:10.2175/106143017X14839994523181. April 19, 2017 Researchers suggest that guidelines endorsed by the CDC and WHO for the safe disposal of liquid waste from patients with Ebola virus disease may not be adequate to prevent water treatment workers from being exposed to the virus, according to data recently published […]
REPORT: TRUMP MULLS FIRING ALL HIS STAFF, RETAINING IVANKA AND JARED KUSHNER AS HIS MAIN ADVISORS
At the urging of longtime friends and outside advisers, most of whom he consults after dark, President Trump is considering a “huge reboot” that could take out everyone from Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon, to counsel Don McGahn and press secretary Sean Spicer, White House sources tell me. Trump is […]
IVANKA AND JARED KUSHNER PUSHED FOR FIRING OF JAMES COMEY, SAYS AP
The latest way is explained by the AP like this: Several people close to the president say his reliance on a small cadre of advisers as he mulled firing Comey reflects his broader distrust of many of his own staffers. He leans heavily on daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as Hope […]
James Clapper says US institutions under assault by Trump. Destroying checks and balances on orders of his handlers?
The country’s delicate checks and balances are “under assault” by President Trump, James Clapper warned Jake Tapper on Sunday. The former Director of National Intelligence — an Obama appointee who retired in January — sounded the alarm days after Trump abruptly ousted the FBI director investigating his campaign’s potential ties to Russia. “I think in […]
INSIDERS SAY THERE IS A SEALED INDICTMENT AGAINST TRUMP
Blogger and fierce critic of President Donald Trump Louise Mensch and former Clinton White House official Claude Taylor are both saying that independent sources have separately informed them that a sealed indictment has been granted against the president. “Separate sources with links to the intelligence and justice communities have stated that a sealed indictment has […]
Former NY FBI head says Trump staffers better get lawyers over Russia scandal
Known for his litigiousness, President Donald Trump has already threatened to see organizations he disagrees with in court — but according to sources familiar with White House scandals, his staff might be the ones who need lawyers. According to sources interviewed by POLITICO, staffers in the Trump White House may need their own counsel to […]
Trump could be impeached over sacking of James Comey, says historian
President Donald Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey is “much more serious” than Watergate and could arguably be enough to see him impeached now, says the historian who predicted the Republican’s shock election win. http://www.newsweek.com/trump-impeached-comey-fired-fbi-608708
Prediction: The Trump Impeachment Trial Will Have Much Higher Ratings Than The Apprentice Ever Did
Everyday I find myself saying that another insane thing Trump has said or done will be eventual-- after January, 2019 when the new Congress is seated-- evidence in the impeachment hearings, impeachment trial and, I would imagine, the criminal trial as well. Like the video of the Lester Holt interview in which Trump blithely admits to obstruction of justice when he asserted he had made up his mind to fire Comey because of Putin-Gate. The *Wall Street Journal*'s Shane Harris and Carol Lee may not be attorneys but they laid out a breathtaking page of evidence against Trump that no ... more »
Germans Go To The Polls In A Critical State Election
*DW:* *Merkel's CDU faces off against ruling SPD in key German state election* Voters in Germany's most populous state have been casting their ballots in a key vote ahead of September's national election. It's set to be a tight race between Chancellor Merkel's CDU and their ruling rivals, the SPD. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) are hoping to unseat North Rhine Westphalia's ruling Social Democrats (SPD) in a regional parliament election on Sunday. Voter turnout was markedly higher than four years prior, officials said. By noon (1000 GMT), ... more »
Emily Thornberry told a Tory MP he was talking ‘bollocks’ on Marr. But the media missed the most explosive part [VIDEO]
Emily Thornberry must have woken up on Sunday 14 May and had two dozen Weetabix for breakfast. Because in a heated exchange on The Andrew Marr Show she exposed the hypocrisy at the heart of the Conservative’s general election campaign. But she also, accidentally, revealed a potentially scandalous visit to meet President Assad of Syria […]
First Ever Study of Unvaccinated Vs. Vaccinated Kids, Pulled from Journal, Erased from Internet
[image: vaccinated]A study showing homeschooled, unvaccinated children far healthier in many areas than their vaccinated counterparts has been pulled from the Internet — without explanation.
Several White House officials suggest that spokesperson Sean Spicer might soon be replaced with Fox News host.
Oh God, I hate my life.Courtesy of The Hill: *President Trump has reportedly considered replacing White House press secretary Sean Spicer, and has raised a Fox News host as a possible spokesperson. * *Six West Wing officials told The New York Times that the president is considering the most far-reaching shake-up of his first term after being dissatisfied with several top aides, especially Spicer. * *Trump has discussed Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle as a possible press secretary, according to the Times, which noted that the president has also spent several hours with Spicer thi... more »
British newspaper The Independent exposed publishing more fake news
[image: Fake-News] The Independent is becoming a total farce. The post British newspaper The Independent exposed publishing more fake news appeared first on The Duran.
Emmanuel Macron Is Inaugurated As The French President -- News Roundup
*DW*: *France's Macron takes power, now faces challenge of governing* Emmanuel Macron has been inaugurated president of France on a day filled with pomp and ceremony. After a bold and unexpected rise to the top, he now faces the task of governing a polarized nation. France's new President Emmanuel Macron officially took over the reigns of power on Sunday, facing the challenges of a polarized country, high unemployment, terrorism and working with Germany to reform the EU. The 39-year-old independent took over from outgoing Socialist President Francois Hollande, who leaves office... more »
Happy Mother's Day
*Mom and Dad circa 1941* A torn black and white photo captures the moment. A young couple, in their Sunday best, standing in a garden. They look impossibly young. Was this the day they announced their engagement? Mom was only 22 in the photo. She lived to be just 85. Between the taking of this photo and her death, she crowded 63 years of intense devotion to children, grandchildren and family. Born into hardy Irish immigrant stock, she became a mother of nine. She was pregnant 12 times...but lost three to a condition called *RH negative*. Now this condition has been medical... more »
Interview With Azadeh Shahshahani: Georgia Immigrant Detention and the U.S. Deportation Machine
Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola welcome Azadeh Shahshahani, who is a legal and advocacy director for Project South. She joins the show to talk about a report she worked on called “Imprisoned Justice: Inside Two Georgia Immigrant Detention Centers.” Shahshahani addresses how asylum seekers and immigrants are denied due The post Interview With Azadeh Shahshahani: Georgia Immigrant Detention and the U.S. Deportation Machine appeared first on Shadowproof.
Musings On Iraq In The News
I was quoted in “Is Iraq prepared for the day after ISIS in Mosul?” by Paul Iddon in Rudaw and another article by Iddon “The ISIS drone threat” in Offiziere. Was also quoted by Bethan McKernan in "US-backed forces push into Mosul in final stages of battle against ISIS" for the Independent. Shafaaq News also reprinted part of the Independent article that mentioned me.
Mosul Campaign Day 209 May 13 2017
The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) were moving ahead to capture the last remaining area of west Mosul under Islamic State control. The Tamuz 17, Harmat 3, Idamat al-Tamas, and Hawi Kanisaneighborhoods were all freedby the Golden, Rapid Reaction Division, and 16th Divisions. The last one for the secondtime. The ISF were still pushing into Iqtisadin as well. The army chief of staff is talkingabout freeing all of Mosul before Ramadan, which is in two weeks. Some Ninewa officials are skeptical of that timeline believing that the Old City section will be a tough fight taking another month... more »
Untitled
From Jenna Orkin A massive cyberattack using leaked NSA exploits has hit dozens of countries Theresa May: The massive NHS cyberattack is part of a bigger international attack "Massive Disturbances" In German Rail System Due To Ransomware Attack Hospitals Across England Go Dark After Massive "Cyber-Attack"; Hackers Demand Ransom James Comey declines offer to testify to the Senate Intelligence Committee Brain damage is linked to religious extremism | New York Post Germany Just Smashed an Energy Record, Generating 85% Electricity From Renewables Trump strikes deal to export more nat... more »
Counter-displacement: Evacuees return to their district in Homs
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (6: 25 P.M.) – Up to 41 civilians who had left their district in central Homs to Syria’s north returned home after spending weeks in refugee camps. The evacuees, who earlier refused a reconciliation agreement with the Syrian government, said their return was fueled by extremely poor humanitarian and heath conditions at the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
IS zerstört im neuen Video Kulturgüter in Deir Ezzor
DAMASKUS, SYRIEN (14:55) – Die IS eigene Medienagentur Amaq hat ein neues Video veröffentlicht in denen IS Milizen Kulturgüter, die in der Provinz Deir Ezzor westlich der Stadt Abu Kamal gefunden wurden, zerstören. Solche Taten seitens des IS sind in großen Umfang bereits aus der irakischen Provinz Ninive und der syrischen Stadt Palmyra bekannt. Dabei […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
In pictures: Hundreds of militants leave Damascus suburb for Idlib province
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (5:15 P.M.) – The agreement between Syrian government and armed groups in Al-Qaboun suburb of Damascus city came into force today, as hundreds of militants and members of their families began departing for Idlib province on Sunday morning. Overall, more than 1,900 people, including 762 armed rebels, were transferred to northern Syria by […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Хезболла передала контроль над границей Ливана с Сирией ливанской армии
Руководство ливанского движения “Хезболла” приняло решение передать контроль над большинством застав на границе с Сирией подразделениям ливанской армии. Об этом в пятницу сообщила информационная служба “Хезболлы”. Согласно её сообщению, под контроль ливанских военных переданы пограничные посты близ населённых пунктов Туфейл, Бриталь, Хам и Маарабун в ливанской провинции Бекаа. Решение было принято сутки спустя после того, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Two Sudanese soldiers killed in Yemen fighting against Houthis
SANA’A, YEMEN (3:25 P.M.) – On Friday, Yemeni media reported that Yemen’s Army (units loyal to government in Sana’a) and popular committees (Houthis) targeted positions held by Sudanese troops in Taiz province. Military sources told Yemeni state news agency (Saba) yesterday that the Yemeni army and popular committees launched a barrage of artillery shells on […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ISIS militants crush antiquities discovered in Deir Ezzor province (VIDEO)
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (2:55 P.M.) – Amaq agency, which is one of the media wings affiliated with the so-called “Islamic State” (IS, formerly ISIL/ISIS), has published a new video that shows designated terror group’s jihadists destroying ancient statues and artifacts found west of Abu Kamal city in southeastern part of Deir Ezzor province: Wiping out historical […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
U.S. And Saudi Arabia Are On The Verge Of Completing A $100 Billion Arms Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., March 14, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque *Reuters: **U.S. nears $100 billion arms deal for Saudi Arabia: White House official* The United States is close to completing a series of arms deals for Saudi Arabia totaling more than $100 billion, a senior White House official said on Friday, a week ahead of President Donald Trump's planned visit to Riyadh. The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said th... more »
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Barbara Ellen questions the positive spin the right tries to put on poverty and precarity, and writes that we're all worse off forcing people to just barely get by: In recent times, there has been a lot said about those people who are “just managing”. They are neither rich nor poor, but usually working in low- to medium-income jobs, scratching a living, surviving from one month, week, day, or minute to another. A narrative has emerged of plucky, cheerful sorts who soldier on, just about making ends meet, but “can’t complain, guv”, which has... more »
WATCH: Man Arrested Because Cops ‘Fear for Their Lives’ for Being Filmed
[image: video]Cops claimed that a man filming them was causing an FBI agent to fear for his life, so he was arrested for his first amendment protected right to video police.
CanaryPod 14 May 2017 – UN report on human rights and #ToryDirtyMoney
http://www.thecanary.co/podcast/20170514CanaryPod.mp3
Open Thread
Please add anything that strikes you, BBC-bias-wise, below. (I spotted this magnificent photo of Ely Cathedral on Twitter. Too good not to share!)
$10,000 reward offered for killer of rare Yellowstone female wolf
She was together with the same alpha male wolf for more than nine years, park officials said. The dead wolf was double the average age of a Yellowstone wolf and had at least 20 pups, of which 14 became yearlings. The reward for information leading to whoever shot a rare white wolf found inside Yellowstone National Park rose to $10,000 on Friday after a wolf advocacy group matched a $5,000 reward offered earlier by the park. The 12-year-old wolf that was killed was the alpha female of a group of wolves dubbed the Canyon Pack and a popular target of photographers Park officials h... more »
The Politicization of Everything; The Dangers of the Path the Left has Charted for America
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Ad Hominem Attacks Qualify as “Science” to the Political Left
In any real science, if you resort to Ad Hominem attacks, you’ve lost. With climate “science” however, Ad Hominem attacks form the basis of its support. Unfortunate for the political left; boycotts, protests, phony models, “adjusted data,” and Ad Hominem attacks won’t change the reality of the catastrophic failures of the IPCC, the AGW theory, and Government Funded Climate Research. … Continue reading "Ad Hominem Attacks Qualify as “Science” to the Political Left"
TRILLIONS of PUBLIC Dollars Spent on Conclusions Reached Based Upon “Made Up Data.”
According to the IPCC, the oceans are by far the most “dominant” influence on global climate energy balance. No other influence even comes close. Ocean warming dominates the increase in energy stored in the climate system, accounting for more than 90% of the energy accumulated between 1971 and 2010 (high confidence), with only about 1% stored … Continue reading "TRILLIONS of PUBLIC Dollars Spent on Conclusions Reached Based Upon “Made Up Data.”"
Green Economics: Hire People To Push Busses
The above scene meets every requirement of a robust green energy program. Employing Americans as bus pushers would mean jobs. These jobs would be “labor intensive,” so we could “create” plenty of them. Bus pushing, need it be said, would also benefit the environment. Getting rid of buses would go a long way in helping … Continue reading "Green Economics: Hire People To Push Busses"
Trump's Trip to Riyadh Offers Left and Right Common Ground
What liberals should really be railing against, and what Trump supporters should really know about "Sharia law." *May 14, 2017* (Tony Cartalucci - NEO) - A video went viral of an aggressive American man beating his chest, grabbing his genitals, and taunting a Muslim family on a Texas beach in support of what he believed was US President Donald Trump's mission of purging America of "Sharia law" and "ISIS" (the Islamic State). What this man was likely not aware of as he made his lowbrow political statement was that the "Sharia law" he actually fears is called "Wahhabism," and that ... more »
Fox Star Tucker Carlson in Critical Condition After Head on Collision Driving Home?
Reports that the Fox News Channel host succumbed to injuries from an automobile accident are fake news.
Will the Moon Rise in Korea?
The recent big victory for South Korean President-elect Moon Jae-in has many people wondering what will happen next? Will Moon force Trump to pull THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) out of Seongju, the melon farming community which has now been turned into a US 'missile defense' (MD) base - and clearly a prime target in any war? Will Moon reject Trump's demand that South Korea pay for the THAAD deployment? Will Moon work to relax tensions with North Korea and re-open the door to reunification on the Korean peninsula? Will the Moon shine bright and demand that South Kor... more »
Another Andrew Marr Monitoring Update
The usual suspects are at it again today, crying 'BBC bias!' at Andrew Marr. (It's becoming as traditional a feature of British Sundays as fried breakfasts and roast dinners.) Go onto Twitter and it's all very tribal. It's either cybernats railing at Andy for being mean to Nicola Sturgeon and soft on Michael Fallon or, far more numerous these days, furious Corbynistas railing at Andy for being mean to Emily Thornberry and soft on Michael Fallon. Go onto certain blogs, however, and it's right-wing folk railing at Andy for being mean to Michael Fallon and soft on Emily Thornberry. C... more »
MUST WATCH: Russian grandmother confronts OSCE over killings in Donetsk
[image: MUST WATCH: Russian grandmother confronts OSCE over killings in Donetsk] She pleaded for the aggressors to leave her grandson's homeland in peace. The post MUST WATCH: Russian grandmother confronts OSCE over killings in Donetsk appeared first on The Duran.
The Deal Associated Press (AP) & Roosevelt Made with Hitler's Germany
Usually I just skim past any rehash of ww2 and nazi’s- It’s just so tiresome. However, I simply had to make an exception for this tidbit via Washington Post. As you read the entire news article you’ll notice it's written to gloss over the most curious admission choosing instead to fret over photos published in the US. It’s not that the photos published in the US don't interest me. They do. But the admission glossed over is the one of the US providing images to Germany.... *WaPo* *At the height of World War II, the Associated Press made secret arrangements with an SS officer to ... more »
WILL TRUMP'S LAST WORD BE "ROSEBUD"?
I'll repeat something I said on Twitter yesterday: We've been trying to prepare ourselves to deal with the Trump presidency by reading *1984, The Handmaid's Tale,* and *On Tyranny,* but maybe what we should be reading are biographies of recluses: Howard Hughes, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson. Maybe we should be watching the last reel of *Citizen Kane.* Consider this CNN story: ... officials described to CNN a sense of dejection within the West Wing ranks, where most aides were caught off guard by Trump's decision [to fire FBI director Janmes Comey] and had little ability to develop... more »
Is The U.S. Navy About To Adopt A Policy Of Building Smaller Carriers For The Future?
(*Click on Image to Enlarge*) The aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) are in port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., the world’s largest naval station. Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ryan J. Courtade, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ernest R. Scott, and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg *Kris Osborn, Scout Warrior*: *Navy Contemplates Results of a Future Aircraft Carrier Study - Will New, Smaller Carriers Emerge in ... more »
Fourth Sunday after Easter...
*collect from today's Mass Extraordinary Form:* O God, Who dost unite the souls of the faithful in one will, grant Thy people to love that which Thou dost command, to desire that which Thou dost promise; so that our hearts, even in the midst of earthly vicissitudes, may be set on the place where true joys are. Through our Lord.
Stephen Fry uses the Dunning-Kruger effect to explain why some people believe Donald Trump.
Courtesy of HuffPo: *Some supporters of President Donald Trump believe just about everything he says, even when he’s wrong. And Trump himself seems to have absolute confidence in his own beliefs ― again, even when he is demonstrably wrong. * *But there is a psychology lesson that could help explain it, according to Cambridge University-educated actor Stephen Fry, who was voted the most intelligent person on TV in the United Kingdom.* This actually fits in quite well with what we heard from that linguistics professor on Thursday. Essentially the illusion of knowledge drives people... more »
The U.S. Army Wants A Bigger Bullet
Sergeant Christopher L. McCabe fires his rifle during monthly range training. Photo by: Corporal Thomas J. Griffith *Ciro Scotti, Fiscal Times*: *Why the Army Thinks It Needs a Bigger Bullet* Since current warfare frequently involves combat beyond about 330 yards – that longer than three football fields -- the Army is looking at arming soldiers with ammunition that is lethal at a longer distance. That would mean replacing the M4/M16 assault rifle with a new carbine, according to the Army Times website. The aim is to provide troops with a weapon and ammo that would increase accurac... more »
The Pentagon Wants To Manufacture Russian Machine Guns
PK machine gun. Wikimedia Commons/Creative Commons/@Habiermalik *Michael Peck, National Interest*: *Here's Why U.S. Special Forces Want Russian Machine Guns* *Why would U.S. special forces want to manufacture Russian machine guns?* Just watch any video of a conflict such as Iraq and Syria, and the answer becomes clear. Many of the combatants are using Russian or Soviet weapons, or local copies thereof, from rifles to rocket launchers to heavy machine guns mounted on pickups. Which means that when U.S. special forces provide some of these groups with weapons, they have to scrounge t... more »
Sunday Song
The Fugs will perform a live version of "Exorcism of the White House" on Tuesday afternoon, May 30, at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C., as part of a Veterans for Peace Rally.
Syrian Conflict Links to Climate Change Demolished
By Paul Homewood https://www.thegwpf.com/raleigh-chopper/ Andrew Montford, now Director at GWPF, has this analysis of a talk by conflict expert, Professor Clionadh Raleigh, about the links between climate and conflict: Yesterday, Clionadh Raleigh, an conflict expert from the University of Sussex, gave an extraordinary talk at the Oxford Martin School. In it, she […]
Is Detente Back Between Russia And The U.S.?
Sergei Lavrov, President Trump, and Sergei Kislyak in the Oval Office on Wednesday. Alexander Shcherbak/TASS *Patrick Smith, Fiscal Times*: *Trump Does Have Real Connections to Russia—and Here’s Why* When President Trump handed foreign policy over to his generals a few weeks ago, his plans for a new détente with Russia were dead in the water, and Secretary of State Tillerson was more or less out of the picture. That was then. As of Wednesday, when Trump and Tillerson held separate talks in Washington with Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, improved ties with Moscow are back... more »
Navy SEALS' Insane Parachute Jump Into A Football Stadium
*WNU Editor: *I stumbled upon this video while looking for something else .... and all that I can say is WOW!
Russian President Putin Plays The Piano While Waiting For Chinese President Xi
*Reuters:* *Russia's Putin plays piano as he awaits talks with Xi* Russian President Vladimir Putin played piano while awaiting Chinese leader Xi Jinping for bilateral talks in Beijing on Sunday. Putin spoke earlier on Sunday at a summit on China's new Silk Road plan. He later arrived at state Diaoyutai residence for talks with Xi and other leaders. While waiting for his bilateral with Xi to begin, Putin played several chords. According to TASS news agency and state Russian television, Putin played passages from Soviet-era songs about Moscow and St Petersburg. *Read more* .... *... more »
How Toxic Will Trump Be For GOP Candidates in 2018-- AFTER The Honeymoon Is Over?
Friday afternoon, we mentioned that the RNC met last week in California and that Trump sent them a crackpot video about how he would campaign for their candidates in the 2018 midterms. That caused alarm-- a great deal of alarm. His base still loves him-- they're either profoundly stupid, profoundly racist or profoundly addicted to opioids (or, in many cases) all three-- but among normal Americans, Trump is the most unpopular and disliked president in history. There are virtually no vulnerable members of Congress who would want him in their districts campaigning for them. Congressio... more »
Untitled
*'Burper' case headed for US Supreme Court* *This whole thing arose because teachers these days are given so few disciplinary powers. In times past there would have been no thought of calling the police to deal with a disciplinary problem* One of Neil Gorsuch's sharpest dissents as an appeals court judge came just six months before he was nominated for the US Supreme Court. That's when he sided with a New Mexico seventh-grader who was handcuffed and arrested after his teacher said the student had disrupted gym class with fake burps. Nearly a year later, Gorsuch sits on the natio... more »
Untitled
*Oceans are at the 'edge' of losing all oxygen: Event could lead to mass sea life extinction that will last a MILLION years* *I could spend time pointing out the leaps of logic committed below but I will simply look at a conventional commentary on the Toarcian event. They predict a repeat of that eventQuote 1: "The T-OAE has been extensively studied in the past three decades although there is no general consensus about the causes or triggering mechanisms behind this event"Quote 2: "Results from the Paris Bassin as in other localities indicates that the increasing g... more »
How North Korea Did Everything It Could in the 1960s To Start World War III (And Failed)
*Adam Rawnsley* *Security, Asia* Think things are tense now? In the late spring of 1969, a 75-ton North Korean speed boat hurtled through the Yellow Sea off the western coast of South Korea on a secret mission. Its 15-man crew on board was supposed to pick up an agent operating in the South on behalf of Pyongyang’s spy services and take him back north. It was an operation similar to many others that North Korean intelligence had carried out over the past two years as it flooded its enemy, the Republic of Korea, with infiltrators. The boat’s crew came ashore on at midnight Heuk... more »
The Other World War II Battle of the Atlantic Everyone Forgets About
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Americas* Another mistake that cost the Nazis dearly. We often think of the Battle of the Atlantic primarily as the conflict fought between American and British convoys in the North Atlantic. However, the Kriegsmarine’s submarines also ravaged shipping off the coast of South America. A spate of attacks on Brazil’s then-neutral shipping proved to be ill judged, however, as Brazil’s entry into World War II as a U.S. ally led to the defeat of the U-boat campaign in the South Atlantic in just twelve months. In fact, the Brazilian government’s alliance ... more »
The 5 Biggest U.S. Special Operations Disasters
*Robert Farley* *Security, * And yes, one involves North Korea. Since World War II, the U.S. military has experimented with special-operations forces, small groups of warriors with the equipment and training to undertake extremely difficult missions. In effect, special forces exist to leverage human capital in unusual tactical situations. Soldiers selected for high physical and mental capabilities, then intensively trained, can theoretically achieve objectives that normal soldiers cannot. The successes of special operators are well known; they include, most notably, the assassi... more »
The Absolutely Crazy Way Britain Tried to Kill German Submarines in World War I
*Michael Peck* *Security, Europe* Think spearfishing. In the early days of the First World War, when German U-boats first demonstrated they could sink British ships, the British quickly discovered they had a problem. They didn’t have a weapon that could sink submarines. If the sub were spotted sailing on the surface, it could be sunk by gunfire or rammed by a surface ship that would tear a hole in the sub’s watertight hull. But what about U-boats that were underwater? In World War II, a destroyer would just lay down a carpet of depth charges. But in 1914, depth charges were a n... more »
Greece and Russia continue to forge trade relations in spite of EU obstacles
[image: Greece and Russia continue to forge trade relations in spite of EU obstacles] The Russian President and Greek Prime Minister spoke in a meeting on the sidelines of the One Belt--One Road forum. The post Greece and Russia continue to forge trade relations in spite of EU obstacles appeared first on The Duran.
Barack Obama once dreamed of being Donald Trump
[image: trump and obama] In 1991 Obama aspired to be like Donald Trump. The post Barack Obama once dreamed of being Donald Trump appeared first on The Duran.
Bankrupt Ukraine pays $400,000 to meet Trump at White House
[image: 5913f4b9aee48-15_1200] In a rushed decision, the already cash strapped Ukrainian Government shelled out over $400,000 to have their foreign minister meet with Donald Trump. The post Bankrupt Ukraine pays $400,000 to meet Trump at White House appeared first on The Duran.
The multi-polar world comes to China to talk business
[image: one belt] The One Belt-One Road initiative may shift the global balance of power once and for all. The post The multi-polar world comes to China to talk business appeared first on The Duran.
FBI bribes hacker with riches if he would testify “Putin ordered him to hack Hillary Clinton”
[image: hacker1] Who exactly is Yevgeny Nikulin? The post FBI bribes hacker with riches if he would testify “Putin ordered him to hack Hillary Clinton” appeared first on The Duran.
Kim Jong-Un fires missile that lands 60 miles from Russia’s Vladivostok
[image: korea1] Kim Jong-Un fired a ballistic missile that landed 60 miles from Russia. The post Kim Jong-Un fires missile that lands 60 miles from Russia’s Vladivostok appeared first on The Duran.
Million dollar question no one asks: How exactly did Trump “collude” with Russia?
[image: Million dollar question no one asks: How exactly did Trump “collude” with Russia?] Exactly what is POTUS Trump accused of with Russia? The post Million dollar question no one asks: How exactly did Trump “collude” with Russia? appeared first on The Duran.
Watch out Donald Trump, there's a new Hitler in town. No, literally.
Courtesy of New Jersey.com: *A former New Jersey man who gained notoriety for his Nazi allegiances and custody battle over his kids is now officially named Hitler as of Monday, according to mycentraljersey.com. * *Born Isidore Heath Campbell, the Shippensburg, Pa. resident his request to change his name to Isidore Heath Hitler was approved in March by a judge and took effect on Monday. * *Campbell once tried to have a supermarket inscribe "Happy Birthday Adolf Hitler" on a birthday cake for his son. He would later lose parental rights to his nine children. * *Campbell was senten... more »
Suriye ordusu, IŞİD’in Halep’teki son kalesini almaya hazırlanıyor
Geçtiğimiz cuma günü, Cirah hava üssünü 4 yıl sonra yeniden kontrol altına almayı başaran Kaplan Kuvvetleri öncülüğündeki Suriye ordusu; yeni bir operasyona hazırlanıyor. Hava üssünde kontrol altına alınmasıyla beraber Meskene platosuna girmeyi başaran birlikler, tüm dikkatlerini bu bölgeye çevirdi. IŞİD’in Halep’te kontrol ettiği son alan sayılan Meskene bölgesinin temizlenmesi halinde Halep tamamen IŞİD’den kurtulmuş olacak. Asıl […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian military mistakenly airdrops fuel to residents trapped in Deir Ezzor war zone: video
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:45 A.M.) – The Syrian military continued to air-drop food and other emergency aid into the eastern city of Deir ez-Zor, Saturday. Reportedly a batch of fuel was mistakenly air-dropped over the Al Rashidiya neighbourhood of the embattled city. Hundreds of residents gathered around the building where the canopy fell and collected the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Map of east Aleppo battle after Syrian Army troops captured Jirah Airbase
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:40 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) had a successful week in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, liberating several sites from the Islamic State (ISIL) forces in the Deir Hafer Plain. What started off as a powerful attack on the Islamic State’s positions east of Deir Hafer, ended with the Syrian Arab […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Day 3 of the Iraqi forces Al-Qairawan offensive begins
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:20 A.M.) – The third day of the Popular Mobilization Units’ (Hashd Al-Sha’abi) Al-Qairawan offensive has commenced in northwestern Nineveh, the official wing of the PMU reported this morning. The Popular Mobilization Units attacked the Islamic State’s (ISIL) positions at several axes this morning, inflicting heavy damage on the terrorist group’s defenses amid […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
First militants exit Al-Qaboun in Damascus
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:15 A.M.) – The first batch of militants and their families have departed from the Al-Qaboun District in eastern Damascus, local journalists reported in the capital city reported this morning. At least 50 militants and their families have left Al-Qaboun so far and another 250 are expected to leave later today, as the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
The stand-off between Corbyn and a BBC Editor that put the broadcaster to shame [VIDEO]
The BBC’s John Pienaar attended an event where Jeremy Corbyn laid out his foreign policy vision on 12 May. And Pienaar’s exchange with Corbyn at the event provoked a universal groan from the audience. Because it revealed exactly how ugly our public broadcaster now is. Press’ questions After Corbyn’s speech, members of the press and the […]
Shameless
Countries have written constitutions to serve as a brake against idiocy. But constitutions rely on time honoured conventions. And, because Donald Trump is utterly shameless, he completely trashes those conventions. Jonathan Freeland writes: Take what he has done this week alone. In firing Comey, he was clearly breaching the wall that’s meant to separate law enforcement from political meddling. But he was not violating the constitution. Technically, a president does have the power to sack an FBI director. It’s just that the unwritten rules have always said a president shouldn’t. Tr... more »
A new political force emerges in Macedonia
[image: mac protest] A final political effort designed to avoid war. The post A new political force emerges in Macedonia appeared first on The Duran.
The once dead Pebble Mine project has now been resurrected, thanks to Donald Trump.
Courtesy of Think Progress: *Plans to mine alongside Alaska’s pristine Bristol Bay, where half the world’s salmon are fished, had appeared dead in the water in recent years. * *Not anymore. The Environmental Protection Agency has dropped a regulatory plan that would have protected Bristol Bay from the planned Pebble Mine, encouraging the project’s backers to seek permits and move forward. * *Northern Dynasty, the mining concern behind the Pebble project, has had a rough few years. In 2014, the Obama EPA moved to block its plans to mine for copper and gold under the Clean Water Ac... more »
Happy Mother's Day!
NOTE: This is a "best of" from 2012. Cathy has 5 kids and deserves a day off. And she has a post we're running tomorrow. So much for that day off! Happy Mother's Day, friends. By Cathy Jameson Dearest One,...
As 8 June approaches more than 100,000 people have now stuck it to the Tories [IMAGES]
A campaign group is calling on everyone to ‘stick it to the Tories’ at the upcoming general election. And 100,000 people have already heard its message. But it’s calling on more people to get involved. And has an innovative way of doing this, ready for 8 June. From little seeds… The Stick It To The […]
Econ Round up
*A local suspension bridge* Well, the economy might be limping forward, but the stock market is roaring... While her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou, was rewarded by Beijing for his pro-China policies through trade and transport deals, investments, hordes of tourists and a historic handshake, Tsai was to be given the cold shoulder over her refusal to recognize the One China policy. Instead, less than a year after Tsai took office, Taiwan's Taiex stock index closed Thursday above 10,000 points. Not only is that a psychological level, it's higher than at any point during Ma's eight years... more »
The End of Trump
The question is no longer whether there are grounds to impeach Donald Trump. It is when enough... more »
Sunday Sermonette (Mother's Day Edition)
*Happy Mother's Day!* I've posted a photo of my four girls, all of whom are married and mothers but the youngest. It's a special thing to have your own become mothers, and to have grandchildren. When the girls complain about the grandkids misbehaving, I tell them. "Karma..." All that notwithstanding, they're great mothers and they make me very proud. It takes a lot to be a mother. They're all stay-at-home mothers. No success in life can compensate for failure in your home. *Junk at Lunch* Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue signed a proclamation that relaxes standards for the upc... more »
"We've not caved in to pressure"
For those who object to Samira Ahmed repeated online campaigning for the BBC to pay less attention to UKIP (a party she objects to), this week's edition of *Newswatch* may* not* have proved particularly reassuring impartiality-wise, especially given that one of the chosen topics was UKIP's airtime as compared to that of the Green Party. Still, despite the denials from the BBC's Head of Newsgathering Jonathan Munro, it does look as if complaining to the BBC *can* pay off - at least if you're Green Party supporters. Here's a transcript of the final part of the interview: *Samira A... more »
I doubt Mileva contributed much to Einstein's work
Tonight, National Geographic CZ airs the fourth episode of "Genius" about Einstein. (I will have to watch it later because of another cultural event.) There's physics in it but the series is obviously focused on Einstein's relationship to other people, especially (but not only) women. Ms Emily Jordan at Salon.com was inspired by the series yesterday and she published a piece titled Well Hello, Dolly: Mileva Marić, Albert Einstein and the myth of the Great Man emphasizing Einstein's flaws as a male and the idea that women may also be geniuses. Women may surely be geniuses but I am... more »
Land, energy, and mineral lockdowns
CFACT Senior Policy Advisor Paul Driessen lauds President Trump's call for a review of recent land withdrawals under the Antiquities Act -- as do residents of western states whose economic and personal freedom has been severely impinged by these heartless actions by grandstanding Presidents. While federal agencies own just 0.3% of Connecticut and Iowa, and 0.6% of New York, they own, manage and control 63% of all land in Utah; 61% in Alaska and Idaho; 80% in Nevada; 29% to 53% in the other western states. Restrictive federal land use policies severely affect job creation and economi... more »
Syrian Army advances south of strategic airbase in east Aleppo
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:40 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their offensive in the eastern countryside of Aleppo on Saturday night after successfully defending the Jirah Airbase from the Islamic State (ISIL) attackers. Led by the Tiger Fores, the Syrian Arab Army attacked the last hilltop overlooking the Jirah Airbase last night, striking the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Lebanese Army arrests 4 Syrians suspected of destroying Christian shrine
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:10 A.M.) – The statue of St. Elias in the town of Abra was destroyed by a group of vandals, the National News Agency (NNA) of Lebanon reported on Saturday. Following the destruction of the St. Elias statue, Lebanese military intelligence launched an investigation to track down the assailants. According to the National […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Video footage of Syrian Army units taking control of Al-Qaboun
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:30 A.M.) – Syrian Arab Army (SAA) forces scored further gains in the Damascus region, gaining control of Al-Qaboun neighbourhood, east of Damascus, Saturday. In their offensive, the SAA uncovered a vital tunnel that was being used as a main supply line for opposition forces, operating in the Damascus suburb. Soldiers from the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Saudi forces kill four civilians in Awamiya
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:55 A.M.) – The Saudi security forces killed four civilians in the Awamiya District on Saturday after storming the houses of local residents in the village of Masoura. According to Al-Manar, the Saudi forces have besieged the area and burnt down a mosque and several houses. Saudi forces have repeatedly targeted the Shi’i […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army prepares to attack last ISIL bastion in Aleppo
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:15 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) seized the strategic Jirah Airbase in the eastern countryside of Aleppo on Friday, marking the first time in four years that they have had any presence at this military installation. With Jirah Airbase under their control, the Syrian Arab Army’s Tiger Forces have turned their […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Russian fighter jet again ‘buzzes’ US plane in Black Sea — media
(TASS) Russia’s Su-27 fighter has flown close to another US Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane in the Black Sea in a second similar incident this week, Fox News reported on Saturday night citing a US defense official. The incident occurred on Friday morning in the northern section of the Black Sea, about 160 kilometers from […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Latest map of east Damascus after jihadists surrendered Al-Qaboun
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:45 A.M.) – The jihadist rebels suffered a major setback in the eastern districts of Damascus on Saturday, following their official surrender of Al-Qaboun and Tishreen to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). According to a military source in Damascus, the jihadist rebels of Faylaq Al-Rahman gave-up Al-Qaboun and Tishreen after losing a large […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Who Is Right On Russia-Gate? A Sampling Of Some Who Say There Is No Evidence And A Sampling Of Some Who Claim There Is
Democrat Underground *Sharyl Attkinsson:* *12 times Dems, Repubs said no evidence of Trump-Russia collusion; 10 times people claimed there was* * To date, scandalous accusations of treason against Trump haven’t borne out * Incendiary claims unsupported by public evidence after 10 months of probes Ten months after questions were first raised, there’s no evidence that Donald Trump “colluded” with Russia, according to prominent Democrats and Republicans who have reviewed information or received briefings. It’s too early to call it a closed case, because various investigations into Rus... more »
Still No Comment From Hillary Clinton On The Firing Of FBI Director James Comey
*Daily Mail: **Hillary Clinton has 'mixed mind' over Trump's decision to oust James Comey because of Russia investigation even though she still blames ex-FBI chief for costing her election* * Associates of Hillary Clinton say she has mixed views over firing of James Comey * While Clinton blames Comey for costing her election, she is said to be concerned over impact of dismissal on probe of Trump's alleged Russia ties * Trump fired Comey earlier this week, prompting accusations of a cover-up Hillary Clinton has a 'mixed mind' about President Donald Trump's decision to fire the man ... more »
Tweet For Today
Saudi Arabia's planned 1,000m Jeddah tower would make it the world's tallest building. pic.twitter.com/D8qbRpFu14 — AFP news agency (@AFP) May 13, 2017
Ebola 2.0?
Ebola is back, but that doesn’t mean that the world should panic. A little more than a year ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the West African Ebola outbreak, which killed more than 11,000 people in the largest outbreak of the disease ever, was officially over. On May 11th, WHO announced that the […]
Sunday Breakfast Reading
The Sunday papers have arrived (online) and here is a digest of some of the BBC stories found therein. *The Sunday Telegraph* has a piece by Simon Heffer on BBC bias. He defends the BBC over their Corbyn coverage (perhaps unsurprisingly) but goes on to tell a very short anecdote: A very senior BBC man told me that on the morning of June 24, as reality sank in, some in the studios were in tears. Well, there's a surprise! (not). Talking of whom, it turns out that Nick Robinson isn't the only one to feel miffed. As Sue noted, Nick wasn't happy to get left off the BBC's electio... more »
Movie Review: 'The Wall'
*Military Times:* *Former sniper among military advisers adding realism to 'The Wall' * When a war movie is less about action and more about mind games, the filmmakers must pay special attention to detail. That's the case, at least, with "The Wall," the Amazon Studios-produced movie that comes out Friday starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Avengers: Age of Ultron") and WWE superstar John Cena. They play U.S. soldiers conducting a stakeout in the Iraqi desert that goes very wrong — Cena's character is hit by a bullet from an unknown location, and Taylor-Johnson's wounded character ta... more »
Picture Of The Day
*WNU Editor:* A great photo gallery on this years Europe Tank Challenge can be seen here .... *Gearing up for World War Three: Nato tanks put on massive show of strength in Germany while Putin's troops practise dropping their armour by parachute* (Daily Mail).
Reports: Palestinian President Abbas Is Prepared To Sign A Peace Deal With Israel
Donald Trump welcomes Mahmoud Abbas to White House in Washington , May 3, 2017. (photo credit:REUTERS) *Jerusalem Post*: *‘Abbas has decided to sign peace deal with Israel’* Trump planning to launch new round of talks during his upcoming visit. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has crossed the Rubicon and voiced “unprecedented” readiness to reach a peace deal with Israel, sources close to the efforts to renew talks between Israel and the Palestinians have told The Jerusalem Post. Abbas, according to the sources, made this clear to President Donald Trump during their me... more »
My Nomination For New FBI Director: The One Who Knocks
*-by Noah* How’s that for allegory? As soon as news came that President Crazy Pants, aka big orange traitor, aka Putin’s Butt Boy, had fired the man who he feared was getting too close to the truth, speculation as to what name would be issued forth from the bunker as a nominee to replace former FBI Director Comey ran wild. The first two names I thought of, of course, were Rudy Giuliani and Chris Christie, but, my mind didn’t stop there. Interestingly, Howie presented a list of betting odds favorites from BetOnline.ag the other day and I had come up with very similar list. I thin... more »
Gruppe von ISIS Kämpfern bei Deir Ezzor Luftwaffenbasis durch Syrische Armee neutralisiert
DAMASKUS, SYRIEN (23:55) – Die intensiven Feuergefechte in der Umgebung des Militärflughafens Deir Ezzor dauern noch an. Kämpfer des so genannten Islamischen Staats (IS ehemals ISIS/ISIL) versuchten abermals die Verteidigungslinien der Syrisch Arabischen Armee (SAA) zu infilitrieren. Am Samstag Abend attackierten Gruppen der IS Jihadisten Stellungen der SAA in der Gegend des Friedhofs südwestlich der […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Graphic pictures: Syrian Army discovers Al-Qaeda corpses in liberated Damascus subub
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (2:35 A.M.) – The brute force of the elite 4th Mechanized Division and seasoned 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard proved too much for rebel forces in Al-Qaboun to handle, forcing them to settle for a truce and swift departure to Idlib province following a nearly three-month long battle, sealing a fate much […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
How Good Is The South Korean Military?
*Kyle Mizokami, National Interest*:* The Military Powerhouse North Korea Won't Want to Fight (And It's Not America)* The Republic of Korea Armed Forces, South Korea’s military, is the second-largest military on the Korean Peninsula and yet it is the least well known. Not as widely discussed as the U.S. military or Pyongyang’s Korean People’s Army, the ROK military is probably the most powerful armed force on either side of the DMZ. South Korea’s armed forces have evolved from a prewar constabulary force to a dynamic, self-equipped military equal to most Western armed forces. The ... more »
Here's Why U.S. Special Forces Want Russian Machine Guns
*Michael Peck* *Security, * Not a crazy idea after all. Why would U.S. special forces want to manufacture Russian machine guns? Just watch any video of a conflict such as Iraq and Syria, and the answer becomes clear. Many of the combatants are using Russian or Soviet weapons, or local copies thereof, from rifles to rocket launchers to heavy machine guns mounted on pickups. Which means that when U.S. special forces provide some of these groups with weapons, they have to scrounge through the global arms market to buy Russian hardware as well as spare parts. So U.S. Special Forces ... more »
How Nazi Germany Planned to Kill Russian Tanks (with the Help of Porsche)
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* Nicknamed the Elefant, Ferdinand Porsche's tank destroyer appeared on the battlefield in 1943. World War II tanks usually had aggressive- or ferocious-sounding names, such as Hellcat, Panther, or Tiger. Yet the tendency was not universal, as with British Cruisers or the American M-3 Honey. But perhaps there was never a more unfortunately named beast than the German assault gun Sd Kfz 184, first known as the Ferdinand and later modified, as if it was an improvement, to the Elefant. The weird and less than martial names assigned this 68-... more »
Andrew Weaver and Dancing With the Devil
*Written by Grant G* I have never voted for the Green Party but can freely admit that many of their goals are laudable, essential, vitol to preserving life on a finite planet... I read an article in the Financial Post, it was titled... "Dear British Columbians, what were you thinking? NDP Influenced Provinces are Where The Economy Goes To Die" Article was written by American Diane Francis http://business.financialpost.com/diane-francis/dear-british-columbians-what-were-you-thinking-ndp-influenced-provinces-are-where-the-economy-goes-to-die Diane was amazed BCers didn't hold the... more »
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