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10:15 pm MDT
10:15 pm MDT
Russia And China Are Upgrading Their Security Ties
A Russian S-400 air defense system launches a missile. File photo: Reuters *Andrew Salmon, Asia Times*:* Beijing, Moscow upgrade security ties* *With a new missile-defense system, the two states grow bilateral unity against assertive US and its allies.* In the latest sign of Beijing’s and Moscow’s expanding strategic partnership, Russia is assisting China in creating a highly sophisticated missile-defense early warning system. It follows arms sales of Russia’s most high-tech military kit to China, and comes against a backdrop of expanding cooperation between the militaries of the ... more »
Giuliani broadens Biden corruption with Romania mention (Video)
The Duran Quick Take: Episode 332. More The post Giuliani broadens Biden corruption with Romania mention (Video) appeared first on The Duran.
4000 Dead: What Would Happen If a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Was Sunk?
*Henry Holst* *Security, Americas* [image: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/5763834/flight-operations] There would likely be a cry for vengeance. *Key point:* Aircraft carriers are strong, but they are not invincible. Various defense pundits, scholars, and journalists have spent a considerable amount of digital ink debating the various threats to America’s carrier fleet while avoiding a more central question. In the cliché phrase of our time: Are carriers too big to fail? Clausewitz tells us, “war is the continuation of politics by other means.” Is there any political situation of... more »
Israel May Have 300 Nuclear Weapons (Including Submarine-Launched Missiles)
*Sebastien Roblin* *Technology, Middle East* A powerful, but unofficial, force. *Key point:* The exact details of Israel's nuclear arsenal is a tightly-held secret. Israel has never officially admitted to possessing nuclear weapons. Unofficially, Tel Aviv wants everyone to know it has them, and doesn’t hesitate to make thinly-veiled references to its willingness to use them if confronted by an existential threat. Estimates on the size of Tel Aviv’s nuclear stockpile range from 80 to 300 nuclear weapons, the latter number exceeding China’s arsenal. Originally, Israel’s nuclear ... more »
Death cult rising
Move over ANTIFA, the latest group of radical nihilists disrupting our daily lives in the hopes of plunging us all back into the Dark Ages is Extinction Rebellion. The post Death cult rising appeared first on CFACT.
"The Later United States Empire"
*"The Later United States Empire"* by AheadOfTheHerd.com "In 1917, the United States created the federal debt limit (or ceiling) to make it easier to finance World War One, essentially allowing Congress to borrow money to pay for the war effort by issuing bonds. By 1939 with World War Two looming, Congress passed the first aggregate debt limit, but it meant little. For nearly 60 more years the debt ceiling caused nary a ripple, until 2011 when Congress delayed approval of the annual budget, nearly causing a government shutdown. Then a minority in the House of Representatives, Repu... more »
Brazil’s Lottery Obsession: What are the Odds?
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Brazilians love to play the numbers. Whether it is the traditional (yet illegal) Jogo de Bicho, operating on city street corners, or national state-run games like the Mega Sena – which boasts the largest jackpot in South America – lotteries are big business in Brazil. Perhaps the most colorful and […] The post Brazil’s Lottery Obsession: What are the Odds? appeared first on The Rio Times.
Turkey and ‘The Kurds’ – ‘A Game of Musical Chairs’ in Syria
*Patrick Henningsen* | With so many different agendas at play in NE Syria, there is a risk of unintended negative consequences.
Around the world in 8 Minutes Ep 58: Ecuador fights back against IMF
In this episode of Around the World in 8 minutes, we look at the mounting resistance of the people of Ecuador to the neoliberal policies of Lenin Moreno. The struggle of Ecuadorians in the face of intense repression marks another moment in the Latin American outburst against the far-right whose policies have wreaked great havoc on the lives and livelihoods of all sections of the people.
Defying repression, tens of thousands of Ecuadorians take part in national strike
The heavy-handed response of the Ecuadorian police and military to the massive mobilizations in the country has already cost eight lives with hundreds suffering grave injuries
SYRIA: Turkey, the Kurds and NATO explained By Vanessa Beeley
There is a growing confusion over the situation in the north-east of Syria – Turkey, a NATO member state, is de facto challenging other NATO member states by attacking a U.S proxy force occupying the region. The Kurdish contras and separtist factions that make up the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) are the apparent target.
Facts and Date Aren’t Enough to Combat Fake News
At a time when public debate around the world is suffering from a collision between facts and “alternative facts”, experts must find new ways to reach people.
‘We’re Not Alone’ – ‘Sesame Street’ Tackles Addiction Crisis
Sesame Workshop is exploring the backstory of Karli, a bright green, yellow-haired friend of Elmo’s whose mother is battling addiction.
Turkey Presses Syrian Assault as Thousands Flee the Fighting
The U.N. refugee agency said tens of thousands were on the move, and aid agencies warned that nearly a half-million people near the border were at risk.
FOX Poll: 51% Support Impeaching President Trump
*FOX News:* *Fox News Poll: Record support for Trump impeachment* Just over half of voters want President Trump impeached and removed from office, according to a Fox News Poll released Wednesday. A new high of 51 percent wants Trump impeached and removed from office, another 4 percent want him impeached but not removed, and 40 percent oppose impeachment altogether. In July, 42 percent favored impeachment and removal, while 5 percent said impeach but don’t remove him, and 45 percent opposed impeachment. Since July, support for impeachment increased among voters of all stripes: up... more »
Stephen Aselford: Tributes paid to ‘energetic and passionate campaigner’
Friends and fellow activists have paid tribute to Stephen Aselford – a passionate disabled campaigner who was committed to improving the lives of others – after his sudden death. They have described not only his commitment to social justice, equality and disability […]
Legal firm hands out cameras to help disabled passengers prove discrimination
Disabled people who experience repeated discrimination on public transport are being offered a camera to record video evidence for possible legal cases. Legal firm Fry Law, which specialises in disability discrimination cases, is hoping some of the evidence produced can then be […]
ABC Affiliate Asks If 5G Cell Towers Will Impact Pacemakers
By B.N. Frank In 2007, former Vice President Dick Cheney was so worried that someone would try to murder him by hacking his wireless pacemaker... more »
An Economist Buys Lunch on the Margin
Herewith a relatively trivial but, I hope, fun application of marginal thinking. Actually two applications: a subtler one by my non-economist wife (who has lived with an economist for 37 years) and an obvious one by me. Most Saturdays my wife and I go out to a nice lunch. A couple of Saturdays ago, she […] The post An Economist Buys Lunch on the Margin appeared first on Econlib.
Students Selling Notes
A student of mine recently sent me a screen shot of a Facebook post that had been removed by its author. The post said: Notes for the final exam for “Intro to Political Economy” with Munger. If you study and memorize them then I guarantee an A on the final exam which is all essays. […] The post Students Selling Notes appeared first on Econlib.
They Know Better
Moral reasoning is hard. It’s so hard, in fact, that most people do little moral reasoning. Instead, as Daniel Kahneman would expect, they perform a mental substitution. Rather than wonder, “What’s morally right?,” they ask, “What’s socially acceptable?” In decent societies, this seems fairly harmless. When your society is even selectively evil, however, the substitution […] The post They Know Better appeared first on Econlib.
Good Grief: Owners of Charlie Brown Song Sue Dollywood
The copyright owners of the "Charlie Brown Christmas" theme song have sued Dollywood in federal court for copyright infringement.
Retiree Checks to Rise Modestly Amid Push to Expand Benefits
Millions of retirees will get a modest 1.6% cost-of-living increase from Social Security in 2020, an uptick with potential political consequences in an election year when Democrats are pushing more generous inflation protection.
Two Florida Men Tied to Giuliani Arrested on Campaign Charges
Two Florida businessmen tied to President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani have been arrested on campaign finance violations resulting from a $325,000 donation to a political action committee supporting Trump's reelection.
Syria slams Turkish military operation, vows to defend land
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:15 P.M.)- The Syrian Foreign Ministry released a new statement on Thursday that condemned the ongoing Turkish military operation in the northern part of the country. “After his constant support for terrorism and terrorists in Syria through training, arming, protecting and sending them to kill Syrians, the Turkish regime’s leader is showing us […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Turkey claims ‘109 militants killed’ as they advance on key Syrian border city
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:35 P.M.) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that his nation’s armed forces had killed 109 ‘militants’ since the start of their northern Syria incursion. “The operation is currently continuing with the involvement of all our units… 109 terrorists have been killed so far,” Erdogan stated, as quoted by the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Syrian choppers swarm jihadist forces along Turkish border
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:10 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) continued their aerial operation along the Latakia-Turkey border region this week, targeting several sites belonging to the jihadist rebels in this part of northwestern Syria. Led by their attack choppers, the Syrian Air Force repeatedly struck the defenses of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Turkey deploys air defense system near Syrian border: Russian media
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:10 P.M.) – Turkey has deployed its air defense system near the Syrian border region where they are currently launching an operation against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Russian aviation publication Avia.Pro reported on Thursday. According to Avia.Pro, the Turkish military deployed their air defense system to this zone of operation […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Turkish forces enter Hasakah province, seize new town
BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:50 P.M.) – The Turkish Armed Forces have made their first advance inside the Al-Hasakah province today after launching their large-scale operation less than 24-hours-ago. According to the latest reports, the Turkish Armed Forces captured the town of Kashto, which is located west of Ras Al-Ayn in the northwestern countryside of the Al-Hasakah […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Erdogan’s pledges to ‘open doors’ to Europe for 3.6 million Syrian refugees if EU keeps criticizing Turkish operation
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:30 P.M.) – Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged to “open doors” for 3.6 million Syrian refugees to Europe if the EU continues to label the Turkish military operation in northeast Syria as an occupation. “We will open the gates and send 3.6 million refugees your way,” Erdogan said during a speech to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Iran calls on Turkey to ‘immediately’ halt military operation in northeast Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:20 P.M.) – Iran issued a statement on Thursday that called on Turkey to halt its military incursion into northeast Syria. In the statement, Iran called on its neighbor and major trading partner Turkey to halt all hostilities and ‘immediately’ withdraw its forces from Syria. The Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over Turkey’s […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Breaking: Russia calls for reconciliation between Syria and Turkey
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:00 P.M.) – The Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen reported on Thursday afternoon that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is calling on Turkey and Syria to reconcile. #روسيا: لافروف: موسكو ستطلب بدء محادثات بين دمشق وأنقرة — الميادين عاجل (@AlMayadeenLive) October 10, 2019 If they are able to enter talks, this will mark the first […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Turkish-backed militants announce capture of 1st towns in northern Raqqa
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:40 P.M.) – The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army announced this afternoon the capture of its first two towns in the Tal Abyad countryside after a brief battle with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). According to the militant group’s statement, their troops captured the towns of Al-Yabsa and Tal Fandar near Tal Abyad in […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
‘They didn’t help us in the Second World War’: Trump on pulling support for Kurds in Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 P.M.) – On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump defended his troop withdrawal from the Turkish-Syrian border this past weekend by stating that the Kurds didn’t aid the Allied Forces during World War II. “The Kurds are fighting for their land,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. “And as somebody […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
UAE-backed forces score major advance in southern Yemen
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 P.M.) – The UAE-backed Southern Movement scored a major advance in southern Yemen this week after resuming their large-scale operation in the Dhale Governorate. Backed by heavy airstrikes from their UAE allies, the Southern Movement stormed the defenses of the Ansarallah forces on Wednesday in an effort to advance along the Hujar […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US senator warns Turkey they do not have ‘green light’ to invade Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:40 A.M.) – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted on Wednesday that Turkey does not have the “green light” to invade the territories under the control of the Kurdish forces in northern Syria. “To the Turkish Government: You do NOT have a green light to enter into northern Syria. There is massive bipartisan opposition […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Syrian gov’t denies Turkish Army has captured any new areas
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:10 A.M.) – The Syrian government has officially denied claims that the Turkish Army and their militant allies have captured any new ground inside of Syria. According to the Syrian government, all claims of the Turkish Army capturing territory east of Tal Abyad are false. They would add that the Turkish military has […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Russia’s S-500 will be a nightmare for the US in the Middle East: Chinese media
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:45 A.M.) – The Russian Federation’s S-500 Prometheus is supposed to adopt a unique system after completing all necessary tests, which will pose a serious threat to the U.S.’ missile supremacy, a Chinese publication said this week. According to Chinese journalists from the publication Soho, as reported by the Sputnik News Agency, this […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Power-Tripping Cop Arrested For Beating Up Female EMT Over a Hot Dog
[image: EMT]A police officer in Memphis beat up and kidnapped a female EMT because he didn't want her to have a hot dog.
Iraqi Assyrians Fear Fallout of US Pullout, Turkish Invasion
Assyrian International News Agency - 12 hours ago
A few days ago, Donald Trump announced he was pulling out U.S. troops from Northeastern Syria. At this, some of my friends were happy. In Iraq, the native peoples of the land (Assyrian/Chaldean/Syriac) have lost our land to Kurdish nationalists.
Catastrophic Sea Level Rise At Scapa Flow
By Paul Homewood h/t Joe Public New evidence of catastrophic sea level rise at Scapa Flow since WWI: https://twitter.com/benny55au/status/1177167307371474949?s=20 NB The Twitter post wrongly labels it as WWII, but the author corrected this soon after.
Area 51 Has Its Own Fleet Of Helicopters
A US Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk. USAF *Warzone/The Drive*: *Area 51 Has Its Own Unique Fleet Of HH-60U Ghost Hawk Helicopters* *Originally intended as replacements for the Air Force's aging HH-60G Pave Hawks, they now exclusively support operations at the top-secret base* Almost everything about the U.S. military's Area 51 flight test facility, also known as Groom Lake, is shrouded in secrecy and mystery. This even extends to the base's small and unique fleet of HH-60U rescue helicopters, sometimes called Ghost Hawks, which at least help provide security, local search and rescue, ... more »
Aid Groups Warn of Humanitarian Crisis from Turkey’s Assault on Syria
Global Issues News Headlines - 12 hours ago
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 10 (IPS) - Aid groups operating in northeastern Syria have been raising the alarm about civilian casualties and an impending humanitarian crisis this week, as Turkey began a military assault on the turbulent region's Kurdish militants. Read the full story, “Aid Groups Warn of Humanitarian Crisis from Turkey’s Assault on Syria”, on globalissues.org →
The Role of Emerging Technologies in Military Conflicts
Global Issues News Headlines - 12 hours ago
STOCKHOLM, Oct 10 (IPS) - Izumi Nakamitsu is UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs*Throughout history, technology has transformed armed conflict. The carnage of First World War battlefields is a stark example of what happens when advances in weaponry outpace the normative frameworks around its use. Read the full story, “The Role of Emerging Technologies in Military Conflicts”, on globalissues.org →
UN’s Cash Crisis Can Have Serious Consequences, Staff Unions Warn
Global Issues News Headlines - 12 hours ago
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 10 (IPS) - The UN's smoldering cash crisis, which has threatened staff salaries and payments to vendors, has triggered strong reactions and rattled the over 6,400 staffers who work in the 39-storeyed Secretariat building in New York. Read the full story, “UN’s Cash Crisis Can Have Serious Consequences, Staff Unions Warn”, on globalissues.org →
"Keep Those Chickens In Mind..."
"At a conference I attended, an executive claimed her poultry processing company befriended its chickens. Lighting, heating and all other living conditions were continuously adjusted to keep the birds happy, she gushed. Happier poultry may be better tasting poultry, but in the end they still kill the chickens. When business tells you it’s your friend, that it cares for you and your happiness, keep those chickens in mind." - Robert Gore
Perth Mint tries digital alchemy, turning gold into cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies and gold would appear to at opposite ends of the investment risk spectrum, but that has not stopped The Perth Mint attempting to create a digital alloy to cash in on gold's return to favour.
Trump Isn't The Only Swampy DC Crook On The Wrong Side Of The Law-- Remember Betsy DeVos?
Adam Minsky, reporting for *Forbes* wrote this week that "A federal judge has tacitly threatened Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos with jail for her ongoing failure (or refusal) to comply with court orders in a student loan case. By way of background, in 2016 the Obama administration finalized rules for the Borrower Defense to Repayment program. This program was created to allow federal student loan borrowers to request loan forgiveness on the basis that their school engaged in unfair, deceptive, or illegal practices. When DeVos took over the U.S. Department of Education in 2017, ... more »
On the road to Blogorado 2019
Miss D. and I left this morning on our journey to Colorado, where we'll join a group of fellow bloggers, writers and shooting enthusiasts for our annual Blogorado gathering. We're *not* looking forward to the weather! Yesterday the temperature at our destination dropped by almost 60 degrees (Fahrenheit), and tonight it's supposed to be in the teens. In contrast, here in north Texas we've had days in the mid- to upper 80's for the past week or two, and pleasantly (but not excessively) cool nights. We're not packing our open-toed sandals for Colorado, but rather warm shoes, heavy ... more »
Creative Diversity and the back-of-beyond
"The liberal echo chamber in which these people exist, which has been revealed by countless reports as well as in the baleful comments from departing staffers such as John Humphrys, Michael Buerk, John Sergeant, Robin Aitken and so on, is at last being challenged! " Says Rod Liddle humorously (in the sarcastic rather than comical sense) because he was talking about the need for more diversity in the BBC and in particular the appointment of June Sarpong to the bespoke role “Director of Creative Diversity”. Well, I know what diversity means, and I know what creative means, but I’m ... more »
Large winter storm to hit US – In Early October
That’s winter, as in WINTER. Many states under winter storm watches and warnings. 9 Oct 2019 – A strong storm system is digging across the West over the next few days, before reaching the Plains. This powerful system is expected to produce multiple hazards. Look for heavy snow from the North-Central Rockies into the Northern ... Read moreLarge winter storm to hit US – In Early October The post Large winter storm to hit US – In Early October appeared first on Ice Age Now.
Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Wednesday 9th October 2019
By Anton Lang ~ This Post details the daily wind power generation data for the AEMO coverage area in Australia. For the background information, refer to the Introductory Post at this link. Each image is shown here at a smaller size to fit on the page alongside the data for that day. If you click […]
I'll take the higher offer please, Bradley
UK will deport EU citizens after Brexit if they miss registration, Home Office minister says https://t.co/1EHJkRU0b2 — BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) October 10, 2019 The link on that tweet takes you to a BBC News website report. I'd placed a wager with myself before clicking on it that I wouldn't watch *The Chase *tonight if I was wrong to predict that the BBC report would demonstrate BBC bias, as it concerned both immigration and the EU/Brexit. I immediately looked at the the two bold, large-print sub-headlines and saw that they said *'Hostile environment' *and *'Windrush-style scan... more »
California: Up To 3-Million People To Lose Power As PG&E Begins “Unprecedented” Blackouts
PG&E is hoping to prevent a repeat of a catastrophe last November in which faulty power lines it owned were determined to have ignited California’s deadliest wildfire that killed 86 people.
Trudeau accusor lands a seven-figure NDA to keep quiet about West Grey departure
Sources are telling The Buffalo Chronicle that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s accuser has been in talks with a private attorney for more than a week, discussing a heated sexual relationship that began and ended more than 18 years ago, when the young
Wally Byam and the Airstream
[image: wally-byam-and-the-airstream] Motivated by a love of travel and a growing desire on the part of millions of Americans to freely travel about the country and the world, Wally Byam developed the iconic Airstream travel trailer and played a central role in the development of the recreational vehicle industry.
Trump Dares “Crooked Hillary” To Run. Hillary: “I Can Beat Him Again.”
[image: trump-dares-crooked-hillary-to-run-hillary-i-could-beat-him-again] President Trump is daring Hillary Clinton to make her third try for president, no doubt knowing that her running would divide the Democratic Party. Hillary, for her part, says she could beat Trump “again.”
The “Safe Drivers Act” Is A Real-Time National Driver Surveillance Program
By MassPrivateI A new Senate bill would create a real-time national driver surveillance program that would allow law enforcement to know anything and everything about... more »
Protests Continue In Baghdad But At Smaller Level As Iraqi Govt Promises Reforms
PM Abdul Mahdi gave another televised speech promises reforms to meet demands of protesters (Reuters) There were small gatherings of people in Baghdad resulting in clashes with the security forces that were barely reported in Iraq. At the same time, Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi is moving forward with his promises of reform, which don’t look to offer much real change. Tuesday and Wednesday there were small protests in Baghdad. On Tuesday people gathered in Sadr City, and were immediately shot at by the security forces, which has been the official policy for several days now. On Wedne... more »
South Korea Is Working on a Stealth Fighter
*David Axe* *Security, * Be skeptical. The world’s biggest economies barely can support the development and acquisition of a true radar-evading fighter. South Korea is unlikely to join that exclusive club. South Korea has joined Japan and Turkey in the group of middle powers that all are trying to develop unique stealth fighters. Be skeptical. The world’s biggest economies barely can support the development and acquisition of a true radar-evading fighter. South Korea is unlikely to join that exclusive club. “The biggest homegrown weapons development project in Korean history is ... more »
This Day in Iraqi History - Oct 10
1920 Sayid Abu Tabikh made head of Iraqi provisional govt during 1920 Revolt (Musings On Iraq book review of *Reclaiming Iraq, The 1920 Revolution and the Founding of the Modern State*) 1922 Anglo-Iraq Treaty signed Opposed by opposition who were anti-British Treaty gave British control of Iraq’s govt King Faisal military finances foreign relations Basra port railroad Was to last 20 years 1922 British promised to push for Iraq independence in return for Anglo-Iraq Treaty being passed (Musings On Iraq book review *Supremacy And Oil, Iraq, Turkey, and the Anglo-American World Order,... more »
"Economic Market Snapshot AM 10/10/19"
• Gregory Mannarino, "First Pre-Market Report EVER! Important Updates" - https://www.traderschoice.net/ • MarketWatch Market Summary, Live Updates - https://www.marketwatch.com/tools/marketsummary CNN Market Data: - http://money.cnn.com/data/markets/ CNN Fear And Greed Index: - http://money.cnn.com/data/fear-and-greed/ • Visit ZeroHedge for the very latest factual news and information: - https://www.zerohedge.com/ • "Trump’s Trillion-Dollar Hit to Homeowners" A strongly encouraged "must read"... "How The Rich Get Richer And The Poor Get Poorer"
Special Interrogation Gone Bad: The Samer Al-Arbeed Case
Head of the Isreali Security Agency Nadav Argaman (Source: Wikimedia Commons/Niv Aharonson) Israel is confronting a national scandal over the hospitalization of an alleged terrorist detained by the Israel Security Agency (ISA). On Aug. 23, three Israeli civilians were hiking near a West Bank water spring when a hidden explosive was detonated by remote control. Seventeen-year-old Rina Shnerb was killed instantly, and her father and brother were injured. An extensive ISA investigation of the attack led to the arrest of four suspected members of a West Bank terror cell of an organiza... more »
N. Atlantic Cooling Sept. 2019
For the last few years, observers have been speculating about when the North Atlantic will start the next phase shift from warm to cold. Given the way 2018 went and 2019 is following, this may be the onset. First some background. An example is this report in May 2015 The Atlantic is entering a cool […]
The World As You Thought You Knew It is Disintegrating
[image: XR (Extinction Rebellion) protesters stage a "die-in" at the famous Bull Statue in Lower Manhattan, NYC. Oct. 7, 2019 Photo (Felton Davis / Flickr / Attribution 2.0 Generic - CC BY 2.0)] If it seems that, nearly every day, yet another institution which appeared to be indestructible is collapsing before your eyes, you are not imagining things. Over the past years we have witnessed the corporate media relinquish any pretense of having any relationship to reality. The emergence of eco-fascist gangs demanding the destruction of industrial society and depopulation are trying to d... more »
Geopolitical Signals Of Global Economic Crisis Abound
By Brandon Smith As I write this, news feeds are buzzing with questions and confusion over the October US/China trade talks. In September there was... more »
HEART(S) OF DUMBNESS: Friend, do you hate dental floss?
*THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019The literature of self-defeat:* Which of our nation's mice is dumber—our highly erudite city mice, or their dimwitted country cousins? This past Sunday, the New York Times gave the familiar mandated answer to this familiar old question. It seems that a small group of country mice decided to pay their town's librarian $19 an hour, even though a visiting, two-degree city mouse had told them to pay 25. The city mouse denounced the dumbness of the rubes on the first page of the Sunday Review. She employed every hackneyed element of the familiar novelized ge... more »
Mary Anne Franks as Constitutional Truth-Teller
For the Symposium on Mary Anne Franks, The Cult of the Constitution (Stanford University Press, 2019). Anupam Chander *The Cult of the Constitution* exhorts us to see the Constitution, warts and all--to recognize that overzealous interpretation of one important value can diminish other values we hold dear. First Amendment zealotry, for example, often leaves women, minorities, and other vulnerable people at the mercy of the loudest, most profane, and most threatening voices. In sharp and powerful prose, Mary Anne Franks shows us that the costs of such zealous interpretations—whether... more »
It's clear why the number of Earth-like planets is so imprecise
...because the term is neither quantitatively well-defined nor useful... Two weeks ago, Ethan Siegel more or less defined the scientific method as the mindless obedience to Greta Thunberg (combined with the mandatory anti-quantum-mechanics crackpottery). I thought it wasn't the right definition and virtually everything he wrote was upside down. One week ago, he wrote a text Astronomers Debate: How Many Habitable Planets Does Each Sun-Like Star Have? which highlights his mathematical illiteracy and the mathematical illiteracy of several astronomers – and the wisdom of Michael Crichto... more »
Sanctioning Away Free Speech: Americans Meet With Iranians at Their Peril
[image: undefined] The issue of the United States waging what seems to be a global war by way of sanctions rarely surfaces in the western media. The argument being made by the White House is that sanctions are capable of putting maximum pressure on a rogue regime without the necessity of having to go to war and actually kill people, but the reality is that while economic warfare may seem to be more benign than bombing and shooting the reality is that thousands of people die anyway, whether through starvation or inability to obtain medicines. It is often noted that 500,000 Iraqi chil... more »
Investigation Of Biden-Enriching Burisma Opened Months Before Zelensky Even Elected: Report
[image: undefined] A new report from recent Fox News hire John Solomon tosses gasoline on the dumpster-fire narrative at the heart of an impeachment inquiry launched after a CIA officer filed a whistleblower complaint, alleging President Trump abused his office by "pressuring" the president of Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter for corruption. According to Solomon, a new document "shows that Ukrainian officials had opened a new probe into the firm linked to Hunter Biden months before President Trump's phone call with that country's leader." Solomon said Tuesday o... more »
Syria: Another Forever War Beckons
[image: undefined] An explosion of criticism had erupted in Congress and the news media in response to President Trump’s decision to withdraw a small contingent of US troops stationed in northern Syria. Those forces served as a (mostly symbolic) barrier to Turkey’s ambitions to conduct a military offensive against Syrian Kurdish forces there. Ankara has now initiated that offensive . Republican hawks and Trump’s automatic adversaries among congressional Democrats are united in excoriating his decision. Much of the criticism has focused on the alleged betrayal of Washington’s Kurdish... more »
Million Mask March: Anonymous Plans To Fight For The Internet, Freedom Of Speech And Press November 5th
By Aaron Kesel The fifth of November only happens once a year, quickly approaching, activists who associate themselves with the decentralized leaderless Anonymous collective are... more »
Remembering the dead
News 1. The young woman behind the meme I must be doing something right in my social media, because nobody in my circles shared the meme-ified confrontation on the Macdonald Bridge between a young Extinction Rebellion protester and a cyclist trying to get to work. In a video widely seen online, both the young woman […]
Balkinization Symposium on Mary Anne Franks, The Cult of the Constitution
Frank Pasquale and Danielle Citron The Cult of the Constitution (Stanford University Press, 2019) is one of those rare books that works on several levels: as compelling storytelling, as powerful advocacy, and as illuminating expert analysis of both the law and politics of of First and Second Amendment doctrine in the United States. The legal and political dimensions of speech and violence (and, very importantly, speech-as-violence) are subjects she has addressed with passion, creativity, and eloquence for over a decade. The book could not be more timely, as authoritarians around t... more »
Georgia Deserves a Free Trade Agreement with America
*James Jay Carafano, Alexis Mrachek* *economy, Eurasia* [image: Reuters] Tbilisi has proven that it deserves U.S. commitment and a stronger alliance. Eleven years ago, Russia invaded Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions, instigating a brutal, five-day war. Today, Russia occupies 20 percent of Georgia and continues to encroach on Georgian territory via a campaign of “creeping annexation.” Yet, despite Russia’s malign influence, Georgia has made tremendous progress over the past decade. The government has continued its march toward greater integration with the West, and it... more »
Kurds Armed with American Missiles Could Hunt Turkish Tanks
*David Axe* *Security, * But don’t expect a Turkish invasion to be painless for the Turks. The Kurds in northern Syria possess arguably the most important weapons of the eight-year Syrian civil war: anti-tank guided munitions. The Turks in the past have lost tanks in their periodic incursions into Syria. U.S. president Donald Trump in a surprise move on Oct. 7, 2019 ordered American troops to withdraw from northern Syria, effectively clearing the way for Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to send his own troops into the Kurdish-controlled region of Syria. Syrian Kurdish figh... more »
Literature prize suspended in 2018 returns with 'preposterous and shameful' new choice
Just In - 13 hours ago
Controversial Austrian author and playwright Peter Handke is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2019, with the postponed 2018 prize going to Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk.
Erdogan threatens Europe with refugees as Trump takes aim at hip pocket
Just In - 13 hours ago
The Turkish President tells critics of the military offensive in Syria to back off or he will allow millions of refugees into Europe, while the US President fires back that he'll hit Turkey hard with financial sanctions.
Maclaren hat-trick hands wasteful Socceroos victory
Australia beats Nepal 5-0 in Canberra thanks to a Jamie Maclaren hat-trick and a goal from debutant Harry Souttar.
Operation Peace Spring- Day 2
*Listened to Scott @ nomadiceveryman.* He made an interesting point. It is relevant. The world is not viewing the Turkish operation as a move on Syria. Quite frankly- “the world”- that is the 5 eyes nations and their lackies in Germany, France and Israel, could care less about Syria. The “world” views Turkey’s move as an attack on Rojova. One province in their planned new nation state- Kurdistan or Greater Kurdistan. The one they’ve been giving birth to for years and years now. Which is why the coverage is shrill (loud and noisy) *Abdullah observed the frenzied coverage as well* ... more »
The Military and Political Power of Hezbollah
At the end of August, the Lebanese organisation Hezbollah fired two rockets at an Israeli armoured personnel carrier at the border. Several Israeli soldiers were injured. In response, Israeli troops fired on Lebanese territory adjacent to the border. The shells fell on bare ground, without causing harm to people or […]
‘They Put Rifles to My Children’s Heads’ Cops Terrorize Family in Raid on Wrong Home
[image: chicago]Cops in Chicago are raiding innocent families and terrorizing them — by mistake — and are going through great lengths to cover it up.
South Carolina: Google Can Pump Drinking Water for Servers
South Carolina is allowing Google to cool its servers by pumping nearly 550 million gallons of water annually from a declining aquifer.
Florida Man Accused of Forcing Small Alligator to Drink Beer
Authorities say they've arrested a Florida man who provoked a small alligator into biting his arm and poured beer into the animal's mouth.
Efforts intensify to battle corruption involving local government officials and cannabis industry
Law enforcement authorities across the country, including the FBI, have cast a wide net in their efforts to root out corruption among local government officials overseeing the marijuana industry. The crackdown has ensnared local government and cannabis industry officials in states such as California, Massachusetts and Michigan. Charges have included bribery and extortion. While claims […] Efforts intensify to battle corruption involving local government officials and cannabis industry is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entr... more »
Trade deals putting corporates before people and environment
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
10-Oct-2019 Community groups representing millions say trade deals with Indonesia, Hong Kong and Peru put corporate rights before people and environment and urge Labor and cross-bench to oppose them.
La STB obtient la levée de la saisie conservatoire sur ses actifs au sein de la TFBank
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
10-Oct-2019 La saisie conservatoire sur les actifs de la STB au sein de la TFBank, opérée par le groupe néerlandais ABCI Investment dans le cadre de l'affaire de la Banque Franco-Tunisienne, devient sans effet.
L'arbitrage international, une justice dans le collimateur
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
10-Oct-2019 Poursuivre un État parce qu'une nouvelle loi ne leur convient pas ? C'est ce que font les multinationales dans des tribunaux d'arbitrage privés. Des ONG appellent à mettre fin à ce système.
Egypt-EAEU to reach free trade zone agreement by mid-2020 - Egypt's Trade Minister
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
10-Oct-2019 The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt may sign a free trade zone agreement by mid-2020, Egypt's Minister of Trade and Industry said.
Australia uninterested in a free trade agreement with Pakistan
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
10-Oct-2019 Australia has refused to offer preferential market access to Pakistan on the grounds that the country has a very limited basket of tradable goods and services.
With a little help from friends
We'll be heading to the hospital in a few hours to visit our son as he continues down (up?) the difficult road after brain surgery on Tuesday. We've been overwhelmed with the prayers and kindness of his friends, our friends and total strangers. A neighbor I don’t know well just dropped by with a quiche for supper. It is a huge comfort! So I want to tell you a story from way back--maybe 1987, don't remember for sure. As the mother of teens, so close in age and so beautiful people used to think they were twins, I was at my wit's end and couldn't pray. So in addition to feeling lik... more »
Trump Encourages China to Investigate Biden Family, Clouding Trade Talks
President Donald Trump Speaks with Reporters, Oct. 3, 2019 (Source: Flickr/Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour) *Trump Clouds Trade Talks With Comments to Media* Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn on Oct. 3, President Trump called on China to investigate former vice president and current presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden: “China should start an investigation into the Bidens, because what happened in China is just about as bad as what happened with Ukraine.” These comments add a new dimension to a rapidly expanding impeachment inquiry, which... more »
Moral Implications of Aborted Fetuses in Vaccine Production
Written by Joseph Mercola, D.O., Ph.D. Story at-a-glance – One commonly cited reason for claiming a religious vaccine exemption has to do with the fact that some vaccines are made using aborted fetal cell lines. Fetal cell lines used in vaccines were obtained from voluntary abortions performed in the 1960s and are still used today […] The post Moral Implications of Aborted Fetuses in Vaccine Production appeared first on Health Nut News.
Liberty is a Porous Concept
Isaiah Berlin argues in his essay, “Two Concepts of Liberty,” (which is based on the lecture that he gave before the University of Oxford on 31 October 1958), that there are not one but two concepts of liberty—positive and negative. He also notes that liberty is a porous concept “with more than two hundred senses of it recorded by historians of ideas.” Here’s an excerpt: “To coerce a man is to deprive him of freedom – freedom from what? Almost every moralist in human history has praised freedom. Like happiness and goodness, like nature and reality, the meaning of this term is so por... more »
Rio Prosecutor’s Office Calls for Government Measures to Diminish Police Lethality
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Rio's Prosecutor's Office (MP) has decided to call on the State government to take measures to reduce police lethality in the state. From January to August of this year, there were 1,249 deaths in clashes . . . To read the full NEWS and much more, Subscribe to our Premium […] The post Rio Prosecutor’s Office Calls for Government Measures to Diminish Police Lethality appeared first on The Rio Times.
The Trump Tax Plan - Who is Really Benefitting From the Corporate Tax Cut
Thanks to the Trump Administration's tax reengineering and research done by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, we now know how the changes to America's corporate tax regime benefitted Corporate America. While Main Street America pays the lion's share of Washington's tax revenue as shown on this graphic: ...the situation has worsened since the introduction of Donald Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with corporations now remitting only 8.1 percent of the federal government's total tax receipts, the lowest level since the Great Depression as shown here: To compound the... more »
Petrobras Agrees Venture with Equinor-ASA for Natural Gas Projects in Rio de Janeiro
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Petrobras announced that it signed yesterday, October 9th, with Equinor ASA - Equinor, a company headquartered in Oslo, Norway, a memorandum of understanding focused on the joint development of business focused on The post Petrobras Agrees Venture with Equinor-ASA for Natural Gas Projects in Rio de Janeiro appeared first on The Rio Times.
Mobile Banking Services are Accessed by 65 Percent of Brazilians, Says IDC Survey
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - A survey released yesterday, October 9th by IDC, a leading market research company, found that more than half of respondents between the ages of 18 and 49 in Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico use their smartphone to access banking and financial services. Among 30-39-year-olds, the use of the smartphone to access […] The post Mobile Banking Services are Accessed by 65 Percent of Brazilians, Says IDC Survey appeared first on The Rio Times.
Portugal to Present Literary Award to Brazilian Writer Chico Buarque, Despite Bolsonaro Demurrer
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Portugal's Ministry of Culture is trying to be diplomatic after President Jair Bolsonaro declared that he would not sign the Camões Award diploma until December 2026, long after Brazilian writer Chico Buarque was awarded the prize. The international award . . . To read the full NEWS and much more, […] The post Portugal to Present Literary Award to Brazilian Writer Chico Buarque, Despite Bolsonaro Demurrer appeared first on The Rio Times.
IF TRUMPS WINS AFTER IMPEACHMENT, A SECOND IMPEACHMENT ISN'T IMPOSSIBLE -- IT'S INEVITABLE
Axios's David Nather and Margaret Talev say that Democrats probably can't impeach again if Trump survives the process now and goes on to win reelection: If Trump survives politically and is re-elected to serve another four years, Congress likely would have nowhere left to go in the event of another scandal, legal and political experts say — not because the House couldn’t impeach him again, but because it might be politically impossible to do so.... “There is almost certainly NOT a barrier to a second impeachment, even for the exact same conduct,” much less “a second impeachment for... more »
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*UK: Headmistress of Elite Girls' School: Some Students Claim to Be Trans to Cause 'Turbulence at School'* The former headmistress of an elite all-girls school in London has gone on the record to admit what we all know. Transgenderism is mostly a fad, especially among the young kids who are always looking for something to rebel against. The Daily Mail had the story. Schools are facing a ‘transtrender problem’ with pupils identifying as transgender to be cool and rebellious, a former top headmistress said yesterday. Clarissa Farr claimed that it has become trendy for some girls t... more »
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*"National Review" in legal trouble over global warming* The hard fact is this: We begin National Review’s 2019 Fall webathon against the backdrop of America’s most critical free-speech drama — Mann v. National Review. It’s our battle, yes, but it’s very much yours too, because the consequences of a courtroom defeat will be serious (an understatement if there ever was one) for all Americans. Hence we turn to you again for your financial support, to help us underwrite these critical legal efforts, on our behalf and yours, and also to help NR’s broader task of pouring unrelenting c... more »
U.S. B-2 Bomber Recently Tested a New Nuclear Bomb
*Kris Osborn* *Security, * Thank god it was not live, but the point is clear: the nuclear age is not over. *Key point: *The U.S. military is upgrading its nuclear capabilities. The Air Force’s B-2 Stealth bomber has test-dropped an upgraded, multi-function B61-12 nuclear bomb which improves accuracy, integrates various attack options into a single bomb and changes the strategic landscape with regard to nuclear weapons mission possibilities. Earlier this summer, the Air Force dropped a B61-12 nuclear weapon from a B-2 at Nellis AFB, marking a new developmental flight test phase ... more »
Why the U.S. Navy's Seawolf Submarine Is Such a Top Secret
*David Axe* *Security, * Think Russia. *Key Point:* She is one of a kind. Sometime *apparently in August 2013*, the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Seawolf eased out of the port of Bremerton, in Washington State, on what was probably her fifth or sixth deployment since commissioning in 1997. A month later the U.S. Sixth Fleet, in charge of ships in European waters, posted a series of photos to the Website Flickr *depicting* the U.S. ambassador to Norway, Barry White, touring the 350-foot-long Seawolf pierside at Haakonsvern naval base … in southern Norway. Tho... more »
Hurricane Michael Recovery Efforts Point to the Power of Local Generosity after Overlooked Disasters
*David Berlan* *Environment, Americas* [image: Reuters] The aftermath of Hurricane Michael shows how when public attention outside the region experiencing a disaster is minimal, it can lead to lower levels of donations. When Hurricane Michael made landfall on Florida’s Panhandle on Oct. 10, 2018, as a Category 5 storm it was only the fourth on record to have ever hit the U.S. mainland. The storm surge it brought about, along with 160-mile-per-hour winds, leveled coastal communities from Panama City to the town of Mexico Beach. Then the storm continued northward, causing flooding... more »
Workplace Sex Discrimination Claims are Common – But They’re Not Making It into Court
*Joseph A. Seiner* *Politics, Americas* [image: Reuters] Of those that actually did go to trial, only about a third of the plaintiffs won their cases, the researchers found. Several cases addressing whether it’s legal to fire a worker because of their sexual orientation and gender identity were taken up by the Supreme Court this week. While these legal questions deserve significant attention, those concerned about equality on the job should not lose sight of the broader, yet equally important issue – the continued prevalence of sex discrimination in the workplace as a whole. An... more »
Games Blamed for Moral Decline and Addiction Throughout History
*Lindsay Grace* *History, Americas* [image: Reuters] Did ancient Egyptian parents worry their kids might get addicted to this game, called senet? Blaming video games for social or moral decline might feel like something new. But fears about the effects of recreational games on society as a whole are centuries old. History shows a cycle of apprehension and acceptance about games that is very like events of modern times. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, historians know that the oldest examples of board games trace back to the game of senet around 3100 B.C. One of the earliest kn... more »
Nothing --That's The Policy
A recent report concludes that the Government of Ontario has done almost nothing to achieve the goals set out in its environmental policy. Mike Crawley writes: Premier Doug Ford's government has done almost nothing on the bulk of the promises in the greenhouse-gas reduction plan it introduced last November, according to a new report by an environmental watchdog group. The report published Thursday by the group Environmental Defence examines the seven key actions pledged by the government to cut Ontario's carbon emissions, and finds that little or no progress has been made on all ... more »
‘Flash Drought’ Brings Dust and Dread to Southern Farmers
Across a vast expanse of the South stretching from Texas to Maryland, there are growing concerns for the cattle, cotton and corn amid a worsening drought fueled by this summer's record high temperatures.
Trump Says Accidents ‘Happen’ in Crash by Diplomat’s Wife
U.S. President Donald Trump said he planned to get involved in the case of an American diplomat's wife who quickly left the U.K. after she was allegedly involved in a fatal wrong-way crash — but stopped short of suggesting he would revoke her diplomatic immunity and return her to Britain to face charges.
Rape Accusations Against Lauer Ensnare NBC Management
Two years after Matt Lauer was abruptly fired by NBC News for sexual misconduct, more questions are emerging about the former "Today" show host's behavior and whether bosses looked the other way at problems involving one of the network's biggest stars.
Old Toryism, Risen from the Crypt
A deeper explanation of Brexit, contemporary UK events and how it inherits an old tradition of conventional Toryism.
Editor's Note
Need to chaperone my 93 year old mother this morning for some medical tests. Nothing serious. She is taking part in a medical study on memory. Blogging will return in a few hours.
Why Opposing US Extradition of Julian Assange Should Matter to UK
*Wise Up Action* | Supporters and activists of all stripes are coming to together calling for the release of the WikiLeaks founder.
Turkey in Syria: #OperationPeaceSpring – Purging Kurds as Religious Duty
*Dr Can Erimtan* | You need to look inside of Turkish politics in order to understand what's behind Ankara's latest foray into Syria.
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