11:20 pm MDT
A Third Brief to Climate Tutorial
I just found out, thanks to Francis Menton, that a third skeptical brief was submitted to Judge Alsup in reference to his tutorial. The thrust apparently is to show that the temperature record does not support the claim that recent variability is anything out of the ordinary. The article by Francis Menton is Klimate Kraziness: A […]
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 25, 2018
*BBC: **Russia and Taliban deny US claims of working together* Russia and the Taliban have separately rejected comments made by the head of US forces in Afghanistan that Moscow has been supporting, and even supplying weapons to, the insurgent group. Gen John Nicholson told the BBC last week he had seen "destabilising activity by the Russians". The Russian embassy in Kabul in a statement dismissed the general's claim as "baseless" and "idle gossip". A Taliban spokesman said they had not "received assistance from any country". The spokesman told the Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic P... more »
Did Anyone Happen to Notice?
The Little Bald Head Latin Mutt was Wearing a Cuban Flag on Her Jacket Sleeve Yesterday.... Plato warned us 2,500 years ago that democracies decay into demagogic dictatorships. The nation’s founders took that lesson to heart and created a republic of limited powers and constitutional rights, not a democracy. John Adams wrote, “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious th... more »
Musical Interlude: Deuter, "Marfa Lights 1"
Deuter, "Marfa Lights 1" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMUUOddETfk
"How It Really Is"
Oh no we haven't, but we will, and sooner than later, too...
Financial Oligarchy and the Amplification of Risk
In my book, Crisis Communication, Liberal Democracy and Ecological Sustainability I examine systemic risk in finance and energy. One of the most significant factors increasing systemic risk is the centralized consolidation of power, as explained quite succinctly by Charles Perrow, among others. We see the centralized consolidation of power amplifying again in the post-2007 recession period, as described in this article addressing the commercial banking oligarchy: Rachel Louise Ensigh (2018, March 23). Largest US banks extend their dominance in deposits. The Wall Street Journal, p.... more »
Musings On Iraq In The News
I was interviewed in Iraq In Context on the 15 year anniversary of the Iraq invasion. I was quoted by Paul Iddon for "Can majoritarian governance work in Iraq?" for Rudaw. I was cited in *How Mass Atrocities End: Studies from Guatemala, Burundi, Indonesia, the Sudans, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iraq* by Bridget Conley-Zilkic and *Limited Achievements: Obama's Foreign Policy* by Z. Laidi.
What is real? An experiment with Wigner's friend Stephen Hawking
Half a week ago, I discussed Adam Becker's new book, What Is Real?, which is another attack on standard quantum mechanics or the "Copenhagen interpretation", if I use a slur popular among the haters of quantum mechanics. In the book, all the founders of quantum mechanics are villains or criminals who have organized a cabal that has forced the scientists of the 20th century to repeat claims that quantum mechanics was correct even though, in reality, the Earth was flat (as Mad Mike Hughes proved today by launching a rocket with himself in California; by the way, from the height of 187... more »
Syrian Army uncovers militant tunnel in East Ghouta (video)
The Syrian Army and its allies have captured dozens of villages, towns and farms from the jihadists in Eastern Ghouta, once considered the jihadists’ main bastion in the war-torn country. Government forces, while combing liberated neighborhoods in the town of Ain Tarma in the Eastern Ghouta suburb, located nine miles east of Damascus, have discovered a tunnel network running […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army evacuates more than 1,000 civilians from Douma (photos)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:30 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) was able to evacuate a large number of civilians through the Wafiddeen Crossing, today, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported. According to the SANA report, the Syrian Army evacuated more than 1,000 civilians that were fleeing the Jaysh Al-Islam held town of Douma in […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Gaddafi’s son eyes Libya presidency, Popular Front party spokesperson confirms
Popular Front party spokesperson Ayman Mohammed Abu Ras, who claims to also be the spokesperson for the son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said Saif Al-Islam al Gaddafi would bring stability to Libya if elected president, speaking from Tunis, in Tunisia, on Thursday. Abu Ras stated that Saif Al-Islam al Gaddafi “will officially announce […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian choppers drop thousands of leaflets demanding militants surrender in northern Homs
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:10 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) dropped thousands of leaflets over the northern countryside of the Homs Governorate, today, demanding the militants lay down their arms and surrender the area. The SyAAF’s helicopters would drop these leaflets over the northern Homs towns of Al-Rastan, Al-Houla, and Talbiseh in an effort […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Breaking: Erdogan announces military operation to capture Tal Rifaat in northern Aleppo
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:00 P.M.) – Not long after his announcement of a military campaign in northern Iraq, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that his forces will target the YPG-held town of Tal Rifa’at in northern Aleppo. The operation will likely be led by the Turkish-backed rebels that previously participated in Operation Olive Branch to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Afrin: Tensions rise as Turkish-backed militia caught in infighting
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (5:00 P.M.) – Only one week after the Turkish-backed militants took over the city of Afrin in northern Syria, the FSA-affiliated militia began to fight each other, leaving scores dead and injured. Today, al-Hamza Brigade abruptly opened fire on the vehicle of the military commander of rival group Ahrar Al-Sharqiyah, Abu Sakr Al-Qadssiyah, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syria: Police supervise East Ghouta evacuations via Harasta corridor (video)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:40 P.M.) – Head of the Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in the Syrian Arab Republic Yuri Evtushenko said that “396 militants and 592 family members have fled from Eastern Ghouta” via the humanitarian corridor by buses, speaking from near the settlement of Arbin on Saturday. According to Evtushenko the “withdrawal […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Breaking: Turkey announces start of military campaign in northern Iraq
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:30 P.M.) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of a military campaign in northern Iraq this afternoon that will target the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). According to Erdogan’s statement, the Turkish Army will specifically target the PKK’s positions inside the Sinjar region of northern Iraq. So far, there has […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Houthis calls for peace talks with Saudi Coalition
The Supreme Political Council of Ansar Allah, the movement of the Houthi rebels, has called for the reconciliation of all Yemenis, including those who are fighting today on the side of the coalition led by Saudi Arabia, according to the Houthi statement. “Choosing peace may not be in the plans of the enemy coalition, but […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
VIDEO: More East Ghouta militants leave to Syria’s north
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4:25 P.M.) – The 2nd batch of al-Qaeda-affiliate Faylaq al-Rahman militants are preparing to leave their former stronghold in Arbeen to the country’s north as per an evacuation deal with the Syrian government. Early this morning, 50 buses entered Arbeen town where fighters unwilling to settle their status are expected to leave with […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Video: Stunning footage of Syrian offensive in East Ghouta
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (03:10 PM) – Thrilling footage by ANNA News shows the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) offensive against rebel forces in the East Ghouta town of Ayn Tarma. Ayn Tarma was under control of the Failaq al-Rahman rebel force until it was liberated by the Syrian military on Friday. The 24 minutes of video footage […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
"Don't Complain"
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." - Maya Angelou
Donald Trump takes to Twitter to brag that all the best lawyers want to represent him in the Russia case. Wanna bet?
Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...don’t believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on. Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted. Problem is that a new...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2018 Yes, as we all know lawyers like nothing more than the fame and fortune they receive after losing a high profile case while representing a guilty client. ....lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bi... more »
“How to Learn to Love Disaster”
*“How to Learn to Love Disaster”* By Bill Bonner “I was in Paris when the end of the world came. My company there, Les Belles Lettres, has been publishing the Greek and Latin classics there since 1919. We’ve translated about 900 of the 1,200 texts that still exist. It seemed a shame that the world would end before we completed our work. So, I went into the office, where, amid a thick blue fog, I found Caroline – the CEO – energetically working her way through a carton of Marlboros. She was determined to go out doing the two things she loved most: promoting Aristotle and chain-smoki... more »
Portland anti-gun rally: No little guns or big guns mounted on warships - they all kill kids!
*Bob Klotz from 350.Maine handing out flyers yesterday in Portland at huge anti-gun rally (Photo by Beth Streeter)* Bob Klotz reports from the Saturday March For Our Lives protest in Portland where he and others went to make connections to LD 1781: *The powerful solidarity associated with the international March For Our Lives was clearly evident with the over 3,000 people in Portland, Maine -- and was all the more reinforced with engagement around opposition to L.D. 1781. Bob Klotz and Sarah Lachance distributed 300 informational fliers and, along with Paul Cunningham, had numerous... more »
"The Center Of The Universe..."
“When science discovers the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to find they are not it.” - Bernard Baily
"The Very Best Advice..."
"I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite." - G. K. Chesterton
"The Life You Have Left..."
“The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.” ~ Leo Babauta
The Poet: Mary Oliver, "Mysteries, Yes"
*"Mysteries, Yes"* "Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood. How grass can be nourishing in the mouths of the lambs. How rivers and stones are forever in allegiance with gravity while we ourselves dream of rising. How two hands touch and the bonds will never be broken. How people come, from delight or the scars of damage, to the comfort of a poem. Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers. Let me keep company always with those who say "Look!" and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads." ~ Mary Oliver
Washnigton Post: Former Head Of The Afghan Taliban Was Coming Back From Dubai When He Was Killed In Pakistan By A U.S. Drone Strike
Former head of Afghan Taliban Mullah Akhtar Mansour was coming back from Dubai after shopping when was killed in Pakistan, reports Washington Post *Stars and Stripes/Washington Post*: *Did the US kill a negotiating partner or a fervent foe?* Monitoring Desk: US Based Washington Post has reported that former head of Afghan Taliban Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour was coming back from Dubai after shopping and having fundraising meetings via Iran when he was killed in a drone strike in Balochistan province of Pakistan. An article published in Washington Post dated March 24, 2018 titled ... more »
"Don't Worry..."
"Don't worry; you'll understand eventually. Well, actually, no you won't, but in time you'll learn to fake it better." - Lester the Dragon Lizard, on life in general.
SUNDAY SCREENING: ‘Zashto?’ (Why?) – Revisiting NATO’s Bombing of Yugoslavia (2014)
*SUNDAY SCREENING* | Remembering Yugoslavia's NATO ordeal.
Episode #227 – ‘Ticket to Idlib’ with Vanessa Beeley & Mike Robinson
*SUNDAY WIRE* | Strap yourselves in and lower the blast shield – this is your brave new world…
Baghdad Paid Half Of KRG’s Salaries, Kurdistan Didn’t Contribute Leading To Protests
Protest in Sulaymaniya over salaries (Rudaw) On March 18, Baghdad announcedit would pay the salaries of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) public workers. It sent 317 billion dinars, $267 million to the KRG’s Finance Ministry. The Kurds respondedthat they needed 900 million dinars to pay all their obligations, but 590 billion if it was to cover their employees with their pay cuts that were instituted in 2014 due to the region’s financial crisis. The central government covered 53% of that latter amount, and 35% of the full salaries. Accordingto Iraqi officials this was by d... more »
Covered
Thank goodness for social media - and *The Sun*! I've just spotted a tweet that told me something I didn't know about the Parsons Green terrorist Ahmed Hassan. Having never heard it before, I have to say I doubted it, but I Googled around and found an article in *The Sun *that confirmed it. What that tweet said was that the judge had expressed doubts about his age and that the BBC was "not reporting facts again". The judge said: I'm satisfied that you lied about your date of birth on your arrival to glean the special privileges accorded to children entering the UK. I'm satisfi... more »
This Day In Iraqi History – Mar 25
1917 British forces defeated by Ottomans at Battle of Mount Hamrin, Diyala 1982 Iraq asked US to stop Israel from sending weapons to Iran US Said it had no say in matter 1982 Reagan admin officials warned that if Iran beat Iraq in Iran-Iraq War would endanger western interests 1985 US intel reports Iraq used chemical weapons in fighting in southern Iraq 1998 UN Res 1158 extended Oil For Food Program for another 90 days 2002 UK Foreign Sec Jack Straw told Blair no Iraq-Al Qaeda link and Iraq not more of a threat now than before 9/11 2002 Straw argue... more »
Interview With Jana Nakhal, Lebanese Communist Party Member, On Occupation Of Afrin By Turkish Forces And Takfiri Fighters
Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola welcome Jana Nakhal, who is a member of the central committee of the Lebanese Communist Party and an independent researcher, to the “Unauthorized Disclosure” podcast. Nakhal recently traveled to the Kurdish city of Afrin in northwest Syria, which was recently occupied by Takfiri fighters The post Interview With Jana Nakhal, Lebanese Communist Party Member, On Occupation Of Afrin By Turkish Forces And Takfiri Fighters appeared first on Shadowproof.
RUSSIA, THE SNP AND DALBEATTIE
*Nicola Sturgeon* *Nicola Sturgeon* is the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), the spooky group which forms the government in the parliament in Edinburgh. Are some of Nicola Sturgeon's pals working for MI5? *Robin McAlpine*, of the think tank Common Weal, points out that *Nicola Sturgeon is supporting Theresa May on Russia.* *Robin McAlpine: Nicola Sturgeon is alienating the indy movement* *Nicola Sturgeon and some Jewish friends.* The SNP leadership backed the Falklands War and it endorsed the First Iraq War. The SNP supported the UK's missions in Afghanistan and Lib... more »
Kaniela Ing-- Standing Up To Oligarchs In Our Own Country
Friday, DFA announced their endorsement of Kaniela Ing in the crowded congressional primary for the open seat in Hawaii's first district. DFA's chairman, Jim Dean, made the classic case for the candidate: Kaniela Ing. Remember that name, because he is going to be one of the most important leaders in the Democratic Party-- if you can help him win his primary for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. Kaniela Ing is a Native Hawaiian and a progressive legislator who fights for working families because he comes from one. His entire life and career show how racial justice and economic ... more »
Trump Is Staffing — or Casting — From Fox News
President Donald Trump's favorite TV network is increasingly serving as a West Wing casting call, as the president reshapes his administration with camera-ready personalities.
In 2030, These 5 Nations Will Have the World's Most Powerful Armies on the Planet
*Robert Farley* *Security, * Who made the cut? *In the end, the answers to “how do we build a powerful army” remain painfully simple. States that have access to enthusiastic populations with high human capital, that can cull the most innovative technologies from robust, modern economies, and that can structure their civil-military relations with just-enough-but-not-too-much independence will tend to do very well. Experience doesn’t hurt, either. The simplicity of the answers does not imply that the prescriptions are easy to achieve, however.* The focus of ground combat operatio... more »
These Are the 5 Worst U.S. Generals of All Time
*Michael Peck* *Security, * Who made this list? *The American Civil War was a factory for producing bad generals such as Braxton Bragg and Ambrose Burnside. But the worst of all was McClellan, the so-called "Young Napoleon" from whom Lincoln and the Union expected great things. McClellan was a superb organizer, a West Point-trained engineer who did much to build the Union army almost from scratch. But he was overly cautious by nature. Despite Lincoln's pleas for aggressive action, his Army of the Potomac moved hesitantly, its commander McClellan convinced himself that the South... more »
In 2003, a Chinese Submarine Was Lost at Sea. How the Crew Died Is Terrifying.
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * A story you may have forgotten *The Type 035 Ming-class submarine was an outdated second-generation design evolved from the lineage of the Soviet Romeo-class, in turn a Soviet development of the German Type XXI “Electric U-Boat” from World War II. The first two Type 035s were built in 1975 but remained easy to detect compared to contemporary American or Russian designs. Though China operated numerous diesel submarines, due to concerns over seaworthiness, they rarely ventured far beyond coastal waters in that era. Nonetheless, Chinese shipyards con... more »
Black Dragon: This Is Taiwan's Super 'Gun' That Would Blast China in a War
*Robert Beckhusen* *Security, * Straight from World War II. *I had no idea these weapons still existed, and was frankly amazed they’re still in service. In the video below, Taiwanese troops roll a Black Dragon on rails from its underground lair on Kinmen — before firing it with a really big bang. It’s worth remembering there was a time when the islands were at the front line of a long and violent conflict, one characterized by frequent artillery duels and commando raids. Now the islands are tourist attractions and Taiwan’s military presence fell sharply … decades ago.* The 240-... more »
Growing into it
"He has regretted having made the remark that he did" says @AndyMcDonaldMP on Corbyn's comments about 'anti-Semitic' mural "He regrets it, he hasn't apologised for it" says @BBCsarahsmith #bbcsp pic.twitter.com/t87nbXNU1L — BBC Daily Politics and Sunday Politics (@daily_politics) March 25, 2018 Sarah Smith was far more persistent on The Sunday Politics than Andrew Marr was this morning. This clip and the one in my earlier post are from Twitter and only show *excerpts* from the interviews with Tom Watson on the Marr show, and Corbyn supporter Andy McDonald MP on the Sunday Politics;... more »
WATCH: Cop Pulls Gun, Shoots Family Dog In Front of Kids, Lies About It—’Within Dept Policy’
[image: dog] A police department was fully supportive of their officer's decision to open fire on a dog while endangering two small children because he claimed that he feared for his life and lied about the circumstances. The post WATCH: Cop Pulls Gun, Shoots Family Dog In Front of Kids, Lies About It—’Within Dept Policy’ appeared first on The Free Thought Project.
Body Cam Of Cop Beating Innocent Man So Disturbing, He Was Actually Charged
[image: beating] A Fort Worth police officer has been arrested on multiple charges after he was caught on video punching an innocent man in the face and having his fellow officer jump in to continue the beating. The post Body Cam Of Cop Beating Innocent Man So Disturbing, He Was Actually Charged appeared first on The Free Thought Project.
Horrifying Video Shows Israeli Military Target Civilians with Chemical Weapon Drone
[image: drone] For the first time, Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV released new dramatic footage showing Israeli forces using a weaponized drone against a Hamas rally in the Gaza Strip, according to the Times of Israel. The post Horrifying Video Shows Israeli Military Target Civilians with Chemical Weapon Drone appeared first on The Free Thought Project.
Fake news creates real reactions? If so, we are in worse shape than ever.
Current Facebook - Cambridge Analytica scandal is utterly fabricated for political points, as nothing illegal or even unethical happened. More The post Fake news creates real reactions? If so, we are in worse shape than ever. appeared first on The Duran.
Facebook in complete panic mode, as Zuckerberg tries to “calm employees” and keep top talent
Mark Zuckerberg calls meeting to try and calm Facebook employees. More The post Facebook in complete panic mode, as Zuckerberg tries to “calm employees” and keep top talent appeared first on The Duran.
CHEST-THUMPING OBNOXIOUSNESS IS THE RIGHT'S IDEOLOGY NOW
The NRA isn't even pretending to feel the pain of school shooting survivors anymore: ... Colion Noir, a host on NRATV ... took to the airwaves on the eve of the Parkland teens-led March on Washington, telling them: “No one would know your names” if a student gunman hadn’t stormed into their school and killed three staff members and 14 students. “To all the kids from Parkland getting ready to use your First Amendment to attack everyone else’s Second Amendment at your march on Saturday, I wish a hero like Blaine Gaskill had been at Marjory Douglas High School last month because your ... more »
Untitled
From Jenna Orkin Undocumented Immigrant Appointed to Statewide post in California Opinion | A Billionaire and a Nurse Shouldn’t Pay the Same Fine for Speeding Bayer wins EU approval for $62.5 billion Monsanto buy Meet the American Professor Suing Cambridge Analytica for His Psychographic Profile Revealed: 50 million Facebook profiles harvested for Cambridge Analytica in major data breach Hutton inquiry closed David Kelly medical reports for 70 years A Trump hotel in Panama reportedly was responsible Trump Hotel in Panama Investigated for laundering millions of dollars in drug... more »
Different strokes
.@tom_watson says Jeremy Corbyn "has expressed deep regret" for comments he made about an 'anti-Semitic' mural "I want Jewish members of Labour to feel welcome in our party" he tells #marr pic.twitter.com/PfORyQrQye — The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) March 25, 2018 They used to say “It takes all sorts” and here’s where Craig and I see things a bit differently. I didn’t find Andrew Marr’s interview with Tom Watson satisfactory at all. I was glad that Marr brought the subject up, but hey, I don’t regard being grateful for small mercies especially pleasing. After the recent hooha ... more »
US Drone Strike In Libya Kills Two Militant 'Leaders'
*FOX News*:* Drone strike in Libya kills 2 'terrorists,' US Africa Command says* Two “terrorists” were killed on Saturday after the U.S. military launched a drone strike in Libya, a U.S. official told Fox News. The U.S. Africa Command said in a statement that no civilians were killed in Saturday’s strike. “In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike near Ubari, Libya, on March 24, killing two terrorists,” the U.S. Africa Command said in a statement. “The United States will not relent in its mission to degrade, ... more »
Unlimited Energy: Physicists Assert We Already Have a Viable Model of a Fusion Device
Unlimited Energy: Physicists Assert We Already Have a Viable Model of a Fusion Device https://futurism.com/unlimited-energy-physicists-assert-we-already-have-a-viable-model-of-a-fusion-device/ Advertisements
Hidden medical text read for the first time in a thousand years
Hidden medical text read for the first time in a thousand years https://m.phys.org/news/2018-03-hidden-medical-text-thousand-years.html
Rama’s Life – A Lesson in Freedom.
Rama’s Life – A Lesson in Freedom – The Isha Blog http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/sadhguru/masters-words/ramas-life-lesson-in-freedom/
‘Alien’ Mummy Found in Atacama Desert Is Actually a Tiny, Mutated Human
‘Alien’ Mummy Found in Atacama Desert Is Actually a Tiny, Mutated Human https://gizmodo.com/alien-mummy-found-in-atacama-desert-is-actually-a-tiny-1823988455?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_facebook&utm_source=io9_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Scientists Use Ancient Vedic Sanskrit Texts To Teach Ethics To Artificial Intelligence
Scientists Use Ancient Vedic Sanskrit Texts To Teach Ethics To Artificial Intelligence http://ewao.com/2018/01/29/scientists-use-ancient-vedic-sanskrit-texts-to-teach-ethics-to-artificial-intelligence/
New theory suggests we may be living within an Extraterrestrial entity
New theory suggests we may be living within an Extraterrestrial entity http://ewao.com/2016/11/21/new-theory-suggests-may-living-within-extraterrestrial-entity/
We asked astronauts if they think aliens exist. Here’s what they said
We asked astronauts if they think aliens exist. Here’s what they said https://mashable.com/2018/03/24/one-strange-rock-astronauts-aliens/#0_OphrFuzUq9
Commentariat Central: Hawks & Mawks Edition
Welcome to another semi-regular *New York Times* comment dump. If the media aren't salivating over porn star Stormy Daniels, they're salivating and/or retching over war porn addict John Bolton joining the Trump administration. Bolton did constitute at least a quarter-lobe of Bush's-dry drunk brain, after all. So the fact that erstwhile Iraq War critic Trump is embracing the "hawkish" Bolton - on the 15th anniversary of the illegal invasion, no less - is making even some Neocon-embracing, Saudi-groveling Democrats' hair curl. It's bad enough that Trump is a hypocrite, Bolton is a ... more »
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Vanessa Brcic offers some observations on the connection between poverty and health, including the importance of ensuring marginalized people are treated with respect: The economic argument for poverty reduction is clear, but we see in health care what is more plainly obvious and compelling: the argument for human dignity. The deeply colonial, broken and inaccessible “poverty policing” that occurs in the current welfare and disability support systems have negative health impacts. Various papers and reports describe the impact of discriminato... more »
A Third Brief to Climate Tutorial
Originally posted on Science Matters: I just found out, thanks to Francis Menton, that a third skeptical brief was submitted to Judge Alsup in reference to his tutorial. The thrust apparently is to show that the temperature record does not support the claim that recent variability is anything out of the ordinary. The article by…
Majority of Americans believe that owning a gun increases safety, a majority of the facts say that is bullshit.
Courtesy of Vox: *Does gun ownership make you safer? * *If you ask the general public, most Americans say it does. According to a new poll by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal, 58 percent of Americans agree with the statement that “[g]un ownership does more to increase safety by allowing law-abiding citizens to protect themselves.” In comparison, 38 percent agree with the statement that “[g]un ownership does more to reduce safety by giving too many people access to firearms and increasing the chances for accidental misuse.” * *This is a shift from 1999, when 41 percent of Ameri... more »
FL Students Who Begged Gov’t to Take Their Rights Away, Now Angry Gov’t Took Away Their Rights
After marching across the country to demand the government take away their rights, the government has now moved to take away their rights, and the students, predictably, don't like it. The post FL Students Who Begged Gov’t to Take Their Rights Away, Now Angry Gov’t Took Away Their Rights appeared first on The Free Thought Project.
Safe and Secure
The Muslim Council of Britain-backed "alternative to Prevent", Safe and Secure, was launched on Thursday at the controversial East London Mosque and Radio 4's *Sunday *gave it some free publicity this morning. The programme interviewed one of its founders, former Chief Superintendent with the Met Police Dal Babu - a prominent critic of Prevent. Except for reading out a Home Office statement defending Prevent, presenter Emily Buchanan gave Mr. Babu a free ride.
Will China’s Huge Anti-Poverty Drive Make A Difference?
*SCMP:* *Grinding poverty in China – is Xi Jinping’s alleviation campaign making any difference?* Families struggling to keep their heads above water in one mountain village say they’re counting on their children, not the government, to improve their lives. In an impoverished mountain village in northern China, “Xiao Zhang” – or Little Zhang – is doing her homework. There is just one stool to sit on and no table at her family’s run-down home, so the 15-year-old perches on a tree stump on the cold concrete floor, using the stool as a desk. Little Zhang spends her weekends at home ... more »
Free Download: Eckhart Tolle, “The Power of Now”
*“The Power of Now” (Excerpt)* by Eckhart Tolle • "Is there a difference between happiness and inner peace? Happiness depends on conditions being perceived as positive; inner peace does not. • Is it not possible to attract only positive conditions into our life? If our attitude and our thinking are always positive, we would manifest only positive events and situations, wouldn't we? Do you truly know what is positive and what is negative? Do you have the total picture? There have been many people for whom limitation, failure, loss, illness, or pain in whatever form turned out to b... more »
Join us in Augusta
I'll be there Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week from 9:30 am to noon on the 3rd floor of the capital building. We'll stand with signs and flyers in the hallway between the House and Senate chambers. Bring a sign that states why you oppose this GD corporate welfare bill. Please bring another person or two with you. Bruce
Egyptians Go To The Polls To Elect A President
*NPR:* *With Little Choice, Egyptians Head To The Polls In Presidential Election* Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is set to coast to a sweeping victory in Egypt's third presidential elections since the 2011 revolution. For many Egyptians going to the polls starting Monday, it will be a vote of support for Sisi's hard-line rule five years after he led a military coup toppling the country's first democratically elected leader. But he is also helped by the lack of credible candidates in the three-day election. In fact, Moussa Mustafa Moussa, the only rival, is quite clear ab... more »
No One Knows Why The Marine Corps’ New Rifle Is Super Expensive
*Task & Purpose*:* The Marine Corps’ New Rifle Is Super Expensive — And No One Knows Why * In their race to field a more powerful automatic rifle, the Marine Corps sidestepped the normal acquisition process and approved a contract to buy them at price tag five times that of the current M4 rifle. The $150 million deal, which may have involved a government employee who recently worked at the foreign arms maker that won the bid, is now under intense scrutiny from Congress — and raises questions about the Corps’ aggressive focus on fielding more lethal gear into troops’ hands as quickl... more »
What Will We Do About Myanmar?
When the slaughter in Rwanda occured -- twenty-five years ago -- the nations of the Western world pleaded ignorance. Gerry Caplan writes: Many in the Western world were indeed ignorant about the situation, which is one of the explanations later adduced for the failure of the “international community” to intervene and stop the slaughter. Most Western newspapers and TV networks either didn’t know or didn’t care about a tiny nation in Central Africa called Rwanda. For many, their negligible interest in Africa was appeased by the first free election in South Africa, which happened to ... more »
Cops Tried to Hide This Video Showing Them Taser Man, Knock Him Out, Force K9 to Maul Him
[image: k9] A Charlotte County Florida man was beaten by police and mauled by their K9. After the beating, the police charged him with battery, even though the videos clearly show he was more a victim than a perpetrator. The post Cops Tried to Hide This Video Showing Them Taser Man, Knock Him Out, Force K9 to Maul Him appeared first on The Free Thought Project.
Before US Troops Protected Poppies In Afghanistan, There was No Opioid Epidemic in America
[image: afghanistan] While the United States controls more than 90 percent of the world's opium supply in Afghanistan, the rate of Americans who are addicted to heroin and who have died from drug overdoses has skyrocketed. The post Before US Troops Protected Poppies In Afghanistan, There was No Opioid Epidemic in America appeared first on The Free Thought Project.
It Was Earth Hour Last Night (In Case You Didn’t Notice!)
By Paul Homewood You probably did not notice, but it was Earth Hour last night at 8.30 pm local time. While the virtue signallers at the BBC made a song and dance about it, the rest of us it seems just carried on as normal: https://www.solar.sheffield.ac.uk/pvlive/# Electricity demand peaked as it usually does in early […]
Ruger's New PC Carbine: The Ultimate Hybrid Firearm?
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, North America* You make the call. Once upon a time, there was a niche for a rifle that was shorter than traditional rifles, making it handier and easier to travel with. Preferred by the likes of cavalrymen, stagecoach guards, and gold and silver prospectors, the carbine sacrificed range for portability. Ruger’s new Pistol Caliber Carbine (PC Carbine) is an excellent example of a compact, firearm that can be packed at home in a backpack, the back of a truck, or anywhere space is limited, ready to provide protection, hunting small game, or impromptu tar... more »
America Just Sold Nearly 7000 Tank Killer Missiles to Saudi Arabia
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, * And more. The State Department has notified the U.S. Congress that is has approved of a potential sale of nearly 7000 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles to Saudi Arabia as the Middle Eastern monarchy continues its military campaign in Yemen. The sale, which would be concluded under the Pentagon’s Foreign Military Sales vehicle, is worth an estimated cost $670 million. In addition to the missiles, the Saudis are requesting additional maintenance and logistical support for American-made combat vehicles such as Abrams main battle tanks and Apache helicopter gun... more »
Phase IV Operations: Reconstructing Syria?
*Mir Sadat* *Security, Middle East* Can the Assad regime be influenced, pressured and/or encouraged to work to achieve outcomes that it normally would resist? If the stabilization and reconstruction process does not address all of these variables, the conflict will persist. Situated between Middle and Near East flashpoints, Syria has been involved in conflicts stretching from Iraq to Israel-Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran. Regional conflicts and the Arab Spring also had an undeniable effect on Syria, especially because the country’s civil war represents a larger geostrategic struggl... more »
James Woods to POTUS Trump: “Democrats gave you the rope, Mr. President, and you just hanged yourself with it”
Backlash after $1.3 Trillion Omnibus bill is signed by Trump. More The post James Woods to POTUS Trump: “Democrats gave you the rope, Mr. President, and you just hanged yourself with it” appeared first on The Duran .
marching for their lives: the student activism around gun violence gives us reason to hope
In my continuing (and usually failing) goal of remembering to write about things *here*, instead of just posting to Facebook, I feel I should write something about the student organizing and activism around gun violence in the US. This movement is the greatest thing to happen in the US in as long as I can remember. It stands with the Fight for 15 and Black Lives Matter as the most important movements of our present time. It has all the hallmarks of a true grassroots revolution. - It is self-organized. - Its spokespeople emerged organically. - It built quickly, because it has tappe... more »
Camphor Press: The Jing Affair
*The Jing Affair* D.J. Spencer Camphor Press, February 2018, 304 pages NT$181 (e-book) NT$452 (paperback) Camphor Press has come out with a steady stream of good stuff -- The Jing Affair is their latest entry. Written by an incredibly knowledgeable Foreign Service officer on Taiwan, *The Jing Affair* is a thriller in the 1960s style.... As American surveillance reports come in of troop build-ups near the Chinese coast, Taiwan’s KMT leaders are seen gathering at a secret base in the mountains. With all signs pointing to an imminent betrayal of Taiwan to China by secret police chi... more »
After 15 Years Of Trying, The British Army's Drone Program Is A Failure
*The Warzone/The Drive*:* The UK Has Spent Nearly 15 Years Developing Watchkeeper Drones It Says Aren't Safe to Fly* *The British Army has more than 50 of the unmanned aircraft, but authorities say they still aren't reliable enough even for routine drills.* After more than a decade of development, the U.K. Ministry of Defense has acknowledged that its Watchkeeper WK450 drones have yet to receive a full “release to service” certification. This means that officials have not yet deemed the aircraft safe enough to operate regularly in training exercises, let alone actual operations, a... more »
Untitled
*Cut off research funding to Fascist universities* In recent years, the foundational values of free speech and open inquiry have increasingly come under assault at the nation's colleges and universities. Every week, it seems, there is a story concerning campus speech codes being imposed, speakers being silenced, or faculty members being assailed for wrong-think. In response, some have proposed reforms intended to compel colleges and universities (public ones, at any rate) to honor academic freedom and free inquiry. Some critics have called for cutting off all public funds — includ... more »
“Little Study Was Done” — Pediatrician Warns Parents about a Toxin in Vaccines Given to Most Babies That Is WORSE Than Mercury
Hepatitis B is transmitted sexually and through drug needles. These are not two activities that a newborn baby is capable of doing, and yet, within 24 hours of being born, a baby receives a Hep B vaccination — whether the mother is infected or not. When parents sign in to have a baby at the hospital, they are signing up for their baby to receive the Hep B vaccination. What the parents don’t realize is that they sign the baby up to be given 250 micro-grams (mcg) of aluminum contained in this vaccine. Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Paul Thomas, a graduate of Dartmouth Medical School... more »
Bolton, the Taiwan Card, Frameworks and Links
*Curing sausage the proper way, with automobile exhaust.* Tumultuous couple of weeks with John Bolton, China hawk and longtime Taiwan supporter, becoming the National Security Adviser, and the Taiwan Travel Act being signed by President Trump. Those interpretive frameworks I talked about last week were out in force this week as commentators struggled to subsume the Taiwan Travel Act furor into the Establishment interpretive framework. For example, the Economist coyly suggests that the transit of the nigh-on useless Chinese aircraft carrier *Liaoning* and Alex Wong's visit to Tai... more »
Fascist behavior is in Spanish, German DNA
Heraclitus argued that you could not step twice into the same river. Spanish and German authorities are working hard to prove the philosopher wrong. In 1940, Catalan President-in-exile, Lluis Companys, was traveling in Europe. He wanted to stay in Paris because his son was there in the hospital. German authorities caught him and extradited him to Spain where he was executed. It's 2018 and Carles Puigdemont, the 130th President of Catalonia and Catalans' top leader right now, was de facto expelled from his country by the Spanish occupation forces – which were clearly unaffected by ... more »
This Family Restores Tanks For A Living
*Popular Mechanics:** This Family Salvages World War II Tanks for a Living* Aside from the freezing cold and mosquitoes, it sounds like a dream job. A family in Belarus has what many tank buffs would consider the best job in the world: saving abandoned tanks and restoring them for a living. The Yakushev family has gradually turned its hobby—recovering these World War II-era vehicles from the bottoms of rivers and swamps—into full time jobs for everyone. The tanks go on to museums and are even used to research video games. The nation of Belarus was a battlefield for much of the Sec... more »
Solving the Parallel Plate Thermal Radiation Problem Correctly Proves the Settled Science of Man-Made Global Warming Wrong
This is essentially a re-posting of an article of 2 November 2017 which has been edited with additions several times since the original version appeared. The essential physics has not been changed, but I have tried to help the reader understand it more readily along with its implications for the fate of the catastrophic man-made global warming hypothesis. I will present the Consensus, Settled Science solution to the parallel plane black body radiator problem and demonstrate that it is wrong. I will show that it exaggerates the energy of electromagnetic radiation between the two p... more »
Untitled
*Juneau schools leave room for debate in climate change curriculum* The Juneau School Board is considering adopting new curriculum for middle and high schools — based on growing national science standards. The model has been adopted entirely in 19 states, and one of the core ideas is teaching students about climate change. The standards don’t shy away from attributing it to an increase of human activity. But how that’s taught in the classroom could be up to interpretation. In the past five years, the way that science is taught in the classroom — across the nation — has shifted. P... more »
"Clumsily worded"
Watching *The Sunday Politics, *something struck me as I noticed Sarah Smith asking much the same question to her Labour guest as Andrew Marr had asked earlier, namely that they both got similarly-worded reply each time: *Andrew Marr*: What is the difference between this situation and Diane Abbott, who was also calling for a second referendum, and Keir Starmer? *Tom Watson MP*: There was a difference between a letter that goes to a constituent which was *clumsily worded*, as was the case with Diane Abbott, and do an interview in the Guardian. *Sarah Smith*: But the other thing whic... more »
President Trump And Defense Secretary James N. Mattis Remarks On The Spending Bill's Impact On The Military (Updated)
*U.S. Department of Defense:* *Trump, Mattis Hail Spending Bill to Fund Strongest Military Ever* WASHINGTON, March 23, 2018 — The $1.3 trillion spending bill President Donald J. Trump signed today includes the largest military budget in history, reversing years of decline and unpredictable funding, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said at the White House. “Together, we are going to make our military stronger than ever,” Mattis said in a news conference today, flanked by Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross, and Department of Homeland Secretary Kir... more »
In perhaps the best news of the day the US Post Office honors Mr. Rogers with a stamp.
Courtesy of WLOX: *It was a beautiful day to honor Mister Rogers with a postage stamp. * *The U.S. Postal Service on Friday released a stamp featuring Fred Rogers, the gentle TV host who entertained and educated generations of preschoolers on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." * *The stamp pictures Rogers in his trademark cardigan along with King Friday, a puppet character from the show's Neighborhood of Make-Believe sketch. * *A dedication ceremony was held at the Pittsburgh studio where Rogers filmed his beloved PBS show, which aired between 1968 and 2001. Rogers died in 2003 at ag...more »
Cambridge Analytica Had At Least 16 Days Warning To Move Or Destroy Records Before The UK Raided Their Offices
If the British government’s “Demand for Access to records and data” was put into the hands of Cambridge Analytica on … Continue reading →
Chinese H-6K Bombers, Su-30 And Su-35 Fighters Carry Out Combat Patrols And Exercises Over The South China Sea
FILE PHOTO: A Chinese H-6 bomber / Reuters *SCMP/Reuters:* *Chinese air force jets, bombers drill over South China Sea, Western Pacific in ‘preparation for war’* H-6K bombers, Su-30 and Su-35 fighters carry out combat patrols after passing over Miyako Strait between Japanese islands China’s air force said on Sunday it had held another round of drills in the disputed South China Sea and the Western Pacific after passing though Japan’s southern islands, and called such exercises the best preparation for war. The country is in the midst of an ambitious military modernisation progra... more »
Political Whores Work Hard For The Money-- But Breaking The Law Is Still Breaking The Law-- The Story Of Cambridge Analytica
It was lonely when we started writing about Cambridge Analytica and the Mercers. It was before they had connected-- perhaps "taken over" is a better way to put it-- the chaotic, unfocussed Trumpy-The-Clown campaign. I was about to be the co-honoree of a dinner by a university back east. And my co-honoree was Robert Mercer, then a top financier of the Ted Cruz congressional campaign-- and the guy who had connected first Cruz and then Trump to Mercer's neo-fascist propaganda outlet (Breitbart), a team of freaks that included Kellyanne Conway, Steve Bannon and David Bossie and his d... more »
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont Detained In Germany After Avoiding Arrest In Finland
Ex-Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont. Photo: Reuters *BBC: **Carles Puigdemont: Former Catalan president 'detained'* *The former leader of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, has been detained in Germany, his lawyer says.* He was held after crossing the border from Denmark, on the way to Belgium, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas tweeted. He is wanted in Spain for sedition. Mr Puigdemont had been living in self-imposed exile in Belgium since last October's banned referendum that backed Catalonia's unilateral secession bid. A European arrest warrant was recently reactivated against him. Tensions in... more »
Clarity
Ellie Price's *Sunday Politics *report on the allegedly unethical practices of the precursor company to Cambridge Analytica, SLC Elections, is worth watching. A leaked document sent to the BBC showed the company boasting of exploiting ethnic tensions in Latvia, encouraging voter apathy in Nigeria and spreading fake political graffiti in Trinidad and Tobago. They also boasted about their ease of access to the British government and, via Lord Hain (the report's only interviewee), the British government's links to SLC Elections will now be discussed in Parliament. All I'd say in crit... more »
The Biggest Drone Squadron Ever Has Been Deployed To Afghanistan
*BBC*:* Up close and personal with the biggest drone squadron ever* Before taking office, Donald Trump called the war in Afghanistan a "total disaster". But last August he changed his mind and announced that the US would stay until the war was - in his words - "won". Military commanders see air power as key to the hoped-for victory, and have assembled in the country what they say is the biggest drone squadron ever. I'm lying in the belly of a KC-135 "stratotanker", peering down at the snowy IS-infested mountains of north-eastern Afghanistan. Suddenly the first wasp-like F16 fight... more »
Sunday morning music
Last week we looked at variations on a very old English folk song, "John Barleycorn". I thought it might be fun to continue the theme with a classical piece. Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote "The Lark Ascending" in 1914, based on a poem by George Meredith. He scored the original piece for piano and violin. The outbreak of the First World War disrupted the first performance, which eventually took place in 1920. Here it is as originally scored. In the same year, 1920, the composer re-scored the piece for solo violin and orchestra. It's in this form that it's become most well kno... more »
Is the Greenland ice sheet disappearing?
A very worthwhile presentation about the geology of the Greenland ice sheet here.
from the 2018 cupe ontario library workers conference: libraries and the opioid crisis
I recently attended the CUPE Ontario Library Workers Conference, which has become a highlight of my year since I first attended (and was elected to the organizing committee) in 2015. It has eclipsed and replaced the OLA Superconference as the most relevant and enjoyable must-attend conference in my schedule. When I first got my librarian degree, I was very excited about attending my first "OLA" (as it's always called). But I quickly learned that the sessions are a crap-shoot, sometimes relevant but often obvious and dull. There's also a great deal of boosterism by OLA and the member... more »
Energy Is Not A Substance And How To Easily Understand This
Energy is not a substance, not something in the sense of “some thing”. Energy often appears to be a substance that flows, for example if charging a battery or an electrical capacitor. When charging, also electrons flow into these devices, but as many electrons flow out of the device. Nevertheless, there is something flowing into the device, namely energy. Moreover, the charged electrical capacitor is a tiny little bit more massive, more heavy than before, because an amount of energy E has always the mass m given by the famous equation *E* = *m* c2. read more
Political Correctness Gone Mad
Service Canada’s front-line staff*must “use gender-neutral language or gender-inclusive language”*to avoid “portraying a perceived bias toward a particular sex or gender,” out of respect for the country’s “diverse” population according to recent reports. Such terms as “sir, madam, mother, father,Mr., Mrs., Miss.” etc are not to be used for fear of offending transgender or individuals who may be 'offended' by being addressed incorrectly by their appearance. Well folks I am offended by a small segment of our society dictating how I can be addressed when dealing with government, 'What ... more »
Not all heroes wear a cape.
Got to meet someone who supposedly represents me today. Not for much longer, though! #BetoForTexas @SenTedCruz @BetoORourke pic.twitter.com/7S4yVR5uAj — Rebecca (@LazyyMillennial) March 23, 2018 Rebecca could be my favorite person on the internet today. If Beto O'Rourke actually manages to beat this asshole in November I am going to break my champagne fast and polish off a huge bottle all on my own. Definitely going to have a champagne headache the next day, but worth it.
It's that time again!
Marine le Pen and Isabel Oakeshott This morning's *The Andrew Marr Show *was thoroughly enjoyable. The paper review was feisty. One of the reviewers was the brave investigative journalist*/*partisan conspiracy theorist/Marine le Pen-lookalike Carole Cadwalladr. That, of course, *could* be seen as the BBC helping to push her Cambridge Analytica/anti-Brexit agenda were it not for the fact that Isabel Oakeshott was chosen as the other reviewer and took her to task with considerable vigour. Andrew Marr himself also put some good counter-points to Ms. Cadwalladr. Naturally, this didn'... more »
Spring Cleaning Special Needs Files
By Cathy Jameson The kids had a snow day last week. While they usually do better with a routine, I will always welcome an alarm-clock free day in the middle of the week. With no need for any of us...
On The Role Played By IBM Info Tech In South Africa’s Apartheid Regime And Nazi Germany
Republished from Medialternatives: https://medialternatives.com “Letter: US Appeals Court Rejects Apartheid Cases, by David Robert Lewis, August 7, 2015 Dear Ed … Continue reading →
Who Will Protect Us from the World’s Nuclear Heritage Site ?
Dear Friends, This Monday Prince Charles will be visiting the Lake District to unveil a plaque to the Lake District…
Cherries – A Potent Super Food
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/19/cherries-super-food.aspx Advertisements
New indicator may predict prognosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma.
https://www.m3india.in/contents/editor_pick/69960/new-indicator-may-predict-prognosis-in-renal?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=ads&utm_campaign=CP11_Article_Oncology_FB
The Sins of a Nation
Nations (and individuals) who ignore their wounds and griefs do not leave them behind – they bring them forward and repeat their battles endlessly. Subsequent generations who never knew the first cause, become the unwitting bearers of the latent violence and destruction that they have inherited. The post The Sins of a Nation appeared first on OrientalReview.org.
Untitled
*Australian Teachers' union backs call for comprehensive approach to education * *This is another shot in the long war between those who want education to lead to jobs versus those who see education as a general cultural experience. It seems clear to me that if the taxpayer is paying for it, it should be useful in some way. I see only three options there: education for jobs, education for citizenship and English language education, where that includes instruction in reading and writing, which in turn includes spelling and grammar. Education for citizenship should cover primar... more »
Perils of GPU Math For Scientific Computing
Just as Climate Models get ported to GPUs, and just as NVIDIA starts to dominate High Performance Computing with their GPUs and CUDA language, just then, we find out NVIDIA's newest chips of math that sometimes is wrong and not consistently repeatable. Oh Dear. Continue reading →
Sunday Sermonette
*The Invocation* It's time for another polemic here at Virtual Mirage. Easter is coming and the saints are marching in. It's high time that we recognize them. *Saint Andrew?* There is the upcoming book tour where I'm sure that he will refer to himself as "St. Andrew".Do delusions of adequacy qualify somebody to be a saint? McCabe might tell you that they do. It's about all that he has going for him now that they've taken his retirement badge/credential away. He'll write a book to prove it. He thought that he wanted a career but it turns out that all he wanted was paychecks. You k... more »
The Guardian pushes for a Facebook break up. Spin off WhatsApp and Instagram into separate companies
Is it time to break up Facebook? More The post The Guardian pushes for a Facebook break up. Spin off WhatsApp and Instagram into separate companies appeared first on The Duran.
Eastern Ghouta evacuations continue via Harasta corridor
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:00 A.M.) – Buses carrying evacuees left Eastern Ghouta through the Harasta humanitarian corridor, footage showed on Saturday. The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) reportedly reached a deal with militants which allow some 6,000 people, including 1,500 militants to flee. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, as a result of the agreement, militants […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ISIS launches surprise attack against Syrian Army troops in eastern Deir Ezzor
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:00 A.M.) – The so-called Islamic State (ISIS) launched a surprise attack against a group of Syrian Arab Army (SAA) troops in the eastern countryside of the Deir Ezzor Governorate yesterday. ISIS began the assault by storming the Syrian Army’s positions east of Al-Mayadeen; this would result in a series of intense clashes […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Israel Defense Forces claim Hamas targets hit in Gaza Strip
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday attacked the targets of the Hamas movement after an attempt to damage fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip and to arson an engineering vehicle, the IDF said in a statement. “Yesterday, the security fence next to Israel & the Gaza Strip was damaged & there was an […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Happiness Lessons
... https://www.facebook.com/brightvibes/videos/821702024683105/
Pat Buchanan: “Will the Deep State Break Trump?”
Another deep state conspiracy, to break another American presidency, is underway. More The post Pat Buchanan: “Will the Deep State Break Trump?” appeared first on The Duran.
Neocon John Bolton set to purge White House of Obama holdovers, before taking America to war
John Bolton : They "Should Start Packing Their S**t" More The post Neocon John Bolton set to purge White House of Obama holdovers, before taking America to war appeared first on The Duran.
Brian Foerster - Ancient Egypt - ten to twelve foot mummies in the Cairo Museum?
until the evidence exudes from the Egyptian records office, this is all decorative speculation on the part of Brian Foerster stood beside 'normal height' sarcophagii on the first floor of the Cairo Museum. Either these GIANT sarcophagii contain'd ten to twelve foot mummies, or they're just decorations with nothing inside them but structural bracing. Maybe someone out there already knows whether this is a bullshit story or not... If geopolymerisation existed at one point back in history, when alabaster and granite and limestone could be made chemically as a kind of *concrete*, then ... more »
Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*by Noah* Hey, it's Sunday; Palm Sunday, in fact. Next Sunday is Easter, so what better time for a little of that ol' time comparative religion, the god kind and otherwise. Here in America, we have a political party that is intertwined with a brand of christianity that is so twisted that it isn't even christian anymore. As such, it has become nearly as virulently jihadist as their mirror image in the Middle East. Give it a little more time and you won't be able to tell them apart at all. Since, as far as I can tell, most religion is all about guilt, repression, hating the other g... more »
Secession Push Grows as South African Regime Plots Land Thefts
[image: secession-push-grows-as-south-african-regime-plots-land-thefts] There is only one sensible solution to the escalating crisis in South Africa: Self-determination for the Western-minded, Afrikaans-speaking Christian majority in the Western Cape. At least, that is how a growing number of concerned people across the country and among South Africans abroad see the issue. Organized efforts to achieve independence for the Cape region are already underway. At least one local tribal leader, Khoebaha Calvin Cornelius III, whose formal title roughly translates into “king” in English, h... more »
Untitled
*Australian Teachers' union backs call for comprehensive approach to education * *This is another shot in the long war between those who want education to lead to jobs versus those who see education as a general cultural experience. It seems clear to me that if the taxpayer is paying for it, it should be useful in some way. I see only three options there: education for jobs, education for citizenship and English language education, where that includes instruction in reading and writing, which in turn includes spelling and grammar. Education for citizenship should cover primar... more »
A conversation with Patrick Moore
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Originally published for the French “Association des climato-réalistes”, republished here by request of the author Patrick Moore is a Canadian activist, and former president of Greenpeace Canada. Since leaving Greenpeace, which he helped to found, Moore has criticized the environmental movement for what he sees as scare tactics…
Here we go again: Warmer Arctic claimed to create colder US temperatures
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: From Rutgers University and the “Nor’easter’s weren’t as bad before global warming” department comes this “story I’ve been telling for a couple of years now…”. See the commentary after this article. NOAA’s GOES East satellite (GOES-16) captured the Nor’easter storm over the East Coast this morning (13:15 UTC).…
Two CO2 Climate Change Myths
Originally posted on PA Pundits - International: By David Wojick, Ph.D. ~ CO2 does not “trap heat” in the atmosphere and the increase in CO2 is not a buildup of our emissions. In fact these are two pseudoscientific myths that appear frequently in alarmist press reports and teaching materials. Neither one is true. The science…
Is Trump’s core base abandoning him?
Giving voters a choice only between unacceptable candidates in both Parties could turn out to have been a prelude to revolution More The post Is Trump’s core base abandoning him? appeared first on The Duran.
Tweets For Today
"Iran is estimated to have spent a staggering $31 billion in recent years in its wars and conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, among other locations, The Times of Israel was told. Iranian activities in these countries show no signs of abating."https://t.co/sTPl4qsdqT — Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) March 24, 2018 New U.S. stealth fighter jets offer a message to North Korea and China https://t.co/Yf21NYfUsG pic.twitter.com/qnM6cbKRlt — NBC News (@NBCNews) March 24, 2018 For the four US troops who live there year round Wake Island seems, much of the time, rather sedate, but it'... more »
Picture Of The Day
Flight Directors Signals A flight director signals to the pilot of an EA-18G Growler during flight operations on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Persian Gulf, Feb. 25, 2018. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Corona *WNU Editor*: The above picture is frmo this photo-gallery .... *Sailors Conduct Flight Deck Operations in Persian Gulf* (US Department of Defense).
This Is The Base That Would Oversee A U.S. Nuclear Attack
*CNN:* *Exclusive: Inside the base that would oversee a US nuclear strike* Offutt Airbase, Nebraska (CNN)If the unthinkable happens and a nuclear exchange between the US and North Korea or Russia happens, President Donald Trump will rely on a secure underground facility at a base in the middle of the United States to carry out his orders. And four-star Air Force Gen. John Hyten, the commander of US Strategic Command, would be at the center of it all. "Our strategic responses are always ready to respond and everybody should know that," Hyten told CNN in an interview inside the high... more »
Musical Interlude: The Moody Blues, “The Story In Your Eyes”
The Moody Blues, “The Story In Your Eyes” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlAOujOu6y0
"A Look to the Heavens"
“What makes this spiral galaxy so long? Measuring over 700,000 light years across from top to bottom, NGC 6872, also known as the Condor galaxy, is one of the most elongated barred spiral galaxies known. *Click image for larger size.* The galaxy's protracted shape likely results from its continuing collision with the smaller galaxy IC 4970, visible just above center. Of particular interest is NGC 6872's spiral arm on the upper left, as pictured here, which exhibits an unusually high amount of blue star forming regions. The light we see today left these colliding giants before the day... more »
U Scientists Scan World’s First 10.5-Tesla Human MRI Image
U Scientists Scan World’s First 10.5-Tesla Human MRI Image https://research.umn.edu/inquiry/post/u-scientists-scan-worlds-first-105-tesla-human-mri-image#sthash.t7bV6taF.gbpl Advertisements
"Count YOUR Blessings"
"Homeless man called a bum, this will change your perspective." - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhsGSYAdUs4 How many of you, of us, are one or two paychecks, if that, away from this? Count YOUR Blessings... ◆ Meanwhile... remember this? Oh, silly me, I forgot, that's "normal"... *This* is "normal" too, right? Enjoy it, wallow like pigs in your wilfull ignorance and totally self-centered greed, while you can. You have *no* clue of what's coming, do you? You *will. *And then... what?
“So Where Are We?”
*“So Where Are We?”* by Zen Gardner "We’re in the thick of it. My biggest concern? So many have been warned and so few have heeded. You can’t even count how many seriously weird things are going down, practically all of them carefully designed, and an intoxicated world dutifully falls into line robotically. That’s the weirdest thing of all. The engineers we’re up against are in a very powerful position and are not afraid to use it. Besides the other idiocies transpiring in full frontal view, the MSM now joins the asteroid meme saying, “Get canned food, the asteroid is approaching.... more »
The Poet: Wendell Berry, “The Contrariness of the Mad Farmer”
*“The Contrariness of the Mad Farmer”* “I am done with apologies. If contrariness is my inheritance and destiny, so be it. If it is my mission to go in at exits and come out at entrances, so be it. I have planted by the stars in defiance of the experts, and tilled somewhat by incantation and by singing, and reaped, as I knew, by luck and Heaven's favor, in spite of the best advice. If I have been caught so often laughing at funerals, that was because I knew the dead were already slipping away, preparing a comeback, and can I help it? And if at weddings I have gritted and gnashed... more »
The Daily "Near You?"
Port-of-Spain, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Thanks for stopping by!
Ann Coulter And Laura Ingraham Predict Trump Will Be Impeached
Ever been up close to Ann Coulter? She's really ugly. Her inner ugly isn't cloakable. It comes out all over the room. So on Wednesday when she was asserting at the University of Colorado that immigrants are ugly rapists who depress wages and block vote for Democrats, it was a total kettle/pot moment. She said she could determine who should be allowed into the U.S. and who should be turned away based on how they look. "I told Donald Trump when he was running that he could completely get rid of (Immigration and Naturalization Services) and I’d do it all before breakfast on Tinder," s... more »
Wireless Technology: Understanding Its Effects
By Catherine J. Frompovich Wireless technology literally has overtaken our world! There are more cell phones than there are humans on Planet Earth! Humans are... more »
"What Frustrates Us..."
"Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it. What frustrates us and robs our lives of joy is this absence of meaning... Does our being alive matter?" - Harold S. Kushner, "When All You Ever Wanted Isn't Enough"
Turkey Prepares for a Pompeo Problem
*Gonul Tol* *Security, Middle East* [image: Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) arrives to testify before a Senate Intelligence hearing on his nomination of to be become director of the CIA at Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 12, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria] The sacking of Tillerson is likely to complicate efforts to resolve the crisis with Turkey. The tension between Turkey and the United States appeared to have diminished after the outgoing Secretary Rex Tillerson’s visit to Turkey in February. The two countries had been at loggerheads over a number of issues, particula... more »
Why Trump Can't Trick Kim Jong Un into a Peace Deal
*Doug Bandow* *Security, Asia* It will take more than a geopolitical kiss and offer to hold hands around the negotiating table to convince Kim Jong-un to abandon his nukes. The prospect of a summit between President Donald Trump and Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has discomfited analysts, pundits and lawmakers across the political spectrum. Hawkish neoconservatives and liberal internationalists alike bewail the possibility that negotiating the end of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs might require compromise. However, it is not clear whether the president is aware that any a... more »
How the U.S. Military Went to War against Vietnam's Radar and Air Defenses
*Warfare History Network* *History, Asia* Hanoi had top of the line weapons to kill U.S. fighters and bombers. Here's how Washington punched back. Captain John E. Donovan, an electronic warfare officer, monitored the equipment in his F-100F Super Sabre fighter. It was December 22, 1965, and his plane was part of a strike mission searching out enemy antiaircraft sites. Two days earlier, a similar mission had gone badly, resulting in the loss of a plane and its crew. As the F-100F in which he was flying raced through the skies over North Vietnam, Donovan detected a signal from ene... more »
This Is How Much It Will Cost to Build Low Yield Nukes for Navy Missile Submarines
*Zachary Keck* *Security, North America* But will it actually happen? The Pentagon has released initial figures for how much it will cost to build a new, controversial submarine-launched low-yield nuclear warhead. This week, *Defense News* reported that the Department of Defense has said that it will spend $48.5 million during the next five years to develop the capability for a low-yield warhead to be launched from America’s existing submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The figure was included in a written submission the Pentagon provided to Congress. The submission was obtain... more »
Nightmare Avoided: Did Israel's Air Force Stop Syria from Getting Nuclear Weapons?
*Robert Farley* *Security, Middle East* Would Assad been able to get a nuclear bomb? On September 6, 2007, Israeli fighter-bombers destroyed a mysterious installation near the Euphrates River in the Deir-ez-Zor region. The strike incurred curiously little response from Damascus. A cyber-attack reportedly pre-empted a defensive Syrian military mobilization, and even the diplomatic outcry was muted. No other Arab governments commented on the attack, and even the Israelis did not acknowledge the operation for quite some time. Destroying the facility was not regarded as a slam-dunk... more »
This Is the Russian Special Forces Unit No One Talks about—until Now.
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Europe* The SOBR. If asked to name a counterterrorism unit in Russia, most people would probably think of the FSB’s elite “Alpha” unit. Alpha participated in the 1993 constitutional crisis, the Nord-Ost theatre siege and the Beslan hostage crisis, and are called out on the biggest and most sensitive incidents. However, they don’t deal with the majority of terrorism incidents in Russia. Rather, this responsibility falls to the SOBR (*Spetsial’nyy Otryad Bystrogo Reagirovaniya*, or Special Squad, Rapid Reaction) teams. These regional teams handle most arm... more »
Free Download: Fyodor Dostoevsky, "Crime And Punishment"
"What is most offensive is not their lying- one can always forgive lying; lying can be a delightful thing, for it leads to truth. What is offensive is that they lie, and worship their own lying." - Fyodor Dostoevsky, "Crime And Punishment" Freely download "Crime And Punishment" here: - http://www.planetpdf.com/
America First? Enter the über-hawks: Pompeo and Bolton
Change of foreign policy team points to increased US belligerence More The post America First? Enter the über-hawks: Pompeo and Bolton appeared first on The Duran.
Why The Modern Day Torpedo Can Sink A Ship With One Hit
*Business Insider/We Are The Mighty*: *Here's why a modern torpedo sinks a ship with one hit* * In World War II, torpedos did the most damage by directly hitting the targeted ship, punching a hole in the hull and capsizing it. * This was a problem — as defensive anti-aircraft capability developed, planes launching torpedoes needed to do so from higher altitudes, at faster speeds, and from further away in order to survive. *Now, modern torpedos are equipped with magnetic exploders designed to explode below the ship and break it in two. If you've seen any submarine-themed movie, whet... more »
Past Is Prologue: "It Was Black Friday Before Black Monday"
*"It Was Black Friday Before Black Monday"* by Tyler Durden "It could never happen again..." is the constant refrain of the asset-gatherers and commission-takers around the world as they prepare to defend their livelihoods from yet another delusion-clarifying plunge back to reality for stock prices. *Click image for larger size.* Well, after this week's bloodbathery - and tearing down of the social-media-will-remake-the-global-economy narrative - many are starting to recognize that all is not well... and perhaps, just perhaps, the support pillars of this flimsy potemkin village we ... more »
If Society Can’t Trust Science, What Can They Trust? Climate Sophist is Playing San Francisco Judge as a Complete Fool
Dr. Myles Allen must think that the San Francisco Judge is a complete fool. I just finished a post refuting many of his claims, but one example needed to be singled out. In his presentation, Dr. Myles Allen replaced the poster child Mt. Kilimanjaro, which was exposed as a fraud in the Climategate emails, with … Continue reading "If Society Can’t Trust Science, What Can They Trust? Climate Sophist is Playing San Francisco Judge as a Complete Fool"
John Dewey on Aristotle’s Naturalism
John Herman Randall, in his book *Aristotle* (Chapter: “Science as Right Talking: The Analysis of Discourse”), says that “the relations of the syllogistic instrument of science to the conception of science itself, and to the kind of world in which that instrument functions, are summed up in the following statement” from John Dewey’s article: Aristotle was above all a naturalist. He asserted that the universal is united with particular existences, binding them together into a permanent whole (the species) and keeping within definite and fixed limits the changes which occur in each p... more »
Within Five Years The US Army Will Be Fielding Three New Atillery Systems — Howitzer Shells, Rockets, And Missiles
Army HIMARS trucks launch GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missiles *Breaking Defense:* *Army Will Field 100 Km Cannon, 500 Km Missiles: LRPF CFT* The Army is modernizing three artillery systems: 155 cannon, the cheapest option, for the close fight against the enemy's frontline forces; guided rockets for the deep fight against enemy reinforcements and supply lines; and missiles, the most expensive munitions, for very deep or even strategic strikes against targets in the enemy rear and homeland. Within five years, the US Army will field new artillery weapons — howitze... more »
Is Talk About Progress In Afghanistan Just Bullsh*t?
Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, left, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Army Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., commander of the Resolute Support mission and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, have a roundtable discussion with members of Train Advise Assist Command East at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan, March 21, 2018. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique A. Pineiro *Paul Szoldra, Task & Purpose*: *The Pentagon Is Really Ramping Up The High Quality Bullsh*t About Afghanistan * The flaks in the Pentagon’s press office seem to be working overtime to convince you... more »
Inconvenient data: Fewer and fewer people die from climate-related natural disasters
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Bjørn Lomborg writes on his Facebook page of a reverse hockey stick graph, one that is certainly inconvenient to the gloom and doom message of climate alarmists who try to link regular weather events to climate. So, Lomborg plays their game, and the results are surprising. Fewer and fewer…
NOAA Tamper With NY Temperatures Again
Originally posted on NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT: By Paul Homewood ? ? https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cag/divisional/time-series/3010/tavg/1/2/1895-2018?base_prd=true&firstbaseyear=1901&lastbaseyear=2000 ? According to the heavily adjusted NOAA data, last month was the fifth warmest February on record in the Central Lakes Division of NY State, with an average mean temperature of 31.4F. ? Prior to 1981, the warmest was…
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot extending upward as it shrinks
Originally posted on Tallbloke's Talkshop: Jupiter’s ‘Great Red Spot’ [image credit: NASA] It seems to be turning into the not-so-great orange spot. Could this be a feature of climate change Jupiter-style? Though once big enough to swallow three Earths with room to spare, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot has been shrinking for a century and…
Newsflash: NH Snow Exceptionally Huge This Year
Originally posted on Science Matters: Over land the northern hemisphere Globsnow snow-water-equivalent SWE product and over sea the OSI-SAF sea-ice concentration product. Credit: Image courtesy of Finnish Meteorological Institute This just in from Science Daily thanks to the Finnish Meteorological Institute: Exceptionally large amount of winter snow in Northern Hemisphere this year March 14, 2018. Excerpts…
An interview with Henrik Svensmark: cosmic rays, clouds and climate
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Prof Henrik Svensmark & Jacob Svensmark discuss the connection between cosmic rays, clouds and climate with the GWPF’s Benny Peiser and Jonny Bairstow from Energy Live News after his recent presentation in London. Video and slideshow follow. See his slideshow: Prof Henrik Svensmark & Jacob Svensmark: The Connection Between…
Climate scientist admits embarrassment over future climate uncertainty
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: WUWT readers may recall this chart which clearly illustrates just how uncertain climate science really is. It seems that some climate academics are a bit embarrassed that they haven’t been able to pin down climate sensitivity. From EU Horizon Magazine Climate sensitivity – reducing the uncertainty of uncertainty…
The Climate Dictionary
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Guest Post by Willis Eschenbach I see that there is some confusion over terminology in the climate field. In response, I’ve put together a list of common terms, along with what far too often they mean in climate science. So without further ado, here’s my climate dictionary. TERM …
New Extreme Weather Claims Based On Flawed Data
Originally posted on NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT: By Paul Homewood ? Latest junk science? from the “Bad weather is due to climate change” Dept: ? Global floods and extreme rainfall events have surged by more than 50% this decade, and are now occurring at a rate four times higher than in 1980,…
Where The Warmth Is
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Guest Post by Willis Eschenbach I got to thinking about the “hiatus” in warming in the 21st Century, and I realized that the CERES satellite dataset covers the period since the year 2000. So I’ve graphed up a few views of the temperature changes over the period of…
RIP Rim Banna of Nazareth , the modern voice of Palestine
On Saturday the news came that 51-years-renowned Palestinian singer Rim Banna passed away after six years of struggling with cancer. Banna, the daughter of Nazareth was Palestine’s most female famous singer in the past decade bringing traditional Palestinian folkloric songs to the modern times with her sweet voice. A daughter of renowned Palestinian poetess and activist Zuhaira Sabbagh, Rim Banna was also an activist in her way supporting her people’s quest for survival, freedom and independent rightful state. She was a leading icon of modern Palestinian resistance that used art to ... more »
Over-politicized and under-moralized
I had the pleasure of hearing columnist and author David Brooks speak the other night. He was invited to my city by a church known for being inclusive. While his speech and following Q/A was filled with poignant quotes and … Continue reading →
Middle Finger Symphony Theater
** No Tuxedos Required ** *Brought To You By BLUESJUNKY: Chair of Music - Middle Finger Symphony Music Director*
Jaysh Al-Islam, Syrian Army involved in fierce battle for eastern Douma (video)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:30 A.M.) – Jaysh Al-Islam and the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) are currently involved in a fierce battle for the eastern part of Douma, as the latter continues their push to capture the town. Led by the Tiger Forces, the Syrian Army has repeatedly attempted to capture the last part of Al-Rayhan, which […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ISIS terrorists destroy Sufi shrine in southern Kirkuk (photos)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:20 A.M.) – The so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS) continued their destructive ways in Iraq this week, as their terrorists destroyed a Sufi shrine in the southern Kirkuk. The terrorist group’s official media wing released photos of their terrorists planting bombs and then detonating those explosives at the Sufi shrine in southern Kirkuk – […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Jihadist civil war intensifies as Jabhat Tahrir Souriya storms Al-Ghab Plain
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:00 A.M.) – The jihadist civil war in northern Syria has recently intensified between Jabhat Tahrir Souriya and Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham, as the former launches several attacks across the Idlib, Hama, and Aleppo governorates. On Saturday night, Jabhat Tahrir Souriya launched a new attack in the Hama Governorate, targeting HTS’ positions inside the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Murray: ‘Boris Johnson A Categorical Liar’
*Craig Murray* | According to recent court filings, Porton Down lab did not conform that the chemical agent used in Salisbury attack was 'Novichok'.
POLL: 19 Years After NATO’s Illegal Bombing of Serbia, Most Serbs Do Not Accept Apology from Brussels
*21WIRE + RT* | NATO's attack was designed to break-up Yugoslavia in preparation for today's US-led confrontation with Russia.
Reports: President Trump To Expel Russian Diplomats Over Nerve Agent Attack Against A Former Russian Spy In The U.K.
*Bloomberg*: *Trump Plans Expulsion of Russian Envoys Over U.K. Attack* * National Security Council has prepared recommendations * White House has been divided over how to respond to Putin President Donald Trump is preparing to expel dozens of Russian diplomats from the U.S. in response to the nerve-agent poisoning of a former Russian spy in the U.K., two people familiar with the matter said Saturday. Trump agreed with the recommendation of advisers and the expulsions are likely to be announced on Monday, the people said, though they cautioned that Trump’s decision may not be final... more »
A New Drink – The Texas Trailboss Coffee
I think I've invented a new drink. In any case, I've not seen it named, so I'm naming it. The Texas Trailboss Coffee. Black coffee and a shot of Rye (real Rye) Whiskey. Continue reading →
The Children Shall Lead Them. #MarchForOurLives. Update!
The March For Our Lives takes over DC.I have been around for some time now, and I have participated in more than a few protests, starting with anti-Vietnam war protests in the early seventies. This..this...was like nothing I had ever seen before. Now don't get me wrong, I was blown away by the Women's March right after Trump's inauguration. But this protest, led by these children, was fucking amazing! Before I left to join protesters here in town.. Anchorage #walkforourlives pic.twitter.com/UfEPU2qVeK — Gryphen 2009 (@Gryphen2009) March 24, 2018 (Here is one of my tweets) ...I wa... more »
Six Minutes And Twenty Seconds
What you see in the video above is Emma Gonzalez reading the Parkland victims’ names, crying and taking a six minute and 20 second pause, the amount of time Nikolas Cruz was shooting in the school. Pennsylvania Avenue was completely silent, save for the shutter of cameras and distant sirens. Students on stage and in the crowd began chanting, “Never again.” And she persisted. How compelling has the narrative been around the March For Our Lives weekend? Well, compelling enough for several career-long congressional Republican NRA allies to try to glom onto the energy that swept the ... more »
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- March 24, 2018
*CNBC:* *Top economists and business leaders weigh in on the risks of a US-China trade war* * World-renowned economists and executives were in Beijing on Saturday for the annual China Development Forum. * Speaking with CNBC, many of those leading voices addressed rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China, discussing the possible impacts of a trade war. * "I don't think we've previously at the [China Development Forum] felt like we might be on the brink of a trade war, and I think that certainly is a very unfortunate development," said economist Larry Summers. Some of the wo... more »
Trump To Expel 'Dozens Of Russian Diplomats' In Response To Skripal Poisoning
[image: undefined] On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron and German leader Angela Merkel said that following a meeting of the European Council, that UK PM Theresa May had shared "proof" of Russia's involvement in the assassination attempt against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, "convincing" the two leaders that Russia was behind the attack. And yet, despite the "convincing" evidence, no "proof" has yet been publicly disclosed. Furthermore, even as all leaders said they are in agreement that Russia was "the only reasonable culprit", the EC opted not to take ... more »
March 24: The Worst News I Have Ever Seen.
Today, I am suicidal. I have just spent hours writing half of the blog - and it suddenly has disappeared. Lately, this has been a problem at all three of my sites for the blog. Today's was just the worst of many. Now, I can't even remember most of what I wrote about. Damn, damn, damn. Ah, well.... giddy up ol' hoss. Two federal members of parliament and the national leader of the Green party have been arrested at an anti-pipeline demonstration in BC. (The ‘news as it happens and up to the minute’ of the irving press doesn’t have the story.) *http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british... more »
The resemblance is striking
I'm sure many readers have already seen this image of left-wing/progressive media darling David Hogg giving a Nazi- style salute during today's anti-gun rallies. Quite apart from the unpleasant connotations of that salute, there's also his impassioned calls for Fascistic, unilateral abrogation of people's constitutional rights. I couldn't help but be reminded of someone else. Ah, yes. A definite resemblance, I'd say . . . both personal and political. Peter
Severe Punishment For Those Who Refuse To Participate In China's Compulsory Military Training
Three pairs of twins, potential People's Liberation Army (PLA) recruits, pose with their physical examination form at the conscription physical examination station in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province on Nov 1, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua] *SCMP*:* Chinese students blacklisted for refusing to carry out compulsory military training* *Seventeen young men will be banned from studying or taking flights after they defied authorities by failing to finish one month’s service in armed forces* Seventeen students have been blacklisted by the Chinese authorities for refusing to carry out milit... more »
President Trump’s New National Security Adviser Is Planning To Purge The National Security Council
*The Hill:* *John Bolton plans to fire dozens of White House officials: report* President Trump’s new national security adviser is reportedly planning major staffing changes at the National Security Council. Sources close to the situation told Foreign Policy that John Bolton is preparing to “clean house” and remove nearly all of the political appointees brought in by his predecessor. “Bolton can and will clean house,” one former White House official told Foreign Policy. Another former official said any National Security Council officials appointed under former President Obama “... more »
Adacama Mummy and DNA
Some 15 years ago or so, a small, tiny really, skeleton was found in the Atacama Desert in Chile. It was only six inches tall, thought to be six to eight years old, was humanoid and looked like something that might have come from another world. And that was what a number of people believed. They had found the remains of creature from another world. There was DNA that could be examined, and in 2013, it was revealed that only 92 or 93% of the DNA had been identified. That DNA was human, but the other seven or eight percent was unknown. Some pointed out that the difference between huma... more »
Enough is Not Enough
(By *American Zen*’s Mike Flannigan, on loan from Ari) *E*mma Gonzalez stood on the stage before almost a million after having read the names of her 17 slain classmates, her head bowed for six minutes and 20 seconds, the time it took for Nikolas Cruz to murder them at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. Over a million, according to the MarchforourLives crowd estimate, joined her. Her place in history is as secure as an AR15 in the cradling arms of a red state ammosexual, as is the name of her high school. Because Marjory Stoneman Douglas has now ossified into lasting posterity as much as... more »
East Ghouta update: 17 buses with 950+ militants and their family members leave Arbeen
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:40 P.M.) – The first wave of Faylaq Al-Rahman militants and their family members have left the East Ghouta region tonight, a Syrian military report confirmed. According to the military report, a total of 17 buses left the East Ghouta region via the ‘Arbeen crossing tonight. The 17 buses contained a total of […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Breaking: Syrian Army recovers bodies of 57 soldiers killed by ISIS in southern Damascus
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:10 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has recovered the bodies of their soldiers that were ambushed by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) in southern Damascus last week. According to a military source in Damascus, the bodies of 57 soldiers killed in the Al-Qadam District of southern Damascus were delivered to the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
‘Militants tortured us and our children’ – East Ghouta civilians await evacuation
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:25 P.M.) – Civilians waiting to be evacuated from Syria’s Eastern Ghouta received humanitarian aid from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, with the assistance of the Russian Centre for Reconciliation on Friday. One of the civilians said that he “suffered a lot” from the militants in Eastern Ghouta since people “had to stay […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
IS terrorist killed in counter-terrorist operation in Dagestan
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:20 P.M.) – A terrorist connected to the so-called Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) was killed during a counter-terrorist operation in the Botlikh region of Dagestan on Saturday. The special forces of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia with the support of National Guard of the Russian Federation and the internal affairs […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Al-Houthi condemns Saudis and extortionists for gas crisis
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (09:35 PM) – Sayyid Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement (also known abroad as the Houthi movement), has condemned the Saudi coalition as well as domestic extortionists for the ongoing gas crisis in Yemen. He did this during a televised speech on Friday, according to a report by Yemen Extra. […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army urges Jaysh Al-Islam to surrender Douma
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:00 A.M.) – For the second time in the last 24 hours, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has called on Jaysh Al-Islam to surrender the town of Douma. However, Jaysh Al-Islam has repeatedly refused to surrender Douma and responded to the Syrian Army’s calls by heavily shelling the government areas in Damascus city. […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Larry Cost Me $25 – Thermos Cooking
Mikey buys a thermos and makes tubeti Alfredo with it. Yum! Continue reading →
Spring cleaning, 2018
I like to think I'm not a hoarder, but you should see what's coming up from the basement! A sewing machine (purchased in 1960) that I haven't used for 30 years. It was called a "portable," but could be used in a weight lifting class. I remember walking into a store in downtown Indianapolis and buying it, but have no idea how I got it home. A 12 cup coffee maker that I haven't used in this house where we've lived since 2002. A gift from my mother who was so sure I could make a good cup of coffee if I just had the right maker. A bread maker—don’t know where the directions are. A ... more »
Cambridge Analytica is under siege. And that's good news.
Courtesy of the New York Times: *British investigators on Friday night searched the London offices of Cambridge Analytica, the data-analytics company that harvested data from 50 million Facebook users to develop psychological profiles on behalf of political campaigns, including that of President Trump. * *About 20 investigators from Britain’s data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, descended on the company’s offices on New Oxford Street after obtaining a search warrant from the High Court. * *“We are pleased with the decision of the judge, and the warrant is now be... more »
Paul, Apostle of Christ Movie: Faithful unto Death
[image: paul-apostle-of-christ-movie-faithful-unto-death] Today, Christians are often amazed at the hostility of the non-believing culture. This movie is a powerful demonstration of what can happen when that hostility is empowered with the sword of the State.
Arctic Methane
Originally posted on Science Matters: AWI sea-ice physicists have erected an ice camp to investigate melt ponds on Arctic sea ice. Credit: Photo : Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Mar Fernandez Two recent papers enrich our understanding of interactions between oceans, ice and dissolved methane. The latest one is described in a Science Daily article Wandering greenhouse gas Climate…
Do You Hear the People Sing?
Kate Hoey Leading the People I was curious, in the light of what we've been saying here over the last couple of days, to check out tonight's main BBC One evening new bulletin. How would they report the latest Labour goings-on? Well, predictably, they ignored anything to do with antisemitism (still raging elsewhere). And, just as predictably, they put the Brexit issue first and made the sacked, pro-EU Labour Owen Smith's opinions their main angle, quoting him first, as if it was *their* take. And then - Iain Watson's report beginning - they initially focused their reporting on the... more »
Why Has Iran Stopped Harassing The U.S. Navy?
Footage has been released showing the moment Iranian forces detained 10 US Navy sailors. January, 2016 *Alex Lockie, Business Insider*: *Iran harassed and humiliated the US Navy under Obama — here's why it stopped under Trump* * Iran's navy made a point of harassing and humiliating the US Navy in 2016 after then-President Barack Obama had sealed the Iran deal, but under President Donald Trump, they have stopped. * The US Navy openly acknowledges the shift in tactics from Iran, which an expert told Business Insider was based on Trump's unpredictability and credibility with regard to... more »
"A tax cut without a spending cut isn't a tax cut."
*"A tax cut without a spending cut isn't a tax cut. A tax cut when spending goes up is an increase in taxes."* ~ Russ Roberts . Content is copyright PC.BlogSpot.Com © Permission to republish is granted, with link and attribution.
New Extreme Weather Claims Based On Flawed Data
By Paul Homewood Latest junk science from the “Bad weather is due to climate change” Dept: Global floods and extreme rainfall events have surged by more than 50% this decade, and are now occurring at a rate four times higher than in 1980, according to a new report. Other extreme climatological events such […]
Inequality Topics Are Out Of Vogue-- Except For A Growing Majority Of Americans
*The Swamp by Nancy Ohanian* *by Skip Kaltenheuser* Allow me to offer a few additional thoughts on the recent Economic Inequality Town Hall that triggered Howie’s post on job guarantees. The event, “Inequality in America: The Rise of Oligarchy and Collapse of the Middle Class,” took place on the 19th in the Visitor Center at the US Capitol before an overflow crowd. Its panel included Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, filmmaker Michael Moore and economist Darrick Hamilton, with input from thoughtful experts, interspersed with short films of people describing their economic r... more »
10 Decentralized Social Media Networks to Use Instead of Facebook
By Jake Anderson The salient facts of the new Cambridge Analytica scandal are bad, and the optics are even worse for Facebook, which is already... more »
After Increasing Nat’l Debt a TRILLION in 6 Months, US Gov’t Just Gave Themselves a Massive Raise
By Matt Agorist This week, the US Congress passed the massive 1.3 trillion-dollar Omnibus spending bill. Then, early Friday morning, the Senate did the same... more »
World News Briefs -- March 24, 2018
Rebel fighters are evacuated from the city of Harasta in the eastern Damascus suburb of Ghouta on March 22. *RFE:* *Syrian Army, Aided By Russia, Regains Control Over Most Of Damascus Suburb* Syrian rebel fighters have evacuated one enclave in eastern Ghouta and reached a Russian-brokered deal to leave another, enabling Syrian government forces to regain control over most of the embattled Damascus suburb, observers say. The developments on March 23 brought Syrian President Bashar al-Assad close to his biggest victory since driving armed rebels out of Aleppo in December 2016, thou... more »
Insufferable Anti-Gun Geeks and Hollywood Celebrities Just Don’t Care Much For Your Constitutional Rights
In case you haven't heard, today is National F*ck The Constitution Day as being celebrated by thousands of uninformed teenagers and ignorant leftist across the country. The March for Our Lives rallies nationwide are protesting the NRA and our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms in reaction to a criminal breaking the law. But for some reason nobody is saying, “Hey a bad guy did a bad thing, let’s punish the good people” like celebrities. No, they are out in full force supporting the suppression of our most important civil right. George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, and whole host o... more »
TOP POLITICIANS - ABUSE PLOT
PLOT TO ABUSE CHILDREN FOR ‘TOP POLITICAL PEOPLE’ 12FEB2018 HOUNSLOW A paedophile told an undercover police officer that they could make millions of pounds raping children on camera for ‘top political people,’ a court heard. * Gihan Muthukumarana*, 28, claimed they could sell the film for £10m if they ‘got rid’ of the young girls afterwards by dissolving them in barrels of acid, it is claimed. He was reported to the police after he told escort about his plans while regularly meeting her for sex at the *Master Robert Hotel, in Hownslow*, near Heathrow. Plot to abuse children for 'to... more »
Recently fired deputy director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, writes op-ed for the Washington Post.
Courtesy of WaPo: *I have been accused of “lack of candor.” That is not true. I did not knowingly mislead or lie to investigators. When asked about contacts with a reporter that were fully within my power to authorize as deputy director, and amid the chaos that surrounded me, I answered questions as completely and accurately as I could. And when I realized that some of my answers were not fully accurate or may have been misunderstood, I took the initiative to correct them. At worst, I was not clear in my responses, and because of what was going on around me may well have been conf... more »
Navy Wisely Rejects Humanist-Atheist for Chaplaincy
[image: navy-wisely-rejects-humanist-atheist-for-chaplaincy] Following an outcry from an army of senators and congressmen, the Navy has wisely rejected an atheist chaplain applicant.
Reality Check: If Haiti Is a “S***hole” Country, Who Is Really to Blame?
Ben Swann, Reality Check It’s been a couple of weeks but I had to take this one on: President Trump reportedly refers to African nations as well as the island nation of Haiti as a “shithole” and the media, both on the left and the right loses their minds. But here’s the problem—while media and... (read more)
The Military’s Top Secret Hollywood Film Studio
Video by Truthstream Media A parody… sort of. Most people still don’t even know this place existed.
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