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Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*Click to enlarge* *by Noah* During the 2016 campaign, Donnie Lunatic kept telling everyone how rich he is. "I'm really, really rich," he told his goofball hate-hat rally attendees. Way too many people, candidates and voters alike, think that immense wealth alone is a plus when it comes to picking a president. Mr. Lunatic said he was a great business man and that helped con a lot of those people. There's a difference though between former real estate snd casino sleazeball con artist Trump and stinking rich former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Trump's wealth is always going... more »
Julian Assange In Videoconference: The Spanish Case Takes A Turn
Judge José de la Mata of Spain’s High Court, the Audiencia Nacional, had been facing a good deal of stonewalling on the part of his British colleagues. He is overseeing an investigation into the surveillance activities of a Spanish security firm aimed at WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, during his stay […]
Tweets For Today
Diversity is our strength https://t.co/BNtOek7oH4 — David B. Larter (@DavidLarter) December 3, 2019 AFP graphic on the membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization since 1949 pic.twitter.com/SO4qpPRByk — AFP news agency (@AFP) December 4, 2019 President Trump impeachment evidence "overwhelming" - House report says https://t.co/NlX5ORki5W — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 3, 2019 President Donald Trump's comments that a trade deal with China might have to wait until late 2020 raised fresh doubts on when the dispute might end, while a U.S. House bill targeting cam... more »
Just Visiting: B-52 Bombers Just Flew Close to Russia's Submarine Bases
*Michael Peck* *Security, Europe* [image: Reuters] From the Pengaton, with deterrence. *Key point:* America often sends its planes to spy on and deter Russian forces. Earlier this month, three U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers, flying out of the RAF Fairford airbase in Britain, flew over the Barents Sea near the Arctic Circle. The B-52s, part of the 2nd Bomb Wing based at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, are part of a 2nd Bomb Wing rotation to Britain for exercises with European allies. “The flight included integration and interoperability training with the Norwegian Air Force, a... more »
How the Syrian Civil War Made the Russian Air Force Even Deadlier
*Michael Peck* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/RUSSIA-DEFENCE-PUTIN-RC171775DDB0.html] They're more dangerous than ever. *Key Point:* Practice makes perfect, and the Russian air force has gotten a lot of practice striking Syrian rebels. The Russian Air Force has learned valuable lessons during the recent campaign in Syria, according to a former senior Russian air commander. In fact, Russian air operations in support of the Syrian government gave the Russian Air Force a chance to test the effectiveness of reforms made over the last few years, according ... more »
Learn About Russia's 'Version' of the B-52 Bomber
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/JAPAN-RUSSIA-SCRAMBLE-GM1E98M1GUD01.html] The Tu-95 might be sixty years old, but it's still in use because it does the job few planes can. *Key Point:* The Russian bomber was used as recently as the Syrian Civil War. Few aircraft are as distinctive as the massive Tupolev Tu-95 “Bear,” a four-engine Russian strategic bomber and maritime patrol plane with a gigantic unicorn-like refueling probe, giving it the appearance of a monstrosity lurching in from prehistoric times—or at least from shortly after ... more »
Malta: Assassination of Journalist Leads Prime Minister to Vow to Resign from Office as His Colleagues Are Suspects in Her Murder
The journalist was investigating secret bank accounts of some of Malta's elite at the time of her murder. Top Maltese officials are accused of being complicit in her murder as her personal police protection had been suspiciously pulled just before her death.
Tucker Carlson Names the Wealthy Elites Who Are Responsible for Wrecking California
In 2014, California passed Prop 47 that downgraded a long list of felonies to misdemeanors. Crime has surged, and violent crimes such as murders, assaults and rape have jumped by 115%! Soros contributed nearly $2 million to pass Prop 47.
NBC Spikes, ABC/CBS Downplay Ukraine President Saying No Quid Pro Quo
NBC Spikes, ABC/CBS Downplay Ukraine President Saying No Quid Pro Quo by Nicholas Fondacaro, https://www.newsbusters.org/ In a recent interview with TIME magazine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he never approached conversations with President Trump “from the position of a quid pro quo.” It was a declaration that poked a major hole in the left’s impeachment …
Quote of the Day
If the powers assigned to Congress belong only to Congress, and the Sixteenth Amendment says ‘Congress shall have the power to tax income no matter the source’, why are we citizens still paying state income tax?” Fielden Laslie H/T Peter Actually, this is somewhat easy to answer: Because we, the citizens have, in some cases voted to allow the states to tax us; and in other cases have abrogated our rights by not standing up to the states when they imposed taxes on us. A quick look at the State of Washington can provide an example. At least 3 times … Continue reading →
CFIA cancels licenses for slaughter businesses responsible for recalls
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has cancelled three Safe Food for Canadian licenses following “a thorough and comprehensive review” related to an E. coli investigation. The decision was made after the agency (CFIA) identified during a food safety investigation that it had received false or misleading information from certain license holders concerning E. coli lab... Continue Reading
Plants and plant products exported to EU countries must soon carry phytosanitary certificates
Phytosanitary certificates will have to accompany most plants and plant products — including some foods — entering the European Union (EU) counties beginning Dec. 14. The new EU rules mean expanded inspections for U.S. plant products. Before plants and other raw and minimally processed plant products can enter EU member states, or Switzerland or Montenegro,... Continue Reading
Hungarian authorities did not improve controls after Listeria outbreak
Authorities in Hungary have not acted to strengthen the system of official controls for food businesses despite a deadly multi-country Listeria outbreak, according to DG Sante in Europe. The agency, which is responsible for the European Commission’s policy on food safety and health, found the system is not sufficient to verify food of non-animal origin... Continue Reading
Loblaw recalls President’s Choice coleslaw after government testing
Loblaw Companies Ltd. is recalling its President’s Choice brand coleslaw because of possible Salmonella contamination, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. “Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below,” according to the agency’s recall notice. “This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results.” The company reported distributing the implicated... Continue Reading
Property destroyed as NSW bushfires continue fierce, smoky onslaught
At least one property has been engulfed by the Three Mile fire in the Wisemans Ferry area on Sydney’s northern outskirts, with other buildings under immediate threat.
Kids benefiting as technology turns phones silent at SA school
A simple technology popular with Broadway performers and comedian Hannah Gadsby is being hailed as a way of getting students off their phones.
There's a flaw with fingerprint logins — and unfortunately it's you
Just In - 22 hours ago
Touch ID was supposed to enhance the usability and security of your phone — but most people don't know the reason why, writes Nalin Asanka Gamagedara Arachchilage.
'Nightmare journey': Pipecon to stand trial over alleged health and safety breaches
Construction company Pipecon Pty Ltd will stand trial next year for allegedly failing to provide a safe working environment and safe supervision for its employees.
Google co-founders stepping away from parent company Alphabet
Just In - 22 hours ago
Larry Page and Sergey Brin resign, saying the company they started soon after they met as Stanford University graduate students in 1995 has "evolved and matured" and making way for Sundar Pichai.
'Crimes against humanity': US House approves Uyghur bill demanding sanctions on China
Just In - 22 hours ago
The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approves a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on its Muslim minority, drawing swift condemnation from Beijing.
Cane toads get attention, but a quieter invasive killer is wreaking havoc on Australia's native trees
Extinction is the future for many of Australia's native trees if action is not taken to control myrtle rust fungus, which causes disease and death in trees like lilly pillies, paperbarks and tea trees.
The top ranking education systems in the world aren't there by accident. Here's how Australia can climb up
Just In - 22 hours ago
Hong Kong, Singapore and other high performing countries did not improve their education system by chance. They did it by design. And we can do it too, writes Julie Sonnemann.
'We decided to act early': Police swoop on alleged Sydney Islamic State recruiter
A 21-year-old Riverwood man has been accused of using social media to radicalise teenagers and encouraging them into carrying out politically motivated violence.
Mayor complains of unsavoury treatment over birthday cake backlash
Just In - 22 hours ago
An Adelaide Mayor will be investigated for using council premises for personal use — because she baked a cake for her son's birthday. SA's Local Government Minister says the issue is not worth probing.
'Brutal and heartless': Man sentenced to life in prison for bashing murder of Townsville woman
The son of a Townsville grandmother who was bludgeoned to death by a teenager after he broke into her home, has spoken of his family's pain after her "brutal and heartless" killing.
New twist in Opal Tower saga as builder launches counter lawsuit
Icon, the builder of the troubled Opal Tower at Olympic Park, lodges documents in the NSW Supreme Court alleging the infamous cracking damage was caused by "shortcomings" in its design.
Family speaks after rescue teams find body two weeks after Claire Hockridge went missing
The triplet sister of Claire Hockridge, found dead after 15 days lost in the Northern Territory outback, says the family is grateful to police and pastoralists who did all they could to save her.
December 4th – 2019 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1049
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 →
Wednesday December 4th – 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 →
U.S. Main Stream Media Complaining That They Now Have Too Much Access To President Trump
Unbelievable. @NicRobertsonCNN, @ChristineRomans and @davebriggstv are complaining that President Trump answered questions from the press for 52 mins. Trump Derangement Syndrome has reporters complaining about press access. — Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) December 3, 2019 *WNU Editor:* There is some stuff that you just cannot make-up. Hat tip to Instapundit for the above.
Millennials are staggeringly poor
In the discussion under the previous blog post, we had to conclude that the political opinions related to the diversity and similar fashionable neo-Marxist buzzwords are heavily correlated with age. It's primarily the youth that has been radicalized, re-programmed to oppose previously undisputed values such as the freedom, capitalism, and even the GDP growth itself. Even outside the Academia, this correlation seems obvious. To a large extent, the comparison of AOC and Joe Biden is representative. Both are leftists. Joe Biden is a leftist and a creep. But you know, he is an ordinary,... more »
Picture Of The Day
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, join Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders for a group picture as they gather to mark 70 years of NATO Alliance during a reception at Buckingham Palace, London, December 3, 2019. Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS *WNU Editor:* The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... *Leaders arrive for London NATO summit* (Reuters).
Update On New York's Self-Inflicted Energy Crunch
* As I have noted many times before, this whole green energy thing is all just so much talk until the point hits where energy shortages start to emerge or consumer prices begin to soar. At that point, the people will notice. And then, how will the politics shift? Will the politicians press forward with green energy — and impose energy deprivation on the people in the process? Or will they promptly back off the green energy blather, and return to the cheap and reliable fossil fuels? * Here in New York, where professing the green religion is the indispensable ticket to entry into poli... more »
Are Hong Kong's Protests Spreading Into China?
【广东茂名示威防暴警出动镇压】 2019年11月28日，广东茂名化州市文楼镇，因为居民反对兴建殡仪馆和火葬场，爆发大规模示威。当局派出大批防暴警察镇压，出动装甲车，施放催泪弹驱散示威者，双方发生冲突，网民拍摄的视频显示，有警察围殴民众，并在地上拖行，多名村民受伤，据说警察曾开枪示警。 pic.twitter.com/WgabYfuS4O — 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) November 29, 2019 *The Guardian:* *Chinese riot police fire teargas and beat up protesters in Guangdong province* Hundreds of residents in Wenlou township were protesting against construction of large crematorium Riot police have fired teargas and beaten residents in southern China after they took to the streets to protest against a local construction project. Hundreds of residents in Wenl... more »
Is God Using Trump To Teach Evangelicals A Lesson? Do These Poor Lost Souls Have The Capacity To Learn A Lesson
In a recent post, If He Wins Again, on his blog, *Stuff That Needs To Be Said*, John Pavlovitz wrote that "If he wins, we’re going to do everything we’re doing today: we’re going to speak clearly and advocate for vulnerable people and loudly demand truth, and we’re going to leverage our lives and our platforms and our influence for equality, justice, and decency-- because if he wins again, these things will be far more threatened than they are right now. If he wins again, good people committed to our shared humanity will be more necessary than ever-- and we’re going to need to be... more »
A Surefire Cure For Despair
“I can’t go on. I’ll go on.” ~ Samuel Beckett Sometimes it just gets to be too goddamn much. You just finished a soul-draining argument with a family member who insists that Putin controls all major world events because that’s what the TV said so […]
Chinese warship shows off new missile system
After returning from a major refit, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy destroyer Shenzhen showcased its air defense firepower by displaying its new missile vertical launch system on Monday. The Navy’s sole Type 051B destroyer has gained very powerful combat capability after the modernization, said Weihutang, a column on military affairs affiliated with China Central […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US Senate to vote on whether or not to sanction Turkey over S-400 purchase
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee scheduled for next week deliberations on legislation that would penalize Turkey’s government for purchasing Russian-made S-400 air defence systems and sanctions yet to be determined against Russian individuals who are engaged in defence cooperation with Syria, the panel’s website said. The bill co-sponsored by Committee’s chairman James Risch is on […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Breaking: Russian Air Force launches big attack over rural Aleppo
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:20 A.M.) – At approximately 11:45 P.M. (local time), the Russian Air Force unleashed a big assault over the Aleppo countryside, as their warplanes heavily targeted the positions of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham. According to a report from the Aleppo Governorate, the Russian Air Force launched several strikes over the ICARDA Farms area and […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Iraqi forces arrest deputy leader of ISIS, close associate of Baghdadi in Kirkuk
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 A.M.) – The Iraqi security forces announced the arrest of a deputy leader from the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) in the Kirkuk Governorate in northern Iraq. “According to our information, the police forces from Hawijah in the Kirkuk province were able to arrest the terrorist known as ‘Abu Khaldoun’ inside an apartment in […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US Coalition denies drone strike that killed jihadist leader in northern Idlib
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:45 P.M.)- The U.S. coalition denied reports that they recently carried out the drone strike in northern Idlib that killed one of the commanders of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham. The U.S. Coalition spokesman Colonel Miles Kajins told Sputnik on Tuesday: “The coalition has not conducted any recent air strikes in northwestern Syria,” confirming that […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
The Daily Brief 2019-12-02
This is a summary of 19 AMN articles on the following subjects: Douma, Syria, Aleppo, Ansarallah, Yemen, Homs, ISIS, Qamishli, US, Russia, Idlib, Assad, Iran, IRGC, Hasakah, Putin. Categories covered in this brief: Syria, Yemen, Iran Let us know how you like this brief in the comments below. — The AMN Live Team Table of […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Is Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland Trudeau's Heir Apparent
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland speak after she's sworn in as deputy prime minister and minister of intergovernmental affairs at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS) *Andrew Mitrovica, Al Jazeera:* *Chrystia Freeland: Trudeau's heir apparent* *Is Freeland's CV 'beyond reproach' as the Canadian media has claimed? * So he has gone into hiding to tend to his electoral wounds. Justin Trudeau kept his job. But for how long? He knows Liberals are allergic to minority governments he now leads. He will likely get one mo... more »
Obsolete or A Real Killer: Can We Save the Aircraft Carrier?
*Sidharth Kaushal* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/USA-DEFENSE-CARRIER-RC13D7D23F90.html] Or are they destined to become obsolete? *Key Point:* Evolving into smaller, supporting vessels might save the aircraft carrier from complete extinction. One of the great conceits of admirals in the interwar years was their dogmatic embrace of the nostrum that battleships won naval wars. Officers such as those of the Imperial Japanese navy proved particularly susceptible to this dogma, a thought process that found itself manifested in so called super battleships s... more »
Scientists crack 60-year-old mystery of Sun’s magnetic waves
Originally posted on Tallbloke's Talkshop: The Sun from NASA’s SDO spacecraft Making some progress anyway – and finding resonance is a key factor. A Queen’s University Belfast scientist has led an international team to the ground-breaking discovery of why the Sun’s magnetic waves strengthen and grow as they emerge from its surface, which could…
Sea Ice Extent (Global Antarctic and Arctic) – Day 336 – 2019
Originally posted on sunshine hours: South / North
President Trump: U.S. And Russia Want A New Treaty On Nuclear Weapons
U.S. Missile Defense Agency *Reuters: **U.S. and Russia want a new treaty on nuclear weapons: Trump* LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States and Russia wanted to reach a new treaty agreement on nuclear weapons. “Frankly, the whole situation with nuclear is not a good situation,” Trump said ahead of NATO leaders summit. “We ended the treaty because it wasn’t being adhered to by the other side. But they want to make a treaty and so do we and I think it would be a great thing. I think it’s one of the most important things we can do, frankly.”... more »
The End Of Snow
Five years after the end of snow in New York, and 13 years into their endless summer, New York is again buried in snow. Weather News | Weather Underground The End of Snow? – The New York Times With Warmer … Continue reading →
ICE Catches Alleged Child Sexual Predator and Rapist, After He Was Released Back on the Streets by Philadelphia Police — Twice
Hector Moran-Espinoza was arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department on two separate occasions on charges relating to the sexual abuse of children, including rape and and aggravated indecent assault.
Patient count continues to increase in outbreak linked to fresh blackberries
Two more people are confirmed infected and a sixth state is involved in a hepatitis A outbreak associated with fresh blackberries that were sold in September. More than half of the victims have required hospitalization. Although the blackberries were sold fresh from Sept. 9-30 at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market grocery stores, infections continue to be... Continue Reading
Waxberry recall due to undeclared sulfites and cyclamates
Syosset, NY-based company Lin’s Waha Int’l Corp. is recalling it’s 8.11-ounce (230G) packages of Suantianyangmei Waxberry and Bingtangyangmei Waxberry because they contain undeclared sulfites and cyclamates. The products were distributed to retail stores nationwide. Waxberries grow on evergreen trees in some parts of the world and can be served fresh, dried, or cooked. They have... Continue Reading
"There Are Days, There Are Times..."
"There are days, there are times, when you feel like you've walked so far, when the voice inside you is complaining that it's all uphill, that it always will be. And then, after all that, way beyond your blue horizon, you see the biggest mountains you've ever seen, and you think, "I can't do that." Well, I hope you always have somebody who tells you that you can. Like I'm telling you now." - Windy Ariestanty You can, we will...
President Trump and First Lady Melania Attend NATO Diplomatic Receptions…
After a series of bilateral discussions and NATO meetings President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended two diplomatic receptions in honor of the 70th anniversary of the NATO alliance. President Trump and First Lady Melania arrive at Buckingham … Continue reading →
US House Intel Committee Chair Schiff Gravely Concerned that Trump Made Big Step in New Course of Misconduct the Day After Mueller Testified; Keenly Aware of Precedent Being Set
“I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED THAT IF WE MERELY ACCEPT THIS THAT WE INVITE NOT ONLY FURTHER CORRUPTION OF OUR ELECTIONS … Continue reading →
US House Intelligence Committee Releases Draft Report As Part of Impeachment Inquiry Report
Trump’s obstruction of Congress has been evident for years to those who have read the news releases from Elijah Cummings’ … Continue reading →
The Real Reason Wildfires are Raging Across America
*Emily Fusco* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Invasive grasses are the perfect fuel. The Santa Ana winds that help drive fall and winter wildfires in California have died down, providing welcome relief for residents. But other ecological factors contribute to fires in ways that scientists are still discovering. I study how human actions affect fire regimes – the patterns through which fires occur in a particular place over a specific time period. People alter these patterns by adding ignition sources, such as campfires or sparking power lines; suppressing fires when they d... more »
RIP: The Air Force Is Retiring The B-1B Lancer Bomber
*Robert Farley* *Security, * To be replaced by the B-21 Long-Ranger Strike Bomber. *Key point: *The B-1B was built to fight Russia in a nuclear war. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to retire the B-1B Lancer (also known as the “Bone”) in favor of the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The B-1B will remain in service for some time, but unlike its older cousin the B-52, its days are apparently numbered. The B-1B has served in a variety of capacities since the 1980s, demonstrating a remarkable degree of mission flexibility. *Origins of the B-1B* The B-1B evolved ... more »
Rugby Australia and Israel Folau settle legal dispute with mutual apologies
Just In - 1 day ago
Rugby Australia apologises to Israel Folau as part of a confidential settlement reached over his sacking, avoiding a protracted court hearing after the former Wallaby sued for wrongful dismissal.
Ritual slaughter of thousands of animals in Hindu goddess's name sparks outcry
Just In - 1 day ago
Despite animal rights groups condemning the large-scale killing, which takes place every five years at a temple in Bariyarpur, 150 kilometres south of Kathmandu, to worship Gadhimai, the bloodshed goes ahead again.
Rescue footage shows moment swimmer was 'flushed out to sea'
A 26-year-old man is rescued by a commercial fishing boat after being swept half a kilometre out to sea from a treacherous swimming spot on SA's Eyre Peninsula.
Turner Prize judges vote to give art award to all 2019 finalists
Just In - 1 day ago
Britain's Turner Prize — considered to be the art world's equivalent of the Booker — has awarded all four finalists the 2019 prize, but some say it's relegated the award to a "participation trophy".
Police officer grilled after telling inquiry he 'can't remember' stripsearching child at music festival
A senior NSW Police officer accused of stripsearching a child at a music festival in Sydney's west is grilled after claiming he could not remember the incident in February.