10 pm MST
On Katya Adler
Katya Adler's latest BBC News website piece *'Why Brexit Stage Two may turn into a rocky ride' *is typical of her output. Yes, she's the BBC's Europe Editor, but her focus is far more narrowly focused on the EU (and a certain country that's about to leave the EU), so she might better be described as the BBC's European Union Editor. That being so, she's bound to report very heavily the views of those in charge of the EU, even at the risk of sometimes sounding like a parrot - which would be fine if she also maintained a healthy scepticism about their pronouncements and treated UK go... more »
The US vs. Iran: Who Won & Who Lost?
Iran’s symbolic missile strike against two US bases in Iraq was a soft power victory for the Islamic Republic despite not causing any casualties, though the US undoubtedly achieved a military victory by assassinating Maj. Gen. Soleimani in Baghdad last week, with this superficial “tit-for-tat” outcome being used by both […]
Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*by Noah* Putin's Russian mob is no different than the Cosa Nostra. They'll always want more and more favors for their election aid and money. They'll just keep pushing and they'll keep on escalating their demands. Ask yourself what they will demand of Moscow Mitch and Traitor Don after Mitch has orchestrated an acquittal for the Manchurian President.
Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Thursday 9th January 2020
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 […]
LAME: WashPost Protests GOP Using ‘Altered Photo’ Of Nancy Pelosi In Fundraising Tweet
By Tim Graham ~ The Washington Post is so exquisitely sensitive to mockery of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that an unflattering image of her became a small scandal. Their headline was “Rep. Stefanik tweets altered photo of Pelosi in GOP fundraising appeal“. Reporter Felicia Sonmez sounded the alarm: Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) tweeted a petition […]
Greens Intimidating Big Business
By Peter Murphy ~ “Big Business” has been portrayed in history as intimidating and domineering in society over small business competitors, workers and politicians. In some ways that remains true. However, the larger truth is that big business is a paper tiger, easily intimidated. No segment of society knows this better than the Green climate […]
Glacier Park in Montana Set to Remove ‘Glaciers Will All Be Gone By 2020’ Signs
In the late 90’s and early 2000s, scientists predicted that man-made global warming would cause melting glaciers, leading to rapidly rising sea levels that would sink coastal cities and towns.
Nearly 400K Anchor Babies Born in 2019, Exceeding U.S. Births in 48 States. Trump Has Yet to Sign ‘Anchor Baby Policy’ to End Birthright Citizenship
Anchor Babies' born on US soil to non-citizens are immediately granted American citizenship and anchor their illegal parents in the country. Today, there are at least 4.5 million anchor babies in the US under 18-years-old that cost American taxpayers about $2.4 billion every year to subsidize hospital costs.
US claims Qassem Soleimani was planning to attack American Embassy
US President Donald Trump earlier claimed that Washington had eliminated the top Iranian military commander to halt Tehran’s plans to blow up the US Embassy in Baghdad. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on a national broadcast that the United States possessed no information about the date and place of an alleged attack planned […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Watch supersonic interceptor MiG-31BM in action
Pilots on MiG-31BM supersonic fighter-interceptors have successfully accomplished air refuelling throughout training flights in the Chelyabinsk Region of Russia, according to a video published by the Russian Ministry of Defence on its YouTube channel. “Only experienced pilots are allowed to perform such difficult flights. To maintain the required distance, pilots have to manually control engine […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Powerful blasts rock Syria-Iraq border after warplanes strike Iranian forces
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:00 A.M.) – Several explosions were heard in eastern Syria on Thursday evening as unknown warplanes targeting the Iranian forces in the Al-Mayadeen District of Deir Ezzor. According to reports, the unknown warplanes heavily bombarded the Iranian forces inside the Al-Mayadeen District, killing and wounding several personnel in the process. Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen TV […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
The Daily Brief 2020-01-08
This is a summary of 11 AMN articles on the following subjects: Libya, Turkey, Iran, Trump, Iraq, Idlib, Syria, Misrata, US. Categories covered in this brief: North-Africa, Turkey, Iran, Middleeast, Iraq, Syria Let us know how you like this brief in the comments below. — The AMN Live Team Table of Contents Turkey officially deploys […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
World Stocks Hit Record High
Tokyo Stock Exchange opening ceremony for first session of 2020 JANUARY 6, 2020 : Japan Exchange Group holds an opening ceremony marking the start of this year's first trading at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo, Japan on January 6, 2020. (Photo by AFLO) *Reuters: **World stocks hit record high as techs lead relief rally* TOKYO (Reuters) - The world’s shares hit a record high on Friday as a relief over de-escalation of U.S.-Iranian tensions quickly prompted investors to bet on faster global growth, especially in the technology sector. MSCI’s broadest gauge of the world’s stocks... more »
Federal agencies join efforts for electronic home for biotech regs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency Thursday launched a unified website for biotechnology regulation. The agencies timed the rollout to coincide with January 2020’s observance of National Biotechnology Month. New forms of biotechnology allow for the modification of living organisms, such as plants or animals, in order... Continue Reading
What’s behind the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System?
Q&A Analysis The Hill, a Washington-based news publication, recently published a story about the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS), an outgrowth of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) HACCP-Based Inspection Model Project (HIMP) with these warnings: “A new rule . . . would reduce the number of government food safety... Continue Reading
Researchers warn about risk of eating wild mushrooms
There is growing interest in collecting wild fungi in Ireland but this is not supported by an appreciation of the associated dangers, according to researchers. The issue constitutes a growing national health threat, wrote Dr. Douglas Hamilton and Dr. Gerard Meagher, from the department of public health, HSE Midlands in the first edition of Epi... Continue Reading
Tweets For Today
#UPDATE "We know this may have been unintentional. Canadians have questions, and they deserve answers," Canada PM Trudeau says, citing "information" Iran missile brought down plane. US NTSB and Boeing now invited to "participate" in Iran's inquiry https://t.co/GHVuPGiuEy pic.twitter.com/fobiaY3Tn7 — AFP news agency (@AFP) January 10, 2020 The House of Representatives passed a resolution that orders the termination of Trump’s war powers to use U.S. armed forces against Iran without Congress’ consent. The measure now goes to the Senate and faces an uphill battle https://t.co/gQJlcp... more »
Jeffrey Epstein: Jail CCTV Erased by ‘Technical Errors’
The Following excerpt is from BBC News: Surveillance video from disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s first suspected suicide attempt was destroyed by accident, prosecutors say. US attorneys say the jail mistakenly saved footage from the wrong cell. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, hanged himself in jail in August while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. He … The post Jeffrey Epstein: Jail CCTV Erased by ‘Technical Errors’ appeared first on OYE Alternative News.
January 10th – 2020 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1086
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 →
Friday January 10th – 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 →
Has President Trump Prepared The U.S. Military For Whatever Comes Next?
President Trump's Remarks At 2019 Pentagon 9/11 Ceremony. YouTube *Loren Thompson, Forbes:* *Top Five Steps Trump Has Taken To Prepare The U.S. Military For Whatever Comes Next * Last week’s domestic reaction to the killing of Iran’s top military commander was predictably partisan and speculative. Nobody can say for sure what will happen next in the Persian Gulf—just as we don’t know what lies ahead on the Korean Peninsula, in Eastern Europe, or in the Horn of Africa. In such circumstances, the only prudent posture for America’s military is to be prepared for a diverse array of cha... more »
America's B-2 Bomber Is Getting Replaced, But It Remains Untouchable For This Reason
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * State-of-the-art stealth capabilities. *Key Point:* So far, B-2s have mostly leveraged their range and payload rather than stealth for actual combat operations. Should you venture out to one of the airshows periodically held near Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, you may be so fortunate to spot one of the world’s most otherworldly aircraft, the manta-like B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The Spirit’s swept wings measure fifty-two meters across—half the length of a football field—and its cockpit bulges organically from the surface like that of a 1950... more »
China May Soon Put Stealth Fighters On Its Aircraft Carriers
*Michael Peck* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/CHINA-FIGHTER--GM1E7161FWD01.html] The J-20 is a likely choice. *Key Point:* The J-20 is heavier and more expensive than its alternatives, but has a longer range and bigger payload. The race to build China’s carrier-based stealth fighter may be over. The competition had been between the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation’s J-20 and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s FC-31 over which aircraft would fly from China’s next generation of aircraft carriers. And the winner is...the J-20, according to the Hong Kong-ba... more »
Israel Bombs Weapons Depot Run By Iranian Militia
Israel Bombs Weapons Depot Run By Iranian Militia by Tyler Durden, https://www.zerohedge.com/ Tensions continued to climb in the Middle East Thursday evening as reports of another air strike have been confirmed, but this time, it was the Israelis doing the shelling. According to reports by domestic and western media, the Israeli air force carried out …
Ukranian Whistleblower Reveals MH-17 Tragedy Was Orchestrated by Poroshenko and British Secret Service
Ukranian Whistleblower Reveals MH-17 Tragedy Was Orchestrated by Poroshenko and British Secret Service Authored by Paul Antonopoulos, Research Fellow at the Center for Syncretic Studies, InfoBrics, https://theduran.com/ Mythology That MH-17 Downing Was Done by Donbass Volunteers Has Fallen Apart Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 (MH-17), that was shot down on July 17, 2014 in the Donbass …
Trump rallies supporters over 'American justice' for Iranian general Qassem Soleimani
Just In - 23 hours ago
US President Donald Trump makes the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani a theme of his re-election campaign, drawing cheers from thousands at a rally when he said the death saved lives and delivered "American justice".
Serial paedophile Colin Humphrys to remain in jail after SA judge cancels release
After nearly two years of legal battles and law changes, a South Australian judge blocks the release of notorious child sex offender Colin Humphrys, who will now stay in jail indefinitely.
Pensioner denies being aggressive before police allegedly bashed and hosed him 'like a dog'
Just In - 23 hours ago
A disability pensioner rejects suggestions he was aggressive towards police officers who turned up at his Melbourne home for a welfare check before they dragged him outside and allegedly bashed and pepper-sprayed him in his yard.
The wreckage of the MH17 disaster holds a message for Iran
The chance of a swift and honest outcome for those killed on Flight PS725 remains remote but previous missile attacks on civilian aircraft suggest there is one thing we can be sure of, writes Philip Williams.
Royal Easter Show braces for impact as local events cancelled for first time in 80 years
The organisers of the Royal Easter Show say bushfires and drought in NSW will impact upon the event, with local shows cancelling for the first time since World War II.
April was 'moments from home' when a man attacked her in Melbourne's inner north
Just In - 23 hours ago
A woman who was grabbed from behind and dragged into a laneway by a man in Brunswick says she fears what her attacker might do to other women if he is not caught.
Jane Fonda Is Pitching For Our Future. Lend an Ear.
Jane Fonda gave an engaging yet forceful talk on climate change at the Press Club.
Guardian Ninjas of Integrity (And How We Got There)
We teach at Western Governors University (WGU) which has over 110,000 students from every state in the country. Recently, we were part of a student conduct board hearing with a student who allegedly plagiarized four papers. Ava (we’ll call her to protect her identity), was an English Language Learner who was born outside of the U.S.
Scholars Discuss Pedagogy and Community College Jobs at MLA Convention
The first day of the 2020 Modern Language Association Convention was a smorgasbord of hands-on professional development workshops, deep-dive literary lectures, small group discussions and panels on the academy. But it also showed the association dipping its toe into relatively new waters, with an emerging emphasis on pedagogy and the humanities at community colleges.
Picture Of The Day
Relatives of the flight crew members of the Ukraine International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran, mourn at a memorial at the Boryspil International airport outside Kiev, Ukraine, January 8. The Boeing 737-800, flying to Kiev and carrying mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians, crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport, killing all 176 people on board. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko *WNU Editor:* The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... *Ukrainian airliner crash victims mourned* (Reuters).
Russian President Putin Oversees Hypersonic Missile Test Launches Off The Coast Of Crimea
*Daily Mail: **Putin oversees hypersonic missile test launches as part of huge military drill off the coast of annexed Crimea* * President saw Kalibr cruise and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles being launched * Russian commander-in-chief was on the Marshal Ustinov cruiser * Moscow annexed Crimean peninsula in 2014 after rolling tanks over the border Russian president Vladimir Putin has been pictured watching a massive military drill off the coast of disputed Crimea. The commander-in-chief watched Kalibr cruise and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles being launched from the Marshal Ustinov crui... more »
Coward's Way Out: This Is How Hitler And Eva Braun Escaped Nazi Germany Forever
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* Suicide. *Key point: *Rather than face the end of the terrible world they made, Hitler and Braun took the coward's way out. With his dream of Nazi domination of the world shattered, Adolf Hitler went underground in April 1945. Beneath the smoldering ruins of the Nazi capital city of Berlin, he lived out his last delusional days in the Führerbunker, a somber subterranean prison of steel and concrete. Still entertaining forlorn hopes that the Third Reich might live on, Hitler and a few of his cronies sought refuge from the marauding Red ... more »
Congressman Matt Gaetz Explains Why He Voted With Democrats on War Powers Resolution…
Earlier today Republican representative Matt Gaetz espoused his support for a meaningless and non-binding war powers resolution; ridiculously constructed to give the appearance of preventing President Trump from starting a war the President has no plans to initiate. It was … Continue reading →
"How The Banks Rape You"
*"Federal Discount Rate"* Updated: 01/07/2020 *Federal Discount Rate THIS WEEK MONTH AGO YEAR AGO* 2.25 2.25 3.00 *"What it means:* The interest rate at which an eligible financial institution may borrow funds directly from a Federal Reserve bank. Banks whose reserves dip below the reserve requirement set by the Federal Reserve's board of governors use that money to correct their shortage. The board of directors of each reserve bank sets the discount rate every 14 days. It's considered the last resort for ... more »
It Will Take Far More Than 15 Flushes To Get Rid Of Trump And The Stench Of His Regime
Frank Rich's *New York* Magazine essay, What Will Happen to The Trump Toadies?, suggests going back to history to see how collaborators were treated. He specifically suggests Nixon defenders and Vichy France collaborators. (Imagine Nikki Haley, Marsha Blackburn, Ivanka and Sarah Huckabee with shaved heads.) Will there be a reckoning... and when? If-- God forbid-- Biden becomes president, Trump will be pardoned almost instantly. And the collaborators? Rich wrote that "Rather than being the end of American history as we know it, the Trump presidency may prove merely a notorious chap... more »
Anti-Government Protests Are Predicted Throughout Iraq Tomorrow
Karbala earlier tonight. Protests come under fire. Tomorrow 1/10 there will be protests across the country | pic.twitter.com/lMTHVTHpxO — Mike (@Doranimated) January 10, 2020 *WNU Editor: *There are suppose to be widespread demonstrations and protests throughout Iraq tomorrow. We shall see. But tonight's demonstrations are an ominous sign on what is probably going to happen tomorrow.
Herald disbelieve unbelievers
A brain-dead editorial, a fresh view of CO2, an amazing letter, the kitten and the blue whale. … Continue Reading →
Could The IWI DAN .338 Sniper Rifle Be The Best Weapon Israel Ever Made?
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, * It has some stiff competition. *Key point:* It remains to be seen if the DAN can replicate even a fraction of the massive export success of the Galil and Tavor, but IWI is confident in their ability to carve out a niche in the sniper rifle market. Israeli Weapon Industries (IWI) is best known as the creator of the Uzi, a compact submachine gun that went on to become a global export hit in the 1960’s. IWI’s other notable products include the Galil and Tavor, both of which have become formidable export contenders in their own right. Following its priv... more »
Could Syria Become Iran's Very Own Vietnam?
*Seth J. Frantzman* *Security, Middle East* Israel thinks so. *Key point: *Israel has been working to stop Iranian military entrenchment in Syria. Israel’s new Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has warned Iran that Syria will become its version of Vietnam, where its forces will sink in the sand under Israeli airstrikes. “There’s nothing for you in Syria,” he said during a late November trip to northern Israel. “Whatever you try to do, you will encounter a strong and determined IDF that will strike you.” The Israel Air Forces have already been striking Iran frequently in Syria, w... more »
Can The U.S. Army Get The 6.8mm Ammo It Wants? This Russian Expert Has Doubts
*Michael Peck* *Economics, Americas* Some 5.56-mm rounds can already penetrate Russian and Chinese body armor. *Key point: *It all rests on basic physical properties: the ammunition has reached its limit of what the ballistic gunpowder can propel and that’s it. Will the U.S. Army follow through on a plan to adopt a bigger caliber of small arms ammunition? One Russian expert says no. Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of Russian defense journal *Arsenal of the Fatherland*, questions the practicality of the U.S. Army’s project to replace the familiar 5.56-mm round—used by the M-1... more »
China Paid a Big Price For Stealing a Russian Fighter Jet Design
*Michael Peck* *Technology, Europe* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/SOUTHCHINASEA-CHINA-NAVY-RC18BBDB7900.html] Beijing is paying the price. *Key Point:* Russia loves pointing out the flaws in the Chinese J-15, which is a knock-off of their Su-33 Remember that Russian carrier-based jet that China copied without permission? Those airplanes are crashing, and Russia doesn't seem too broken up about it. Though Russia and China are now friends, even holding joint exercises, Russia's Sputnik News recently trotted out an article titled "Chinese Navy Short on Carrier-Base... more »
The Platitudes On Good & Evil
It’s not necessary that good will triumph over evil—in the political space, the taste for good is a luxury and a disability. It’s not necessary that truth will make us free—truth can give rise to a new forms of scholasticism and slavery. It’s not necessary that knowledge and good life go together—ignorant people often enjoy a higher quality of life than those with knowledge. It’s not necessary that technology can cure the frailty of human nature—technology may fulfill our material wants but it can have a negative impact on our spiritual nature. It’s not necessary that progress and p... more »
Canadian PM Steps Into the Mud of Slander Blaming Iran For Boeing Crash
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent claim that Ukraine’s flight PS752 was shot down by Iranian rockets according to “secret intelligence” has provoked the Iranian government to respond by calling out the bluff which has spread like wildfire in the recent 48 hours. On Wednesday, Trudeau stated: “We have intelligence from multiple sources, including our […] More The post Canadian PM Steps Into the Mud of Slander Blaming Iran For Boeing Crash appeared first on The Duran.
Report: John Huber Completes Review of Clinton Foundation and Uranium One, Finds Nothing…
As with all things MSM it’s worth considering with a dose of salt. However, that said, media are now reporting that U.S. Attorney John Huber has completed his review of the Clinton Foundation and Uranium-One and found nothing worth pursuing. … Continue reading →
Would Members Of Congress 'Compromise Sources And Methods' If Fully Briefed On The Soleimani Strike?
*Business Insider*: *Mike Pence says Congress might 'compromise sources and methods' if fully briefed on the Soleimani strike* * Vice President Mike Pence insisted on Thursday that the administration couldn't reveal more information to lawmakers about the alleged "imminent threat" posed by an Iranian general the US military assassinated last week. * Pence said in interviews with NBC News and Fox News that providing more information about the threat to lawmakers in a classified setting could compromise sensitive "sources and methods." * This comes as many lawmakers — including two ... more »
Outback survivor arrested over alleged heroin possession and extortion links
Tamra McBeath-Riley, who recently survived 12 days lost in the Central Australian outback, has been charged with possessing a trafficable quantity of heroin, receiving stolen property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possessing a prohibited weapon.
'He's crowning': Triple-0 operator coaches couple through 'chaotic' two-minute birth
Alyssa-Marie says she just managed to "do a front flip on the couch" after her waters broke in the early hours of New Years Eve, delivering baby Carlo with the help of her husband and a triple-0 operator.
'Hell on earth': Kangaroo Island fire footage captured by helicopter pilot
Kangaroo Island residents tell their stories of escape and survival after bushfire caused many to seek overnight refuge in two of the island's main settlements.
Iran denies shooting down a Ukrainian plane. Here's what we do know
Just In - 1 day ago
Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 went down just after Iran fired on US military assets, so naturally the two events were tied together. But who's saying what and what do we actually know about the crash that killed 176 innocent people?
Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki issue voluntary recalls for cars fitted with Takata airbags
Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki issue voluntary recalls of more than 18,000 cars manufactured between 1996 and 1999 that are fitted with potentially deadly Takata airbags.
Israeli psychiatric panel finds Malka Leifer fit to stand trial
Just In - 1 day ago
An Israeli psychiatric panel finds accused child abuser Malka Leifer fit to stand trial for extradition to Australia where she faces 74 counts related to sexual assault.
Australian shoppers seem to be doing their Christmas shopping early … at a discount
Retail sales rebound in November, with rising spending on clothing, household goods and at department stores, but economists say it is too early to call a resurgence of consumer spending.
Shane Warne's baggy green goes for $1 million for bushfire relief
Just In - 1 day ago
The bidding stops on Shane Warne's baggy green — and 'M.C. from Sydney' stumps up just over $1 million to own a piece of cricket history and help boost bushfire relief.
'It's a great loss for all of us': Utopia mourns deaths of three men
Three people from central Australia's Utopia region have died near the Lake Nash area on the Northern Territory and Queensland border. Police are investigating the deaths.
Indigenous woman dies in custody in Victoria two days after being refused bail
The death of the 37 year-old woman, who was found in her cell on January 2, has devastated friends and family and left Indigenous leaders and criminal justice advocates reeling.