Fair Use Note

WARNING for European visitors: European Union laws require you to give European Union visitors information about cookies used on your blog. In many cases, these laws also require you to obtain consent. As a courtesy, we have added a notice on your blog to explain Google's use of certain Blogger and Google cookies, including use of Google Analytics and AdSense cookies. You are responsible for confirming this notice actually works for your blog, and that it displays. If you employ other cookies, for example by adding third party features, this notice may not work for you. Learn more about this notice and your responsibilities.

Thomas Paine

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

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

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

10 pm MST

Bridge in Florianópolis Reopens After a 30-year Interdiction

Iolanda Fonseca at The Rio Times - 21 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Interdicted since July 1991 due to the structure's risk of collapse, the Hercílio Luz Bridge, which connects Florianópolis (SC) to the mainland, was reopened yesterday, December 30th, for pedestrians and cyclists. With displays by local artists and other attractions, the partial reopening of the famous Santa Catarina postcard attracted thousands […] The post Bridge in Florianópolis Reopens After a 30-year Interdiction appeared first on The Rio Times.

Market Tests Real Estate Funds on Brazil’s Residential Rentals

Iolanda Fonseca at The Rio Times - 21 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The real estate investment fund (REIF) industry saw the launch in December of two funds specializing in residential real estate for rental. The initiative is a novelty in the sector, traditionally based on corporate real estate - such as corporate buildings, shopping malls, and logistics warehouses - in addition to […] The post Market Tests Real Estate Funds on Brazil’s Residential Rentals appeared first on The Rio Times.

Santa Catarina State has the Best Sea Water Quality in Brazil

Adele Cardin at The Rio Times - 21 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - If for years on end the State was already regarded as the best in the country to spend the holidays, the latest news should attract even more tourists: according to the Blue Flag Program, the beaches of Santa Catarina boast the best quality of all the Brazilian coastline. In all, no […] The post Santa Catarina State has the Best Sea Water Quality in Brazil appeared first on The Rio Times.

Brazilian Cotton Exports Break Record in the Midst of Trade war

Richard Mann at The Rio Times - 21 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Brazilian cotton exports rose 42 percent in a record season driven by China, which decided on Brazil's products before the trade war with the United States. In addition to the trade dispute, the exchange rate was also a significant factor. The Brazilian Real lost close to nine percent against the […] The post Brazilian Cotton Exports Break Record in the Midst of Trade war appeared first on The Rio Times.

Brazil’s Small Retailers Disprove High Christmas Mall Sales: “Fake News”

Arkady Petrov at The Rio Times - 21 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The announcement of sharp growth in sales in shopping malls during Christmas displeased some retailers, who claim not to feel represented by these figures, revealing a feud in the sector. The Brazilian Association of Satellite Retailers (ABLOS) forwarded a press release stating that it "contests and repudiates" the data published […] The post Brazil’s Small Retailers Disprove High Christmas Mall Sales: “Fake News” appeared first on The Rio Times.

Midnight Meme Of The Day!

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 21 hours ago
*by Noah* In fact, no matter how many flushes it takes, a whole reservoir if necessary. Of course, a vat of lye for a tub of lies might be more practical.

Could the Marine Corps Kill Ships With Rockets? Maybe—If the F-35 Helps

David Axe at The National Interest - 21 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, Americas* [image: A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, takes part in a training fire mission in Texas in 2013 before its Afghanistan deployment.] A killer duo. *Key Point:* The Marines are considering adding an anti-ship missile to the HIMARS. It would need targeting data, but the F-35 can deliver. The U.S. Marine Corps recently proved that an F-35 stealth fighter can pass targeting data to a ground-based rocket launcher. The test, which took place in Yuma, Arizona sometime prior to... more »

Despite Intense Media Disinformation Zogby Poll Shows President Trump Beating all Dem Candidates…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 21 hours ago
The scale of media involvement in the 2020 election will likely be the most massively biased propaganda effort in the history of U.S. media manipulation. Together will the big tech effort from control operative over social media the scale of … Continue reading →

Former House Oversight Chairman Trey Gowdy Discusses Impeachment Outlook…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 21 hours ago
Former representative Trey Gowdy appears on Fox News for a discussion of the current impeachment process and his outlook for the Senate trial. Mr. Gowdy spent some time with President Trump last weekend, but states he will not be part … Continue reading →

Coming to a Boyle

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 22 hours ago
If you missed *Frankie Boyle's New World Order: 2019 *here's a selection of the jokes: - Donald Trump will be running in 2020, sadly not from a pack of dogs. - Boris Johnson: a man who looks like Hitler's DNA had been injected into a panna cotta. - [On Prince Andrew]: The rapist formerly known as Prince. Twitter has divided between those who say Frankie's no longer funny and those who say that those saying Frankie's no longer funny are a bunch of right-wing snowflakes. I'm sure the BBC will be commissioning another series from him in 2020. Happy New Year!

Quote of the Day

vonMesser at 'Nox & Friends - 22 hours ago

Tweets For Today

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 22 hours ago
President Donald Trump's order for airstrikes on a Tehran-backed Iraqi militia group, after resisting retaliating against Iran for months, sent a clear message Sunday that killing Americans was his red line https://t.co/dnhJ5pP9TI — AFP news agency (@AFP) December 31, 2019 Will North Korea fire missiles at U.S. bases? Will Vietnam take legal action against China? Here are some of Asia's biggest risk factors in 2020. https://t.co/ZhrdjkHA9m — Nikkei Asian Review (@NAR) December 31, 2019 Will North Korea fire missiles at U.S. bases? Will Vietnam take legal action against China? H... more »

Meet The Top Five Deadliest Rifles For Infantry Warfare

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 22 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * [image: FUSIL D'ASSAUT FAMAS FELIN 4 May 2008. Pistoufinaire] Bang! *Key Point:* A new type of modern warfare requires a new type of infantry weapon. Warfare in the post-9/11 period is primarily infantry-focused, with ground troops taking part in small-unit actions against insurgents and guerrillas. Fought on a wide variety of terrain, from arid desert regions to jungles and even cities, infantrymen have relied on their service rifles to get the mission done. Here are five of the best weapons, and how the wars of the twenty-first century changed them... more »

Can the Littoral Combat Ship Kill Torpedos?

Kris Osborn at The National Interest - 22 hours ago
*Kris Osborn* *Security, Americas* [image: USS Jackson (LCS-6), an Independence-class littoral combat ship, is seen leaving San Diego, California, U.S., June 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake] It's not as crazy as it sounds. *Key Point:* Without help from larger ships, the Littoral Combat Ship needs to protect itself. The Navy is advancing plans to arm is Littoral Combat Ship with an emerging ship defense soft-kill countermeasure able to identify, track and destroy incoming enemy torpedo fire, Navy officials said. The service plans to outfit its entire LCS fleet with the AN/SLQ-61 Li... more »

Like Hunting? Check Out One Of 2019's Most Impressive .22 Rifles

Gun News Daily at The National Interest - 22 hours ago
*Gun News Daily* *Technology, Americas* More people use .22 rifles on a daily basis than any other type of gun, from everything for teaching your son how to shoot to bagging squirrels for the pot. *Key Point:* For those who take their hunting more seriously, it is worth investing a bit more money to get a gun that will maximize your effectiveness. The question of what is the best .22 rifle is one of those perennial debates that never goes away. Though the humble .22 is often eclipsed by “full-sized” rifles on many review sites and blogs, the truth is that rimfire .22 ammunition... more »

A Major Bank Admits QE4 Has Started, And That Stocks Are Rising Because Of The Fed’s Soaring Balance Sheet

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 22 hours ago
A Major Bank Admits QE4 Has Started, And That Stocks Are Rising Because Of The Fed’s Soaring Balance Sheet by Tyler Durden, https://www.zerohedge.com/ There was a period of about two months when some of the more confused, Fed sycophantic elements, would parrot everything Powell would say regarding the recently launched $60 billion in monthly purchases …

US Airstrikes Are a Violation of Sovereignty, Will Have ‘Grave Consequences’ – Iraqi Prime Minister

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 22 hours ago
US Airstrikes Are a Violation of Sovereignty, Will Have ‘Grave Consequences’ – Iraqi Prime Minister by https://www.rt.com/ Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has condemned US airstrikes on what he claims were “Iraqi armed forces,” saying that such attacks will have “grave consequences.” – On Sunday, US F-15 fighter jets struck three Kataib Hezbollah targets …

December 31st – 2019 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1076

sundance at The Last Refuge - 22 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 →

Tuesday December 31st – Open Thread

sundance at The Last Refuge - 22 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 →

Patriot Humor – Readers’ Choice: Best Cartoons And Memes For 2019

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 22 hours ago
1. California2. LeBron James3. Stooges4. Megan Rapinoe and Melissa Stockwell5. Breaking News6. Socialism7. Concentration Camp8. Media9. Sucking10. Pork Cartoons Read more excellent articles at The Patriot Post

Climate Alarmist Banks Go Carbon-Colonialist

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 22 hours ago
By Paul Driessen and David Wojick, Ph.D. ~ Africa has the world’s lowest electrification rate. Its power consumption per capita is just 613 kilowatt-hours per year, compared to 6,500 kWh in Europe and 13,000 in the United States, African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina observed in July 2017. That’s 9.4% of EU and 4.7% […]

Reflections

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 22 hours ago
Reflecting on his guest editorship of the *Today *programme, Charles Moore says that though he enjoyed it and found the staff "who do the basic work" charming and helpful, he can't help feeling "a little envious of the reverential treatment accorded to Greta Thunberg when she filled the same spot". He continues to find the BBC bureaucracy "astonishing". He tried to get Roger Harrabin to interview two 'climate sceptics', and he tried to get Lord Hall to come on to account for "how they had got Brexit so wrong, and why they have becomes preachers for wokery", and he tried to get Jo... more »

Fighting fires with fire

Viv Forbes at CCG - 22 hours ago
Media Release — Holiday reading The Power of the Torch There can be few if any races who for so … Continue Reading →

Picture Of The Day

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
People watch confetti as it's thrown from the Hard Rock Cafe marquee as part of the annual confetti test ahead of the New Year's Eve ball-drop celebrations in Times Square in New York City. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon *WNU Editor: *The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... *Editor's Choice Pictures* (Reuters).

Russia, China, And The US’ Integration Models Aren’t Mutually Exclusive

Andrew KORYBKO at OrientalReview.org - 23 hours ago
Russia, China, and the US are each promoting three separate integration models emphasizing conservatism, connectivity, and competitiveness, respectively, but each of their defining characteristics don’t make them mutually exclusive of one another, and it would be to the benefit of every country that they incorporate parts of all three as […]

Did Blackwater Founder Erik Prince Violate US Sanctions On Venezuerla?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
Erik Prince testifies before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on security contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 2, 2007. REUTERS/Larry Downing *The Hill*:* US officials say Erik Prince may have violated Venezuela sanctions: report* Blackwater founder Erik Prince may have evaded U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, two senior U.S. officials reportedly said Monday. The unnamed officials told The Associated Press that Prince, the brother of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, had been referred to the Treasury Department over a meeting i... more »

Cooler NH SSTs in November

Ron Clutz at Science Matters - 23 hours ago
The best context for understanding decadal temperature changes comes from the world’s sea surface temperatures (SST), for several reasons: The ocean covers 71% of the globe and drives average temperatures; SSTs have a constant water content, (unlike air temperatures), so give a better reading of heat content variations; A major El Nino was the dominant […]

Lockheed Martin Delivered 134 F-35 Jets In 2019

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
*F-35* *Reuters:* *Lockheed Martin hits 2019 F-35 delivery target of 131 jets* Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) said on Monday it has reached its 2019 target to deliver 131 F-35 fighter jets to the United States and its allies, as the defense contractor built 47% more jets this year. The world’s largest defense contractor delivered a total of 134 of the stealthy jets this year and aims to deliver 141 F-35s in 2020. The most common variation of the jet, the F-35A, now costs $77.9 million, beating its goal of lowering the price to below $80 million a year earlier than expected. *Read ... more »

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He To Visit Washington To Sign Phase One Of Trade Deal With U.S.

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
*SCMP: **Trade war: China’s top negotiator Liu He to visit US for phase one deal signing this week, source says* * Vice-Premier Liu He has accepted an invitation to lead a delegation to the US from this Saturday, a source briefed on the matter told the Post * US trade representative Robert Lighthizer previously said phase one trade deal would be signed in the first week of January Vice-Premier Liu He is set to lead a delegation to Washington this Saturday, where he is expected to sign a phase one deal that would significantly de-escalate the US-China trade war, a source briefed on ... more »

Wikileaks: CIA Is Able To Restrict The Use Missiles To A Specific Region

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* *Reuters:* *CIA devised way to restrict missiles given to allies, researcher says* LEIPZIG, Germany (Reuters) - The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has devised technology to restrict the use of anti-aircraft missiles after they leave American hands, a researcher said, a move that experts say could persuade the United States that it would be safe to disseminate powerful weapons more frequently. The new technology is intended for use with shoulder-fired missiles called Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS), Dutch researcher Jos Wetzels told a cy... more »

Eight Simple Yoga Postures That Help Tone the Body and Accelerate Weight Loss

Nick Meyer at AltHealthWorks.com - 23 hours ago
Guest Post by Vivek Roy SattvaYogaAcademy.com Many of us consider that Yoga is an exercise to calm the mind and to give good body posture. If yoga is performed with discipline and full-concentration, it can help in reducing weight and to stay fit. Indeed, yoga burns fewer calories compared to high-intense exercises. However, if some yoga postures are performed at a medium to high pace, it will burn more calories, unlike other workouts. Likewise, yoga also reduces stress levels which is the underlying reason for many people’s weight gain. If yoga practiced daily, it will make you fr... more »

Don't Sweat Stealth Fighters: The F-15, F-16 and Su-27 Aren't Going Anywhere

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, * You'll still see them for awhile. *Key Point:* Fourth-generation fighters will still have a place in a fifth-generation world—for some countries, at least. As Russian and China’s 5th generation stealth fighters are nearing completion, some people are wondering how long much longer 4th generation fighters such as the F-16, F-15, Su-27, and MiG-29 are going to stick around. But if earlier trends are to be believed, these “old” fighters may continue to serve into the 2040s or longer. The major reason why 4th generation fighters are likely to stick around ... more »

Air Force Special Operations Are Ready To Take On A 'Major Power'

Kris Osborn at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Kris Osborn* *Security, Americas* [image: An AC-130H gunship from the 16th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida, jettisons flares as an infrared countermeasure during multi-gunship formation egress training on August 24, 2007.] Who is the next big enemy? *Key Point:* America's enemies should watch out. Attacking enemy fighters in close-air-support aircraft, using ground-based laser designators to “paint” targets for aircraft and training friendly forces for the rigors of high-casualty close-in combat -- are all US Air Force Special Operations Force skills teste... more »

Here's the Top Five Deadliest Weapons in Israel's Arsenal

Robert Farley at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Robert Farley* *Security, Middle East* [image: An Israeli special forces member looks on during a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel (not pictured) to a military K-9 unit training site at an army base near Tel Aviv April 23, 2013. REUTERS/Jim Watson/Pool] The Israeli soldier is one of them. *Key Point:* Every part of Israel's military is designed to make it an invincible state. Since 1948, the state of Israel has fielded a frighteningly effective military machine. Built on a foundation of pre-independence militias, supplied with cast-off World War II weapons, the Israe... more »

USDA inspection team returning to Brazil to check on promised corrections

News Desk at Food Safety News - 23 hours ago
Brazil is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on corrective actions the South American country must take to keep its food safety equivalent to that of the United States. Staff from FSIS conducted an on-site verification audit of Brazil’s meat inspection system from June 10 through June 28,... Continue Reading

South African Listeria outbreak impacted food choices of students

News Desk at Food Safety News - 23 hours ago
The Listeria outbreak linked to a brand of polony in South Africa had a negative impact on student’s consumption patterns of cold meat, according to researchers. The study analyzed the effect of the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak on consumption patterns of processed cold meat products by students at North West University, Mmabatho South Africa. The 2017-2018... Continue Reading

In the mid 1940’s global powers made the decision to intervene in Earth’s climate and life support systems – without your consent (Geoengineering Watch)

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 23 hours ago
From geoengineeringwatch.org In the mid 1940’s global powers made the decision to intervene in Earth’s climate and life support systems without the knowledge or consent of populations. The weather makers tell us their programs are a form of mitigation for global warming, but is this the truth? Is climate engineering / solar radiation management helping … Continue reading In the mid 1940’s global powers made the decision to intervene in Earth’s climate and life support systems – without your consent (Geoengineering Watch) →

Rex 84: FEMA’s Blueprint for Martial Law in America

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 23 hours ago
Originally posted on Counter Information: By Allen L Roland Global Research, December 30, 2019 Salon.com Blogs and Global Research 20 August 2006 Note to readers: please click the share buttons above This incisive article on the repeal of civil liberties and freedom of speech in America was first published by Global Research in August 2006, It…

Fit 72 year old personal trainer gets flu shot, becomes paralyzed and is put on a ventilator

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 23 hours ago
Bob Sinclair shared a link with me regarding his experience following the flu shot. Be warned. Listen here to an interview on Self Discovery Media with Sarah Troy. Sara Troy SUBSCRIBE Bob says “I have been Crusading for 6 years for a ‘No Fault Compensation Program’ for people who have been injured or have died … Continue reading Fit 72 year old personal trainer gets flu shot, becomes paralyzed and is put on a ventilator →

5G: The Dominoes Are Starting to Fall

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 23 hours ago
Originally posted on Counter Information: By Claire Edwards Global Research, April 17, 2019 Take Back Your Power 15 April 2019 Long-time United Nations staff member Claire Edwards summarizes worldwide developments in the 5G situation. While still far from a victory claim, there is much to be hopeful about as millions around the world deepen involvement and take…

5G Cell Phone Radiation: How the Telecom Companies Are Losing the Battle to Impose 5G Against the Will of the People

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 23 hours ago
Originally posted on Counter Information: By Claire Edwards Global Research, December 30, 2019 The Dangers of 5G to Children’s Health The original source of this article is Global Research Copyright © Claire Edwards, Global Research, 2019 https://www.globalresearch.ca/telcos-losing-battle-impose-5g/5691065

The Iowa Caucuses Are February 3rd— Very Soon

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 1 day ago
Every week I’m on the radio with David Feldman and every week I try to explain why Iowa just cannot be accurately polled. The idea of Mayo Pete winning the caucuses is patently absurd, even if the RealClearPolitics polling average-- based on polls that are all over the map and far from showing any kind of consensus-- show him ahead: *•* Mayo- 22.0% *•* Bernie- 20.0% *•* Status Quo Joe- 18.8% *•* Elizabeth- 16.0% *•* Klobuchar- 6.3% *•* Booker- 2.8% *•* Steyer- 2.5% *•* Yang- 2.3% *•* Tulsi- 2.0% *•* Bloomberg- 1.3% On Saturday, Harry Enten reported for CNN.com readers that Iowa, i... more »

31/01 2020 Weather Mystery

Louis Hissink at Louis Hissink's Crazy World - 1 day ago
This is a note for the record. I was abruptly woken up the morning of 31 Dec and learnt of the emergency evacuation of the local area due bush fires. I did not sleep well and sense a low frequency … Continue reading →

W.O.O.D. – 31 December 2019 – The End Of The Year As We Know It

E.M.Smith at Musings from the Chiefio - 1 day ago
W.O.O.D. Weekly Occasional Open Discussion for the Bitter End Of 2019 Continue reading →

'A devastating year': North-west Victoria records lowest-ever rainfall totals

Sean Wales And Angus Verley at Just In - 1 day ago
With the previous record low smashed, farmers in parts of the parched Mallee and Millewa regions have experienced back-to-back failed harvests.

Sydney mum describes running for her life with her kids as bushfire closed in

Michael Walsh at Just In - 1 day ago
A Sydney mother describes how she and her children were forced to flee on foot through the bush as a fast-moving bushfire closed in on the wooden holiday house they were renting.

Woman dead, man fighting for life after Yarraville shooting

Just In - 1 day ago
A woman is dead, a man is critically injured and another man is in hospital under police guard after a shooting in Melbourne's inner west.

Widow erects road signs at Palmerville Station in bid to find murdered husband's remains

Kristy Sexton-McGrath at Just In - 1 day ago
A widow has erected huge road signs in a bid to find her husband's remains, more than seven years after he was murdered while gold prospecting in far north Queensland.

'We've got no water left so we weren't able to defend,' says local after blaze engulfs NSW town

Niki Burnside And Victoria Pengilley at Just In - 1 day ago
Two people are dead and the main street of the Bega Valley town of Cobargo is in ruins after being hit early this morning by an out-of-control bushfire.

Could Darwin fishos lose one of their best local fishing spots in Little Mindil land sale?

Matt Garrick at Just In - 1 day ago
Darwin alderman Andrew Arthur says "people will be distraught" and guarantees protests will take place if the impending sale of Little Mindil results in the loss of public access to the land.

'When will this nightmare end?': Inside Mallacoota's bushfire 'apocalypse'

Just In - 1 day ago
Residents and holidaymakers in Mallacoota in Victoria's far east describe the sky turning from pitch black to blazing red as fire raced towards the seaside town.

Man loses hand, breaks leg in blast while making rockets at home

George Roberts at Just In - 1 day ago
A Brisbane man has blown his hand off while mixing chemicals for homemade rockets, possibly to entertain his young son who was also home at the time, police say.

Suspicious blaze comes close to SA campground but Cudlee Creek fire contained

Just In - 1 day ago
South Australia's deadly Cudlee Creek blaze is declared as contained more than 11 days after breaking out, but other fires are still burning, sending smoke across Adelaide.

Video

Robert Reich - 1 day ago

Russia's Cold War MiG-31 Super Interceptor Is Getting Upgrades To Serve Through The 2030s

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Europe* The MiG-31 is the standard long-range interceptor of the Russian Air Force. *Key point:* While the Su-57 is fast, it does represent a step backward in speed compared to the MiG-31. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union’ s Air Defense Forces (VPVO) needed a series of heavy interceptors to patrol its massive borders. Most regular “light” fighters like the early MiGs were not up to the task, as they lacked the range and speed to intercept to rapidly climb and intercept supersonic American bombers, who were expected to zoom over the Arctic to drop bo... more »

Bring Back Battleships? The Deadliest Naval Weapon Could Make a Comeback

Robert Farley at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Robert Farley* *Security, * [image: A British battleship that survived World War Two, the HMS Belfast, recreates the moment the first guns were fired in Normandy on June 6, 1944, marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in London, Britain June 6, 2019. REUTERS/Simon Dawson] Or not. Read on. *Key Point:* Ships of the line aren't coming back, but big survivable platforms are still necessary. Is it time to bring back the battleship? For decades, naval architects have concentrated on building ships that, by the standards of the World Wars, are remarkably brittle. These ships can de... more »

How the Glock 19 Pistol Changed the Gun Industry Forever

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Charlie Gao* *Technology, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/FRANCE-SECURITY-MILIPOL-RC2GED9YLOUG.html] This popular gun shifted the whole landscape. *Key point:* The Glock 19 contributed to several trends in gun manufacturing. The Glock 19 is one of the most popular guns on the planet. Police, militaries, and paramilitaries on almost every continent carry them daily. As a result, the Glock 19’s design has heavily influenced designers at competing firms. Here are some ways the Glock 19 has been influential on the firearms market. *1. Size:* While originally bille... more »

Does Russia Really Have A 100 Megaton Nuclear Torpedo Called Status-6?

Steve Weintz at The National Interest - 1 day ago
*Steve Weintz* *Security, Russia* [image: A Russian Navy's submarine arrives for the Chinese-Russian joint naval exercise at Dagang port, in Qingdao, Shandong province, China April 29, 2019. Picture taken April 29, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer] The Pentagon thinks so. *Key Point:* Russia has resurrected a crazy plan from the Cold War. On November 10, 2015, Russian media accidentally-on-purpose revealed a glimpse into the Kremlin's new underwater weapon—the "Kanyon" or Status-6 nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed drone. Since then the debate swirling around the device, such as whether it is... more »

Raped and Locked in Cages – Former Massachusetts Foster Children Sue for $40 Million

AdminM at Health Impact News - 1 day ago
Local media in Massachusetts is reporting that four former foster children have filed a $40 million lawsuit against foster parents Susan and Raymond Blouin in Oxford Massachusetts. The Telegram & Gazette report: "Four former foster children who say they were sexually and physically abused inside the Oxford foster home of Susan and Raymond Blouin are suing the couple and the state for millions. In a 73-page lawsuit that lists damages in excess of $40 million, the former children say the Blouin home at 7 Pleasant Court was a 'house of horrors' for more than a decade." WCVB ABC 5 and r... more »

Important Discussion – Col Douglas Macgregor Has Suspicions About Pompeo, Esper and Milley…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 1 day ago
Well, well, well…. we are not alone in our suspicions of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley. Tonight Col Douglas Macgregor outlines his own suspicions about the U.S. military … Continue reading →

The Daily Brief 2019-12-29

This is a summary of 21 AMN articles on the following subjects: Baghdad, Iraq, Syria, Putin, Russia, Trump, US, EU, Hezbollah, Lebanon, China, Iran, Libya, Tripoli, Salaheddine, Qatar, Turkey, Yemen, Idlib, Israel, Jordan, Deir_Ezzor, Homs, ISIS. Categories covered in this brief: Iraq, Syria, World-News, Lebanon, Iran, North-Africa, Turkey, Yemen, Middleeast Let us know how you […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Turkey has transferred ISIS and Al-Qaeda terrorists to Libya: LNA spox.

BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:30 P.M.) – Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari, a spokesman for the Libyan National Army, said that hundreds of terrorists affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda had been transferred from Syria to Libya during the past days via Turkey. Al-Mismari said during a press conference on Monday that “Ankara transferred terrorists of various nationalities” to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

New photo surfaces of Syrian militants in Libya

BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:00 P.M.) – A new photo of Turkish-backed Syrian militants in Libya has surfaced on the social media platform Twitter this week amid reports of hundreds of Syrian National Army (SNA) fighters deploying to the North African nation. In a photo released on Monday, five Syrian militants were photographed near an airplane in […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

China seeks to challenge US naval dominance with new warships

China reportedly launched an additional Type 055 destroyer and a Type 052D destroyer right before the year draws to an end, a move Chinese experts called on Sunday an astounding achievement in shipbuilding, as they expect the ships to enter military service in two years. Fully dressed, the two ships left a flooded dockyard and […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Trangia Mini – A Caution And A Fire Story

E.M.Smith at Musings from the Chiefio - 1 day ago
Don't overheat your Trangia Mini or the thermal feedback can lead to a kind of thermal runaway. Continue reading →

Raped and Locked in Cages – Former Massachusetts Foster Children Sue for $40 Million

Admin at Medical Kidnap - 1 day ago
Local media in Massachusetts is reporting that four former foster children have filed a $40 million lawsuit against foster parents Susan and Raymond Blouin in Oxford Massachusetts. The Telegram & Gazette report: "Four former foster children who say they were sexually and physically abused inside the Oxford foster home of Susan and Raymond Blouin are suing the couple and the state for millions. In a 73-page lawsuit that lists damages in excess of $40 million, the former children say the Blouin home at 7 Pleasant Court was a 'house of horrors' for more than a decade." WCVB ABC 5 and r... more »

Gold Price Soars, US Dollar Dives… What’s Next?

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 1 day ago
If the gold price is allowed to surge spectacularly, the banks manipulating the gold price will go bankrupt over night. The only way for them to get out of their losing positions is for the US government to revalue the price of gold overnight. They, can then declare force majeur. – RT America Global gold …

US Looking for Any Excuse to Invade Iran: Ex-Pentagon Official

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 1 day ago
The plan is to use Zionist ‘666’ Israel, the Satanic counterfeit, to attack Iran. America will have its hands full engaging Russia and China. – RT America US jets bombed five sites across Iraq and Syria on Sunday, targeting the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, officially in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor …

Bombing Spree: US Targets Iraq, Syria & Somalia

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 1 day ago
None of these countries attacked America. Nor are they a threat to America. So why is America waging war against them? – RT America The US has bombed three countries in the past 24 hours. Why? RT America correspondent Rachel Blevins reports. end

US ‘Capitalizes’ on Iran’s Civil Unrest After ‘Causing It’ in the First Place

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 1 day ago
RT It’s been a turbulent year for Iran and that area as a whole, marked by tough sanctions and the seizure of tankers. end