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Thomas Paine

To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

7 April - Blogs I'm Following 1 of 2

11:00 pm MDT

Comedian Doug Stanhope's Sketch Removed From Youtube

cefrith@hotmail.com at Charles Frith - 4 minutes ago
I uploaded this to dailymotion in anticipation of this day 4 years ago. Doug Stanhope's witty and insightful sketch about Jews has been deleted by Youtube. I reserve the right to mock all religions. Although no trees were harmed during the creation of this post, a large number of electrons were greatly inconvenienced

Picture Of The Day

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 19 minutes ago
*Carrying A Fallen Comrade* Airmen remove a coffin containing the remains of New York Air National Guard Maj. Christopher T. Zanetis from a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter during the dignified arrival of three New York Air National Guardsmen killed in Iraq, at F. S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., March 27, 2018. New York Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Campbell *WNU Editor: *The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... *N.Y. Air Guardsmen Honor Comrades Killed in Iraq *(Department of Defense).

John Bolton Could Visit Taipei

Michael Turton at The View from Taiwan - 56 minutes ago
Offered without comment. _______________________ [Taiwan] Don't miss the comments below! And check out my blog and its sidebars for events, links to previous posts and picture posts, and scores of links to other Taiwan blogs and forums!

What Should The U.S. Do In The Event Of A War Between Israel And Iran?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 58 minutes ago
Soldiers of the Givati Brigade train alongside US Army forces in the urban warfare training center. Photo taken November 2016. Photo by Cpl. Zohar Orbach, IDF Spokesperson's Unit. *Jerusalem Post:** What should the US role be in an Iran-Israel war?* *Israel must weigh carefully any request for direct US military assistance, which should be viewed as an option of last resort. * On March 20, 2018, Israel admitted that it bombed Syrian President Bashar Assad’s nuclear reactor in 2007. If Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear sites the latter will respond. Two weeks ago a large-scale joint US-... more »

Another Sign Of A Wave Getting Ready To Sweep Republicans Out Of Congress

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 59 minutes ago
David Wasserman and the *Cook Report* don’t go out on any limbs… and they’re usually at least a month behind in their reporting. So… when They call a district lean Democrat, in the real world, you can mark it top as Solid, solid, solid Democrat times 10. On Friday Wasserman jiggered 13 seats, all in a blue direction. He was leaning heavily on this: [I]n a reversal from the 2014 midterms, Democrats enjoy a wide voter enthusiasm gap. According to a new CNN/SSRS survey, 51 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaners said they were "extremely" or "very" enthusiastic about voting in N... more »

Syrian Army reaches southern outskirts of Douma after major advance

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 1 hour ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:30 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) made a significant advance in southern Douma, Saturday, seizing several sites from the militants of Jaysh Al-Islam. Led by the Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army managed to infiltrate Jaysh Al-Islam’s primary line of defense near the Misraba axis, paving the way for their troops […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

US State Dept. blames Russia for attack on Douma

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 1 hour ago
US State Department told Sputnik on Saturday that Washington is concerned about reports of chemical weapons use in the Syrian city of Douma, calls Russia responsible “for the brutal targeting of countless Syrians”. The Department of State also said that at least forty people may have been killed in Douma by chemical weapons, citing third-party […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Turkey sets up first observation points in northern Hama – map

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 1 hour ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:20 A.M.) – The Turkish military setup its first observation point in the northern countryside of the Hama Governorate, Saturday, pro-opposition activists reported. The Turkish military reportedly deployed dozens of soldiers to northern Hama on Saturday and positioned them just outside the town of Morek. In particular, the Turkish military took up positions […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Jaysh Al-Islam accuses Syrian Army of launching chemical attack on Douma, gov’t denies

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 1 hour ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:30 A.M.) – Jaysh Al-Islam issued a statement on Saturday night that accused the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) of launching a chemical weapons attack on the town of Douma in the East Ghouta region. “The Assad regime and its allies carry on with their crimes,” Jaysh Al-Islam spokesperson, Hamza Birqdar, told Al-Hadath TV […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Turkish tanker slams into waterfront mansion on the Bosphorus (video)

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 1 hour ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:10 A.M.) – A tanker crashed into an 18th century waterfront mansion on Istanbul’s Bosphorus, Saturday, reportedly after its steering equipment locked and it veered off course. Shipping along the waterway was postponed in the wake of the incident. The ‘Vitaspirit’ tanker was towed away from the site of the crash. No casualties have […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Sessions, Trump and Erik Prince, the Demonic Trinity

Brother Jonah at Not My Tribe - 1 hour ago
The Coward Antichrist Trump and his sniveling lap-dog Sessions ain’t going to do anything on their own. They want americans to attack Real Americans for not bowing down to the Coward Trump. Trump backers, you don’t know what you’re doing. Especially those who believe themselves and Trump to be “Christian”. Prince the privateer Assassination Bureau. […]

Trump's Syria "Withdrawal" Was Textbook US Deception

Land Destroyer at Land Destroyer - 1 hour ago
*April 8, 2018* (Tony Cartalucci - LD) - The US media is now priming the global public for US intervention in Syria following alleged "chemical attacks" carried out in the remaining pocket of US-backed militants in Douma, just northeast of Damascus. *Image: Trump isn't going to "withdraw" from Syria when the special interests he represents still fully plan on waging war - proxy or otherwise - on Syria's ally Iran. The recent appointment of John Bolton and Mike Pompeo to key positions within his administration signal expanded war, not withdrawal. * This follows comments made by US P... more »

Mossad Chief Is 100% Certain That Iran Is Seeks A Nuclear Bomb

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 hour ago
Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency chief Yossi Cohen *Jerusalem Online:* *Mossad chief ‘100 percent certain’ Iran is seeking nuclear bomb, report says* In a closed meeting with senior officials, Mossad director Yossi Cohen reportedly called the Iran nuclear deal a mistake that would enable Tehran to achieve its vision and develop an arsenal of nuclear weapons. Head of Israel’s Mossad agency Yossi Cohen is reportedly “100 percent certain” that Iran is committed to developing its nuclear weapons program. He also believes that the nuclear deal with Tehran must either be changed or e... more »

It’s Raining Mortars in Damascus Again – Mainstream Media Silent

Activist Post at Activist Post - 2 hours ago
By Bas Spliet Image: An injured man in the emergency room of al-Mwassat University Hospital © Bas Spliet Damascus – I arrived in Damascus the... more »

5 Compelling Reasons Why The YouTube Shooting Has Disappeared From Headlines

Activist Post at Activist Post - 2 hours ago
By Rachel Blevins Breaking news alerts announcing reports of a shooting at YouTube’s headquarters quickly faded from the spotlight and out of the news cycle—and... more »

International Human Rights Commission Drops the Ball in Medical Kidnap Pleas

Activist Post at Activist Post - 2 hours ago
By Joan Dark Allegations of bribery and corruption are now being levied against the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) following the Commission’s failure to... more »

To Protect Interests Abroad, China Will Feature a Diverse Array of Military, Nonmilitary Forces

Timothy R. Heath at The National Interest - 2 hours ago
*Timothy R. Heath* *Security, Asia* [image: Honour guards prepare for the ceremony to welcome Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China July 4, 2016. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj] China’s pursuit of security abroad could encroach on U.S. interests. *China’s approach to protecting its overseas interests will feature an overlapping array of military, paramilitary, security contractor, and host-nation-provided forces.* Deepening integration into the global economy has underpinned China’s phenomenal economic ascent. However, growing involvement in... more »

Iron Dome: Neither a 'Bluff' nor the 'End of Rockets'

Michael J. Armstrong at The National Interest - 2 hours ago
*Michael J. Armstrong* *Security, Middle East* [image: A recently located Iron Dome battary can be seen near the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon outside the Gaza Strip June 7, 2015. Israeli aircraft struck the Northern Gaza Strip on Sunday and Israel closed the border crossing with the Hamas-controlled territory after a rocket attack on Saturday claimed by the Omar Brigades, a Palestinian group that supports Islamic State. REUTERS/Amir Cohen] Israel introduced its Iron Dome interceptor system in 2011 in response to rocket and mortar attacks from Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Le... more »

The Marine Corps Is Taking Cyber Warfare to the Front Lines

Eugene K. Chow at The National Interest - 2 hours ago
*Eugene K. Chow* *Security, North America* More reasons that no one wants to mess with America's "911'" force. Hacking isn’t a job for programmers at their desks anymore. The U.S. Marine Corps is taking cyber warfare to the front lines. Recognizing that the Digital Age has fundamentally changed the battlefield, the Marine Corps is in the midst of a full-scale overhaul, integrating cutting-edge technological capabilities at every level from the tip of the spear to headquarters. In its clearest signal yet, the Corps has plans to change its core ground combat capability, the thirte... more »

The Navy Just Cancelled a Major Military Exercise for a Very Tragic Reason

Dave Majumdar at The National Interest - 2 hours ago
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, North America* In recent days, a Boeing AV-8B Harrier II jump jet and a Sikorsky CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter—both from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)—suffered from nonfatal mishaps. The United States Navy has canceled Exercise Alligator Dagger in Djibouti after two crashes involving United States Marine Corps aircraft. In recent days, a Boeing AV-8B Harrier II jump jet and a Sikorsky CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter—both from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)—suffered from non-fatal mishaps. “U.S. air operations in Djibouti are on h... more »

F-16 vs. MiG-35 vs. Eurofighter Typhoon (and More): What Plane Will Join India's Air Force?

Zachary Keck at The National Interest - 2 hours ago
*Zachary Keck* *Security, Asia* Let the competition begin. India will soon launch a much-anticipated process for a massive fighter-jet buy, according to local media reports. This week, India’s *Financial Express* reported that the Ministry of Defense has ordered the Indian Air Force to publish a request for information for one hundred fighter jets before a defense manufacturing exhibition, Defexpo, starts on April 11. Global defense firms have been anxiously waiting for the bidding process to begin, as the contract is expected to come in at around $15 billion. It was anticipat... more »

America and Nazi Germany Waged an Undeclared Naval War Way before Pearl Harbor

Warfare History Network at The National Interest - 2 hours ago
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* The facts make it clear. Between September 1939 and December 1941, the United States moved from neutral to active belligerent in an undeclared naval war against Nazi Germany. During those early years the British could well have lost the Battle of the Atlantic. The undeclared war was the difference that kept Britain in the war and gave the United States time to prepare for total war.With America’s isolationism, disillusionment from its World War I experience, pacifism, and tradition of avoiding European problems, President Franklin D. ... more »

The F-22 and F-35 Are America's Best Fighters (but They Can't Communicate)

Task and Purpose, Paul Szoldra at The National Interest - 2 hours ago
*Task and Purpose, Paul Szoldra* *Security, North America* The F-35 Lightning II jet can’t communicate all that well with its little brother the F-22 Raptor. *The Air Force plans to start fixing the problem by 2021, according to Bloomberg. It will probably cost a fortune, so if you have the means, it may be good to check out some Lockheed stock.* The F-35 Lightning II jet can’t communicate all that well with its little brother the F-22 Raptor. Because of course it can’t. Just like a government-built round peg that’s supposed to go into a square hole, the F-22’s communications sy... more »

Alan Waldman : TELEVISION | Brit detectives solve murders on Caribbean island in ‘Death in Paradise’

Thorne Dreyer at The Rag Blog - 2 hours ago
Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, and Ardol O’Hanlon change out as top cops in excellent tropical killer series. By Alan Waldman | The Rag Blog | April 8, 2018 [In his Rag Blog column, Alan Waldman reviews some of his favorite … finish reading Alan Waldman : *TELEVISION* | Brit detectives solve murders on Caribbean island in ‘Death in Paradise’

"Trade War Game On!”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 2 hours ago
*"Trade War Game On!”* by MN Gordon *"Interesting Times Arrive: *“Things sure are getting exciting again, ain’t they?” The remark was made by a colleague on Tuesday morning, as we stepped off the elevator to grab a cup of coffee. “One moment markets are gorging on financial slop like fat pigs in mud. The next they’re collectively vomiting on themselves. I’ll tell you one thing. President Trump’s trade war with China won’t end well. I mean, come on. China’s outplayed the U.S. at this game for over a quarter century. They have the upper hand. Besides, what’s the point? If we no longe... more »

Iran Hit By Global Cyber Attack That Leaves A U.S. Flag On Screens

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 2 hours ago
A screenshot of the message the hackers left on impacted machines. Image: Twitter *Reuters: **Iran hit by global cyber attack that left U.S. flag on screens* Hackers have attacked networks in a number of countries including data centers in Iran where they left the image of a U.S. flag on screens along with a warning: “Don’t mess with our elections”, the Iranian IT ministry said on Saturday. “The attack apparently affected 200,000 router switches across the world in a widespread attack, including 3,500 switches in our country,” the Communication and Information Technology Ministry... more »

Palestinians Bury Protesters Killed by Israeli Fire On Orthodox Good Friday, Including Well-Known Journalist

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 3 hours ago
“The United Nations, European Union and human rights groups charge that firing at unarmed demonstrators is an excessive use of … Continue reading →

New Syrian Law Will Permit The Assad Regime To Confiscate Properties Of Displaced Syrians Unless They Prove Ownership In 30 Days

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 3 hours ago
An estimated 150,000 residents of Eastern Ghouta have evacuated to northern Syria [Reuters] *Al Jazeera:* *Syria: 'Absentees law' could see millions of refugees lose lands* Legislation could allow government confiscate properties of displaced Syrians unless they prove ownership in 30 days. As thousands of Syrians flee their homes in Eastern Ghouta to escape a fierce air and ground offensive led by pro-government forces, President Bashar al-Assad has introduced a new law which can potentially see the state confiscating the lands of millions of displaced people. Law Number 10, int... more »

Poison Gas Attack Reported by Syrian Anti-Government Activists In The Last Rebel-Held Town Of Douma

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 3 hours ago
*BBC*: *Syria war: Scores dead in Syria gas attack, rescuers and medics say* Rescuers in Syria say at least 150 people have died after toxic gas was dropped on Douma, the last rebel-held town in Eastern Ghouta. Volunteer rescue force The White Helmets tweeted graphic images showing scores of bodies in a basement. It said the death toll is likely to rise. There has been no independent verification of the reports. Syria's government has called the allegations of a chemical attack a "fabrication". The US state department said it is monitoring the reports, and that Russia - which is ... more »

Alice Embree : The Census weapon

Thorne Dreyer at The Rag Blog - 4 hours ago
The Electoral College is the smoking gun for a rigged system in presidential politics. By Alice Embree | The Rag Blog | April 7, 2018 See ‘Notes From a Dying Age’ Verse by Alice Embree, Below. The Trump administration wants … finish reading Alice Embree : The Census weapon

Musical Interlude: Two Steps From Hell, “Evergreen Extended”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
Two Steps From Hell, “Evergreen Extended” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGYsq7cbVZA

"What the 432 Hz 'Miracle Tone' Sounds Like (Listen): A Healing Frequency to Raise Your Vibration"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
*"What the 432 Hz 'Miracle Tone' Sounds Like (Listen):* * A Healing Frequency to Raise Your Vibration"* By Kalee Brown "As sound healing becomes more popular, more and more people are starting to experiment with it. You have people learning how to chant, listening to specific frequencies, and using singing bowls. It’s not just those of us who are interested in spirituality and New Age concepts that are looking into this ancient Eastern knowledge, but scientists as well, studying these sounds and how they affect the body. Though sound healing is only now beginning to enter into the m... more »

"Neuroscience Says Listening to This Song Reduces Anxiety by Up to 65 Percent"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
*"Neuroscience Says Listening to This Song Reduces Anxiety by Up to 65 Percent"* By Melanie Curtin "Everyone knows they need to manage their stress. When things get difficult at work, school, or in your personal life, you can use as many tips, tricks, and techniques as you can get to calm your nerves. So here's a science-backed one: make a playlist of the 10 songs found to be the most relaxing on earth. Sound therapies have long been popular as a way of relaxing and restoring one's health. For centuries, indigenous cultures have used music to enhance well-being and improve health c... more »

Musical Interlude: Neil H, “Thoughts of You”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
Neil H, “Thoughts of You” - https://www.youtube.com/

"A Look to the Heavens"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
“This colorful skyscape features the dusty, reddish glow of Sharpless catalog emission region Sh2-155, the Cave Nebula. About 2,400 light-years away, the scene lies along the plane of our Milky Way Galaxy toward the royal northern constellation of Cepheus. *Click image for larger size.* Astronomical explorations of the region reveal that it has formed at the boundary of the massive Cepheus B molecular cloud and the hot, young, blue stars of the Cepheus OB 3 association. The bright rim of ionized hydrogen gas is energized by the radiation from the hot stars, dominated by the bright... more »

State Dept. Says Dozens Maybe Killed in Syria's Douma Via Chemical Weapons

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 4 hours ago
*Following up on breaking reports! Posted in today's earlier post:Rebels/ Terrorists Claim Syrian Forces Drop Chemicals on Douma* *Sputnik* The Department of State also said that at least forty people may have been killed in Douma by chemical weapons, citing third-party organizations. *"We have seen multiple, very disturbing reports this afternoon regarding another possible CW attack near a hospital in Douma, Syria. Reports from a number of groups and medical personnel on the ground indicate at least 40 killed and hundreds injured, with many more families, including children, hidi... more »

Former Brazilian President Lula da Silva Surrenders To Police To Begin Serving A 12-Year Sentence For Corruption

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 4 hours ago
*BBC*: *Lula: Former Brazilian president surrenders to police* Brazil's former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has surrendered to police to begin serving a 12-year sentence for corruption. It follows a two-day stand-off that saw him take refuge in a steelworkers' union building after missing a court deadline to hand himself in. The 72-year-old walked out of the building near Sao Paolo and was taken away by police cars. Scores of supporters had earlier blocked his car from leaving the scene. *Read more* .... *WNU Editor:* This ends his political career. And at 72 ..... he will... more »

Donald Trump preparing for possible interview with Robert Mueller. More popcorn?

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 4 hours ago
Courtesy of CNN: *President Donald Trump has begun the initial steps of preparing for a possible interview with the special counsel, a White House official and a person familiar with the situation said Friday, a sign the President's legal team is intensifying its deliberations over whether to allow him to come under Robert Mueller's questioning. * *One source familiar with the proceedings stressed the preparation efforts is "in its infancy." * *The preparations have been short and informal and included going over potential topics with the President that Mueller would likely raise ... more »

Trump's Tariff Insanity: A Classic Case Of The Gullible Voting Against Their Own Best Interests

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 4 hours ago
*by Noah* A quick examination of the list of businesses that will be the first to be damaged by Señor Trumpanzee's market roiling tweets and tariff insanity illustrates yet another sad case of people voting against their own best interests. Along with Midwestern businesses related to the auto industry, the Midwestern and Southern farm regions that so strongly supported and still support Trump, all bought into his con and now they are even more at risk of going bankrupt than they were before. This is especially true of small family farms, so many of which have been owned by the sam... more »

The Universe

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 5 hours ago
"Life is not what you see, but what you've projected. It's not what you've felt, but what you've decided. It's not what you've experienced, but how you've remembered it. It's not what you've forged, but what you've allowed. And it's not who's appeared, but who you've summoned. And this should serve you well until you find what you already have." - The Universe “Thoughts become things... choose the good ones!” - www.tut.com

"7 Brutal Truths About Life That Will Make You a Better Person"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 5 hours ago
*"7 Brutal Truths About Life That Will Make You a Better Person"* by EWAO "Life can be very difficult, no matter who you are or where you’re born. Humans have an inevitable tendency to complicate things, nonetheless. While of course some have it easier than others, life can be hard for everyone. Life is a roller coaster and it is full of ups and downs. One minute we are as happy as can be and on top of the world, the next minute we are down in the dumps. We are always searching for a lesson or something to learn. However, if you can accept these 7 brutal truths it will make you a be... more »

"Be Happy..."

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 5 hours ago
"Be happy. Decide to be happy. If you want to be happy, be happy! No one cares if you're happy or not, so why wait for permission? And did it really matter if you had been deeply unhappy in your past? Who but you remembered that?" - Amity Gaige "We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Castaneda

Free Download: Rainer Maria Rilke, “Duino Elegies”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 5 hours ago
*“The Eighth Elegy” (Excerpt)* "With all its eyes the natural world looks out into the Open. Only our eyes are turned backward, and surround plant, animal, child like traps, as they emerge into their freedom. We know what is really out there only from the animal's gaze; for we take the very young child and force it around, so that it sees objects - not the Open, which is so deep in animals' faces. Free from death. We, only, can see death; the free animal has its decline in back of it, forever, and God in front, and when it moves, it moves already in eternity, like a fountain. Never, not... more »

Rainer Maria Rilke, "All Will Come Again"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 5 hours ago
*"All Will Come Again"* "All will come again into its strength: the fields undivided, the waters undammed, the trees towering and the walls built low. And in the valleys, people as strong and varied as the land. And no churches where God is imprisoned and lamented like a trapped and wounded animal. The houses welcoming all who knock and a sense of boundless offering in all relations, and in you and me. No yearning for an afterlife, no looking beyond, no belittling of death, but only longing for what belongs to us and serving earth, lest we remain unused." - Rainer Maria Rilke

Middle Finger Symphony Theater

Diogenes Sarcastica™ at Diogenes' Middle Finger - 5 hours ago
** No Tuxedos Required ** Brought To You By *BLUESJUNKY*: Chair of Music - Middle Finger Symphony Music Director

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 7, 2018

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 5 hours ago
*Gordon Watts, Asia Times*: *Fallout from US-China trade war would hit major global firms* Third countries face ‘collateral damage’ if the dispute between the world's two biggest economies boils over Just like any other war, there will be collateral damage. The looming trade conflict between China and the United States will be no exception. Already concerns are growing that major US and Chinese corporations will be hit by the planned tit-for-tat tariffs, which were announced earlier this week, as well as European and Asian companies. On Tuesday, Washington revealed plans to targ... more »

Rebels/ Terrorists Claim Syrian Forces Drop Chemicals on Douma

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 5 hours ago
*Link* *BEIRUT, April 7 (Reuters) - Syrian rebel group Jaish al-Islam accused government forces on Saturday of dropping a barrel bomb containing poisonous chemicals on civilians in eastern Ghouta, injuring more than 500 people. * *"The Assad regime and its allies carry on with their crimes," the rebels' military spokesman Hamza Birqdar told al-Hadath TV. * *The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor based in Britain, reported 11 cases of symptoms of suffocation in the city, including five children, following strikes by Syrian warplanes. It did not say what agents may ... more »

RED FLAG: DHS Hiring “Media Monitoring Services” to Compile Journalist and Media Influencer Database

Activist Post at Activist Post - 6 hours ago
By The Daily Bell On April 3rd the Department of Homeland Security posted an ad to FedBizOpps.gov (Federal Business Opportunities). That is the government’s website... more »

Gun Control: UK Murders Now Skyrocketing as Police Fail to Protect Defenseless Populace

Activist Post at Activist Post - 6 hours ago
By Matt Agorist In the early 20th century, British citizens were trusted by their government to own firearms. In fact, then-Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, the... more »

Missouri Action Alert: Help Protect Privacy from State, Federal Surveillance Programs

Activist Post at Activist Post - 6 hours ago
By Shane Trejo Missouri HB2104 would help block the use of cell site simulators, commonly known as “stingrays.” These devices essentially spoof cell phone towers, tricking any... more »

“Big Wireless” Uses Big Tobacco Tactics To Divide And Confuse Us On Cell Phone Safety. 2005 Film, “Thank You For Smoking” Demonstrates The Process.

Activist Post at Activist Post - 6 hours ago
By B.N. Frank The Nation recently published an article about cell phone safety which is being recirculated by other publications such as Democracy Now. Yesterday... more »

Mohawk Nation News 'Chiefs @Rez Las Vegas'

Brenda Norrell at CENSORED NEWS - 6 hours ago
CHIEFS @ REZ LAS VEGAS Posted on April 7, 2018 Mohawk Nation News MNN. Apr. 6, 2018. We know what is real, that is all natural life as part of creation. Like all life each of us is self-determining and have autonomy over ourselves. We each have something needed for the survival of all of us. Read article at Mohawk Nation News http://mohawknationnews.com/blog/2018/04/07/

Saturday Afternoon Links

Greg Fingas at Accidental Deliberations - 6 hours ago
Assorted content for your weekend reading. - Peter Gowan and Ryan Cooper write about the need for much more affordable social housing across the income spectrum. Rhys Kesselman responds to a few of the more laughable attacks on British Columbia's more progressive property tax. And Stephen Punwasi discusses the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's warning that Canadian mortgage lenders are pushing both brokers and borrowers toward risky products which may create systemic instability. - Dean Beeby examines FINTRAC's internal report showing how Canadian banks have been facilitating m... more »

Bi-khim's new Hualien blog

Michael Turton at The View from Taiwan - 6 hours ago
*On a rainy caturday in Hualien* Hsiao Bi-khim, the DPP legislator who has done so much for the party and the people in Hualien, has started up a new blog on Hualien: Beautiful Hualien. A sample: Following the morning coffee and dairy products with the press, we started traveling north through the Rift Valley. To the north of Ruisui Township lies one of my favorite villages, Fuxing Village 富興村. I like this village for its friendliness and cooperative spirit. Over recent years, the villagers have together managed to transform what used to be sugar plantations into pineapple fields... more »

Changing climate could spell UK return for butterfly loved by Churchill

Paul Homewood at NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT - 6 hours ago
By Paul Homewood h/t Dave Ward From The Mail: The changing climate means conditions in the UK may be suitable again for the return of one of Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite butterflies, experts said. The black-veined white butterfly was once found across southern England but became extinct in the UK in the mid-1920s, […]

Human Trafficking Website, Backpage, Seized by Federal Agents

C. Mitchell Shaw at rss - 6 hours ago
[image: human-trafficking-website-backpage-seized-by-federal-agents] The Backpage website — notorious for prostitution and human trafficking — was seized Friday by federal authorities. This action was taken “as part of an enforcement action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, with analytical assistance from the Joint Regional Intelligence Center,” according to a notice appearing where the website used to display ads.

2 U.S. Soldiers Killed In Apache Helicopter Crash At Fort Campbell

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 6 hours ago
*Daily Mail: **Two soldiers killed in Kentucky chopper crash in military's fourth aviation accident in a week* * On Friday a helicopter crashed in Fort Campbell in Kentucky, killing two * The accident marks the fourth in the week, spurring concern for air fleet funding * The soldiers names will be released 24 hours after the family is notified Two soldiers have died after a helicopter crashed during training at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. The devastating crash took place on Friday night and marks the fourth aviation accident this week, killing a total of seven soldiers. The freq... more »

Confirmed: Details emerge on key Syrian Army, allied units involved in Douma operation, what front they are on

Andrew Illingworth at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 6 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:30 P.M.) – Details have come forth on which Syrian Army and allied forces units are partaking in the operation to seize the rebel stronghold city of Douma in eastern Damascus. According to sources, key formations involved in what is mostly likely the last East Ghouta operation ever to take place includes the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

WATCH: Elite Syrian Army forces launch daring night assault against rebels in Douma

Andrew Illingworth at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 6 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:10 P.M.) – Assault units of the Syrian Army’s elite Tiger Forces Division are currently in the midst of a daring night operation against rebel fighters holding-out in and around the east Damascus district city of Douma. The Syrian Army hopes to make use of newly its acquired infrared sighting equipment (in use […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Russian warplanes hunt down ISIS raiding forces across southeast Homs

Andrew Illingworth at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 6 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:45 P.M.) – Amid ongoing heavy clashes between the Syrian Army and Islamic State forces in southeast Homs, Russian warplanes have entered the fray to assist the former in recovering recently lost ground. Earlier on it was reported that a deep infiltration operation by ISIS had seen raiding forces of the terrorist group […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Developing: ISIS builds fresh positions in newly captured areas of south Damascus as Syrian Army offensive looms

Andrew Illingworth at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 7 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:20 P.M.) – Islamic State forces based in southern Damascus are establishing new positions in anticipation for an upcoming offensive operation by the Syrian Army against them in the area. The latest defenses are being set up throughout areas very recently captured by the terrorist group in the Hajjar al-Aswad and Al-Qadam districts […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Breaking: Syrian Army launches counter-offensive backed by Russian airstrikes after ISIS seizes strategic area in east Homs

Andrew Illingworth at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 7 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:45 P.M.) – After an entire day of clashes in the southeastern countryside of Homs province, Islamic State forces have managed to capture the strategic Sabaa Biyar area (near the town of Al-Qarayatyn) from the Syrian Army. After conceding Sabaa Biyar, the Syrian Army has since regrouped and launched a counter-offensive to reclaim […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

What Damascus looked like in 2013 when Islamist rebels were poised to overrun it

Andrew Illingworth at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 7 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:07 P.M.) – Just over five years ago when it became apparent that the Syrian crisis had moved from highly localized insurgency to a state of all out military conflict and maneuver warfare, Islamist rebels achieved major advances around Damascus and in doing so nearly overrun it. Despite current obsessions among Syrian conflict […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Confirmed: US military, SDF reinforcements arrive in Deir Ezzor for decisive offensive against ISIS, Iraqi forces may join

Andrew Illingworth at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 7 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:10 P.M.) – Confirmed reports state that a considerable number of US military forces and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reinforcements have arrived in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor province. The reinforcement package includes dozens of heavy vehicles, hundreds of SDF fighters and an unspecified number of US-led coalition troops – all […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

2018 Hurricane Prediction – Strongest Cycle in 70 Years

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Science Matters: Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, GOES East satellite image provided by NASA shows the eye of Hurricane Maria as it nears Dominica and before it struck Puerto Rico. NASA /AP This prediction comes from Global Weather Oscillations, the only hurricane forecaster to predict the 2017 season accurately. The story is from…

The real cost of Masterpiece: It’s personal.

Guest Blogger at Balkinization - 7 hours ago
Paul Smith Lots of people, when they hear about the *Masterpiece Cakeshop* case being considered by the Supreme Court, tend to sympathize with the shop owner who believes he shouldn’t have to sell one of his wedding cakes to a same-sex couple, despite Colorado’s law banning such sexual orientation discrimination. After all, he seems like a sincere person trying to live according to his own religious beliefs. And why can’t the same sex couples of Denver buy their wedding cakes somewhere else? However as a gay person I see fundamental problems with that approach, and most of the me... more »

Not All Spyplanes Look Like The SR-71 Or U-2

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 7 hours ago
The H03 Spyplane from Northrop Grumman. Shorealonefilms.com *Joseph Trevithick and Tyler Rogoway, The Warzone/The Drive*: *Mysterious Northrop Grumman Spy Plane Emerges At The Mojave Air and Space Port* *Called the H03, the design is reminiscent of a number of other high-flying, glider-like intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft.* We at The War Zone have been keeping a close eye on a small but potentially growing niche market for manned high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, some of which are derived from powered glider-type planes.... more »

South Carolina Congressman whips out gun during meeting with constituents, claims "I'm not going to be a Gabby Giffords."

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 7 hours ago
Ralph Norman on the left, one of his constituents on the right.Courtesy of CNN: *Republican Rep. Ralph Norman pulled out his loaded, personal .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun Friday and laid it on the table at a diner where he was meeting with his constituents in Rock Hill, South Carolina. * *Norman told CNN he wanted to make a point in the debate over gun violence. * *"I merely proved a point that guns themselves are not the issue," he said. * *Norman said that having a loaded gun in the room should, if anything, have made people feel more safe. * *"Given the scenario that i... more »

Chet Raymo, “To Sleep, Perchance to Dream”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 7 hours ago
*“To Sleep, Perchance to Dream”* by Chet Raymo "What is more gentle than a wind in summer? What is more soothing than a pretty hummer That stays one moment in an open flower, And buzzes cheerily from bower to bower? What is more tranquil than a musk-rose blowing In a green island, far from all men's knowing? More healthful than the leafiness of dales? More secret than a nest of nightingales? What indeed?" The poet Keats answers his own questions: Sleep. Soft closer of our eyes. I've reached an age when I find myself occasionally nodding off in the middle of the day, an open book floppe... more »

The Daily "Near You?"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 7 hours ago
Bacolod City, Bacolod, Philippines. Thanks for stopping by!

Musical Interlude: Ludovico Einaudi, “Oltremare”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 7 hours ago
Ludovico Einaudi, “Oltremare” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8MzHqkNBwo

Free Download: Alan Watts, "The Book On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 7 hours ago
"Archimedes said, "Give me a fulcrum and I will move the Earth"; but there isn't one. It is like betting on the future of the human race - I might wish to lay a bet that the human race would destroy itself by the year 3000, but there is nowhere to place the bet. On the contrary, I am involved in the world and must try to see that it does not blow itself to pieces. I once had a terrible argument with Margaret Mead. She was holding forth one evening on the absolute horror of the atomic bomb, and how everybody should spring into action and abolish it, but she was getting so furious abo... more »

Live from Coast Salish Land at Kinder Morgan Pipeline Gates April 7, 2018

Brenda Norrell at CENSORED NEWS - 7 hours ago
Article by Coast Protectors Censored News A full-day blockade at Kinder Morgan’s Burnaby construction site today was led by Tsleil-Waututh Elder Ta'ah Amy George and the full executive of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, which represents more than half the nations, tribes and bands in BC.Grand Chief Stewart Phillip (Penticton Indian Band), Chief Bob Chamberlin (Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis

"This Is The Turning Point”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 7 hours ago
*"This Is The Turning Point”* by Charles Hugh Smith "The saying *"the worm has turned"* refers to the moment when the downtrodden have finally had enough, and turn on their powerful oppressors. The worms have finally turned against the privileged elites - who have benefited so greatly from globalization, corruption, central bank stimulus and the profiteering of state-enforced cartels. It doesn’t matter as much as the punditry assumes whether they are turning Left or Right; the important thing is that the powerless have finally started challenging their privileged overlords. Though... more »

Tit For Tat Tariff – Who Wins?

E.M.Smith at Musings from the Chiefio - 8 hours ago
A brief questioning of the notion that tariffs are all bad all the time and that China has little motivation to give in. Continue reading →

Jaydee - Plastic Dreams

Phil at All That Is Solid ... - 8 hours ago
Put on them dancing shoes.

Palestinian Drone Footage Shows The Fighting That Is Occuring On The Israel-Gaza Border

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 8 hours ago
*Bloomberg*: *Palestinians Clash With Israeli Troops for Second Week in Gaza* * Nine Palestinians killed as 20,000 people protest near fence * Protesters burn mounds of tires to obscure snipers’ vision At least nine Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip as thousands protested near the border with Israel for a second straight week and the U.S. blocked a UN resolution calling for an independent investigation into the violence. Hamas, the militant group that rules the impoverished coastal strip, called on protesters to turn out Friday in larger numbers than last week, when Isra... more »

"How It Really Is"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 8 hours ago
Don't hold your breath...

“Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori.”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 8 hours ago
“Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.” - Horace "They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one's country. But in modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason." - Ernest Hemingway “You still think it's beautiful to die for your country. The first bombardment taught us better. When it comes to dying for country, it's better not to die at all.” - Paul Baumer, "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1930) "Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind." - John F. Kennedy

Can David Brat Be Ousted In November?

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 8 hours ago
*Ali on the left is running as a Whig. Spanberger has the mic and Ward is on the right* VA-07 is mostly famous because a nutty tea-party character, Dave Brat, defeated Eric Cantor, House Republican’s #2 leader in 2014, Canter had spent $2,940,932 in the primary alone and Brat spent $1,469,113 in both the primary and the general election. The district runs from north of Culpeper down to the suburbs west and northwest of Richmond and along the 360 in the west and as far as the Fort Pickett Military Reservation in the south. Most of the voters live in small towns around Richmond, like ... more »

Who–and What–Does the New Philadelphia School Board Represent?

phila.ken at Schools Matter - 9 hours ago
Philadelphia Mayor Kenney enters the press conference with School Superintendent Hite to announce the new Philadelphia School Board. from The Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools By Deb Grill, Karel Kilimnik and Lisa Haver April 4, 2018 APPS biographies of the nine members of the new Philadelphia School Board. Unlike the other 500, Philadelphia is the only school district in Pennsylvania whose voters cannot elect a school board. We've had town halls, online surveys, and pronouncements from city politicians, but it all comes down to this: The government officials who will dec... more »

California city removes statue of anti-Native American president

White Wolf at White Wolf - 9 hours ago
Charlottesville isn't the only community dealing with controversial historical statues and symbols. Other southern cities are grappling with the issue too. But there's a town in Northern California that's removing a statue of President William McKinley from its town center. The Arcata City Council voted to get rid of the McKinley statue because of the anti-Native American policies of the former president. McKinley was a supporter of the Ku Klux Klan and the Curtis Act, which authorized the seizure and removal of thousands of Native people from their lands. Sofia Pereira, the may... more »

Australian senator blasts Commonwealth Games ceremony for focus on aboriginals

White Wolf at White Wolf - 9 hours ago
Pauline Hanson has blasted the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony as “disgusting” for focusing on Australia’s indigenous heritage. In an interview with Sky News, the One Nation leader said she considers herself indigenous because she was born in Australia and that she’s tired of “feeling like a second-class citizen in her own country”. “I thought it was disgusting, absolutely disgusting,” she said of the ceremony. “The indigenous Australians are part of the culture, the heritage of this country. “They are not what Australia is about.” Hanson blasted the 20-minute performance ... more »

Mattis to be speaking at AFA instead of Drumpf

Brother Jonah at Not My Tribe - 9 hours ago
Apparently Donald can’t cum unless he’s being “showered”– or watching a torture session.

Jumping on the anti-Corbyn bandwagon

sue at Is the BBC biased? - 9 hours ago
Jumping on the anti-Corbyn bandwagon. “I’m Angela Dunkley from Lincolnshire. The antisemitism row has been kept at the top of the headlines now for over a week. It has been analysed to the nth degree. Wider discussion on nomenclature and how one can say anything that could be construed as ‘anti-Israeli regime’ without being seen as antisemitic is increasingly difficult. That’s not to suggest that there isn’t a story, because there clearly is, and there clearly is a problem, but to keep it in the headlines for over a week seems a bit extreme to me. “My name is Richard Hill. The whol... more »

“The Dolls of Militarism - From War Hawks to Chickenhawks”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 9 hours ago
*“The Dolls of Militarism - * *From War Hawks to Chickenhawks”* by Major Danny Sjursen "Sometimes I get sick of saying it, but just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse... Donald Trump’s continual cabinet reshuffling - otherwise the stuff of reality-TV drama - has become genuinely frightening. Like so many Russian matryoshki or nesting dolls, the president has been removing one war hawk after another, only to reveal yet more extreme versions of the same creature. And rumor has it that such personnel moves have yet to reach their end point. In just the last few weeks, Preside... more »

Japan Activates Its First Marine Unit Since The Second World War

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 9 hours ago
Soldiers of Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)'s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, Japan's first marine unit since World War Two, gather at a ceremony activating the brigade at JGSDF's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo, on the southwest island of Kyushu, Japan April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato *Reuters:* *Japan activates first marines since WW2 to bolster defenses against China* SASEBO/TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo f... more »

Cat and dog travel buddies capture hearts

White Wolf at White Wolf - 9 hours ago
Best friends Henry and Baloo have a lot in common - they have both been rescued and now enjoy long walks in the great outdoors. What makes them special to their many fans is that they are a dog and cat travelling duo. Their unlikely friendship and hiking trips around the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Colorado have gained the pair a cult social media following. Hundreds of thousands of people follow their adventures on the photo-sharing platform Instagram. For owners Cynthia Bennett and Andre Sibilsky, their popularity is surreal. Cynthia and Andre met in Boston, but as New Ha... more »

Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold abruptly resigns amid sexual harassment allegations.

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 9 hours ago
Courtesy of CNBC: *Rep. Blake Farenthold resigned abruptly Friday, months after sexual harassment allegations against the Texas Republican surfaced. * *Farenthold, who has represented Texas' 27th District since 2011, said in December he would not seek re-election this year. The 56-year-old becomes only the latest member of Congress to resign in recent months following sexual misconduct allegations. * *"While I planned on serving out the remainder of my term in Congress, I know in my heart it's time for me to move along and look for new ways to serve," Farenthold said in a stateme... more »

A Dialogue of Three Presidencies - Part II

Alicia at LaRouchePAC Feed - 9 hours ago
Video of SIvC_Kdvc4E American President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin could together, in the next months, make the most important set of decisions to affect humanity since the Renaissance of the fifteenth century. The possible settlement of the Korea issue is only one example. The right decisions made by these three nations and their allies in the next weeks, could begin, in the near term, to eliminate poverty, colonialism and war from the planet. The solutions for eliminating this triple evil lie both in our stars, and in ourselv... more »

Vehicle Crashes Into Crowd in Germany, Killing Three People

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 9 hours ago
Police say the driver killed himself after the crash and that his motives are unclear.

Banned Monsanto Chemical Could Be the Final Nail in the Coffin for Monarch Butterfly Population, New Report Warns

Nick Meyer at AltHealthWorks.com - 10 hours ago
The Monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic insect species in the world, synonymous with good times in spring and summer when their presence (and that of the caterpillars preceding them) adorns fields and forests across the country. But while they were once a common part of the landscape and traveled in swarms causing noises that echoed throughout the landscape, Monarchs are quickly disappearing in many parts of the country. Millions of the butterflies and their caterpillars are being destroyed in what is quickly becoming an agricultural holocaust, as it has been estimated tha... more »

Homeland Security Compiling Huge List of Journalists, Bloggers, and Media Influencers for Tracking Purposes

Nick Meyer at AltHealthWorks.com - 10 hours ago
It may sound like something out of the classic book ‘1984’ by George Orwell, but it appears to be coming true: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reportedly posted a contract request for ‘Media Monitoring Services’ with the goal of compiling a database of virtually media. According to this report from the website Business Standard, those included will be everyone from journalists to bloggers and even “media influencers” for the government. Considering the vast scope of social media, the latter term could be taken to mean everyone from Instagram users with high amounts of... more »

5 REASONS THE NRA IS WRONGThe next time you hear someone...

Robert Reich - 10 hours ago
*5 REASONS THE NRA IS WRONG* The next time you hear someone repeating pro-gun NRA propaganda, respond with these five points: *1. Gun laws save lives. *Consider the federal assault weapons ban. After it became law in 1994, gun massacres – defined as instances of gun violence in which six or more people were shot and killed – fell by 37 percent. The number of people dying from mass shootings fell by 43 percent. But when Republicans in Congress let the ban lapse in 2004, gun massacres more than doubled. *2. The Second Amendment was never intended to permit mass slaughter.* When t... more »

Skripal Skulduggery

Phil at All That Is Solid ... - 10 hours ago
Whether it's true or not, popular opinion has it that the alternate meaning of 'crisis' in Chinese is *opportunity*. This should be at the forefront of our minds as we cast a critical eye over the Skripal poisoning affair, for what we have seen happen these last couple of weeks less a conspiracy (though sometimes mainstream politics can appear *as if* it is) and more a case study in the sort of opportunism the Conservative Party and its leading figures revel in. You might recall the howls of outrage that greeted Labour's response to Theresa May's statement in the Commons. As she co... more »

Latest US sanctions on Russia: incitement to a coup and a new form of protectionism

Alexander Mercouris at The Duran - 10 hours ago
The latest sanctions seem concerned as much with protecting the US's economic positions as punishing Russia More The post Latest US sanctions on Russia: incitement to a coup and a new form of protectionism appeared first on The Duran.

April 7: A long one for today.....

Graeme Decarie at The Decarie Report - 10 hours ago
Here's a story we're not likely to find in the irving press when, in fact, it should have made the April 6 edition. And will we ever get an opinion on it from the eagle eyes at The Fraser Institute or The Atlantic Institute of Market Studies? Will we get an insightful editorial? Not bloody likely. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-southern-railway-charges-irving-megantic-1.4607498 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Will the irving press ever have this next story? And if it does, will theirs be a report that makes Israel look bad? ... more »

"We Are All In The Gutter..."

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 10 hours ago
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." - Oscar Wilde

Top Islamic State Commander Killed In Afghan Air Strike

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 10 hours ago
File photo of 4 A-29 Super Tucano arrive before the beginning of the 2017 fighting season at Kabul Air Wing, Kabul, Afghanistan, Mar 2017. (Reuters) *Reuters:* *Afghan air strike kills Islamic State commander* KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan forces killed an important Islamic State (IS) commander in an air strike, one year after he defected from the Taliban and established a new IS foothold in the country, security officials said. Qari Hekmat was killed in a drone strike on Thursday afternoon in the Darz Aab district of Afghanistan’s northern Jawzjan province, said Hanif Rezaee, spok... more »

Interview with Mystery Author Valerie Burns

jurassicpork at Welcome Back to Gotham City - 10 hours ago
I know this is a political blog and that whoever comes here generally does looking for political commentary. Yet, considering the negative news we've been incessantly hearing since a certain evolutionary dropout descended an escalator like a bored mall husband and into history, a change of pace is always welcome. So I decided to reach out to one of my more interesting Facebook friends, my current Author of the Month Valerie Burns, and asked if she wished to give an interview and she readily agreed. Val is a Camel/Kensington "cozy" mystery novelist who's currently juggling a fu... more »

Dept. Of Homeland Security Now Tracking Journalists, Creating Database of ‘Media Influencers’

The Free Thought Project at The Free Thought Project - 10 hours ago
[image: media] The Department of Homeland Security is now in the Media surveillance business in which it will monitor activities of media professionals and influencers and track them in a database. The post Dept. Of Homeland Security Now Tracking Journalists, Creating Database of ‘Media Influencers’ appeared first on The Free Thought Project.

CO2 Emissions Per Capita

Paul Homewood at NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT - 10 hours ago
By Paul Homewood Nick Dekker raised the question of CO2 emissions per capita. The latest official figures come from the now defunct CDIAC, and are for 2014: http://cdiac.ess-dive.lbl.gov/trends/emis/top2014.cap I have pulled out some of the more significant ones in the chart below: Highlights include: China’s emissions per capita are […]

Skripal Case: All Fake

Anon at Aangirfan - 11 hours ago

Review Lyman, Robert, Iraq 1941, The Battles for , Habbaniya, Fallujah and Baghdad

Joel Wing at MUSINGS ON IRAQ - 11 hours ago
*Review Lyman, Robert, **Iraq 1941, The Battles for , Habbaniya, Fallujah and Baghdad**, Oxford, Long Island: Osprey Publishing, 2006* The 1941 Anglo-Iraq War is considered a small sideshow of World War II. At the time the British thought that the Germans and Italians were making a play on the Middle East via Iraq that would threaten its entire eastern empire. The Iraqi government and military thought that the war could force the British out after it had dominated the country since its creation after World War I. For Berlin, it saw a way to extend its hand in the Middle East agains... more »

This Day In Iraqi History - Apr 7

Joel Wing at MUSINGS ON IRAQ - 11 hours ago
1916 Start of Battle of Bait Alsa and Sannaiyat between British and Ottomans 1941 UK Middle East cmdr Gen Wavell told War Office military intervention in Iraq not possible and diplomacy should be used instead 1941 UK Mid East Cmdr Gen Wavell thought Regent of Iraq could be restored to power by strong statement and show of force by Royal Air Force 1972 Soviet PM Kosygin inaugurated Russian company’s production at North Rumaila oil field 1980 Iran withdrew all its diplomatic personnel from Iraq 1980 Iran put military on full alert after accusing Iraq of repeat... more »

John Bolton to Former Head of OPCW: "Prepare to accept the consequences. We know where your kids are."

greencrow at Greencrow As The Crow Flies - 11 hours ago
*John Bolton - Trump Appointee * *as National Security Advisor* "You can judge a man by the company he keeps."...says an old proverb. Never more appropriate than in the recent Trump appointment of* John Bolton *to the position of "National Security Advisor". Everyone who was alive and a sentient being at the time of the run-up to the total destruction of Iraq in the Second American Invasion in the early 2000's knows that Bolton was the capo, the "hitman", the consigliore of that mafia-style execution of a nation...the first of several in the ongoing and neverending "Wars for Isra... more »

2018 Hurricane Prediction – Strongest Cycle in 70 Years

Ron Clutz at Science Matters - 11 hours ago
This prediction comes from Global Weather Oscillations, the only hurricane forecaster to predict the 2017 season accurately. The story is from 721News 2018 Hurricane Prediction – Strongest Cycle in 70 Years Links at the end provide more explanation of GWO’s unique model based upon ocean water pulses linked to solar/lunar activities, nothing to do with CO2. […]

BREAKING: No one cares about any of this!

bob somerby at the daily howler - 11 hours ago
*SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018Public school suspensions:* We were fascinated by an editorial in today's Washington Post. The editorial discusses a new study about public school suspensions. You haven't heard about this new study, just as you haven't heard a word about Arne Duncan's statement last Monday concerning the large score gains public schools have recorded over the past forty years. You haven't heard about the new study, or about those test score gains, for two fairly obvious reasons: First, you haven't heard about these topics because no one actually cares about the kids in ou... more »

Cuts to Food Stamps Fuel the Resistance

Majia's Blog at Majia's Blog - 11 hours ago
I saw in the news media today that food retailers are worried about the sales impacts of proposed cuts in food stamps, coupled with a proposed program replacing the stamps with a box of dry goods, such as dry beans and canned fruit! Proposed cuts in food quantity and availability for poor populations represent a major tactical error for the elite neo-conservatives who want to regulate the poor using punishing disciplines. Revolution begins with people in the street. People in the street are driven there first and foremost by immediate and pressing concerns and there is no concern ... more »

Obama State Department Spent $9 Million With Soros To Meddle In Albanian Politics

Tyler Durden at 11 hours ago
[image: undefined] President Obama's State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) spent nearly $9 million on an Albanian political reform campaign coordinated with billionaire George Soros, according to 32 pages of State Department documents obtained by Judicial Watch via a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. Working with Soros' Open Society Foundation, USAID channeled the funds into a "Justice for All" campaign aimed at reforming the socialist government's judicial system in 2016. "The Obama admin spent at least $9 million in tax dollars in direct col... more »

Blackout: US military spent $60 million on Afghanistan power lines to nowhere

RT at 11 hours ago
[image: undefined] The US military spent $60 million on a new section of power grid in Afghanistan’s northeast. It doesn’t work and may even put residents at risk, according to a report from the US government’s reconstruction watchdog. While the power lines have been built, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) found that mismanagement by the Army Corps of Engineers led to the grid remaining at best useless and at worst, dangerous. In 2013, the US Army awarded a $116 million contract to an Afghan company to build a power grid for part of northeastern... more »

Parody?

Not a sheep at Not a sheep - 11 hours ago
Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party's problems with antisemitism are pretty much beyond parody but the FT https://www.ft.com/content/825b2518-38b3-11e8-8b98-2f31af407cc8 have had a good go: 'And so it came to pass that Moses went to Pharaoh in Egypt and said: "My people are slaves; they are held in bondage and forced to labour in terrible conditions." And he said to Pharaoh: "Let my people go." And Pharaoh said: "How dare you accuse me of slavery. This is a vile smear. I have been an anti-slaver all my life. I would not tolerate slavery in my country." And Moses said: "Well, what ... more »

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