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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.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

15 December - Blogs I'm Following - 5 of 5

My Yahoo! - 1 of 2     2 of 2

10 pm MST

Midnight Meme Of The Day!

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 21 hours ago
*by Noah Sunday Thoughts:* I don't know what this is but I know what it looks like and it makes me extra glad that my parents never sent me to one of those religious camps for the summer. I wonder if the Alabama pastor I wrote about in last Sunday's meme had anything to do with this, or maybe my local Catholic diocese. Damn, and I always felt that just looking at a picture of Rev. Mike Huckabee gave me the creeps!

Of Adrian Chiles

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 21 hours ago
An interesting post from pugnazious at Biased BBC yesterday: Can you remember back to 2015, just before the Tories got their majority, when the BBC was telling us the Party system was broken, there would be no more majority governments…and that was a good thing? LOL. The BBC is so out of touch, its judgements are all coloured by their personal views and opinions, and even when they know something to be true they manage to block it out ala 1984 and Doublethink if it doesn’t fit the narrative….such as Pienaar telling us that the word on the doorstep was that Corbyn was not trusted and... more »

Conversation piece

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 21 hours ago
Notwithstanding the hardcore Corbynista at the start here, this Twitter discussion yesterday struck me as being both civilised and interesting - and worth transcribing: *Tom London*: The BBC trashed its own reputation in this election. At the very least there should be an independent inquiry into the serious allegation of persistent pro-Tory bias. *Sam Bagnall*: Meanwhile in other news Boris Johnson is to review the licence fee. Presumably for perceived anti-Tory bias. Sigh. *Douglas Carswell*: It’s more than any partisan bias, Sam. The BBC’s problem, which affects much of what it ... more »

Caught in the act

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 21 hours ago
You’re home early 🐶😂pic.twitter.com/abRSOck4s4 — CCTV IDIOTS (@cctvidiots) December 14, 2019

Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Saturday 14th December 2019

TonyfromOz at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
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 […]

Trump’s Impeachment Would Mean A Senate Trial. Here’s How That Would Work.

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
By Hans von Spakovsky ~ The vote by the House Judiciary Committee Friday to adopt two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump makes it clear that Democrats are moving full speed ahead on the road to impeachment—regardless of the merits of their accusations or the integrity of their process. But speeding down this road looks like […]

Wind Turbines Traumatizing Animals As Well As People

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
By James Taylor ~ The same wind turbines that are causing reports of severe health harms to people around the world appear to be having a similar or more severe impact on dogs and other animals. This is especially troubling because dogs and other domesticated animals rely on humans for humane living conditions and they […]

Corbyn Is Dumped

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
A Dry Bones Cartoon ~ We were afraid that this antisemite could become Prime Minister of the UK, but the British voters have spoken and Jeremy Corbyn has been tossed onto the “dustbin of history.” Read more by Yaakov Kirschen at Dry Bones . http://drybonesblog.blogspot.com/

"Am I awake or still dreaming?"

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 21 hours ago
Veteran ITN newsreader Alastair Stewart tweeted the following yesterday: I fell asleep in the car on the way back from Cheltenham Races only to wake to BBC Radio 4's *Weekend Woman's Hour*. They discuss the heteronormative, the de-colonising the curriculum, and seeing sex as you see your experience of chocolate croissants....Am I awake or still dreaming? His Twitter friends soon gave him the answer: - *Dan Salt*: Sadly awake. Demonstrates why the BBC is looking at having its license fee changed. - *Mark Challoner*: Welcome to the world in a bubble that is the BBC. - *Cl... more »

“Victory for the People:” Nestlé Bottled Water Privatization Claim Denied by Michigan’s Second Highest Court

Nick Meyer at AltHealthWorks.com - 22 hours ago
The Switzerland-based Nestlé Global corporation is the largest packaged foods entity in the world, but the company has drawn the ire of environmental and water rights activists in recent years because of its controversial water privatization practices. In the year 2000 at the second World Water Forum, Nestlé along with a few other corporations persuaded the council to change access to drinking water from a “human right” to a “human need.” This allowed Nestlé more leeway in acquiring clean drinking water supplies in local municipalities, analysts say, granting them a framework ... more »

Quote of the Day

vonMesser at 'Nox & Friends - 22 hours ago
When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it. ~Clarence Darrow~

Bozzy MCoo

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 22 hours ago
Well, I'll be bum-swizzled. The BBC is rebooting Worzel Gummidge the only way the BBC knows how, these days. Here's a headline from *The Sunday Times *today: *Mackenzie Crook interview: the Worzel Gummidge star on his ‘woke’ BBC1 reboot* Crook’s remake of the beloved TV series has an eco-conscious message. Of course it does. It couldn't just be a bit of fun entertainment for all the family at Christmas, could it? Not if the BBC has anything to do with it.

Stoking Big Climate Business

Hifast at Climate Collections - 22 hours ago
Originally posted on Science Matters: Rupert Darwall writes from Madrid to Real Clear Energy The Business of Climate Change. Excerpts in italics with my bolds. Open image in new tab to enlarge. Details at Follow the money. Saving the planet takes money, and lots of it. Money is both the theme and the subtext of…

China begins debt cancellation programme to make economy fitter for the future

Jane Burgermeister at BIRDFLU666 WORDPRESS BLOG CONTINUES HERE - 22 hours ago
*China's state owned corporations have started a much needed debt cancellation programme.* *https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/chinas-moment-reckoning-arrives-38bn-state-owned-giant-announces-largest-dollar-bond* *Giant Tewoo has started to exchange its bonds with investors accepting a haircut.* *The rating agencies and Zerohedge call the bond exchange a default. * *Seen in more accurate light, it is a form of debt cancellation for the corporation. As a result of lower debt oblihations, Tewoo will have more money for research, new machinery, new products etc and so be more competi... more »

The Future of America's Nuclear-Powered Navy Is More Precipitous Than You Think

Dan Goure at The National Interest - 22 hours ago
*Dan Goure* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/NORTHKOREA-NUCLEAR-JAPAN-RC1B026EC9C0.html] It balances on a single company. *Key Point:* BWXT is important for U.S. national security. There is a tendency for experts and laypeople to think of military platforms and their performance largely in terms of hull forms, airframes and vehicle shells. However, it is often the case that one or more critical systems or even components can be the key to a warship, fighter or combat vehicle’s success in battle. Take the amazing P-51 Mustang, the fighter plane that drov... more »

One Engineering Flaw Sank Imperial Japan's Taiho Aircraft Carrier

Robert Beckhusen at The National Interest - 22 hours ago
*Robert Beckhusen* *Security, * It wasn't supposed to sink like this. *Key Point:* Because Taiho was so heavy, she sat low in the water, and her bottomost hangar deck was almost at the waterline. Six torpedoes from the U.S. Navy submarine USS Albacore headed toward the Japanese aircraft Taiho as she launched her planes on the morning of June 19, 1944 during the fighting on the Philippine Sea — the largest carrier battle in history and the last major Japanese carrier operation. “White bubbles were seen on the surface,” Cmdr. Shioyama Sakuichi later wrote. “Torpedo wakes! The loud... more »

Mortal Enemy? How Does the People's Liberation Army View the United States?

Ian Easton at The National Interest - 22 hours ago
*Ian Easton* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/CHINA-MILITARY--RC1FEE8F0EC0.html] Enemy or adversary? *Key Point:* Internal documents reveal the mindset of the PLA is offensive, specifically against the U.S. In December 2017, the U.S. Government published a new National Security Strategy. This remarkable document referred to the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a "revisionist power" that sought "to shape a world antithetical to U.S. values and interests." One month later, in January 2018, the Pentagon released the unclassified version of its National ... more »

The Third Sunday Of Advent

Menagerie at The Last Refuge - 22 hours ago
Reading 1 Is 35:1-6a, 10 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the … Continue reading →

Tweets For Today

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 22 hours ago
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits northern England to thank newly elected Conservative lawmakers for their successful campaigns and voters for their support. https://t.co/Zn6q5ZGgEd — The Associated Press (@AP) December 14, 2019 VIDEO: Talks on finding a political solution to Mali's deepening crisis begin, hampered by a skeptical opposition and little sign of support on the ground https://t.co/nu44Rp1yRb pic.twitter.com/hnOWgz4bN7 — AFP news agency (@AFP) December 14, 2019 U.N. climate talks in Madrid drag into a second day of extra time, with officials from almost 20... more »

Pilot killed in Mareeba plane crash remembered

Rebeka Powell at Just In - 22 hours ago
The Mayor of Cooktown fondly remembers pilot William Scott-Bloxam, 73, who was one of two people killed when his Angel 44 light plane crashed near Mareeba Aerodrome on Saturday morning.

United States does it again to seal come-from-behind Presidents Cup triumph

Just In - 22 hours ago
The United States wins the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, sealing the biennial event against the International team with a match to spare.

As the boom looms, council to spend millions to keep housing affordable

Susan Standen at Just In - 22 hours ago
The City of Karratha wants to invest up to $35 million of ratepayer funds to boost local housing stock for an expected industrial boom next year.

Australia wins first Test in Perth after NZ's resistance finally crumbles

Dan Colasimone And James Maasdorp at Just In - 22 hours ago
The winning margin is a massive 296 runs in the end but New Zealand's batsmen make Australia's bowlers work hard to close out the first Test in Perth.

Peter Siddle in line for shock Boxing Day recall

Just In - 22 hours ago
Australia coach Justin Langer reveals that Peter Siddle could be in line to replace injured quick Josh Hazlewood for the Boxing Day Test.

Analysis finds low levels of STEC in Norwegian meat

Joe Whitworth at Food Safety News - 23 hours ago
Only two of more than 300 samples of beef and minced meat were positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in Norway, according to a survey. The analysis of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in 308 ground meat products was done by the Veterinary Institute on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). The former... Continue Reading

Picture Of The Day

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacts as he and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds arrive at the Conservative Party's headquarters following the general election in London, December 13. REUTERS/Hannah McKay *WNU Editor:* The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... *UK destined for Brexit as Johnson wins big* (Reuters).

You're Dead: Israel Is Proving That Iranian Troops Are Not Safe In Syria

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Middle East* The Israeli Air Force recently destroyed an IRGC HQ. *Key point:* Israel is stepping up its attacks on Iran in Syria. On November 19, four unguided artillery rockets arced out from Syrian territory into Israeli airspace in northern Galilee in the Golan Heights. These were detected and promptly destroyed by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system. What prompted this ineffectual attack from Iranian forces? Like the Ouroboros, the snake that is forever preoccupied devouring its own tail, the side-show war between Israel and Iranian forces in... more »

Sig Sauer Has Made A Great Pistol For National Medal Of Honor Day

Jared Keller at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Jared Keller* *Security, * A pistol for those who exhibit the nation's highest valor. *Key point:* Sig Sauer is paying tribute to America's Armed Forces in its own way. In May 2018, President Donald Trump awarded retired Navy Master Chief Britt K. Slabinski the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while leading a Joint Task Force during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. Now Sig Sauer is paying tribute in its own way. This past National Medal of Honor Day, the gunmaker unveiled a specially-designed commemorative P226 pistol — the same pistol that SEALs carried under the offic... more »

Trump's New Trade Deal: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Inu Manak, Simon Lester at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Inu Manak, Simon Lester* *Politics, Americas* [image: A U.S. flag is pictured on a truck loaded with merchandise at the freight shipping company Sotelo, which transports goods between Mexico and the United States, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, December 10, 2019. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez] There's a lot of all three in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Yesterday's biggest trade news was that the House Democratic leadership reached a deal with the Trump administration on changes to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was signed by Canada, Mexico and the United States las... more »

Nazi Germany Could Not Have Fought World War II Without Companies Like Volkswagen

Warfare History Network at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Warfare History Network* *Technology, Europe* German industry was critical to the war effort. The Volkswagen, or “People’s Car,” that so many millions have known for more than half a century had its genesis in Nazi Germany. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, who designed the Volkswagen, had to share the concept with none other than Adolf Hitler. And though the Volkswagen may have first been intended for use as a civilian recreational vehicle, it was quickly transformed into three basic military iterations: the Kommandeurswagen (commander’s car), Kubelwagen (bucket car), and Schwimmwagen (am... more »

The Climate Change Crisis Is Officially Here

David Goldberg at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*David Goldberg* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Reducing pollution will help stave off climate change but avoiding the worst effects means taking CO2 out of the atmosphere at large scale. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are higher than at any time in human history, and nine of the warmest years have occurred since 2005. Even with the progress made in introducing alternatives to fossil fuels, gaining energy efficiencies and proposed carbon regulations around the world, avoiding catastrophic impacts on our coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, food, ener... more »

America's Stealth Destroyer Zumwalt is a Deadly Killer

Kris Osborn at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Kris Osborn* *Security, Americas* [image: DDG 1000, the first of the U.S. Navy's Zumwalt Class of multi-mission guided missile destroyers, is pictured at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine November 21, 2013. REUTERS/Joel Page] Watch out. *Key point:* Stealth isn't just for the air. It's a powerful weapon at sea. Navy developers of the new high-tech, stealthy USS Zumwalt destroyer are widening the mission envelope for the ship, exploring new ammunition for its guns and preparing to fire its first missiles next year. The US Navy’s stealthy destroyer will fire an Evolved Sea Sparrow Mi... more »

Belarus to Borrow $500 Million from China; Requested Loan from Russia Contingent upon “Progress on Integration” of Russia & Belarus

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 23 hours ago
Belarus “had sought to borrow about $600 million from Russia, its largest trading partner and ally. Russian Finance Minister Anton … Continue reading →

The Deep Trade & Development Gulf Between Belarus & China

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 23 hours ago
The center today can be the periphery of tomorrow; the center of yesterday may be today’s periphery. From the Charter’97 … Continue reading →

December 15th – 2019 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1060

sundance at The Last Refuge - 23 hours ago
In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and … Continue reading →

Sunday December 15th – Open Thread

sundance at The Last Refuge - 23 hours ago
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those … Continue reading →

ABC News – Testosterone Causes Bush Fires

tonyheller at Real Climate Science - 23 hours ago
Australian taxpayer money is being used to fund this mindless propaganda. Is fragile masculinity the biggest obstacle to climate action? – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

This Week In 1984

tonyheller at Real Climate Science - 23 hours ago
This week in 1984, a massive snowstorm hit the California desert, and a wintertime hurricane formed in the Atlantic. 21 Dec 1984, Page 43 – The Times at Newspapers.com 21 Dec 1984, 9 – The Daily Review at Newspapers.com The … Continue reading →

Blackwater Founder Erik Prince Held Secret Talks With Venezuela's Vice-President

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
Erik Prince arrives for the New York Young Republican Club Gala at the Yale Club of New York City in Manhattan on 7 November 2019. Photograph: Jeenah Moon/Reuters *The Guardian:* *Blackwater founder Erik Prince secretly met Venezuela vice-president* * Prince had plotted using mercenary army to overthrow Maduro * Speculation that Prince could be back channel for White House Erik Prince, founder of the private security firm Blackwater and prominent supporter of Donald Trump, made a secret visit to Venezuela last month and met Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez – one of Nicolás Maduro’s ... more »

Another Point Of View: Lessons for Bernie from Britain 2019

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 1 day ago
*-by Tim Russo* *Yesterday, the Republican wing of the Democratic Party couldn't wait to declare that Corbyn's loss in the U.K. meant that only a right-wing Democrat could beat Trump here. Bloomberg-- an *actual* Republican calling himself a Democrat and trying to buy the Democratic nomination-- called the election results in the U.K. a "catastrophic warning" to Americans. In a swipe at Bernie, he asserted that "Americans want change but I don’t think they want revolutionary change." Status Quo Joe also tried pinning Labor's loss on Bernie and Elizabeth, arguing that Boris Johnson... more »

House Democrats Gave President Trump 'Everything That He Wanted' On The $738 Billion Defense Bill

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
The U.S. Capitol Building is lit at sunset in Washington, U.S., December 20, 2016. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts *Business Insider: **House Democrats gave Trump 'everything he wanted' on a $738 billion defense bill while on the brink of impeaching him* * Progressives in the House are furious that most of their Democratic colleagues voted in favor of a $738 defense bill that excluded provisions aimed at ending US involvement in the Yemen conflict and limiting President Donald Trump's war powers. * The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in a 377 to 48 vote on Wednesday, w... more »

Is The Era Of The B-1 Bomber Coming To An End?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft lands at Avalon Airport, Geelong, Australia, in March 2017. A House Armed Services subcommittee is raising alarms about the dismal state of B-1 readiness, and could order the Air Force to produce a plan to fix it. (Master Sgt. John Gordinier/Air Force) *Popular Mechanics:* *The Aging B-1 Bomber Can No Longer Fly Like It Used To* *The 80s-era bomber may need to cut low-altitude flying due to old age.* * The B-1B Lancer heavy bomber was originally built in the 1980s. * The B-1B was built for low-level flight, flying beneath radars to bomb ... more »

Will masks save us?

David Brin at CONTRARY BRIN - 1 day ago
I'm not gloating, just sad. It turns out the one thing that might save us from the monsters in this looming night... is *light*. Did I tell you so, 22 years ago? No, make that 29 years ago. Ponder *any* aspect of the Putin-centered, Fox-propelled, Saudi/Mercer/Koch-financed Trump fiasco, and ask yourself: *"What if every single secret were exposed?" *Yes, including every secret of every Democrat or pundit or "deep stater." Fair exchange. Why am I confident *which* cabal would dissolve, like vampires under the sun? Because one of them openly raves against every possible type of re... more »

Visitors To Area 51 Have To Wear 'Foggles'

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
Visitors to the base are forced to wear foggles similar to these until inside a secure building *Daily Mail*: *Visitors to secretive military base Area 51 in Nevada have to wear 'foggles' while being escorted on site to protect classified government technology from prying eyes* * Area 51 is America's most secretive, secure military base in the Nevada desert * Visitors to the base are forced to wear foggles until inside a secure building * The frosted eyewear prevents wearers from seeing anything apart from what is directly in from of them and below * Glasses prevent the base from... more »

Thunberg accuses leaders of creative public relations

Keith at musingsofanoldfart - 1 day ago
In an Associated Press article called “Teen activist accuses leaders of ‘creative PR’ at UN climate talks” by Aritz Parra and Frank Jordans, Greta Thunberg did not shy away from calling leaders on the carpet. The activist who was recently … Continue reading →

There Are A Minimum Of 537 Anti-Drone Systems On The Market

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*VICE:** Report on 537 Anti-Drone Systems Shows How Wild the Market Has Become* From jamming rifles to ground installations that fire nets, a new report lays out the expansive Wild West of anti-drone tech. Drones are everywhere. Military drones buzz war zones dropping missiles; surveillance drones hover above neighborhoods, looking for anything out of place; even now, commercial drones hide in holiday wrapping, waiting for excited enthusiasts to fly them in a park. As the market for drones has grown, so too has the market for tools to take them down. There’s jamming rifles, spoo... more »

USTR Releases Summary “Fact Sheet” Outlining U.S-China Phase One Agreement…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 1 day ago
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has released a two-page summary fact sheet [pdf link here] outlining the “Phase-One” agreement in principal. From research into the material the principal agreement appears to be an 86-page document covering nine chapters. The fact … Continue reading →

New Orleans Declares A State Of Emergency After Cyberattack

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*Forbes:* *New Orleans Declares State Of Emergency Following Cyber Attack* The City of New Orleans has suffered a cybersecurity attack serious enough for Mayor LaToya Cantrell to declare a state of emergency. The attack started at 5 a.m. CST on Friday, December 13, according to the City of New Orleans’ emergency preparedness campaign, NOLA Ready, managed by the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. NOLA Ready tweeted that "suspicious activity was detected on the City’s network," and as investigations progressed, "activity indicating a cybersecurity incident was ... more »

RIP, Karla

jurassicpork at Welcome Back to Gotham City - 1 day ago
This is 20 year-old Karla Rodriguez of Framingham, Massachusetts. Last Thursday afternoon at 2, Karla was shot about two miles from my house in Hudson, MA and she died early yesterday morning. She was shot by her ex boyfriend, Luis Santos, who is now in custody and will be arraigned on Monday. Karla was from Puerto Rico, perhaps brought over here by her family because they thought she'd have a chance at a better life. I got this photo off her Facebook page. She left behind a baby boy who will never get to know his mother because she was forever taken from him by an inhuman... more »

Sea Ice Extent (Global Antarctic and Arctic) – Day 347 – 2019

Hifast at Climate Collections - 1 day ago
Originally posted on sunshine hours: South / North

U.S. Secretary Of Defense: Strategic Interest Of U.S. Aligns With India

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper addresses reporters during a media briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 11, 2019.rin Scott / Reuters *NDTV/Press Trust of India:* *Strategic Interest Of US Aligns With India: American Defence Secretary* *"Next week in Washington DC, the United States will host the second ever India two-plus-two ministerial, where we will continue to advance our growing partnership as our strategic interests align," US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said.* Washington: There is an alignment of America's strategic interest with India, US Defence Secre... more »

A Look At The Democratic Education Forum

Peter Greene at CURMUDGUCATION - 1 day ago
After live-tweeting the day, I've worked up a summary, which you'll find over at my Forbes spot. Sorry to bait and switch, but that's where you can find my take on the day... more »

The Confederacy Had A Crazy Plan To Turn The Tide Against The Union (Helicopters)

Michael Peck at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Michael Peck* *Security, Americas* America's first aerial assault. *Key point: *It turns out that a Confederate engineer actually did design a helicopter back in 1862. It’s the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 and Union forces on Cemetery Ridge await the final Confederate assault. But instead of witnessing serried ranks of rebels marching across a mile of open ground into the maws of Yankee cannons, the bluecoat regiments are shocked to hear the thud of rotor blades. It is the the sound of Confederate general George Pickett’s 13,000-strong division landing be... more »

Brexit Bonanza: Is Boris Johnson Ready for His Next Big Win?

Tom Quinn at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Tom Quinn* *Politics, Europe* [image: Reuters] What kind of Brexit will Britain now ‘get done’ now that Boris Johnson is officially steering the country toward the future? The Conservatives’ victory in the UK general election is at once a decisive moment of clarity and a harbinger of uncertainty. Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the election with a pledge to “get Brexit done”, and with his newly-won parliamentary majority, he is now in a position to do just that. The shape of Brexit has already been defined by the withdrawal agreement Johnson negotiated with the EU in Octobe... more »

The New Block V Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Is Making The Navy Even Deadlier

Kris Osborn at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Kris Osborn* *Security, Americas* Bringing massive amounts of firepower closer to enemy targets, conducting clandestine “intel” missions in high threat waters and launching undersea attack and surveillance drones are all anticipated missions for the Navy’s emerging Block V Virginia-class attack submarines. (*Washington D.C*.) Bringing massive amounts of firepower closer to enemy targets, conducting clandestine “intel” missions in high threat waters and launching undersea attack and surveillance drones are all anticipated missions for the Navy’s emerging Block V Virginia-class at... more »

Health alert issued ahead of extreme heatwave in SA, NSW and Victoria

Just In - 1 day ago
With temperatures forecast to reach the high 40s as a heatwave blasts south-eastern parts of the country later this week, authorities in South Australia are warning of the potential health risks.

Customers demand police exhume body of cryptocurrency boss who died without giving anyone his password

Just In - 1 day ago
Lawyers representing the customers who lost money in insolvent cryptocurrency exchange QuadrigaCX demand founder Gerald Cotten's body be exhumed to address what they says are "questionable" circumstances surrounding his death and to confirm he is dead.

Fit for a queen, but not safe from extinction — the push to save the 'working dog' of horses

Larissa Romensky at Just In - 1 day ago
With only five remaining purebred mares in Australia and only a few hundred of the breed left in the world, there's a campaign on to preserve the Cleveland Bay, a horse popular with farmers and royalty alike.

Qantas passengers use emergency slides to evacuate plane at Sydney Airport

Kevin Nguyen at Just In - 1 day ago
Qantas passengers slide down the emergency exits of the plane after a "hydraulic issue" forces a Sydney to Perth flight to return to Sydney Airport.

Morris dancers surprise revellers in Adelaide with an ancient take on socialising

Malcolm Sutton at Just In - 1 day ago
Grown men in top hats dancing about waving handkerchiefs in the air are an unlikely sight in Adelaide's entertainment district, but for members of the Adelaide Morris Men, it is a "fun" night out.

More Australian White Island volcano victims formally identified by police

Just In - 1 day ago
More Australian victims of the White Island volcano eruption are formally identified by NZ Police as a man receiving treatment at a NSW hospital becomes the first to die in Australia.

'You can always make a change': Five years on from the murder of eight children in Murray Street

Sharnie Kim at Just In - 1 day ago
It's the suburban street where one of Australia's worst cases of family violence occurred. Five years on, is it a different place?

The Aboriginal rugby coach who says we need to stop using the term 'Indigenous'

Patrick Galloway at Just In - 1 day ago
Instead of using the "Indigenous" tag, Jarred Hodges called the talent-spotting rugby sevens program "First Nations". And he says it's already making a difference on the field.

Water politics and stocks of MWC, AC, MPIC, DMCI

Bienvenido Oplas Jr at Government and Taxes - 1 day ago
After President Rodrigo Duterte started lashing at the two water concessionaires, Manila Water (owned by Ayala) and Maynilad Water (owned by MPIC, DMCI, a Jap firm) last December 3, the stocks of companies associated with these two concessions suffered significant decline. The declines started December 4. I copy-paste here some data from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) website over the past 15 trading days. The change in average prices from Dec. 3 (before the Duterte outburst) to Dec. 13 (last Friday) for MWC was.... -44.4%, in just eight trading days. 1. Stock average prices, v... more »

The Truth About The Life and Death of Author Jennifer Jaynes

Erin Elizabeth at Health Nut News - 1 day ago
It seems like just yesterday that I “met” Jennifer Jaynes online through the social media platform, Facebook. I remember back in the day when you might make a new friend in college, at the gym or maybe through a family friend, but times have changed and now so often people meet through the the world […] The post The Truth About The Life and Death of Author Jennifer Jaynes appeared first on Health Nut News.

Breaking: Wikileaks releases new OPCW documents on Douma chemical weapons attack

BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:30 A.M.) – Wikileaks has released its third batch of documents about the OPCW’s fact-finding mission in Douma, Syria. In the new leak, Wikileaks releases a memo that reveals that 20 inspectors felt the version “did not reflect views of the team members that deployed Syria.” According to the documents, one paramedic from […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

The Daily Brief 2019-12-13

This is a summary of 24 AMN articles on the following subjects: Hezbollah, Lebanon, Damascus, Syria, Daraa, Aleppo, Kobane, Russia, Turkey, Libya, Kurds, US, Armenia, Nasrallah, INF, Iran, IRGC, Israel, Palestine, Benghazi, Haftar, Tripoli, Jawf, Yemen, Idlib. Categories covered in this brief: Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, North-Africa, World-News, Iran, Middleeast, Palestine, Yemen Let us know how […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

On The Limitations Of Free Market System

Unknown at The Verma Report - 1 day ago
A free market system can facilitate the rise of large business houses and make it easier for the people to find better employment and procure goods and services at competitive prices, but it cannot make us more wise, rational, peaceful, or civilized. A nation with a free market system can be as unreasonable and nihilistic as a nation with backward economy. No power can coerce the big business houses which thrive under a free market system to use their economic power for moral purposes. The problem is that no one knows what purposes are moral. The free markets will solve a few economi... more »

China Is Not As Strong As Many In The West Like To Believe It Is

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during a high-level event in the Assembly Hall at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, January 18, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse Milton Ezrati, National Interest: *No, China Is Not as Strong as It Seems* *Despite commentary to the contrary, Beijing's success isn't perfect or unstoppable.* American opinion has moved away from its once-benign view of China. That older view, still favored by many business people, held that a prosperous China would threaten its neighbors less than a poor China, and anyway would ... more »

We wish Jew a merry Xmas

nonnie9999 at HYSTERICAL RAISINS - 1 day ago
From mxdwn: It’s kinda sad that there are so few Hanukkah specials out there. There are, of course, some great ones to choose from like the The Rugrats Hanukkah episodes, the Even Stevens Hanukkah special, or even An American Tale. And yes, if you wanted to, … Continue reading →

Victor Davis Hanson Looks At Big Picture: President Trump Undoing Progressive Agenda….

sundance at The Last Refuge - 1 day ago
Deep and compelling discussion between Victor Davis Hanson and Epoch Times’ Jan Jekielek about President Trump, his effectiveness, and an overall era of apoplexy amid the left as President Trump deconstructs the progressive agenda. It’s an hour long interview that … Continue reading →

WATCH: The Global Climate Ghetto – The Environmental Crisis from the Perspective of the Global South

Wrong Kind of Green at Wrong Kind of Green - 1 day ago
"And the third group, are the anti-ecological environmentalists. They who love trees, forests and organic food, but find no inconsistency between their environmentalist ideology and discrimination, racism and colonialism." The post WATCH: The Global Climate Ghetto – The Environmental Crisis from the Perspective of the Global South appeared first on Wrong Kind of Green.

Man Steals Speech From Alleged Political Enemy

Rob Slane at 1 day ago
I was most amused to listen to Boris Johnson’s victory speech on Friday morning. I listened as he talked about a new dawn; about being humbled that people who had never voted for his party had put their trust in him; about getting support from all parts of the country; about the heavy responsibility this has brought; about not letting people down; about the need for change and the need to deliver change; about having been given a historic mandate; about […]

China's Two New Stealth Bombers Are Bad News For America

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, Asia* And the U.S. military has taken notice. *Key point: *China’s two next-generation fighters appear to be separated by years of R&D work. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is developing not one, but two stealth bombers, according to a Defense Intelligence Agency report published earlier this year. A steady stream of details has emerged concerning one of them-- the H-20 is a long-distance flying wing stealth bomber, with a robust electronic countermeasures (ECM) package and sensor fusion integration. Nevertheless, Chinese defens... more »

Artificial Intelligence Is Going To Make America's F-35 and B-2 Even Stronger

Kris Osborn at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Kris Osborn* *Technology, Americas* The future is now. *Key point:* ​Faster, more capable processors will enable the aircraft’s avionics, radar, sensors and communications technologies to better identify and attack enemy targets. (Washington, D.C.) Fighter jets will control attack drones from the cockpit, bombers will avert air defenses and real-time intelligence data will be available to attacking forces more quickly -- all due to new iterations of fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence technologies. Faster computer processors, AI-infused algorithms able to merge or “fuse” sen... more »

U.S. Secretary Of Defense Esper: China Has Become Top US Military Priority. Russia Is Number Two

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*SCMP:* *Pentagon head says China has become top US military priority, moving past Russia* * US Defence Secretary Mark Esper says Beijing is ‘asserting illegitimate maritime claims’ and ‘threatening its neighbours' sovereignty’ in South China Sea * ‘Beijing and Moscow are not only violating the sovereignty of smaller states, they are also attempting to undermine international laws,” he said. Even as US and Chinese officials were reducing global economic tensions on Friday by confirming they had reached a “phase one” trade deal, the top US military official said that the Pentagon h... more »

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