10 pm MDT
New Health Problems Emerging from Continuous Mask Wearing, but “Attempted Murder” Charges Sought for Those Who Refuse to Wear Masks
The NY Post published an article recently interviewing dentists who are claiming: “We’re seeing inflammation in people’s gums that have been healthy forever, and cavities in people who have never had them before,” says Dr. Rob Ramondi, a dentist and co-founder of One Manhattan Dental. “About 50% of our patients are being impacted by this, [so] we decided to name it ‘mask mouth’ — after ‘meth mouth.’ ” There is so much news on the topic of mandatory masks, that it is hard to keep up with it all. Countries and other large areas that do NOT mandate face masks are actually seeing FEWER... more »
"Economic Collapse: $14 Trillion Dollar Household Debt Will Devastate Americans Personal Finances"
*"Economic Collapse: $14 Trillion Dollar Household * *Debt Will Devastate Americans Personal Finances"* by Epic Economist "In this video, we’ll be covering the latest data on personal debts that face Americans, and what the broken government policies on loans mean for our economic future. The United States is stuck at a low point in one of the worst economic collapses in its history. We have seen any chance at recovery be blunted again and again by new waves of the health crisis and indicators that keep slipping into the negative. In the latest crisis facing Americans, nearly 4 out ... more »
Study rating attractiveness of women with endometriosis is not yet retracted
Despite media reports announcing the retraction of a much-criticized study of whether women with endometriosis were more attractive than other women, the study has yet to be retracted by the journal. Last week, several news outlets, picking up on a story in The Guardian, said the study, first published in 2013 in Fertility and Sterility, … Continue reading Study rating attractiveness of women with endometriosis is not yet retracted
"The Twilight Zone"
*"The Twilight Zone"* by Jeff Thomas "Imagine if you will, a situation in which the economy of a nation is overdue to experience an economic collapse of epic proportions, but remains endlessly at the brink. Every day, a collapse is more likely, yet the economic house of cards remains in a state of suspended animation. Some people become increasingly edgy, while others become more complacent. Only a few choose to actually prepare for what’s coming. An impossible situation? Yes. But we’d be well-advised to recognize that it couldn’t only occur… in the Twilight Zone." For those old e... more »
New wrinkle to foreign interference in U.S. elections emerges
Anyone need a fake drivers license? Shoot just go on line and wham, bam, you now have one arriving soon. “What’s App” apparently has no problem allowing these sites to exist openly advertising their illegal activities. That is only a 30 second search and there were dozens more. With less than three months until the presidential election, suspicions are flying that foreign powers may try to corrupt our democracy. Just because the Democrat Russia narrative was cooked up, doesn’t mean election meddling never happens. Especially if we consider how desperate Democrats are to get illegals... more »
Bernard Stiegler and the Attention Economy
I was sorry to hear about the death of Bernard Stiegler last week. The range of his work takes in the gamut of French philosophy and German critical theory, while delving into political economy and having a few choice things to say about the attention economy. This makes his summation in a short blog post partial and difficult, and so for those looking for something more comprehensive and technical should check this paper out. Stiegler's particular concern was technology, or what he refers to as 'technics'. Working in a space adjacent to Latour's actor network theory and Deleuze an... more »
Gregory Mannarino, "Post-Market Report 8/10/20"
Gregory Mannarino, *Post-Market Report 8/10/20:* *“A Crime In Progress! The Fed. Is Now Buying "Blue Chip" Debt!"* - https://traderschoice.net/
The Pressing Dangers of Technocracy
*Dr. Mercola* - Technocrats have invented a new economic system from scratch.
With 194 BILLION Masks and Gloves Used Monthly, New Wave of Pollution Hits Oceans and Beaches
*Elias Marat* - A new, sad side effect of the pandemic is millions of pieces of discarded personal protective equipment (PPE) that is littering the planet in shocking ways.
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Selling Less Than a Gram of Marijuana Will Finally be Freed
*Elias Marat* - A U.S. military veteran who was sentenced to life in prison over less than $30 of marijuana is going to be released.
Scientists Resurrect 100-Million-Year-Old Life Buried Under Seafloor Since Dinosaur Age
*Jake Anderson* - Researchers found that by simply adding food they were able to ressurect bacteria life that has laid dormant for 101.5-million-years.
"The Only Story in the World: John Steinbeck on Kindness, Good and Evil, the Wellspring of Good Writing"
*"The Only Story in the World: John Steinbeck on Kindness, * *Good and Evil, the Wellspring of Good Writing"* by Maria Popova “All the goodness and the heroisms will rise up again, then be cut down again and rise up,” John Steinbeck (February 27, 1902–December 20, 1968) wrote as he contemplated good, evil, and the necessary contradiction of human nature at the peak of WWII. “It isn’t that the evil thing wins - it never will - but that it doesn’t die.” A decade later, and a decade before he won the Nobel Prize in Literature, Steinbeck turned this abiding tug of war between good and e... more »
President Trump Holds a Press Conference – 5:30pm Livestream
Today at 5:30pm President Trump will be holding a press briefing from the White House. White House Livestream – Fox News Livestream Link – Alternate Livestream LInk . .
The Continuing Travails of the President’s Attempt to Legislate a New Unemployment Assistance Program by Executive Fiat
The President ensured a deadlock in negotiations by refusing to agree to substantial state fiscal relief. In so doing, he abandoned the dealhe made to pass the fourth coronavirus relief act, in which Democrats agreed to expedite passage of further business subsidies with none of their priorities in exchange for his commitment, confirmed in a tweet, that he would promptly support new state fiscal relief. To ameliorate the political pressure to move forward further relief legislation, he announced on Saturday an initiative to use Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mo... more »
I’m a teacher at an elementary school, and I’m trying to figure out how to run my classroom during COVID
Lalia Kerr teaches at Three Mile Plains District School. Jennifer Henderson’s article, “The ABCs and Maybes of school reopening,” about the questions around school reopening was thoughtful but, like most examinations of the issue, lacking in attention to the issues that will arise in the younger grades. It seems as if everyone thinks we will be […]
February 12 was a strange day for the man who two months later would murder 22 people
Last February 12 began as a poor-weather day in Nova Scotia. The province was pretty well shut down because of an overnight snowstorm. Schools and public buildings were closed in Halifax and Truro. The temperature was hovering around the freezing mark. More snow was forecast. It was not the kind of day to be wandering […]
WHY ARE THERE NO DEMOCRATIC INSIDERS WHO UNDERSTAND WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY?
I've believed for years that Democrats are far too nice to the Republican Party -- they won't portray it as the major roadblock preventing the enactment of broadly popular polices (on healthcare, the climate, guns, taxation, infrastructure, and many other issues) and they won't create a counternarrative to the GOP's incessant "Democrats are evil" messaging. Certain groups in the population -- non-whites, college-educated city-dwelling whites, suburban women -- have *intuited* that the GOP is the problem, but not because Democratic officeholders or officials ever *say* it is. Establi... more »
Musical Interlude: Moody Blues, “This Is The Moment”
Moody Blues, “This Is The Moment” Photo: Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens, Greece
"A Look to the Heavens"
“Why is the Lobster Nebula forming some of the most massive stars known? No one is yet sure. Cataloged as NGC 6357, the Lobster Nebula houses the open star cluster Pismis 24 near its center - a home to unusually bright and massive stars. The overall blue glow near the inner star forming region results from the emission of ionized hydrogen gas. *Click image for larger size.* The surrounding nebula, featured here, holds a complex tapestry of gas, dark dust, stars still forming, and newly born stars. The intricate patterns are caused by complex interactions between interstellar winds, r... more »
Chet Raymo, “Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright...”
*“Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright...”* by Chet Raymo “Divinity is not playful. The universe was not made in jest but in solemn incomprehensible earnest. By a power that is unfathomably secret, and holy, and fleet." You may recall these words from Annie Dillard's “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.” There is nothing intrinsically cheerful about the world, she says. To live is to die; it's all part of the bargain. Stars destroy themselves to make the atoms of our bodies. Every creature lives to eat and be eaten. And into this incomprehensible, unfathomable, apparently stochastic melee stumbles... ... more »
"Change"
*"Change"* "Change. But start slowly, because direction is more important than speed. • Sit in another chair, on the other side of the table. Later on, change tables. • When you go out, try to walk on the other side of the street. Then change your route, walk calmly down other streets, observing closely the places you pass by. • Take other buses. Change your wardrobe for a while; give away your old shoes and try to walk barefoot for a few days – even if only at home. • Take off a whole afternoon to stroll about freely, listening to the birds or the noise of the cars. • Open and shut t... more »
The Poet: William Stafford, "Starting With Little Things"
*"Starting With Little Things" * "Love the earth like a mole, fur-near. Nearsighted, hold close the clods, their fine-print headlines. Pat them with soft hands - Like spades, but pink and loving; they break rock, nudge giants aside, affable plow. Fields are to touch; each day nuzzle your way. Tomorrow the world." - William Stafford
"Our Collective Fate..."
"We live in radical times surrounded by tasks that seem impossible. It has become our collective fate to be alive in a time of great tragedies, to live in a period of overwhelming disasters and to stand at the edge of sweeping changes. The river of life is flooding before us, and a tide of poisons affect the air we breathe and the waters we drink and even tarnish the dreams of those who are young and as yet innocent. The snake-bitten condition has already spread throughout the collective body. However, it is in troubled times that it becomes most important to remember that the wond... more »
"The intellectuals are more totalitarian in outlook than the common people." ~ Orwell #QotD
*"Orwell’s anti-Communism grew not alone out of his historical experience – with his self-acclaimed talent for facing unpleasant facts – but also out of his exposure to intellectuals under political pressure. He repeatedly said that 'the intellectuals are more totalitarian in outlook than the common people'.”* ~ Joseph Epstein, from his 1990 essay 'The big O: the reputation of George Orwell' [Hat tip Cafe Hayek] . Content is copyright PC.BlogSpot.Com © Permission to republish is granted, with link and attribution.
Snow Job: why the cover-up over Snowy Hydro 2.0?
[image: Snowy Hydro 2.0] The National Parks Association of NSW and ex-Energy Australia chair Ted Woodley are considering a legal challenge to the $10 billion Snowy 2.0, which they say will push back the transition to renewable energy and destroy thousands of hectares of national park, in light of the fact that the whole project hinges on a 30-year-old report. which is being kept secret writes Callum Foote.
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- August 10, 2020
Drone warfare is taking on an increasing importance for defence forces around the world. Photo: Handout *SCMP: **China’s growing military power may make drone and cruise missile proliferation ‘inevitable’ in Asia-Pacific* * Hi-tech weapons becoming increasing important as a deterrent, says report by Institute of Strategic Studies * South China Sea claimants and other developing countries seeking ways to counter aggression from major powers Countries in Asia-Pacific are looking at developing small and smart weapons like drones and cruise missiles to deter China, making their prolife... more »
"Covid-19 Pandemic Updates PM 8/10/20"
*"Covid-19 Pandemic **Updates PM 8/10/20" * *- Frequently **Updated* Please visit these sites often for the very latest information. ○ *"6 Questions An Honest, Intelligent Reporter * *Would Ask Dr. Fauci About COVID-19"* ○ *"COVID Incoherence"* ○ By By Ian Prasad Philbrick and Sanam Yar "Mexico is battling one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world. Officials say at least 52,000 people have died - the world’s third-highest toll, after the U.S. and Brazil - and there are indications the true total is even greater. Mexico’s struggle has been made harder by a pervasive phenomen... more »
"I Can't Convince Myself..."
"I can't convince myself that it does much good to try to challenge the everyday political delusions and dementias of Americans at large. Their contained and confined mentalities by far prefer the petty and parochial prisons of the kind of sense they have been trained and rewarded for making out of their lives (and are punished for deviating from them). What it costs them ultimately to be such slaves and infants and ideological zombies is a thought too monstrous and rending and spiky for them even to want to glance at." - Kenneth Smith "If you want to tell people the truth, make th... more »
Covid Vaccine Obsession
Some time ago PM Trudeau floated the idea that pandemic shutdowns can’t be lifted until a vaccine is available. More recently, the lack of a vaccine is touted in the US as a reason for keeping schools closed and travel restrictions in place. What is this obsession with a vaccine as the savior whose healing […]
Murder Charge For Not Wearing A Mask?
A Nashville, TN councilwoman has proposed charging anyone not wearing a mask with either murder or attempted murder. Is it any wonder violence, anger, and fear is spreading even as coronavirus deaths continue to decline? Why are they doing this? Also today, dentists report a surge in cavities and gum disease among people wearing masks. Kansas health official busted faking charts to falsely inflate effectiveness of mask-wearing. Big motorcycle rally in South Dakota - no masks! Watch today's Liberty Report:
WATCH: The 2020 Coronavirus Cup
*Peekay Truth* | Undoubtedly, one of the all-time greatest horse races ever called.
Clemson Prof At It Again: Trump, All GOPers Are Racist, Like Nazis. Sought Critic’s Address on Facebook
[image: clemson-prof-at-it-again-all-gopers-are-racist-sought-critic-s-address-on-facebook] A cop-hating professor at Clemson University has again said that all Republicans are racists and xenophobes and in May publicly asked for the address of a man who wrote a letter to the editor with which the professor disagreed.
James Blew: Pushing More Headscratching Arguments for USED
These days, James Blew's official title is Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development at the US Department of Education. He's held that job since the Senate confirmed him in July of 2018. This guy.That confirmation was a narrow 50-49 party line vote, perhaps because Blew's previous history is focused on dismantling US public education. He was director of Student Success California, part of the 50CAN reformy network, and he served a stint as president of StudentsFirst, the national reform advocacy group founded by Michelle Rhee, former DC chancellor and ed r... more »
The Daily "Near You?"
Waynesville, North Carolina, USA. Thanks for stopping by!
"What If..."
"What if when you die they ask, "How was Heaven?" ~ Author Unknown A truly horrifying thought...
“Our National Stockholm Syndrome”
*“Our National Stockholm Syndrome”* by thereisnospoon “If an alien observer not trained in our customs and way of life were to read our Constitution, come to America and view our current situation, our fine little green friend would no doubt be amazed at the spectacle. Political parties, utterly without conscience, have taken it upon themselves to hold the country at ransom. Yes, our observer would remark at the abject nihilism and greed of these political parties. And it would remark at the transparent weakness of those who cave to such demands, curiously viewing payment of ranso... more »
Why the Beretta APX is a Great Choice for Self-Defense
*Richard Douglas* *Security, Europe* [image: https://www.beretta.com/assets/12/15/DimGalleryLarge/APX_9x19_(1)1.jpg] There is a reason this weapon is used by militaries and law enforcement. Originally made with law enforcement and the military in mind, the Beretta APX is still a good choice for civilian carriers. First designed in 2016, it refers to the “Advanced Pistol X,” with the X meaning the caliber pick of choice, ranging from 9mm to .40 S&W. If you want to know just why this pistol is called “advanced,” let me lay out the features of it for you. *Accuracy* You can expect... more »
New Report Reveals US Special Forces Active in 22 African Countries
The US has roughly 6,000 military personnel scattered throughout the continent with military attachés outnumbering diplomats in many embassies across Africa. The post New Report Reveals US Special Forces Active in 22 African Countries appeared first on MintPress News.
Oklahoma appoints medical marijuana program interim director
Oklahoma’s fast-growing, business-friendly medical cannabis program is getting another new regulatory czar – at least on an interim basis. Kelly Williams, the deputy director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), will serve as interim director of the regulatory agency, replacing Travis Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was recently appointed deputy commissioner of prevention and preparedness at the […] Oklahoma appoints medical marijuana program interim director is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
Canopy reports CA$128 million loss as recreational cannabis revenue falls
Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth Corp. reported a net loss of more than 128 million Canadian dollars ($95.7 million) in the first quarter of its fiscal year, with total revenue improving slightly on a quarterly basis as the company continues its corporate transformation plan. Net revenue for the quarter ended June 30 was CA$110.4 million, […] Canopy reports CA$128 million loss as recreational cannabis revenue falls is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
Chair of Illinois cannabis company leaves industry to return to newspapers
A well-known former publisher of the Chicago Tribune is leaving a multistate marijuana company after barely more than a year to run the bankrupt newspaper chain McClatchy. Tony Hunter, who left the Tribune in 2016 after 22 years at the paper, was brought on as chair of Illinois-based Revolution Enterprises in July 2019. Hunter said […] Chair of Illinois cannabis company leaves industry to return to newspapers is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
Illinois governor appoints Danielle Perry as cannabis czar
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has chosen a new marijuana “czar” to oversee the state’s industry. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, Pritzker appointed former Obama administration insider Danielle Perry as Illinois’ cannabis regulation oversight officer. Perry will begin her job after being confirmed by the state Senate. She will be the second person appointed to the […] Illinois governor appoints Danielle Perry as cannabis czar is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
No One Can Force A Presidential Candidate-- Let Alone A President-- To Read (Or Understand) The U.S. Constitution... Trump's Executive Orders
The big news Sunday was Trump's executive orders after he sabotaged the negotiations with Congress for a pandemic relief bill. No doubt, his zombie followers will eat it up. No one else will. Jim Tankersley did an analysis for *NY Times* readers-- Trump’s Go-It-Alone Stimulus Won’t Do Much to Lift the Recovery. He wrote that Señor Trumpanzee's executive actions "were pitched as a unilateral jolt for an ailing economy. But there is only one group of workers that seems guaranteed to benefit from them, at least right away: lawyers." The orders include an eviction moratorium, a new ben... more »
"More Nothing Than Something"
*"More Nothing Than Something"* By Bill Bonner SAN MARTIN, ARGENTINA – "This weekend, as expected, the Trump Team came forward with more ways to spend the money it doesn’t have. The package, announced by Mr. Trump himself, ignored the people’s representatives – who, alone, according to the Constitution, have the right to determine how money is raised and spent – and declared a $400 per week bonus for people who don’t work. As for those who do work, they will get something for nothing, too. No longer will they have to pay for their own Social Security retirement plans, after Trump s... more »
The Chinese Air Force Does Not Have Enough Tankers To Wage War
David Axe *Forbes:* *The U.S. Can Send Hundreds Of Aerial Tankers Into A War Over Taiwan. The Chinese Can Send Maybe 13* If China invades Taiwan, it must win quickly—or risk losing. If the invasion drags out more than a few days, U.S. forces could intervene. And if that happens, the Chinese military could find itself at a major disadvantage for one simple reason. The U.S. Air Force and Navy have tankers and catapults. The Chinese air force and navy don’t. Aerial-refueling tankers help to extend the range of American fighters, while catapults allow carrier-launched U.S. fighters t... more »
Virtual Book Club Puts Focus on Implicit Bias
To understand individual prejudice, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) has developed a virtual Implicit Bias Book Club for faculty members and community partners to participate in virtually.
$4.2 Million Will Be Distributed to 14 Montana Colleges To Support Low-Income Students
Fourteen Montana colleges and universities will receive roughly $4.2 million from the Department of Education for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) “in an effort to increase retention and graduation rates for low-income students,” reports The Great Falls Tribune. “My parents always said — and I still believe — that public education is the great equalizer […]
California Creates Higher Ed Recovery Taskforce to Mitigate COVID-19 Impact
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is bringing together state and national experts in higher education equity and innovation to create the California Higher Education Recovery with Equity Taskforce. Beginning this month, the task force will determine what mid- and long-term actions the state’s education leaders, government and philanthropic institutions should take to mitigate and recover from the […]
Employees to Undergo Furloughs as U of Arizona Faces $250 Million Shortfall
Some employees at the University of Arizona (UA) will face furloughs as the school struggles to deal with a potential $250 million shortfall due to drops in revenue brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Arizona Public Media. In an email to the university community on Friday, UA president Robert Robbins said the school “will […]
“What Do You Call a Black Man with a Ph.D?”
Malcolm X once famously asked, “What do you call a Black man with a PhD?” Years before I earned my doctorate, my mother and father migrated from Haiti in search of the American dream and running water. Today, I have chosen to raise my family in the States and in some ways, fulfilled the vision of my God-fearing parents.
Fauci on Coronavirus Vaccine: "Chances of it Being 98% Effective Is Not Great"
*Ethen Kim Lieser* *Health, * White House coronavirus advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci has asserted that there is only a slim chance that a COVID-19 vaccine with 90%-plus effectiveness will be developed in the coming months. White House coronavirus advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci has asserted that there is only a slim chance that a COVID-19 vaccine with 90%-plus effectiveness will be developed in the coming months. Health officials and medical experts, though, are still hoping for a vaccine that’s 70%-plus effective, but 50% or 60% could be passable as well. “The chances of it being 98% effe... more »
Air Force Conducts F-35A Tests as First Fighters go on 'Alert' Status
*Peter Suciu* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] The alert status exercises took place at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates in early July, and was conducted to provide data points to mission planners with the U.S. Air Force Central Command Air Operations Center. The United States Air Force’s F-35A, the conventional takeoff-and-landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, has had a notable summer as the advanced aircraft recently took part in the first-of-its-kind test to hone how the stealthy fighter could work in tandem with older aircraft to provide critical an... more »
Survey: Streaming Viewing Continues to Surge (However, There Is a Catch)
*Stephen Silver* *Technology, * Stream advertising is way down. That streaming viewing has increased in 2020, due in part to Americans being stuck at home and a lack of outside entertainment options, is certainly no secret. A newly released survey shows just how much streaming has taken over entertainment. The Q2 2020 State of Streaming Report from Conviva found that video streaming has begun to shift significantly towards smart TVs. Such streaming has risen 239 percent year over year, but that doesn’t mean more traditional modes of streaming have decreased. Use of connected TV... more »
No End in Sight: U.S. Tops 5 Million Coronavirus Cases
*Ethen Kim Lieser* *Health, * And to make matters worse: There are more than 19.9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, including at least 732,000 fatalities The United States surpassed the grim milestone of five million coronavirus cases over the weekend. The country, which represents about a quarter of all COVID-19 infections in the world, has seen more than 163,000 deaths related to the contagion, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. There are more than 19.9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, including at least 732,000 fatali... more »
New Coronavirus Forecast Model Predicts 300,000 U.S. Deaths by December
*Ethen Kim Lieser* *Health, * Nearly 300,000 Americans could be dead from the novel coronavirus by December 1, according to new data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine. Nearly 300,000 Americans could be dead from the novel coronavirus by December 1, according to new data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine. The U.S. has by far the most COVID-19 cases in the world, with nearly 5.1 million confirmed infections and more than 163,0... more »
Empower India to Deter China
*Arjun Kapur* *Security, Eurasia* [image: Reuters] The alignment of the United States’ South and East Asia security strategies is the key to making its Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy a success. High in the Himalayas, China and India’s recent clash at their disputed border in the Galwan Valley has exposed a down-to-earth fact: America’s South Asia policy has failed. With at least twenty Indian soldiers dead and an unconfirmed number of Chinese casualties—the first fatalities between the two sides since 1975—America’s policy of limiting the help it provides India has undermin... more »
New South Wales hit by strong winds and worst flood in 29 years, Australia
The Watchers » Latest articles - 8 hours ago
Torrential rain and strong winds lashed the New South Wales South Coast over the weekend, causing the worst flooding in the area for 29 years. High waves killed a 44-year-old surfer in Sydney's Collaroy. At least 1 600 emergency calls had also been made during...... Read more »
Security In Iraq Aug 1-7, 2020
Violence remained very low for the ninth straight week in Iraq. This regularly happens. The Islamic State launches one or two offensives a year and then attacks dramatically drop off afterward. This is currently the lull after a Spring campaign by the insurgents. At the same time the militants are in a war of attrition against the security forces in the rural areas they operate in. Pro-Iran groups are also keeping up a steady rate of attacks upon U.S. targets in the country. There were ten total incidents reported in the media in Iraq during the first week of August. Half of t... more »
This Day In Iraqi History - Aug 10
1920 Treaty of Sevres started the break-up of the Ottoman Empire after World War I Included ceding Mesopotamia to the British Included call for a Kurdish state and full protection for Assyrians Turkey rejected treaty Also claimed Mosul province citing Madrid armistice when British forces only held small part of vilyat (Musings On Iraq interview with Princeton’s Sara Pursley on Sykes-Picot and creation of Iraq) (Musings On Iraq review *The Creation of Iraq 1914-1921*) (Musings On Iraq review *Supremacy And Oil, Iraq, Turkey, and the Anglo-American World Order, 1918-1930*) (... more »
This is why one man focusing the power of God
These crimes committed against the Afghans, against Kurds, Iraqis, Shiites, beloved, against Tibetans and on and on must not be ignored. You must champion that Justice and therefore *call down* the judgment of God and let that judgment rain upon these fallen ones! Yes, beloved, they are tenacious and they have kept to themselves the light [of the Christ] that they have taken from those whom they have murdered, even innocent children…. This is the hour to call upon the law of forgiveness, to appeal to the legions of Mercy and Justice to come to you. Let that Justice therefore ... more »
Winfrey Demanding Justice for Breonna Taylor with Billboards
Twenty-six billboards displaying a portrait of Taylor are going up across Louisville, Kentucky, demanding that the police officers involved in her death be arrested and charged.
With Top US Official Visting Taiwan, China Sends Fighter Jets Along The Border
*Reuters: **China sends fighter jets as U.S. health chief visits Taiwan* TAIPEI (Reuters) - Chinese air force jets briefly crossed the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait on Monday and were tracked by Taiwanese missiles, Taiwan’s government said, as U.S. health chief Alex Azar visited the island to offer President Donald Trump’s support. Azar arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, the highest-level U.S. official to visit in four decades. China, which claims the island as its own, condemned the visit which comes after a period of sharply deteriorating relations between China and the United State... more »
China Has Doubled Its Fighter Jets On Its Border With India
The PLA air force planes are seen conducting training exercises, Nov. 19, 2017. The PLA air force recently conducted a combat air patrol in the South China Sea and conducted training exercises after passing over the Bashi Channel and Miyako Strait. (Xinhua/Chen Liang) *Forbes: **China Has Doubled Its Fighter Jets On India’s Border* China has doubled its fighter jets on India’s disputed northern border, according to American analysts. As of July 28, China has 36 aircraft and helicopters at the Hotan air base in China’s Xinjiang region, near the disputed northeastern Indian territory... more »
Russian air defenses intercepted enemy drones near largest base in Syria
[image: Russian air defenses intercepted enemy drones near largest base in Syria] BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:00 P.M.) – The Russian air defenses intercepted a number of enemy drones near their largest base inside Syria on Monday. According to local reports, the Russian air defenses intercepted at least three enemy drones that were attempting to approach the Hmeimim Airbase. The drones were said to have been launched from the Latakia-Idlib administrative border in northwestern Syria. The Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to comment on these claims; however, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SA... more »
Turkey warns they have ‘capabilities to defeat alliance of evil’ in Mediterranean
[image: Turkey warns they have ‘capabilities to defeat alliance of evil’ in Mediterranean] BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:30 P.M.) – The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Monday that said, “those who act in the sense of ‘I am the only owner of the Mediterranean’ will be disappointed.” The ministry continued in its statement that “Greece has shown, through the maritime border demarcation agreement it concluded with Egypt, that it is not sincere about the issue of dialogue with us.” The Turkish Foreign Ministry then said that “Ankara has the ability and capabilities to defeat the al... more »
We don't normally do this but...
*MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020...we're doing this today:* We've just skimmed George Packer's piece from the June Atlantic. It appeared beneath these headlines: *We Are Living in a Failed State* The coronavirus didn’t break America. It revealed what was already broken. The essay ends with these paragraphs. They may not be worth reading: PACKER (6/20): *The fight to overcome the pandemic must also be a fight to recover the health of our country, and build it anew*, or the hardship and grief we’re now enduring will never be redeemed. Under our current leadership, nothing will change. If 9/... more »
Freshouse/Wegmans recalls of Valencia Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Organic Limes, and Red B Potatoes
Freshouse II, LLC of Salisbury, NC, a supplier of Wegmans Food Markets, has since Sunday been recalling specific production lots, brands and weights of Valencia Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Organic Limes, and Red B Potatoes because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. And Wegmans, a 103-store supermarket chain with stores in... Continue Reading
Two beluga whales are transported from captivity in China to swim in the sea for the first time
Two beluga whales have been moved into their new home in Iceland, where they will be able to live freely in the open sea for the first time in nearly a decade. Little Grey and Little White travelled 6,000 miles from Chengfeng Ocean World, where they were trained to perform in front of audiences. They flew for around 30 hours to the Beluga Sanctuary, run by British charity Sea Life Trust, on Heimaey Island in June this year. According to the charity, the two 12-year-old female whales arrived safely at Klettsvik Bay, where they will stay in a bayside care pool for a short period of t... more »
FreakedOut Update On the CovID Plandemic: Masks and 5G
*FreakedOut* My regular contributor *FreakedOut* has sent us some great links on the sentient *War for Humanity *against the* Communist "Global Health Security" PerpZ.* First, he has a video showing how Montreal sentients rallied against the Global Mask Hoax project and the Australian Lockdown. ********* *“100,000 March in Montreal as 25 Million Aussies Hide Behind Masks”* *March against Masks* *H/T to FreakedOut* *FreakedOut says:* RichieFromBoston is on the road heading west to Oregon, mostly along Interstate 80, and is seeing convoys of what he is calling white telecom trucks ... more »
Lebanese PM Hassan Diab Announces His Resignation And That Of His Entire Government
*Daily Mail:* *Lebanese PM and his cabinet RESIGN over explosion that killed 160: Pressure mounts on Hezbollah-backed President as government collapses and country teeters on the brink amid furious protests over disaster* * Prime minister Hassan Diab will address the nation tonight and his health minister says the PM is set to quit * Several ministers have already walked out while President Michel Aoun is also under pressure to resign * Last Tuesday's ammonium nitrate explosion killed at least 163 people and injured more than 6,000 others Lebanon's prime minister and his cabin... more »
Why don’t these black lives matter?
The true costs of “green” energy are staggering. _______________ “Politicians and activists in California, and across the country and world, think a primary solution to our “manmade climate crisis” and other environmental ills is “clean, ethical, climate-friendly, sustainable” electric vehicles (EVs),” says Paul Driessen. “They never consider that replacing just that one state’s 15,000,000 cars ... Read more Why don’t these black lives matter? The post Why don’t these black lives matter? appeared first on Ice Age Now.
Many cold records broken in Russian Far East
“Summer is over in the Khabarovsk Territory” 10 Aug 2020 – In Chukotka in the early morning hours in Markovo the temperature dropped to -1.1°C, the new record low for the day. The previous record of -0.9°C was set in 1945. A record low temperature was also recorded in Kurilsk (Sakhalin Oblast). On August 9, the ... Read more Many cold records broken in Russian Far East The post Many cold records broken in Russian Far East appeared first on Ice Age Now.
How the World Enables China's Legal Gamesmanship
U.S. Naval ships move through the South China Sea on February 15, 2010. (Source: United States Navy) Writing on *Lawfare* in May, I described how a large bloc of countries might collectively protect the rules-based order at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). More specifically, I suggested that the official delegates of the 160-plus national governments who will convene later in 2020 for the 30th meeting of state parties to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) could vote against China’s nominee for an ITLOS judgeship—who, if elected, would serv... more »
Petition To Continue Mining In Whitehaven
By Paul Homewood https://www.change.org/p/cumbria-county-council-confirmation-of-mining-in-whitehaven?redirect=false There is a new petition to lobby Cumbria County Council to continue coal mining at Whitehaven I’m not aware of any potential local issues, but the mine certainly should not be closed to satisfy climate targets. Please check it out.
Vice President Pence Challenges Biden: “Square Up” and Debate the President!
[image: vice-president-pence-challenges-biden-square-up-and-debate-the-president] Vice President Mike Pence issued a direct challenge to the Democrat Party’s presumptive presidential candidate Joe Biden: “Square up” and “debate President Donald Trump.”
Pelosi Calls Trump Executive Order to Provide $400 Weekly Unemployment Benefits “Unconstitutional”
[image: pelosi-calls-trump-executive-order-to-provide-400-weekly-unemployment-benefits-unconstitutional] President Trump signed an executive order to provide unemployment benefits of $400 weekly, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the order “absurdly unconstitutional.”
Attorney General Barr: BLM and Antifa Are “Essentially Bolsheviks”
[image: attorney-general-barr-blm-and-antifa-are-essentially-bolsheviks] Attorney General William Barr said that the continuing riots across America in several cities are a form of “urban guerilla warfare,” driven by organizations — Black Lives Matter and Antifa — that are “essentially Bolsheviks.”
Biblical Basis of Bill of Rights
[image: alex-newman-biblical-basis-of-bill-of-rights] VIDEO - In this interview with The New American's Alex Newman, Liberty Christian Fellowship Pastor Earl Wallace explains that the Founding Fathers' understanding of God -given rights, including those listed in the Bill of Rights, was a thoroughly biblical view based on what God revealed in the Bible. The pastor also explained that there are ultimately only two value systems: the Ten Commandments, and everything else. Everyone should work to ensure that governments adhere to those commands--no murder, no theft, no lying, and so on... more »
Quote of the day
From Theodore Dalrymple, writing in Taki's Magazine: America has ceased to be different from the rest of the Western world in remaining religious, with the result that politics is the new religion. It has removed transcendence and salvation from the private and personal sphere to the public realm, where it can lead only to conflict. Well, if (according to Marx) religion is the opiate of the masses, I suppose we can update that expression to "Politics is the methamphetamine of the millenials!" Looking at many of the Antifa/BLM demonstrators protesters rioters on our streets, it's ... more »
China Sanctions 5 US GOP Senators In Retaliation To US Sanctions
*Daily Mail:* *China sanctions 11 US citizens including Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio in retaliation for U.S. restrictions on Hong Kong's top officials - but Beijing does not hit ANY Trump officials* * China announced Monday it is placing unspecific sanctions against 11 U.S. politicians and business officials * The list includes Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, but it doesn't not name any of Donald Trump's administration or campaign officials * China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced the sanctions, claiming the 11 individuals 'performed badly... more »
Sea Ice Extent (Global Antarctic and Arctic) – Day 222 – 2020
Originally posted on sunshine hours: South / North ? ?
Many W Hudson Bay polar bears still offshore at 7 August despite apparent low ice levels
Originally posted on polarbearscience: Contrary to all expert expectations, five female polar bears (45%) out of eleven that had tracking collars attached last year were still out on the sea ice that’s lingering along the western shore of Hudson Bay as of 7 August. And if five collared bears are out there, then there are…
Did CNN Publish Contradictory Articles on Hydroxychloroquine?
Information about hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19, published in two CNN articles, was neither contradictory nor inaccurate — despite attempts to make it look that way.
Lebanese PM Steps Down in Wake of Beirut Explosion, Protests
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab made the announcement in a short televised address, after a weekend of protests and the resignation of three of his ministers.
Widespread Violence Erupts In Chicago After A Night Of Protests
*Daily Mail:* *'We're coming for you': Mayor Lightfoot's warning to looters who ransacked Chicago in night of 'straight-up criminality' that saw 100 arrests and 13 cops injured - as racial tensions flare nationwide on sixth anniversary of Michael Brown's death* * Chicago's Magnificent Mile was hit by looters after hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police * It's unclear what triggered the shooting but earlier in the day, an armed suspect was wounded by police * The man had opened fire on cops and they returned; he was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive * Crowd... more »
July 2020: Injured Kids, Society Costs
There is still a dearth of any real news on special education and autism in U.S. schools, but not so in Britain and Ireland where the press reports constantly on big time increases in special education spending. Honestly, while it’s not being reported on as a crisis, any thinking person has to be concerned about what’s happening over there. Someone needs to explain what’s going on. The post July 2020: Injured Kids, Society Costs appeared first on Children's Health Defense.
Serendipity and Innovation
Second in a #ReadWithMe series. Matt Ridley’s How Innovation Works is a treasure trove of examples which suggest that innovation is often serendipitous. Indeed, sometimes “use precedes understanding”. Writes Ridley that “throughout history, technologies and inventions have been deployed successfully without scientific understanding of why they work”. Later science catches up. This is something […] The post Serendipity and Innovation appeared first on Econlib.
Lasers detect space debris in daylight for the first time
The Watchers » Latest articles - 10 hours ago
For the first time, scientists have used lasers to detect space debris in broad daylight. Prior to this, lasers could only be used to measure the distance to space debris during a few twilights hours. A new study proved that it is possible to use lasers in full...... Read more »
Editor's Note
My public electric utility has been working on the network around my home since this morning (Had a major power failure last week). They just finished, and power has been restored. I should be up and blogging within 15 minutes.
Chris Hedges: The United State’s Death March
The terminal decline of the United States will not be solved by elections. The political rot and depravity will continue to eat away at the soul of the nation, spawning what anthropologists call crisis cults — movements led by demagogues that prey on an unbearable psychological and financial distress. These crisis cults, already well established among followers of the Christian Right and Donald Trump, peddle magical thinking and an infantilism that promises — in exchange for all autonomy — prosperity, a return to a mythical past, order and security. The post Chris Hedges: The Uni... more »
US Crimes Against Humanity At Home And Abroad
The US crimes against humanity did not begin or end with the dropping of the nuclear bombs on Japan. As militant civil rights leader Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin (formerly H. Rap Brown) pointed out years ago, “Violence is as American as cherry pie.” Since its inception, the US has been ingrained with a motor force of violent oppression against everyone and every country that stood in its way of its expansion for control of resources and its entitlement to a limitless accumulation of vast wealth for a few. The original thirteen colonies that rebelled against England were not motivated so... more »
The Neoliberal Virus
Neoliberalism can be characterized, amongst other things, by a doctrinaire preoccupation with market deregulation and accompanying mythology, with all the supporting evidence of children’s fairy tales, that market mechanisms left to themselves can best guarantee social happiness and prosperity. In reality, neoliberals fear checks on the absolute power of capital. Not making a distinction between being criticized and being attacked, and habitually conflating their own grotesque class privileges with individual freedoms, the transnational corporate capitalist class who sponsor this ... more »
Lebanese Protesters Occupy Government Buildings As Army Uses Live Ammunition
Massive demonstrations rippled through Beirut on 8 August as protesters took to the streets calling for revenge on the politicians who bear collective responsibility for the huge explosion at the port on 4 August. Protesters stormed the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Economy, the Ministry of the Environment and set the Association of Banks headquarters on fire. “This is the heart of corruption. The centre of fraud and plunder”, commented one of the demonstrators as he filmed inside the Ministry of Energy. The post Lebanese Protesters Occupy G... more »
‘Execute Them’: Lebanon Protesters Demand Revenge After Blast
Mock gallows nooses tied to brooms: Lebanese protesters on Saturday clamored for bloody revenge against a leadership they blame for the massive blast that engulfed their capital. "There is hatred and there is blood between us and our authorities," said Najib Farah, a 35-year-old protester in central Beirut. "The people want revenge." On a street leading to parliament, young men lobbed stones at security forces who replied with tear gas, a familiar sight in Lebanon since last October. Thousands of young men and women earlier revived the main camp of a months-long protest movement... more »
Trump’s Executive Orders Are Public Relations Stunts
Trump, Meadows, Mnuchin and McConnell cleverly set up and sucked in Pelosi and Shumer into negotiations last week, never planning to conclude a deal by Friday, in the process getting them to reveal their priority demands and securing from them major concessions worth $1 trillion—for which the Democrat leaders apparently got nothing in return. A day later, Trump dropped the hammer and issued his EOs, which are designed more as PR for his election campaign. They certainly won’t provide anything remotely necessary as fiscal stimulus to confront the US economy’s emerging fading reboun... more »
Can Cities Go Zero-waste?
In 2003 the small Japanese town of Kamikatsu set an ambitious zero-waste declaration, aiming to be 100% waste-free by 2020. The goal was to produce no trash, meaning everything from food packaging to unwanted clothing to yesterday’s newspaper should be reused, repurposed into new goods, or recycled. Now that 2020 has arrived, we can see the result: In the 17 years since establishing its goal, Kamikatsu transitioned from openly incinerating all its trash to reusing and recycling 80% of its waste. While the town made incredible progress, it ultimately fell short of its 100% goal. It... more »
On risky responses
Plenty of people have taken note of the Saskatchewan Party's "Kate" data collection scheme - and it's given rise to much due mockery, as well as some important recognition of the underlying system. But if it's true that the Sask Party's plan for now is to blast messages out to mobile numbers, it's worth noting how any direct responses to the scheme may lead to election-campaign mischief. If indeed the marketing group behind the messages knows nothing about respondents besides the randomized number dialed initially, then even a humorous response provides some significant data. Pres... more »
Coin Shortage Traced To Kenneth Copeland’s Giant Money Vault | The Babylon Bee
August 7th, 2020 U.S.—A coin shortage in the U.S. has been pinned on prosperity gospel preacher Kenneth Copeland. According to a new report, Copeland is hoarding over 80% of the nation’s coins in a giant money vault that he dives into each morning. “Well, I named and claimed it fair and square,” Copeland said as … Continue reading Coin Shortage Traced To Kenneth Copeland’s Giant Money Vault | The Babylon Bee →
Kirby Under Fire For Appropriating Thousands Of Cultures | The Babylon Bee
August 7th, 2020 PLANET POPSTAR—Lovable, innocent little pink puffball Kirby may not be so lovable and innocent after all: recent images have emerged of the pink puff wearing hurtful costumes that appropriate the cultures of various other lands, including the Mushroom Kingdom, Corneria, the Green Hill Zone, and thousands of others. Kirby will be removed … Continue reading Kirby Under Fire For Appropriating Thousands Of Cultures | The Babylon Bee →
Joe Biden Holds A Diversity Training Seminar For The African American Community | The Babylon Bee
August 7th, 2020 WILMINGTON, DE—During a recent interview, Joe Biden made comments stating that unlike the African American community, Latinos are diverse with a multitude of opinions and attitudes. Biden has now decided to address this lack of diversity himself and host a diversity training seminar for the black community. “Alright, everybody to the conference … Continue reading Joe Biden Holds A Diversity Training Seminar For The African American Community | The Babylon Bee →
Biden Tells Staffers To Pick Any Black Person For VP ‘Since They All Think The Same Anyway’ | The Babylon Bee
August 7th, 2020 WILMINGTON, DE—According to sources within the Joe Biden campaign, staffers have been instructed to pick “any black person” for vice president, “since they all think the same anyway.” He made the comment while in a strategy meeting with aides in his basement. “Just nab any old black person — they’re all pretty … Continue reading Biden Tells Staffers To Pick Any Black Person For VP ‘Since They All Think The Same Anyway’ | The Babylon Bee →
Tracking Bible Prophecy Headlines – 8/10/2020
Headlines – 8/10/2020 US Ambassador David Friedman heads to Washington for marathon talks on sovereignty As election looms, Gantz, Netanyahu said to shout at each other about budget Likud, Blue and White brawl publicly as coalition teeters on the brink Netanyahu’s election threat is an elaborate, calculated game of ‘chicken’ Netanyahu said to back budget … Continue reading Tracking Bible Prophecy Headlines – 8/10/2020 →
Another Massive Boat Parade For President Trump! 1,000+ Boats at Lake Okoboji in Iowa (VIDEO)
Cristina Laila Published August 9, 2020 There was another massive boat parade for President Trump on Sunday. More than 1,000 boats were out on Lake Okoboji waving Trump 2020 flags. Advertisement – story continues below Still no boat parade for Sleepy Joe Biden! WATCH: Pretty amazing footage from yet ANOTHER boat parade for President Trump! … Continue reading Another Massive Boat Parade For President Trump! 1,000+ Boats at Lake Okoboji in Iowa (VIDEO) →
Is Jill Biden Running For President? Jill Does In-Person Interview with CBS as Feeble Joe Hides in His Basement (VIDEO)
Cristina Laila Published August 9, 2020 Is Jill Biden running for President? Jill Biden did an in-person interview with CBS Sunday Morning with host Rita Braver. Advertisement – story continues below Meanwhile feeble Joe Biden is hiding in his basement and refuses to do interviews with members of the press. LOL wait. Why can Jill … Continue reading Is Jill Biden Running For President? Jill Does In-Person Interview with CBS as Feeble Joe Hides in His Basement (VIDEO) →
Hasbro Pulls Trolls Doll With ‘Giggle ‘n Gasp’ Crotch Button Over Pedophilia Grooming Concerns
Kristinn Taylor Published August 9, 2020 Hasbro announced this week it is pulling the DreamWorks Trolls World Tour character doll Giggle ‘n Sing Poppy after complaints about the doll having a button like sensor in its crotch that plays giggles, gasps and other sounds of pleasure when pressed or triggered. The placement and sounds of … Continue reading Hasbro Pulls Trolls Doll With ‘Giggle ‘n Gasp’ Crotch Button Over Pedophilia Grooming Concerns →
BLM-Antifa Militants Rove Into Residential Neighborhood, Threaten to Murder Portland Residents, “We’re Gonna Burn Your Building Down!” (VIDEO)
Cristina Laila Published August 9, 2020 Antifa-BLM militants roved into residential neighborhoods in Portland Saturday night and threatened to kill people in an apartment building. “Black Lives Matter!” the rioters chanted in the middle of the night causing residents to awaken. Advertisement – story continues below “We’re gonna burn your building down!” a terrorist screamed … Continue reading BLM-Antifa Militants Rove Into Residential Neighborhood, Threaten to Murder Portland Residents, “We’re Gonna Burn Your Building Down!” (VIDEO) →
Black Lives Matter Pulls Gun on Truck Driver, Then Mob Hurls Bottles at Vehicles who Want to Get Through Their Roadblock — Update: Gunman Identified – Jonathan Howe
Jim Hoft Published August 9, 2020 “Peaceful” Black Lives Matter protesters pulled a gun on a truck and hurled bottles at drivers in Indianapolis this weekend. The mob threatened drivers who wanted to get past their roadblock. They also threw water at cars. Advertisement – story continues below The Democrats support this. WTH? Via local … Continue reading Black Lives Matter Pulls Gun on Truck Driver, Then Mob Hurls Bottles at Vehicles who Want to Get Through Their Roadblock — Update: Gunman Identified – Jonathan Howe →
Uruguay approves new rules to facilitate exports, spur cannabis industry
Uruguayan President Lacalle Pou signed two decrees with the aim of spurring development of the medical cannabis and hemp industries and encouraging exports, Deputy Secretary of the Presidency Rodrigo Ferrés said during a news conference late last week. The new rules simplify the export process of medical cannabis. One decree allows businesses to export psychoactive […] Uruguay approves new rules to facilitate exports, spur cannabis industry is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
Nigeria begins reforms of international investment agreements
bilaterals.org - 10 hours ago
10-Aug-2020 Nigeria is undertaking series of reforms of the country's bilateral investment treaties to attract responsible, inclusive, balanced and sustainable investments.
USD4.65 million litigation funding secured
bilaterals.org - 10 hours ago
10-Aug-2020 Funding will support legal costs associated with the claim against Tanzania regarding the the expropriation of the Ntaka Hill Nickel Project.
Treaty claims for cancelled or modified infrastructure projects in the wake of Covid-19
bilaterals.org - 10 hours ago
10-Aug-2020 A recent ICSID tribunal has denied an investor's claim concerning the development of an airport project in Latvia, which may have wider implications for infrastructure projects that may now be under feasibility reviews as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thirteen years and counting
Yesterday was the thirteenth anniversary of the start of my going alcohol free. The echo still remains, but it is a faint one and usually pops up at certain times in the late afternoon. It is indeed manageable. The following … Continue reading →
How Amazon Could Soon Turn Your Empty JCPenney Into a Shipping Warehouse
*Stephen Silver* *Technology, * Amazon and other leaders in e-commerce have done a lot over the years to bring about the long decline of traditional, brick-and-mortar retail. Now, the company may be taking over those exact spaces. Amazon and other leaders in e-commerce have done a lot over the years to bring about the long decline of traditional, brick-and-mortar retail. Now, the company may be taking over those exact spaces. The Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that Amazon is in talks with Simon Property Group Inc., the nation’s largest owner of malls, about turnin... more »
What World War II Teaches Us When It Comes to Standing Up to China
*Salvatore Babones* *Security, Asia* The parallels between 1930s Germany and 2010s China are profound. The free world's failure to contain the Nazi evil in Germany led directly to World War II. China may not be plotting a third world war, but the need to contain its evil is no less profound. Just as no one in 1938 could know for certain just how bad things would get over the next seven years, no one today can know for certain what is coming from China. Our goal should be not to find out. The *Reductio ad Hitlerum* is the distinctive twenty-first-century addition to Aristotle's c... more »
The Coming American Electoral Crisis
*Paul R. Pillar* *Politics, Americas* [image: Reuters] President Donald Trump is on course to exploit whatever post-election confusion and chaos he can foment in an effort to stay in power regardless of the will of the majority of Americans. He might point to a foreign crisis as one more reason—added to any balloting uncertainties—that he needs to remain the president. American democracy is in danger as it approaches the November elections, in ways that go beyond even all-too-familiar voter suppression and gerrymandering and threaten to lower the United States to the level of ti... more »
4K Ultra HD Disk Deathwatch: Disney Pulling Back on Catalog 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Releases
*Stephen Silver* *Economics, Americas* Disney is doubling down on streaming from here on out. The home media market may be ruled these days by streaming, but physical media remains something that many movie buffs continue to purchase, whether DVDs, Blu-ray Discs or even Ultra HD Blu-rays. The most premium of those, Ultra HD Blu-ray (also known as 4K Ultra HD), has been around since 2016, and Disney has been releasing discs in the format since “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” in 2017. But now, a new report says that Disney is going to be pulling back on such physical releases f... more »
Donald Trump Has Set a Debate Trap for Joe Biden
*Amitai Etzioni* *Politics, Americas* [image: Reuters] Joe Biden should prepare for Donald Trump’s outrageous, false claims, and allegations of “fake news” by asking debate moderators to sound a buzzer every time someone lies. Joe Biden’s running debate with President Donald Trump about the number and format of the forthcoming presidential debates is ignoring that Biden has a lot to lose in the debates, and little to gain. This is true for all candidates who have a major lead in the polls, and especially for ones who are as gaffe-prone as Biden. In previous elections, major gaffe... more »
Gretchen Whitmer: Joe Biden's Vice Presidential Pick?
*Rachel Bucchino* *Politics, * Who is she? Would she help or hurt Biden? Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — a candidate on presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s running mate shortlist — met with Biden in Delaware last week as he approaches a decision for whom he will select to help defeat President *Donald Trump.* It’s unclear what was discussed at the meeting, which is the first publicly known in-person gathering that Biden’s had with a potential running mate. With that said, what could she offer Biden as a VP pick? Would she help or hurt his chances to become president? ... more »
Four New 5G iPhones Coming This Year: Analyst
*Stephen Silver* *Technology, * Report: Apple will come out with four iPhones this year, all featuring 5G capability, which will kick off a “supercycle” for Apple this year. Apple will come out with four iPhones this year, all featuring 5G capability, which will kick off a “supercycle” for Apple this year. That’s according to the latest report from analyst Daniel Ives of Wedbush Securities, who had previously believed that Apple this year would offer a mix of 4G and 5G models, although he says that Apple will possibly unveil a fifth iPhone, with 4G and a “lower price point,” in e... more »
Cascading fallacies in climate risk assessment
The New Zealand climate risk assessment is a cascade of fallacies, unfit for policy making. The post Cascading fallacies in climate risk assessment appeared first on CFACT.
Trump’s move to restore some jobless benefits could help marijuana sales
The coronavirus-related enhanced jobless benefit of $600 a week that recently expired would be cut to $400 a week under an executive memorandum signed by President Donald Trump over the weekend. It’s unclear how quickly the jobless benefit will be put in place or to what extent the stimulus will influence cannabis spending patterns. Marijuana […] Trump’s move to restore some jobless benefits could help marijuana sales is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
Arizona adult-use marijuana initiative wins key legal battle
An Arizona county judge rejected a challenge to a proposed voter initiative to legalize recreational marijuana. If the ruling is upheld after expected appeals to the state Supreme Court and if enough qualifying signatures are certified by the Secretary of State in the coming weeks, recreational marijuana will appear on Arizona’s November ballot. Opponents argued […] Arizona adult-use marijuana initiative wins key legal battle is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
OAN – China Owns Biden
OAN Closing Arguments August 10, 2020 New York Post, March 12, 2020 – “Why China is rooting for Joe Biden to win 2020 presidential race” – . In 2017, the illustrious vice-presidential son was granted what Chinese commentators described as a Xianchai, a sinecure reserved for offspring of important officials, at BHR Partners. BHR is a $20 billion fund with shareholders that include China Life, China Development Bank and other state-owned entities. China’s State Council calls on BHR to find deals abroad by hiring foreigners with political connections. The Markets Work, March 16, 2018 – ... more »