10 pm MDT
It Bears Repeating
Who remembers Teddy Ruxpin? By Cathy Jameson A few years ago we added a toddler-friendly gizmo to the car seat Ronan was using. It's a plush strap cover that has a bear head on it. I hated to have to... more »
Would You Believe The U.S. Is Turning Towards Autocracy? You Should-- It Is
A new poll by YouGov for Yahoo News found that only 22% of Americans think this year's election will be "free and fair." That's very bad; it undermines democracy-- something the Donald has been doing for years. And there are liable to be "millions of partisans refusing to accept the legitimacy of the results... Half of Trump supporters (50 percent) say the election will not be free and fair; more than a third of Biden supporters (37 percent) agree," wrote Andrew Romano. "Overall, the number of Americans who say the election will not be free and fair (46 percent) is more than twi... more »
The Chinese Navy Will Never Get Over Losing The First Sino-Japanese War
*Lyle J. Goldstein* *Security, Asia* This 1894 conflict continues to haunt Beijing. *Even as Western strategists spill gobs of ink recalling the Great War that convulsed Europe a century ago*, Chinese military thinkers are actually fixated on another anniversary. 120 years ago, *Japan shocked the world with a lightning campaign that not only reduced the faltering Qing dynasty to its knees in a matter of months*, but more to the point: put the pride of China’s then ascendant fleet on the bottom of the Yellow Sea. The war was primarily fought over the Korean Peninsula and featured... more »
Nuclear Weapons Are Central To Pakistan's War Strategy Against India
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Asia* Pakistan’s nuclear program goes back to the 1950s, during the early days of its rivalry with India. *Here's What You Need To Remember: *Pakistan is clearly developing a robust nuclear capability that can not only deter but fight a nuclear war. It is also dealing with internal security issues that could threaten the integrity of its nuclear arsenal. Sandwiched between Iran, China, India and Afghanistan, Pakistan lives in a complicated neighborhood with a variety of security issues. One of the nine known states known to have nuclear weapons, Pakist... more »
Venezuela: A Tribute for Her Endless Pursuit of Democracy
Venezuela is again the shining light of Democracy – pushing ahead with the 6 December 2020 National Assembly (NA) elections despite the endless challenges of covid, of sanctions, of embargos, of confiscation of foreign assets, and even of a totally illicit blockage of reserve currencies – Venezuela’s gold – naturally in the world’s protectorate of international financial fraud, The City of London.
Voting By Mail: When Will November’s Election Results Be Settled?
When will we know the 2020 electoral results? Voting by mail raises concerns of delay and ultimate legitimacy - partisan and otherwise.
The Navy's Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Was Flawed, But It Sank Japanese Warships
*Warfare History Network* *History, * U.S. Navy dive-bomber crews flew the unpopular and flawed Curtiss SB2C Helldiver late in World War II. It sent Japanese warships to the bottom of the ocean. It pulverized fortifications on Japan’s home islands. The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver dive-bomber left a trail of wreckage in its wake, the debris and detritus of a devastated foe. Yet, the Helldiver is remembered today mostly as an unpopular latecomer to the war, a less than stellar performer built by an aircraft company in decline. A round, blue tube squatting on a tiny tailwheel carrying a... more »
Why Sudan's Future Seems Brighter Than Ever
*Trevor Filseth* *Security, Africa* In less than ten years, Sudan has gone from being a human righs abusing dictatorship to democratic society pursuing peace and reconciliation. The past month’s normalization of relations between Israel and both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are the first peace deals between Israel and any Arab country in almost thirty years. They were immediately heralded as major steps forward for peace and stability throughout the Middle East, and in the days that followed, rumors spread that a deal with Sudan might be next In 2019, massive changes sw... more »
Attacks on U.S. Troops in Iraq Are Part of Iran's Strategy
*Giuseppe Maria Del Rosa* *Security, Middle East* This surge in targeting U.S. interests in Iraq is part of a clear strategy of Tehran to step up pressure on U.S. troops to force them out of the country and take credit. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on September 9 that it would formally withdraw 2,200 troops in Iraq. The decision will bring the number of troops deployed from 5,200 to 3,000. According to the CENTCOM commander Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie the decision comes due to “the great progress the Iraqi forces have made and in consultation and coord... more »
The Pros and Cons of Different COVID Vaccine Technologies Explained
*Suresh Mahalingam, Adam Taylor* *Society, * Not all vaccines currently being developed to prevent COVID-19 will be successful. Safety issues or a lack of protection will halt some. So, a broad portfolio of vaccine approaches and technologies is progressing through human trials is reassuring. The World Health Organisation lists about 180 COVID-19 vaccines being developed around the world. Each vaccine aims to use a slightly different approach to prepare your immune system to recognise and fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, we can group these technologie... more »
How Will The Olympics Deal with Surging Athlete Activism?
*Michelle O'Shea, Daryl Adair, Hazel Maxwell, Megan Stronach* *Sports, World* While the IOC advocates for political neutrality, the Olympics are inherently contested terrain — a celebration of athleticism and, by virtue of national teams, a stage for geopolitical triumphs and tensions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has long tried to insulate itself from politics in society, but wider issues have always been a part of sport - including the Olympics. Sometimes political statements have been subtle and accommodated by the IOC, such as Cathy Freeman’s victory lap at the 2... more »
The Soviet Union Butchered Hitler's Scandinavian Volunteers At The Demyansk Pocket
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* Scandinavian volunteers took part in Nazi Germany’s 1942 summer offensive against the Soviets—and paid a heavy price at the Demyansk Pocket. On the surface, it may seem odd that men of conquered nations would eagerly sign up to fight for their masters, but that is exactly what happened in Scandinavia in the 1940s. Although a small number of Scandinavians served in the German armed forces before 1940, it was not until after the invasion of Denmark and Norway in April 1940 that Waffen-SS recruiting offices were opened in Copenhagen and O... more »
Large-scale solar power plants create a solar heat island effect
“Large-scale solar power plants raise local temperatures, creating a solar heat island effect that, though much smaller, is similar to that created by urban or industrial areas, according to a new study.” click here
Sunday morning music
In the light of the recent death of Justice Ginsberg of the Supreme Court, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce readers who don't already know it to Pigmeat Markham's comedy song, "Here Comes the Judge". Based on his standup comedy routine "Heyeah (here) come da judge", it was a hit in 1968, and is regarded as one of the first rap or hip-hop songs, long before that genre was officially recognized. And here's the comedy routine that inspired the song. One trusts the next Justice of the Supreme Court will do as well! Peter
Hundreds of All-Time Low Temperature Records Tumbled over the Past 24hrs — MSM Silent
A nation-spanning mass of Arctic air has parked itself over the eastern half of North America of late, rewriting the record-books in many states, districts, and provinces, including in New York, Washington, and Ontario. The post Hundreds of All-Time Low Temperature Records Tumbled over the Past 24hrs — MSM Silent appeared first on Electroverse.
Sheep Dog Or Guard Dog?
In an issue of the Road to Emmaus journal I read a wonderful interview with Fr. Artemy Vladimirov, a priest in Moscow, in which he spoke at length about the sacrament of confession. In it he spoke of the well-intentioned but ultimately false and unhelpful zeal of some confessors who […]
NATO's Slow-Motion Blitzkrieg Eastward
*September 20, 2020 *(Gunnar Ulson - NEO) - When the US announced it would be reducing the number of its troops stationed in Germany many hoped in vain it would be the beginning of an overall reduction of US forces in Europe and a deescalation of tensions between the US, NATO and the Russian Federation. Many others, however, easily predicted these forces would simply be moved elsewhere in Europe and most likely eastward even closer to Russia's borders and, as a result, *increasing *tensions. AP reported in its article, "Pompeo inks deal for US troop move from Germany to Poland," t... more »
Brazil’s National Health System Celebrates 30 Years of Achievements and Challenges
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Created in 1990, with successes and setbacks in the implementation of health programmes and the organisation of its health system, Brazil has achieved nearly universal access to health-care services for the population. Recognized as one of the largest public health systems in the world, the National Health System (SUS) turned […] The post Brazil’s National Health System Celebrates 30 Years of Achievements and Challenges appeared first on The Rio Times.
Countries Where Brazilians Can Travel During Pandemic
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - One of the sectors most impacted by the economic collapse brought about by the pandemic, having shrunk by 95 percent, international tourism is finally beginning to show recovery signs everywhere, including Brazil. Still unable to include the European Union, the The post Countries Where Brazilians Can Travel During Pandemic appeared first on The Rio Times.
Peruvian Congress Rejects Martín Vizcarra’s Impeachment
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - On Friday, September 18th evening, the Peruvian Congress rejected the ousting of the country's president, Martín Vizcarra, who thereby defeated a motion to impeach him after being accused of irregularly granting contracts. The process, forced by six of the nine groups in Parliament a week ago The post Peruvian Congress Rejects Martín Vizcarra’s Impeachment appeared first on The Rio Times.
Analysis: Why Is Brazil So Inexpensive?
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Brazil is on sale in the world. At the start of the month, a menu consisting of a simple meal, half a liter of beer and a cappuccino cost less in Brazil than in Bolivia. Among the 102 countries for which there are data, it is possible to have lunch […] The post Analysis: Why Is Brazil So Inexpensive? appeared first on The Rio Times.
Mike Pompeo Accuses Venezuela of Providing Refuge to Terrorists During His Visit to Colombia
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, reiterated on Saturday from Colombia that the ELN guerrillas and the FARC dissidents that have departed from the peace process are welcomed from the other side of the border with Venezuela in a behavior that cannot be tolerated. The regime “has provided safe refuge, […] The post Mike Pompeo Accuses Venezuela of Providing Refuge to Terrorists During His Visit to Colombia appeared first on The Rio Times.
Opinion: Indeed, Are We Going Mad?
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - (Opinion) I recently read in this paper an op-ed where the author Peter Rosenwald started the article by ironically defining a dystopian world, suggesting that we are headed in that direction, and on that point we can both agree; however, for quite different and perhaps opposing reasons. I was less […] The post Opinion: Indeed, Are We Going Mad? appeared first on The Rio Times.
Isostatic Rebound Fallacies
I’m presently researching the geology of the North Sea and. en passant, did an internet search for isostatic rebound, a theory that concludes that crustal uplift is the result of a rapid disappearance of a glacial ice cap. Modelling of … Continue reading →
Civil War? What Civil War?
Thomas Neuburger discusses some options for civil unrest, regardless of whether Trump or Biden wins the November 3 general election.
Sunday Sermonette (fun with factions)
A Survey of Religions, Practices and Demographics The source is Pew Research. You can explore their numbers here. These are numbers for the USA. Other nations will differ. Based on Pew Research, there are some metrics that I thought I’d share. I only threw up one chart because they’re difficult to read on the […] The post Sunday Sermonette (fun with factions) appeared first on Virtual Mirage.
Knocking Jim
*The Sun on Sunday* has a striking 'BBC profligacy' story today concerning James Naughtie's £175,000 salary. Its "audit" says that "the 69-year-old was on air for just over 23 hours [from April 2019-20] - equal to £7,608 an hour of broadcasting, or £126 a minute". The paper quotes "a source": It’s quite clear it’s been an old boy’s club at the top of the BBC. Naughtie has been a big name for years but I cannot see how the BBC can justify such an enormous salary for that amount of work. He’s well respected and brilliant at what he does but that’s a huge sum and a kick in t... more »
Charles Moore for BBC chairman?
Well, if the sources in Downing Street cited by the *Mail on Sunday*'s political editor Glen Owen are correctly reflecting a serious, determined intent on the part of Mr Cummings & Co. to replace the departing Sir David Clementi as Chairman of the BBC with Charles Moore of all people then that would probably be the biggest shock to the BBC's system since time immemorial. The newly ennobled Lord Moore of Etchingham is definitely the cat the BBC pigeons would *least* prefer to have put among them. Unlike Sir David, Charles Moore wouldn't go native. Under him, the BBC would be ... more »
Helping Make Education a Reality for the 75 million Children in Conflict Zones
Global Issues News Headlines - 19 hours ago
BONN, Germany/UNITED NATIONS, Sep 18 (IPS) - Aryan is a 15-year-old girl from Afghanistan who lives with her family in a shelter in an undisclosed country in Europe. She doesn't go to school. But she is hugely creative. And it shows in how she occupies her time during the day — writing poetry and making bracelets and earrings that she hopes to sell online one day. Read the full story, “Helping Make Education a Reality for the 75 million Children in Conflict Zones”, on globalissues.org →
Meet the UTG 3-12X44 Compact Scope: The Best Reliable and Adaptable Starter Scope
*Richard Douglas* *Security, * Can it keep up with the competition? If you are searching for the best starter scope on the market, then look no further. UTG is aiming to prove great scopes can be affordable, and I’ve found that the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is a shining example. Let’s take a closer look at why. *Glass Clarity and Reticle * I wasn't expecting much from this budget scope but the glass is pretty good. It’s as clear as you can get for the price. The reticle is the neat part I like on this scope. It’s a simple mil-dot crosshair but has more dots on the crosshai... more »
Can Another Lockdown Save Israel From Its Second Coronavirus Wave?
*Stratfor Worldview* *Health, Middle East* [image: https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2020%3Anewsml_RC2X8H9Y4H01&share=true] The coronavirus has surged enough that previous restrictions have been reinstated for three weeks. The Israeli Cabinet has ordered a national three-week lockdown starting Sept. 18 in an attempt to regain control over surging COVID-19 cases. The new strict three-week lockdown will bar Israelis from traveling more than 500 meters from their home except for essentials, closing schools and limiting the private sector. The lockdown will b... more »
Orthopedic Mattresses to Health Monitors – 5 Sleep Solutions for a Good Night’s Sleep
Orthopedic Mattresses to Health Monitors – 5 Sleep Solutions for a Good Night’s Sleep https://www.thebetterindia.com/238153/india-sleep-solutions-company-memory-foam-mattress-innovations-health-monitor-wakefit-ana79/?fbbrandads=Mahindra
Herd immunity unviable, Covid-19 vaccine the only solution
Herd immunity unviable, Covid-19 vaccine the only solution – health – Hindustan Times https://m.hindustantimes.com/health/herd-immunity-unviable-covid-19-vaccine-the-only-solution/story-0scIr6O3nERUQgMrfl5mhJ.html
Thousands test positive for brucellosis after China lab leaks bacterial disease
https://www.rfi.fr/en/science-and-technology/20200918-thousands-test-positive-for-brucellosis-after-china-lab-leaks-bacterial-disease?xtor=CS1-50&ref=tw
#CRISPR, The “Genetic Surgeon”
CRISPR, The “Genetic Surgeon” – Patient Worthy https://patientworthy.com/2020/09/18/crispr-the-genetic-surgeon/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Patient%20Worthy&utm_content=CRISPR,%20The%20%E2%80%9CGenetic%20Surgeon%E2%80%9D
Why You Need to Boost Carnitine
What is carnitine? Carnitine is a molecule derived from two amino acids called lysine and methionine. Synthesis in the body involves metabolic reactions of these two amino acids along with vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C and iron. Carnitine functions as a nutrient and plays a major role in the production of energy. Essentially, carnitine … Continue reading "Why You Need to Boost Carnitine" The post Why You Need to Boost Carnitine appeared first on TDW.