10:00 pm MST
Syrian Army plans to block Turkey’s attempts to expand into Deir Ezzor – report
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:00 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is planning to block Turkey’s attempt to expand deep into the Euphrates River Valley, a military source told Al-Masdar News this afternoon. According to the source in Damascus, the Syrian government is currently negotiating with the Syrian Democratic Council in order to potentially install military […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Large demonstration held in Beirut over poor living conditions in Lebanon
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:00 P.M.) – A large demonstration was held this morning in the capital city of Beirut as hundreds of people protested the poor living conditions inside the country. The demonstration began at Martyrs Square in Beirut and eventually spread to Riad Al-Solh Square in the city’s downtown area. Many demonstrators have been motivated […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
War of words: Turkish FM calls Netanyahu ‘cold-blooded killer’
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu took to Twitter to accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being responsible for the killing of thousands of Palestinians. The occupier which kicks people lying on the ground is easily offended: @netanyahu is a cold-blooded killer of modern times, responsible for massacres of thousands of innocent Palestinians, bombing children on beaches. Turkey will never stop […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Breaking: Another large stockpile of US, Israeli-made weapons seized in southern Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:30 P.M.) – The Syrian military seized another large stockpile of weapons that were left behind by the rebels and their jihadist allies in southern Syria today. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the Syrian military found a ‘huge’ amounts weapons, some of which were manufactured in Israeli and the U.S., […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Israeli commander says IDF operations to continue against Iran, Hezbollah in Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:15 P.M.) – The Chief of Staff for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Gadi Eizenkot, said on Sunday that Israel would continue their operations against Hezbollah and Iran inside Syria, I24News reported. Referring to the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, Eizenkot said that this will not have much of an affect on their operations, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
France made no promises to remain in Syria: report
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 P.M.) – The co-leader of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), Riyad Daraar, told BasNews this week that France made no promises to him about their future inside Syria. “Riyadh Daraar, a co-leader of the Syrian Democratic Council (the political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces), told BasNews that the French, alike the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US-made missiles seized by Syrian Army in southwest Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) reportedly seized a large cache of weapons that were left behind by the jihadist rebels in the southwestern region of Syria. According to a report from the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the military not only seized a large cache of weapons, but also, Israeli-made […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Russia denies link between US decision to leave Syria and new agreements with Iran
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:40 A.M.) – The spokesperson for the Russian President, Dmitri Peskov, said that the U.S.’ decision to leave Syria had nothing to do with the recent agreements with Iran and Hezbollah. Peskov said that the U.S.’ decision to leave Syria was independent of Russia, adding that there were no talks with Washington about […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Syrian Army kills several jihadists in northwest Hama
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:10 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) foiled a jihadist attack on their positions in the Al-Ghaab Plain of northwest Hama last night. According to a military report from the government stronghold of Sqaylabiyeh, the jihadist rebels of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) attempted to infiltrate the Syrian Arab Army’s positions west […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Turkish military heavily reinforces Syrian border as eastern Euphrates offensive approaches
Turkey is sending reinforcements to its border with Syria, Demiroren News Agency (DHA) reported on Sunday, adding that some 100 vehicles including mounted pickup trucks and weaponry had made their way to the area. The heightened military activity comes days after President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would postpone a planned military operation on the Kurdish […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Erdogan vows to fight ISIS after US leaves Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:40 A.M.) – The Turkish military will fight the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) after the U.S. military withdraws from Syria, the Associated Press reported, citing unnamed US and Turkish officials, that Donald Trump had decided to withdraw American troops from Syria after a phone conversation with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish President Recep […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Hundreds of Israeli ‘Yellow Vests’ protest high cost of living
Hundreds of protesters wearing yellow vests took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday, outraged by high cost of living. Protesters marched through the streets holding banners and chanting. Despite being inspired by the French ‘Yellow Vest’ protesters, the organizer of the demonstration in the Israeli capital Boaz Zonshaine said that Israeli protesters were […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Jihadist rebels launch new attack on Aleppo city
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:00 A.M.) – The jihadist rebels in the western countryside of the Aleppo Governorate launched a new attack on the provincial capital last night, a source told Al-Masdar News. Led by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham, the jihadist rebels heavily shelled the Al-Zahra’a Association Quarter of Aleppo, causing significant damage to a number of buildings. […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US withdrawal from Syria should pave way for peace: Iraqi President
Iraqi President Barham Salih has expressed hope in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the withdrawal of US troops from Syria will contribute to the conflict settlement and will not result in a new escalation of violence, Salih’s press service said. “His Excellency confirmed that the withdrawal should be a […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Sunday morning music
In England in particular, but also elsewhere in the world on occasion, the tradition of a "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" at Christmas is well known. I haven't encountered it very often in the USA, but I thought my more traditionally minded readers might enjoy it: so here's Kings College, Cambridge, with their service from 1992. It's followed by a BBC documentary on the choir of Kings College. The whole thing is about two hours long, so I suggest playing it as background theme music for the season while you're busy with other tasks. Peter
Trump pulled out of Syria after Turkey’s president told him U.S. allies were ‘terrorists’
Is Trump starting to think for himself and wrest back control of U.S. foreign policy from his war-mongering, Israeli-loving aides?
A much needed “Likbez” about Russian Tu-160 bombers in Venezuela
If Washington doesn’t heed the “wake-up” from the Tu-160s, it can expect many more Russian military hardware getting closer its borders. The Saker explains
How a fraudster who faked his stories for years got to be Germany’s top reporter
No matter that they were fictitious, Claas Relotius' stories about Assad’s victims and a Trump-admiring militia on the US-Mexican border, were exactly what the German media wanted to hear
“Cut the Noise”: My 2018 Holiday Post
Is the elite providing the masses with the perfect philosophical backdrop to justify indulgence in their basest impulses without any guilt?
Springtime of Peoples: Europe Is in a Revolt and It’s Wonderful
Popular opposition against the elite-aligned, liberal-leaning establishment, mounts across the continent
Vanished with a Trace
Cathy JCathy is away with family. Here’s a “Best of” frpm a decade ago with an updated photo of handsome Ronan, who just turned 16. By Cathy Jameson When I want to be a couch potato and stare bleary-eyed at... more »
Lee Camp's New Comedy Show Will Remind You of the Classics for a Good Reason (Think Sahl, Bruce, Carlin & Pryor)
That's just horribly wrong. For the business boys. As for the children and the poor . . . . The horror! Steve, Gary: Couldn’t you just put a new tax on food stamps or check-cashing? You’re killin’ us. This could not possibly get worse, except if you hadn’t just engaged in the biggest transfer of wealth in the wrong direction in human history. Whaaaa, it can? Under the new tax law,
ICYMI: The You're Probably Not Reading This Edition
Yes, we're right in the thick of it, so many of you are busy with a hundred things other than your usual internet diet of education goodies. But the world keeps spinning, so here are some pieces to look at while you're enjoying vacation. *Can Charters Be Reformed? Should They Be? * Carol Burris offers five reasons that charter schools cannot become a productive part of the education landscape. *Pa Changes How It Measures Schools-- But Will Anybody Pay Attention? * Pennsylvania will now check to see if schools are Future Ready. One example of the new post-test-centric evaluations... more »
Ho, Ho bloody Ho
This time of year is not my favorite season, yes its nice to visit family and catch up with both their recent activities and their plans for the future but the whole clamor of what is now largely a retail opportunity leave me less than enthusiastic. For far too many folks it is an excuse, or is that a perceived obligation, to spend money they cant really afford on items that have a good chance of not being used or useful to the recipient who similarly feel obliged to return the 'favor'. Me cynical and a grumpy old man? Yep! That said I do feel 'obliged' to wish those few folks who r... more »
Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan and Fascist Italy: Why the Allies Feared the Axis Powers
*Warfare History Network, Blaine Taylor* *Security, Europe* [image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Hitler_and_Mussolini_June_1940.jpg] Some World War II history. On the evening of September 26, 1940, American radio announcer and journalist William L. Shirer noted in his later famous Berlin Diary that the next day Italian Foreign Minister Count Galeazzo Ciano would arrive there from Rome, adding that most people thought it was for the announcement that Francisco Franco’s Spain was entering the war on the side of the Axis. Indeed, Spanish Foreign Minister Ramo... more »
Russia’s Deadly Mi-28NM Attack Helicopter Is About to Become An Even Bigger Threat
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, Europe* [image: By Artem Katranzhi from Bakashikha, Russia - IMG_0063, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31916055] Thanks to a timely upgrade. Russia’s upcoming Mi-28NM attack helicopter is being tested with an upgraded engine. “The safety, functionality and flight characteristics of the combat helicopter have been considerably increased by furnishing the VK-2500P [engine] with the upgraded automated control system,” announced the Rostec Corporation press office. The Mi-28NM “Night Hunter” is a modernization of the Mil Mi-2... more »
Rio Nightlife Guide for Sunday, December 23, 2018
We have the top three picks for this Sunday, and below there is a list of bars and lounges that are always a good option. LIVE: Roda do Teles @ Arco do Teles (Centro) – This Sunday will not only be the debut of a new samba group, ‘Samba Chegou’ featuring Thiago Torres, Wagner Silveira, […] The post Rio Nightlife Guide for Sunday, December 23, 2018 appeared first on The Rio Times.
Social media executive suspended from Facebook says misleading page was 'a thought experiment'
Jonathan Morgan is an executive of New Knowledge, a firm that tabled a report into Russian meddling in US elections on social media, and claims he misled voters to find out how the Russians did it.
Blackmailing the Japanese Ambassador
Well, it’s a slow day here at Chez Nous, weekend before Chrismas. Family is here, life is good, so rather than write something new, I thought I’d post a story I wrote a while ago. I got to talking and laughing with my lovely lady today about old Billy Bennett. Billy was a rascal and…
Faith, Doubt, Theology And Suspicion
Human beings seem to be created with a longing for meaning. We not only experience the world, but want to make sense of it as well. That sense-making is a thread of continuity that joins every religious tradition in history. The post Faith, Doubt, Theology And Suspicion appeared first on OrientalReview.org.
Greg Hunter, "Mass Migration is a Globalist Weapon"
*"Mass Migration is a Globalist Weapon"* By Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com "Journalist Alex Newman says the mass migration you are seeing in Europe and on the U.S. Southern border is nothing more than weapon of the globalists who want one-world government in their sick New World Order. Newman contends, “It’s all Western civilization that is under attack. The ‘Yellow Vest’ protests in France are much more than about global warming (tax) policies. The French are tired of paying ridiculous taxes to fund third world dictatorships in the United Nations to tackle a boogie man. The protes... more »
Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*by Noah* There is nothing in Trump's life that hasn't been a con. It was never about *The Art Of The Deal* or anything else; just a con, the art of the con. The cons are old and growing deadly mold now, sending a cloud of spores around the world. He's old now. He's not just at death's door, he IS death's door. Pull the plug.
Is Russia Getting Ready to Sell Iran the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Aircraft?
*Mark Episkopos* *Technology, * [image: By Katsuhiko Tokunaga/SuperJet International - Sukhoi SuperJet 100, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29396859] We have the latest. Iran is on the verge of signing a contract to purchase a fleet of Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, according to recent news reports. As the head of the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization Ali Abedzadeh told Iranian news: “If the Iranian airlines want to use this aircraft (Superjet 100) and the seller is willing to sell it to Iran, the Civil Aviation Organization is ready to is...more »
An 'Old' Battleship Actually Sank an Aircraft Carrier in 1940
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Europe* [image: Wikimedia Commons] This is what happenned. At 4 p.m. on June 8, 1940, the aircraft carrier HMS* Glorious *was cruising west across the Norwegian Sea towards the British naval base of Scapa Flow when her lookout spotted two grey blips over a dozen miles away on the horizon. The *Glorious *and her two escorting destroyers did not yet have radar, so Capt. D’Oyly-Hughes ordered the destroyer *Ardent *to turn about and visually investigate the sighting, while nonchalantly maintaining his westward course at cruising speed. In a matter of ... more »
HO-HO-HOpen Thread
Merry Christmas, and all other appropriate seasons greetings, to you all, and thank you so much for your comments.
Sunday morning
T'was the Sunday before Christmas when all through the blog not a creature was stirring, not even a frog. But I'm up and about nonetheless and reading the Sunday papers online, primed to pull out all the best BBC-related bits and stuff them into your Christmas stocking, ready for when you wake up... First, Julie Birchill, writing in *The Sunday Telegraph*, isn't full of Christmas cheer about the BBC, writing "This was the year that the right-on echo-chamber completed its grisly castration of Radio 4 comedy – now all virtue-signalling mutual gratification with fewer laughs than the ... more »
The Christian Duty to Pray for Rulers
By Zachary Rogers ~ Prayer for The President of the United States, and all in Civil Authority. O LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold and bless thy […]
Great Joy! Cartoon
Cartoons Rick McKee ~ Read more informative and FACTual (Not FAKE) articles at The Patriot Post http://patriotpost.us/ https://patriotpost.us/subscribe
Humor Video: Package Thief vs. Glitter Bomb Trap
In which a NASA engineer crafts a hilarious package to nail a would-be thief. Media Editors ~ If above clickable image doesn’t work please click on this link. https://youtu.be/xoxhDk-hwuo Read and view more at: The Patriot Post http://patriotpost.us/ https://patriotpost.us/subscribe
Exploiting Jesus + more
Gary Bauer ~ Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) lashed out at Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen Thursday during a House Judiciary Committee hearing. Here’s some of what he said: “It is repugnant to me and astonishing to me that during Christmas, a time in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ — a […]
Tweets For Today
VIDEO: Damage caused by a tsunami, following a volcanic eruption, that killed 62 and injured hundreds as it slammed without warning into tourist beaches and coastal areas around Indonesia's Sunda Strait, sending panicked holidaymakers and residents fleeing pic.twitter.com/GNONCE7vlU — AFP news agency (@AFP) December 23, 2018 Cuban lawmakers approve new constitution which heads to referendum https://t.co/J3nhEDoSQI pic.twitter.com/A3AHVoaYai — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) December 23, 2018 "The Iranian craft drove in front of our ship and stopped . and tried to capture their own so... more »
Holidaymakers told to delay trips to Bremer Bay as fire threatens town
People planning to camp at Reef Beach and surrounding sites this week are being told to avoid the area and those considering holidaying in Bremer Bay and surrounding camp sites should delay their plans until the area is declared safe.
Man in custody after alleged Risdon Vale home invasion arrested
A man who forced the lock down a suburb north of Hobart after invading a home while armed has been taken into custody and is being questioned, police say.
Seven-year-old boy dies in hospital after swimming incident at Cairns lagoon
A seven-year-old boy on holiday from Japan dies in hospital after an incident at a public lagoon on Cairns Esplanade in Far North Queensland.
Two children injured by shattered glass from building in Brisbane's CBD
Two children are injured by shattered glass from an awning after a woman fell from a building in Queen Street in Brisbane's CBD.
Deadly Indonesian tsunami triggered by Krakatoa volcano eruption
At least 168 people have been killed and 745 others injured when a tsunami hit beaches around Sunda Strait in Indonesia on Saturday night, the government's Disaster Mitigation Agency says.
Iranian military carries out large-scale naval drills code named ‘Great Prophet 12’ (video)
he ground forces of the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) kicked off the final stage of massive military manoeuvres code-named the ‘Great Prophet-12’ in Qeshm in the Persian Gulf on Saturday. The eight-day large-scale military drills, which started on December 15 in Tehran and Isfahan, include quick reaction units, special forces, rangers, airborne forces, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Not so fast: US troops remain in Al-Tanf despite Trump’s withdrawal announcement
The head of the US-backed Maghawir al-Thawra group in Syria, Muhanad al Talaa told Reuters that American troops’ presence at the al-Tanf camp remains at the same level so far, despite the recent announcement about the US contingent’s withdrawal from Syria. “American troops plan to withdraw completely from Syria but I don’t have details and […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Russia redeploys Su-27 and Su-30 jets to Crimea amid increased tensions with Ukraine (video)
Su-27SM and Su-30M2 jets redeployed from Krasnodar Region’s Krymsk airport to the renovated Belbek airport in Crimea on Saturday. “The first landing was done by a completely civilian aircraft Tu-134A. It was also a technical flight and according to the report of the flight commander, everything was normal and smooth. The airport is cool and […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Fourth Sunday of Advent
MI 5:1-4A Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient … Continue reading →
December 23rd – 2018 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #703
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 →
Mark Meadows, Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz Discuss Meeting With President Trump over Border Security…
Against the backdrop of a partial government shutdown (not really) Representative Mark Meadows (NC), Jim Jordan (OH) and Matt Gaetz (FL) discuss the ongoing budget appropriations standoff over border security and their meeting with President Trump.
Why Is There a War on Christmas?
[image: why-is-there-a-war-on-christmas] For many years, individuals and organizations have worked to destroy the beneficial influence of religion. One of the most notable casualties is the downgrading of Christmas.
Musical Interlude: Leonard Cohen, "Everybody Knows"
Leonard Cohen, "Everybody Knows"
Picture Of The Day
An F/A-18 Hornet decorated with lights and an oversized Santa on board the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush in 2010. Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Steinberg/US Navy *WNU Editor:* The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... *See how the US military is celebrating Christmas on bases around the world* (Business Insider).
Season’s Greetings, Tuvalu and Thank You Mr Kelly
HALFWAY between Hawaii and Australia lies the tiny nation of Tuvalu, which according to popular mythology is slowly disappearing into the Pacific Ocean because of rising sea levels. Except a recent article at the ABC news website correctly explained that in the four decades to 2014, Tuvalu has actually grown by 73 hectares. How can [...] The post Season’s Greetings, Tuvalu and Thank You Mr Kelly appeared first on Jennifer Marohasy.
Re-visiting 2018 food safety Op-Eds
Editor’s note: Since its inception a decade ago, commentary in the from of guest opinion-editorial, or Op-Ed, content has been an important part of Food Safety News. Hundreds of contributors have found a place in Food Safety News for their voice when they’ve had something important to say about food safety. Through the Publisher’s Platform, Beach Beat, and... Continue Reading
Europol-EMSC: Tackling The Organized Criminal Groups Profiting From Migrant Smuggling
“Organised crime networks as well as individual criminal entrepreneurs are profiting from mass migration. In 2015, criminal networks involved in … Continue reading →
This Is How Google Earth Helps The State Spy On Us
*Yasha Levine, The Guardian:* *Google’s Earth: how the tech giant is helping the state spy on us* We knew that being connected had a price – our data. But we didn’t care. Then it turned out that Google’s main clients included the military and intelligence agencies. The internet surrounds us. It mediates modern life, like a giant, unseen blob that engulfs the modern world. There is no escape, and, as Larry Page and Sergey Brin so astutely understood when they launched Google in 1998, everything that people do online leaves a trail of data. If saved and used correctly, these traces ... more »
Sunday December 23rd – Open Thread
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 →
REPORT: Huber and Horowitz Investigations Deep State Cons Constructed by DOJ…
Paul Sperry has an interesting report posted at RCP-Investigations outlining numerous interviews with DC politicians and would-be witnesses, if any actual DOJ investigation of the FBI and DOJ misconduct was taking place. What Sperry discovers is the year-long narrative around … Continue reading →
Woman allegedly flees fatal crash in stolen car, leaving kids and dead passenger behind
A 61-year-old woman who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal crash in a stolen vehicle, leaving behind two children and her dead passenger, is arrested by WA Police.
'Life-changing' multiple sclerosis medication subsidised through PBS
Patients taking the drug report fewer relapses, less brain atrophy, slowed progression of the disease an improved quality of life.
Learner driver charged over 20yo man's death near Cairns party
A 21-year-old learner driver is charged over the death of a 20-year-old man, who was found lying in the middle of a road in Cairns while a party raged on nearby.
Deadly Indonesia tsunami may have been caused by Krakatoa volcano
At least 62 people have been killed and 584 others injured when a tsunami hit beaches around Sunda Strait in Indonesia on Saturday night, the government's Disaster Mitigation Agency says.
Chicken/Egg-- Why Are People In Blue States Healthy And People In Red States Sickly, Unhealthy, Diseased And Dying Off?
In short, are people in red states sick because of the Republican policies that are created by the politicians they vote for or is the fact they're sick make them vote for politicians who create those policies? A new report from the United Health Foundation ranked every state in the union, as it has been doing for almost 3 decades. Here's the ranking )along with what percentage of the vote Trump won in each state): 1- Hawaii- 30.03% 2- Massachusetts- 32.81% 3- Connecticut- 40.93% 4- Vermont- 30.27% 5- Utah- 45.54% 6- New Hampshire- 46.61% 7- Minnesota- 44.92% 8- Colorado- 43.25% 9... more »
The House of Representatives did the right thing on border security. Why not the Senate?
McCarthy said, “[T]he House did pass a bill that protects and secures the border. The Senate, it takes 60 votes. So, when it really comes to the question of shutting down, it comes to Schumer. Does Schumer make a decision to … Continue reading →
Indonesia – Tsunami triggered by volcano kills dozens, injures hundreds
At least 43 people have been killed after a tsunami hit the coast around Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, according to government officials.. Hundreds were injured. The tsunami, which hit at 9:27 p.m. Saturday, propelled a wall of water some 65 feet (20 meters) inland, sweeping away hundreds of houses and hotels, the government and witnesses said. Some 600 ... Read moreIndonesia – Tsunami triggered by volcano kills dozens, injures hundreds The post Indonesia – Tsunami triggered by volcano kills dozens, injures hundreds appeared first on Ice Age Now.
Pentagon Wants To Buy The New F-15X Advanced Eagle Fighter Jet For The Air Force
Image: Flickr *The Drive/Warzone:* *USAF's Next Budget Request Will Include New F-15X Advanced Eagle Fighter Jets: Report* *We revealed the existence of the F-15X concept last July and now it seems like it may become a line-item in the upcoming 2020 defense budget.* Last July, I broke a story about the existence of Boeing's F-15X Advanced Eagle concept, one that the plane-maker had been in discussions with the USAF about for many months. That aircraft would be procured to replace America's existing F-15C/D aircraft, the vast majority of which are operated by the Air National Guard... more »
The Nondelegation Doctrine -- Correcting a Common Error
I just read yet another article asserting that the Supreme Court invoked the nondelegation doctrine to hold a federal statute unconstitutional only twice, in *Panama Refining v. Ryan* and *Schechter Poultry*. (Cass Sunstein's formulation, that the doctrine had one -- and only one -- good year, 1935, is a clever version of the assertion.) It's not true. *Carter v. Carter Coal Co.*, decided in 1936, held the Bituminous Coal Conservation Act unconstitutional on several grounds, one of which was the nondelegation doctrine. Here's the language: "That subdivision delegates the power to fi... more »
Dumped NT minister to file FOI request to own Government over sacking
Ken Vowles says he will file a Freedom of Information request to his own Labor Government in an effort to prove it leaked emails in order to engineer his sacking and eliminate a perceived leadership threat against the Chief Minister.
'It's unfair': Family of jailed bus driver rally for lighter sentence
The family and colleagues of a bus driver who was sentenced to more than five years' jail after crashing into Melbourne's Montague Street bridge, injuring six people, say he has been "victimised" by the courts.
Boxing Day Test pitch to offer 'something for everyone' according to MCG curator
MCG curator Matt Page dispels fears of a poor pitch for the Boxing Day Test, saying he is "pretty happy" with where he is at and is "confident" of providing a good surface.
Could taking koalas back to where they existed 100 years ago save them?
Researchers hope reintroducing koalas to areas where they historically thrived could help to conserve them.
Lambie-exiled Nationals senator defends $531,000 office refurbishment
Jacqui Lambie's Senate replacement Steve Martin says his half-million-dollar office refit is cost-effective because his new office allows him to better cover the state and the work put "Canberra money" in local pockets, but he may not have long to enjoy the new digs, as he is tipped to struggle at next year's election.
President Trump: I Gave Mattis A 'Second Chance'
When President Obama ingloriously fired Jim Mattis, I gave him a second chance. Some thought I shouldn’t, I thought I should. Interesting relationship-but I also gave all of the resources that he never really had. Allies are very important-but not when they take advantage of U.S. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2018 *Politico:** Trump: I gave Mattis 'second chance'* President Donald Trump claimed Saturday he gave outgoing Defense Secretary James Mattis “a second chance” after the retired Marine general was ousted from military leadership under the Obama administr... more »
The UN Loss and Damage Scam Made Major Progess at Katowice without US Opposition
Almost unreported during the just concluded UN Katowice COP 24 conference is the biggest scam of all in the climate scam supported by the United Nations, the Democratic Party, and the other members of the Climate-Industrial Complex. The Paris “Treaty” of 2015 included a “Loss and Damage” provision under which developed countries would be obligated […]
Cannabis Use Declines For Teens In States Legalized According To Studies
By Aaron Kesel Use of cannabis has dropped by teenagers in Washington since legalization in 2012, according to a study published by the Journal of the... more »
More Young Fit People Experiencing Strokes. Cell Phone and WiFi Radiation Disrupt Blood-Brain Barrier
By B.N. Frank Strokes are on the rise in young adults. This includes fit people and teens. Exposure to all sources of cell phone and... more »
Is Hypersonic Weaponry The Next Big Ticket Item For The Military?
An artist’s rendering shows two common designs of “air-breathing” and “boost-glide” hypersonic strike vehicles. This illustration was produced by defense contractor Raytheon and reviewed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. (Rendering courtesy of Raytheon) *Washington Post: **Military-industrial complex finds a growth market in hypersonic weaponry* In a recent gathering at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, two of the Pentagon’s highest-ranking weapons-buyers sent a clear message to a packed room of defense executives. America is racing Russia and Chin... more »
Western Nations Are Repeating the Mistakes of 1914
*Anatol Lieven* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] In their enthusiasm for a new cold war against China and Russia, the Western establishments of today are making a mistake comparable to that of their forebears of 1914. This year saw the centennial anniversary of the end of the World War I, in which some sixteen million Europeans died, two great European countries were destroyed, and other countries were crippled. This year may also be seen by future historians as the last year of the period between the cold wars, when after twenty-nine years of relative quiet, the world’s maj... more »
Intelligence Failure in the Trump Era
*Paul R. Pillar* *Intelligence, * The intelligence agencies’ mission involves providing the best possible information and analysis to inform policy decisions; it does not extend to the policy decisions themselves. The Trump administration’s tendency to disregard the conclusions of the U.S. intelligence community has become, as the *Washington Post*’s Greg Miller has reported, something of a habit. Initially, Trump’s shoving aside of the intelligence agencies’ assessments was all about his refusal to acknowledge the role that Russia played in his election victory in 2016. During ... more »
Hitler's Forgotten Plan to Win World War II: Assassinate Stalin, FDR and Winston Churchill
*Warfare History Network, Mason B. Webb* *Security, * [image: By Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-1987-0703-507 / unbekannt / CC-BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5346192] So what happened? In German it was called Operation Rösselsprung, which translates to “Long Jump.” Its goal was to kill or kidnap the Allies’ “Big Three” leaders––Soviet Premier Josef Stalin, British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, and American President Franklin D. Roosevelt—when they met in Tehran, Iran, in November 1943. That the plan did not succeed is attributable to s... more »
On Holiday Until New Year’s Day
This is just a post to let the folks on my mailing list know I’ll be taking a holiday until January 1st (Jan 2nd in Australia); won’t be writing anything unless they try to nab Assange from the embassy or something. Thank you all so […]
Australian Daily Electrical Power Generation Data – Tuesday 18th December 2018
By Anton Lang ~ This Post details the daily power consumption 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 on […]
Dec. 22:: It's easy to see what's wrong....
...But what to do? Where to start? _______________________________________________________________ https:/www.thenation.com/article/overmatch-pentagon-military-budget-strategy/ _______________________________________________________________ A pause for stray thoughts In the confusion over Trump's pulling out of the war on ISIS, have you noticed the laguage of the reports on this? All the ones I have seen make the point that the ISIS fighters are 'terrorists'. Have you ever seen them refer to western troops as 'terrorists'? Almost certainly not, and almost certainly you never will. And ... more »
President Trump Skips Christmas Holiday Trip to Mar-a-Lago Estate…
President Trump, First-Lady Melania and 12-year-old son Barron had previously planned to spend 16 days at their Mar-a-Lago estate with friends and family for the holidays. First-Lady Melania and Barron departed last week. However, President Trump said Friday he would … Continue reading →
Volcanic Activity and Earthquakes Seem Excessive: Is Geological Activity Increasing?
This month there have been several large (in excess of 7.0) earthquakes in Russia (here), in the South Pacific (here), and now in Indonesia an active volcano caused a tsunami that just killed in excess of 43 people and injured in excess of 584 (here). Is the ring of fire more active than usual? In May of 2018, a blogger at Accuweather responded NO to this question but I have to wonder whether that answer would still hold true?
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau Makes Surprise Visit To Peacekeeping Troops In Mali
*Globe And Mail: **Trudeau makes surprise visit to peacekeeping troops in Mali* Prime Minister Justin Trudeau surprised troops in Mali Saturday for a tour of the peacekeeping base and a Christmas turkey dinner where he thanked them for their service and underlined the importance of Canadian peacekeepers to the United Nations. Mr. Trudeau touched down in the dry and hot Camp Castor base in Gao, Mali, for a fast-paced afternoon visit with 250 Canadian troops deployed to the United Nations peace operations in the West African country. The trip marked the first time the prime ministe... more »
Skiers delight – Up to 3 ft of snow for Washington Cascades
A Christmas present for skiers (if they can actually get to the slopes), because the weather service is warning of possible road closures. WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 4 AM MONDAY ABOVE 2000 FEET National Weather Service Seattle WA Dec 22 2018 – Cascade Mountains of Whatcom and Skagit Counties- Cascade Mountains of Snohomish and King Counties- ... Read moreSkiers delight – Up to 3 ft of snow for Washington Cascades The post Skiers delight – Up to 3 ft of snow for Washington Cascades appeared first on Ice Age Now.
$500M Climate Carnival Concludes
Few delegates arrived by bicycle or solar-powered plane $500M Climate Carnival Concludes 23 December 2018 Viv Forbes COP 24 just concluded in Poland. Nearly 23,000 climate saviours attended this 24th annual climate carnival. Every year, plane-loads of concerned busybodies fly to some interesting new location to spend tax dollars on a well-fed 12-day holiday. They concoct ... Read more$500M Climate Carnival Concludes The post $500M Climate Carnival Concludes appeared first on Ice Age Now.
Canada's Ambassadors Around The World Are Mounting A Global Effort To Free Canadians Detained In China
*Global News:* *Canada’s ambassadors urging allies to push for release of Canadians detained in China: Freeland* Canada’s ambassadors around the world are launching a concerted campaign to pressure allies to push for the release of two Canadians detained in China, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Saturday. In a teleconference call with reporters, Freeland said Canadian ambassadors would reach out to their counterparts to discuss the “arbitrary detention” of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, which she said set a “worrying precedent.” “I will continue in the comi... more »
BACK AFTER CHRISTMAS
I'll be away over Christmas. The usual gang will be here, however, so stop by. I'll be back on December 28. Thanks for reading my rants all year, and have a merry and a happy.... more »
Democrats Want to Repeat the French Catastrophy; The Definition of Insanity is Repeating an Experiment Expecting a Different Result
A police motorcycle had to be abandoned to exfiltrate the forces. A policeman pulled out his service weapon. #GiletsJaunes #Yellowvests #Acte6 pic.twitter.com/gesL6i0haz — nonouzi (@Gerrrty) December 22, 2018 I don’t know if it is arrogance or ignorance, but Democrats are dumb as rocks. They keep proposing an agenda that has been proven to fail time … Continue reading "Democrats Want to Repeat the French Catastrophy; The Definition of Insanity is Repeating an Experiment Expecting a Different Result"
Trump’s Syria Withdrawal Is a Simple Case of Foreign Policy Realism
The post Trump’s Syria Withdrawal Is a Simple Case of Foreign Policy Realism appeared first on The Duran.
America Is One Of The World’s Deadliest Countries For Journalists
The post America Is One Of The World’s Deadliest Countries For Journalists appeared first on The Duran.
A much needed “Likbez” about Russian Tu-160 bombers in Venezuela
The post A much needed “Likbez” about Russian Tu-160 bombers in Venezuela appeared first on The Duran.
Gilets Jaunes Referendum by Initiative of Citizens (RIC): Push to Revive a Democracy
The Gilets Jaunes revolt marks the beginning of the end of France's Fifth Republic and is a precursor of more revolts against the neoliberal late capitalist order which are to come. The post Gilets Jaunes Referendum by Initiative of Citizens (RIC): Push to Revive a Democracy appeared first on The Duran.
Fallout Of Trump’s Syria Withdrawal – Why Erdogan Does Not Want To Invade
The post Fallout Of Trump’s Syria Withdrawal – Why Erdogan Does Not Want To Invade appeared first on The Duran.
How fast can e-scooters go, and where are you allowed to ride them?
Scooter-sharing has landed in Australia and new rules are being drawn up to accommodate the "innovative" rideable devices. But they're not quite legal in all states just yet. Here's what you need to know.
Couple arrested over link to Gatwick Airport drones released without charge
A middle-aged man and woman who were questioned over their suspected role in the illegal use of drones over London's Gatwick Airport have been released from custody without charge.
Deadly Indonesia tsunami may have been caused by Krakatoa volcano
At least 43 people have been killed and 584 others injured when a tsunami hit beaches around Sunda Strait in Indonesia on Saturday night, the government's Disaster Mitigation Agency says.