10:05 pm MST
SATURDAY CARTOONS: DEMOCRAT DUMP: NOVEMBER 30, 2019
And that is almost all I am going to say about that. Other than Chick-Fil-A is no longer on my bucket list. Not worth the fast food calories any more. I am so tired of this impeachment fraud; the Democrats and their misbehaving, etc etc. Much of today's offerings are from the Communist folder that was beginning to overflow. And also the Democrats, but they are pretty Communist so it is easy to toss them all together. So hoping all you Americans had a great Thanksgiving and realize, no matter your grudges, you live, are privileged to live in, one of the greatest human experiment... more »
Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*by Noah* This is what we get when war criminals like George W. Bush and Dick Cheney aren't held accountable and thrown in the brig. Once they were allowed to walk free without so much as a trial, it was inevitable that a future president would come along and feel he or she had permission to push the envelope further. If draft-dodger Cadet Bone Spurs is now allowed to get away with pardoning three war criminals, at the behest of his advisers at FOX "News" no less, we can easily imagine what some future president will try. Meanwhile, it's easy to imagine, right now, who might be on... more »
What South Korea, Japan, and Germany Think of American Troop Demands
*Stratfor Worldview* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] How will it all play out? U.S. demands for huge payment increases from three of its major allies, South Korea, Japan and Germany, for basing military forces on their territory could cause significant shifts in the global U.S. military footprint. The centrality of the United States and its military to South Korea's and Japan's security strategies means Washington is in a strong position to extract more money. But the effort could push Germany further away from the United States. Reports emerged this month that U.S. President ... more »
The U.S. Is Preparing For a Land War Against both Russia and China
*Kris Osborn* *Security, * Getting the right training and gear--just in case. *Key Point:* The U.S. Army is developing technology that'll give it the ability to fight Douglas MacArthur's feared land war in Asia. (Washington, D.C.) If a large mechanized unit of armored ground forces were “closing” with an enemy amid heavy artillery and cannon fire - but did not have overhead aircraft or satellite surveillance while transiting rigorous terrain - how could they fully discern the source of incoming fire? How might they pursue the safest and most lethal method of attack? This kind o... more »
Is Israel Taking Advantage of Regional Confusion to Expand Its Territory?
*Dov Waxman* *Security, Middle East* Four unanswered questions about Israel’s West Bank settlements. *Editor’s note: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Nov. 18 said that Israel’s settlements in the West Bank do not violate international law. That pleased Israeli Jews who see the territory as rightfully theirs and infuriated the Palestinians who live there and claim it as their land.* *Here, a professor of Israel studies and the author of a new primer on the Israeli-Palestinian confict explains the history of the West Bank settlements – and why they’re so controversial.* *1. ... more »
Sugar High: Why Taxes On Sweet Things are Increasing in Asia
*Asit K. Biswas, Kris Hartley* *Health, Asia* [image: Reuters] Taxes on sugary beverages are not enough on their own to halt march of obesity in Asia. Facing declining markets in Western countries, multinational food companies are targeting Africa, Asia, and Latin America as new consumers of packaged foods, in a move that may worsen the global epidemic of chronic illness related to diabetes. Governments are striking back at obesity risk factors, including unhealthy foods. Singapore, which might have as many as one million residents with diabetes by 2050, now requires soda produce... more »
Brazil's President makes unfounded accusations against DiCaprio over Amazon fires
Just In - 21 hours ago
Without offering proof, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claims actor Leonardo DiCaprio funded non-for-profit groups that he claims are partly responsible for fires in the Amazon this year.
Not reassuring
The BBC's Frank Gardner writes: So we’re now told that the attacker in the London Bridge shooting was a convicted terrorist, a former prisoner out on licence. Quite a number of convicted terrorists are coming to the end of their sentences. Calling it 'the London Bridge *shooting*' is odd though, isn't it? It was a terrorist stabbing spree. The only shooting was by the police, who were doing their job.
Agenda-pushing or a faux pas?
As discussed on the Open Thread, here's Evan Davis on last night's *PM *talking to the former Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations of the Metropolitan Police Service Sir Mark Rowley about the terrorist attack in London. Sir Mark had to correct Evan Davis: *Sir Mark Rowley*: While the ideology here looks more Islamist - that looks most likely - we shouldn't forget the sort of significant right-wing that the intelligence services are dealing with. So a big challenge. *Evan Davis*: Yeah, I was going to ask you that because, I mean, I think at one point we were hearing there... more »
Yesterday in London
"Genuinely proud to live in a nation where a member of the public can heroically take out a terrorist with a narwhal tusk grabbed from a listed building" - 𝖆𝖗𝖈𝖍𝖎𝖉𝖆𝖛𝖊 So, yesterday on London Bridge... Two innocent people - a man and a woman - were stabbed to death in a terrorist attack. Three others were injured. The attacker, Usman Khan, was a convicted terrorist on a tag who had been invited to a conference on rehabilitation. He was wearing a fake suicide belt. One of the brave members of the public who tackled him and helped bring his stabbing spree to an end was a co... more »
Is Domestic Violence a Security Issue?
This post is cross-posted at Climate Security in Oceania. For my course on climate security in Oceania, we read a post on the New Security Beat from Volker Boege from the Toda Institute. The piece is based on a wider report on climate and conflict in Oceania. He writes: In overcrowded squatter settlements in the few […]
Editor's Note
Travelling right now. Blogging will be light for the next two days. Will post when I can.
IAFP seeks nominations for 2020 for the best in food safety
The International Association for Food Protection has opened nominations for its 2020 awards. The categories range from the Black Pearl Award for corporate excellence in food safety to travel scholarships for food safety students who want to attend the IAFP annual conference in August. You are not required to be an association (IAFP) member to... Continue Reading
Tweets For Today
Warning: Graphic content. Civilians wrestle the suspected London Bridge terrorist to the ground before Met police arrive at the scene where they shoot and kill the alleged culprit. pic.twitter.com/jbsfsFGVPD — Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) November 29, 2019 The Israelis identified the #LondonBridge terrorist almost immediately. Check their news websites. It took British Media 10+ hours to get a briefing on who he is. Israeli intelligence also provided intelligence to Sydney Airport that helped foil a terrorist attack in Feb 2018. https://t.co/wDwbpCi23n — Imam of Peace (@Imamofpea... more »
Picture Of The Day
This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 25 November 2019 shows DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (C) inspecting a women's company in Unit 5492 of the Korean People's Army. © AFP 2019 / KCNA / KNS *WNU Editor:* The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... *This Week in Pictures: 23-29 November* (Sputnik).
Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Friday 29th November 2019
By Anton Lang ~ This Post details the daily wind power generation data for the AEMO coverage area in Australia. For the background information, refer to the Introductory Post at this link. Each image is shown here at a smaller size to fit on the page alongside the data for that day. If you click […]
Video: Five Reasons to Be Thankful for America
Remember: Americans are among the luckiest people ever to live on this earth. ~ Media Editors ~ .
Politico Changes Drama Queen Tune On Impeachment Congresswoman
By P.J. Gladnick ~ One measure of the declining fortunes of the House impeachment inquiry is the sharply contrasting tune of two Politico articles about a New Jersey Congresswoman (D-Naturally) regarding that issue. Exactly two months ago it was a very different political world as Michael Kruse went full Drama Queen describing the choice of freshman Congresswoman […]
DOE Should Revive The Office Of Policy Analysis
By David Wojick, Ph.D. ~ Now that Rick “do nothing” Perry is quitting as U.S. Secretary of Energy, there is an opportunity do do something truly useful. My proposal is to re-establish the Office of Policy Analysis (OPA) in DOE’s massive Office of Science (SC). SC is the world’s biggest funder of physical science and […]
The Liveris Formula: Dow’s Inclusive Capitalism
Parasites have a certain weight in history. Donors to a system, a state, a company, always claim to be giving back what they advertise as their hard earned cash. Andrew N. Liveris is one such character. Former CEO of the Dow Chemical corporation, he is a face associated with a […]
Japanese & South Korean Jets Shadow Russian Bear Bombers In The Asia-Pacific (VIDEO)
*RT*:* Narrow skies: Japanese & South Korean jets shadow Russian Bear bombers during patrol mission in Asia-Pacific (VIDEO) * The latest patrol mission of Tu-95MS strategic bombers in the Asia-Pacific lasted for more than ten hours – it’s a long time, but the Japanese and South Korean air forces made sure the Russian pilots didn’t get bored. Russia’s Defense Ministry released footage, which showed the two bombers taking off from an airfield in Russia as well as encounters they had in the air with foreign jets. *Read more *.... *WNU Editor:* The Japanese and South Korean jets are ... more »
Putin's 2020 Calendar Goes On Sale In Russia
*CNN: **The Putin 2020 calendars appear to portray a kinder, gentler Kremlin leader* Moscow (CNN)In Russia, the release of calendars featuring photos of Russian President Vladimir Putin has become an annual ritual. In past years, it's been an occasion to showcase the Kremlin leader's carefully managed image as a macho man of action. The calendars often feature the Russian President baring his chest, showing his prowess at the shooting range, or engaged in robust outdoor activities. This year's versions, however, take a markedly different tone. One focuses largely on images of Put... more »
London Bridge Killer Has Been Identified As A Convicted Terrorist Convicted For Plotting To Bomb The London Stock Exchange In 2012
*Daily Mail:* *London Bridge killer, 28, was jailed for eight years in 2012 for plotting to BOMB the London Stock Exchange and build an Islamic terror training camp - but was RELEASED last year and had an ankle tag on when he stabbed two people to death yesterday* * The Met Police have named the London Bridge terrorist as Usman Khan, 28 * The knife-wielding terrorist had been released from prison in December 2018 * He was jailed for a minimum of eight years having been convicted of terrorism * Police have raided an address in Staffordshire linked to the slain terrorist Scotland Y... more »
Brazil's President accuses DiCaprio of financing rainforest fires
Just In - 23 hours ago
Without offering proof, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claims actor Leonardo DiCaprio funded non-for-profit groups that he claims are partly responsible for fires in the Amazon this year.
What we know about London Bridge terrorist Usman Khan
Just In - 23 hours ago
The judge who sentenced Usman Khan in 2012 warned he would be a danger to society if he was ever let out of prison. Khan had previously conspired to start a terrorist training camp.
'Tunnel of love' to help endangered pygmy possums bridge romantic divide
A new development to help one of Australia's critically endangered marsupials boost their love lives is starting to see action, according to scientists.
Two die in ultra-light plane crash in NSW Hunter region
Just In - 23 hours ago
Two people are dead after an ultra-light plane crash at a property in Woodville, in the New South Wales Hunter region. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Margaret Court to be Australian Open 'special guest' as organisers distance event from her anti-gay views
Just In - 23 hours ago
Tournament organisers announce a celebration of Margaret Court's 1970 Grand Slam at next year's Australian Open, while at the same time distancing themselves from the champion's controversial views on same-sex marriage.
Controversial religious discrimination bill delayed
Legislation aimed at preventing religious discrimination will not be introduced to Federal Parliament this year as planned, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.
November 30th – 2019 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1045
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 →
Saturday November 30th – 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 →
Chairman Nadler Sends White House and Republicans More Deadlines for Fast-track December Impeachment Effort…
Candidate Trump was framed for stealing a horse; President Trump was subsequently accused of trying too hard to avoid hanging for it. Prosecutor Mueller eventually conceded that Trump didn’t steal the horse; however, by then the focus was on Trump’s … Continue reading →
An Unexpected Way to Change North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions
*Hun Park* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] Tackling climate change could bring North and South Korea closer and help stabilize the region. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 requires every country to make pledges to tackle climate change. North Korea is no exception. Given that air pollution doesn’t recognise borders, there are already several emissions-reduction projects underway that will require cooperation between Asian nations. To meet its obligations, South Korea has pledged to buy emissions credits on the international market, offsetting 11.3% of its business-as-usual ... more »
Are Healthy Social Networks the Key to a Prosperous Life?
*Kristina Lerman* *Security, Americas* Math provides clues as to why your happy friends are as happy as they seem. Have you ever felt like everyone else has so much more to be thankful for? Check your Facebook or Instagram feed: Your friends seem to dine at finer restaurants, take more exotic vacations and have more accomplished children. They even have cuter pets! Rest assured, it’s an illusion, one that’s rooted in a property of social networks known as the friendship paradox. The paradox, first formulated by sociologist Scott Feld, states that “your friends are more popular t... more »
Why Weren't These Gutsy Women Included in Clinton's Book?
*David Boaz* *Politics, Americas* [image: Reuters] Bias perhaps? Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton have a new book out, The Book of Gutsy Women. The publisher says they "share the stories of the gutsy women who have inspired them—women with the courage to stand up to the status quo, ask hard questions, and get the job done." They certainly tell the stories of some inspiring women -- Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Maria Montessori, Marie Curie, and more. But I couldn't help noticing some women who didn't make it into the book's 432 pages. - not Margaret Th... more »
Bernie Supporters: Let's Help Professor Warren Be Student Of Her Own Mistakes
*- A guest post by emorejahongkong* Core question for Berners to flesh out and spread to Warren-land: *“Can Professor be Student of Her Own Mistakes?”* *A. History: Warren was a newbie*, in electoral politics, who allowed herself to be persuaded that: 1- If Warren’s profile as a female Bernie-lite could peel off 1/3 of Bernie’s supporters, 2- Then a grateful establishment would support Warren and her 1/4 loaf of Bernie-style reforms (mainly of abusive lending-cum-bankruptcy on which Warren is an expert). *B. Now, Warren has personally experienced the shameless fraudulence of pr... more »
Snow to hit 2,000-mile stretch from Nevada to New England
Severe storm system could affect millions of travelers. Snow totals of 18 inches (45 cm) – or more! – can be expected in some areas. Blizzards and snowstorms are forecast from Arizona to Nevada to New Mexico to the Upper Midwest and then into New England. Totals topping 8 inches are forecast for the Northern ... Read moreSnow to hit 2,000-mile stretch from Nevada to New England The post Snow to hit 2,000-mile stretch from Nevada to New England appeared first on Ice Age Now.
A Few Things To Feel Guilty About This Thanksgiving Weekend
* As a Manhattan Contrarian reader, probably you spent your Thanksgiving day being thankful for the many blessings in your life. * Obviously, that is your moral failing. If you had any moral compass, you would have spent the day feeling guilty. * But wait, you say. What have I done to feel guilty about? Right there is where you’ve got it all wrong. It’s not that you’ve done anything wrong, or even that you’ve done anything at all. Your guilt is collective guilt, not resulting from your own actions, but rather principally resulting from the sins of your ancestors, and transmitted to ... more »
"The Turnaround"
*"The Turnaround"* by Jim Kunstler "At yesterday’s Thanksgiving table, fifteen adults present, there was not one word uttered about impeachment, Russia, Ukraine, and, most notably, a certain Golden Golem of Greatness, whose arrival at the center of American life three years ago kicked off a political hysteria not witnessed across this land since southern “fire eaters” lay siege to Fort Sumter. I wonder if some great fatigue of the mind has set in among the class of people who follow the news and especially the tortured antics of Rep. Adam Schiff’s goat rodeo in the House intel Comm... more »
"We Are Here..."
We are here on Earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I don't know." - W. H. Auden