11:08 pm MDT
October 7th – 2018 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #626
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 →
Sunday October 7th – 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 →
President Trump Discusses Justice Brett Kavanaugh…
President Donald Trump calls in to Judge Jeanine Pirro weekend television program after the Senate confirmed Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
Rhode Island – Bob Flanders Challenges Sheldon Whitehouse in 2018 Senate Campaign…
This is one of those “stealth” races prime for an upset. The media ignore the race, and that can work to the challengers advantage. It is possible for a well structured insurgent campaign by Republican candidate Bob Flanders to use … Continue reading →
BAE Systems Has A Radical Idea For America's Next Killer Jet Fighter
*Dave Majumdar, National Interest*: *F-35 Is Old News: BAE Systems Has a Radical Idea for America's Next Killer Jet Fighter* *Next generation fighters of the future might have cockpits and flight control systems that are radically different from the cockpits of today.* Next generation fighters of the future might have cockpits and flight control systems that are radically different from the cockpits of today. While the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the forthcoming Block III version of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet have state-of-the-art wide screen displays and... more »
GOP Triage Continues Apace
Trump's a liar and a fraud. If you took a nap for a decade, watch the video above would help you understand what he's all about. Will that hurt the Republicans' chances next month? Maybe... but there are plenty of other things that should do that as well. As we've been reporting, the GOP has continued pulling the plug on their own incumbents, leaving them on the side of the road to die alone-- well, not quite along... there are dozens of Republican non-incumbent candidates to keep them company. Once-prominent recruits like Diane Harkey (CA-49), Janice Arnold-Jones (NM), Jay Webber... more »
Top Russian Diplomat: Idlib Militants Who Refuse to Lay Down Arms Will Be ‘Arrested or Eliminated’
*SouthFront* | Militant terrorists will be held accountable if they refuse to comply with agreement.
Earth ROFL Wobbles
The latest instance of rollicking humour comes via The Scientific American that reported the findings of the computer simulation of the Earth’s rotation assuming variations in “isostasy”, sea levels and mantle churning. Apparently the Earth’s axis of spin has moved … Continue reading →
"To Test You..."
"When life takes the wind out of your sails, it is to test you at the oars." - Robert Brault
Here Are 9 Photos Of China's J-31
J-31Reuters *Business Insider:* *9 photos of the J-31, China's copycat version of the F-35 stealth fighter — here's how it stacks up* After China's J-31 stealth fighter made its first full-scale public appearance in 2014, observers noted its striking resemblance to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. And many weren't surprised: China was thought to have stolen unclassified F-35 design information five years earlier. But recently, there's been little reporting and discussion about the J-31. "Part of that, to my knowledge, is that the [PLA] Air Force still hasn't bought any of them,"... more »
"Watch Two Strangers Make Beautiful Music Together In A Paris Train Station"
*"Watch Two Strangers Make Beautiful Music Together In A Paris Train Station"* Proof that music really is a universal language. by Chloe Fox "Music just makes everything better- even traveling through a busy and crowded train station. Which is precisely why French train company SNCF decided to put pianos smack dab in the middle of select train stations. The pianos- which are known as “À vous de jouer” pianos, or "It’s your turn to play"- are free for anyone to use, and lucky travelers in March of this year were treated to a real show when two complete strangers improvised a beautifu... more »
Bad Idea: China Snuck A Tiny Microchip Inside Servers Used By The DoD And CIA
*Task and Purpose, Jared Keller* *Security, Americas* [image: An interface board bearing CPU (silver) and semiconductors (black) is placed on a researcher's desk at Tsinghua Unigroup research centre in Beijing, China, February 29, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon] How will Trump respond? The Chinese military surreptitiously inserted tiny microchips no larger than single grains of rice into servers on local assembly lines in order to gain access to data networks run by U.S. government agencies ranging from the Department of Defense to the Central Intelligence Agency, according to an ... more »
The Best Movie About PTSD Isn’t About War
*Task and Purpose, David J. Morris* *Security, Americas* [image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/28799810048/] "Despite this fixation on death, one of the recurring themes of the film is the joy of life." We all know that almost all movies about our post-9/11 wars are heinous. So it is perhaps unsurprising that the best PTSD film ever made has nothing to do with war, 9/11, Iraq or America. This film, released eight years before the towers fell, is Peter Weir’s Fearless, starring Jeff Bridges and Rosie Perez. After the constipated patriotism of American films sin... more »
The Truth about the Skripal Poisonings
*George Beebe* *Security, Europe* [image: Reuters] In the end Russia did it, but the GRU isn't as powerful or effective as commonly thought. What we see in the affairs of men and nations often depends more on what we believe than on dispassionate evaluation of the facts. Reactions to the latest developments in the Skripal affair—which include new published evidence that strongly suggests Russian officials were behind the attempted poisoning of the ex-Russian spy but sheds little light on their motives—are a case in point. A few weeks ago, the British government released photogra... more »
How Europe and Russia Are Fighting U.S. Sanctions
*Nikolas K. Gvosdev* *Security, Eurasia* [image: Reuters] Will it undermine American financial dominance in the long-run? European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini announced this past week that the EU, working in conjunction with Russia and China, would create a mechanism to allow Iran to continue trade with the other nuclear deal signatories despite the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Iran. As she announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, “In practical terms, this means that EU member states will set... more »
Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Gorbachev 1995
Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Gorbachev 1995 pic.twitter.com/xs5rO9xTBq — English Russia (@EnglishRussia1) October 5, 2018 *WNU Editor*: A blast from the past.
Melania Trump in Egypt : A Quiet Six of October war anniversary
Probably this is the quietest Six of October war anniversary I have ever seen in my life in Egypt. No fireworks at night or airshows in the morning. The only main event of the day was the very short visit of Melania Trump to Egypt, its last stop in its very quick fashionable African tour. [image: Melania Trump at the Sphinx] Melania Trump at the Sphinx "Masrawy"The First Lady of the United States “FLOTUS” arrived Cairo earlier Morning where she was received by Egypt’s First Entasser Amer* “I like the fact that officially she is using her family surname instead of her husband’s surname”... more »
Will Israel Get More F-35s To Offset Russia's S-300 Systems In Syria?
Lockheed Martin © Andy Wolfe / Reuters *Sputnik:* *US to Supply More F-35s to Israel to Offset S-300 Systems in Syria – Report* On Tuesday, Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow had delivered S-300 missile systems to Syria to increase the security of Russian military personnel in the Arab country. An additional shipment of US F-35 stealth planes will be supplied to Israel under President Trump's order, in retaliation to Syria’s recent acquisition of Russian S-300 missile defense batteries, according to the Israeli news website Debka. Washington also notified S... more »
Guilt and Shame…
By now many people have seen this video. I reviewed today for the first time. The video is from a October 4th dual press conference with Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Dianne Feinstein; the day the FBI report on Brett … Continue reading →
The Midwest Heatwave Of October, 1939
During the week of October 4-10, 1939 – Madison, Indiana was over 90 degrees every day, and reached 100 degrees on October 8, 1939. Madison afternoon temperatures average about ten degrees cooler on October 6 now, than they did during … Continue reading →
Migrantes forzados centroamericanos y la violencia en la frontera sur de México
bilaterals.org - 3 hours ago
07-Oct-2018 Migrantes forzados centroamericanos y la violencia en la frontera sur de México Guillermo Castillo Ramírez Para Balderrama, con la esperanza de que el futuro transcurra por días menos aciagos… La migración en la globalización neoliberal, el migrante como trabajador explotado Actualmente los procesos migratorios han tenido un acelerado proceso de crecimiento, y esto tiene una serie de razones económicas y políticas. La migración no es un proceso nuevo, es algo que ha caracterizado el desarrollo (...)
Former Halifax cop Chris Mosher has received a cash payout and a new job from the city
After he was charged with sexual assault and then for repeatedly violating the conditions of his release, Halifax cop Chris Mosher was fired last year by the Halifax police department. But Mosher has successfully appealed his firing, and has received a cash payout from the city and a new job working with either the city’s […]
What Do We Know So Far About The F-35's First Crash
VMFAT-501 F-35B. Photo: USMC *FoxTrot Alpha*: *What We Know About the F-35's First Crash* Twelve years after its first flight, a F-35 Joint Strike Fighter finally crashed last week. The aircraft, a Marine Corps F-35B variant, went down in South Carolina near a key F-35 base. The incident overshadowed another F-35 milestone that took place the same day, the first takeoffs and landing of the F-35 from the United Kingdom’s newest carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Here’s all we know so far. Thankfully, there were no deaths or injuries in the incident which saw the pilot eject to safety. Th... more »
Snow tonight Chinook Pass
Chinook Passs provides the east entrance to Mount Rainier National Park on State Route 410 between the towns of Enumclaw and Naches, Washington. Elevation: 5430 ft / 1655 m Conditions: The roadway has snow and slush in places Weather: Snowing, areas of fog Chinook Pass Normally closes due to snow late November http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes/PassInformation.aspx#chinookpasssr410link https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/highways-bridges/passes/chinook-and-cayuse/home Thanks to ‘another Jim’ ... Read moreSnow tonight Chinook Pass The post Snow tonight Chinook Pass appeared first on I... more »
A Fun Musical Interlude: Harry Chapin, "30,000 Pounds Of Bananas"
Harry Chapin, "30,000 Pounds Of Bananas"
"A Look to the Heavens"
“This colorful skyscape spans about two full moons across nebula rich starfields along the plane of our Milky Way Galaxy in the royal northern constellation Cepheus. Near the edge of the region's massive molecular cloud some 2,400 light-years away, bright reddish emission region Sharpless (Sh) 155 is below and right of center, also known as the Cave Nebula. *Click image for larger size.* About 10 light-years across the cosmic cave's bright walls of gas are ionized by ultraviolet light from the hot young stars around it. Dusty blue reflection nebulae, like vdB 155 at upper left, and d... more »
Turkish Police Believe Saudi Dissident Khashoggi Was Killed Inside Saudi Arabia's Consulate In Istanbul
*Reuters:* *Turkish police believe Saudi journalist was killed at consulate: sources* ANKARA (Reuters) - ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish authorities believe that prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who disappeared four days ago after entering Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, was killed inside the consulate, two Turkish sources said on Saturday. “The initial assessment of the Turkish police is that Mr. Khashoggi has been killed at the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul. We believe that the murder was premeditated and the body was subsequently moved out of the consulate... more »
The Real S-400: Will Russia's Missiles Damage U.S.-India Ties?
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * [image: Wikimedia Commons] Let's take a look. On October 5, 2018, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin signed off in New Delhi on a deal to transfer five advanced S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems in exchange for $5.43 billion—Delivery of the S-400s is to follow in two years. Additionally, India will spend $2.2 billion to purchase four Russian missile frigates and negotiate license-manufacture of AK-103 assault rifle. Ordinarily such a transaction would trigger sanctions from the United States due to t... more »
The Poet: Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”
*“The Road Not Taken”* “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling... more »
Phil Bredesen Probably Should Have Kept His Mouth Shut About Kavanaugh
*Watch that lead disappear now* In 2016, Priorities USA raised $192,065,768, most of it from mega-donors like Donald Sussman ($15 million), the Sabans (over $12 million), George Soros (over $10 million). James Simons (over ($10 million), Fred Eychaner ($9 million), the Pritzkers ($6 million), Daniel Abraham ($5 million)... They gave EMILY's List over $14 million, VoteVets over $3 million, Planned Parenthood 2 million and millions more to other PACs. But their biggest expenditures were for Independent Expenditures against Trump ($126,049,815) and for Hillary ($6,455,293). This cycle... more »
It’s Official – Supreme Court Justice Brett M Kavanaugh Sworn In During Private Ceremony…
During a private ceremony following the Senate confirmation vote, Judge Brett Kavanaugh took the constitutional oath of office with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding. The judicial oath ceremony was conducted by retired Justice Kennedy. WASHINGTON DC – Judge Brett Kavanaugh was … Continue reading →
President Trump MAGA Rally, Topeka Kansas – 7:30pm Livestream…
Tonight President Trump heads to Topeka, Kansas, where GOP Congressman Kevin Yoder is in a tight race against his Democratic opponent, Sharice Davids. President Trump is likely to talk about Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was confirmed to the … Continue reading →
"This Is To Have Succeeded..."
"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived this is to have succeeded." - Bessie Anderson Stanley
Chet Raymo, "A New Creation"
*"A New Creation"* by Chet Raymo "The famous C-major fortissimo chord of Haydn's "The Creation" oratorio, the glorious sunburst of sound that comes in response to the whispered words, "And there was light," is an apt evocation of the modern astronomer's big bang. Still, we have learned a lot since Herschel's time about the universe's beginning and probable end. Maybe it's time for a musical update. For example, Haydn's triumphant C-major chord comes five minutes into the oratorio, after a prelude of shadowy notes representing the unformed flux out of which God created the world. W... more »
The Daily "Near You?"
Assen, Drenthe, Netherlands. Thanks for stopping by!
"And So You Have A Life..."
“You think you will never forget any of this, you will remember it always just the way it was. But you can't remember it the way it was. To know it, you have to be living in the presence of it right as it is happening. It can return only by surprise. Speaking of these things tells you that there are no words for them that are equal to them or that can restore them to your mind. And so you have a life that you are living only now, now and now and now, gone before you can speak of it, and you must be thankful for living day by day, moment by moment, in this presence. But you have a li... more »
"The Truth Is..."
"Looking at the people, listening to the breathing, heaving, laughing, struggling music of the slum, all around me, I remembered one of Khaderbhai's favorite phrases. “Every human heartbeat,” he'd said many times,” is a universe of possibilities.” And it seemed to me that I finally understood exactly what he'd meant. He'd been trying to tell me that every human will has the power to transform its fate. I'd always thought that fate was something unchangeable: fixed for every one of us at birth, and as constant as the circuit of the stars. But I suddenly realized that life is strange... more »
REPUBLICANS DON'T CARE ABOUT PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN INSTITUTIONS. THEY DON'T HAVE TO.
In *The New York Times,* Adam Liptak writes: The justices [of the Supreme Court] insist that they discern and apply neutral legal principles without regard to politics. There is ample evidence to the contrary, but the court’s legitimacy rests on public confidence that the court is not, in the end, a political institution.... Judge Kavanaugh’s own testimony, laced with fiery attacks on Democrats, ... undermined public confidence in the court, said Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University. “It pulled the cloak off the Wizard of Oz,” he said. “The court has a mystique a... more »
"What Is There To Fight For?"
"Life is a beautiful, magnificent thing, even to a jellyfish. The trouble is you won't fight. You've given up. But there's something just as inevitable as death. And that's life. Think of the power of the universe - turning the Earth, growing the trees. That's the same power within you - if you'll only have the courage and the will to use it." - Charlie Chaplin, Calvero's answer to Terry's question: "What is there to fight for?" in “Limelight”, (1952)
Free Downloads: The Works Of Rumi
"You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness. You were born with wings. You are not meant for crawling, so don't. You have wings, Learn to use them, and fly.""What in your life is calling you, When all the noise is silenced, The meetings adjourned, The lists laid aside, And the Wild Iris blooms By itself in the dark forest... What still pulls on your soul?" - Rumi (1207 - 1273) ◆ "Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi was a 13th century Afghan poet and philosopher who heavily influenced both eastern and w... more »
Looking for destiny ... in false historical parallels
*Teleology* is a quality of humans -- the pattern-seeking animals -- to ascribe foregone destiny to both history and the future. Yes, I admit there are some undeniable historical patterns, like the tendency for groups of males who *have* an advantage -- muscles, swords, money or persuasive voices -- to *take *advantage... using it to cheat, crushing fair competition by giving their sons overwhelming, inherited advantages. Inheritance-hierarchies dominated across 99% of history. The truest "attractor state," feudalism (in its general sense) is what Adam Smith and the American Found... more »
Should Dinosaur-denial be a crime?
by Servalan It's been years since I wrote about Dinos being fake. Giant flying lizards! New species being found every day and always by dino hunters, sometimes their kids? Yesterday another new species(missing link) was found by some dino hunters, it was called Wy-Lie-I. Apparently it's the tip of a discovery iceberg and it should be a bumper year for dino experts!!!!! I wrote this recently when talking about Romans being fake, it should help understand my position: Imagine a courtroom, me on my own on the defense side the scientists/experts crowded in on the prosecutions. The crim... more »
U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo Returns To North Korea
*L.A. Times:** Pompeo returns to North Korea in latest attempt to revive stalled denuclearization effort* With talks aimed at dismantling North Korea’s nuclear arsenal at an impasse, U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is heading to Pyongyang to meet with Kim Jong Un in hopes of reviving the process — and to set up a potential second summit with President Trump. Pompeo said he was confident his fourth visit to North Korea this year would “advance the commitment” Kim and Trump made when they met in Singapore on June 12. But at least in public, he did not set high objectives ... more »
I believe the women
There is nothing more that can be done about Brett Kavanaugh. He will be sworn in as an Associate Justice to the US Supreme Court. I think it is a sad day in America, especially for women. We now have … Continue reading →
Did Kavanaugh Smear End the Coming Blue Wave on Nov. 6?
[image: did-kavanaugh-smear-end-the-coming-blue-wave-on-nov-6] Kavanaugh was confirmed, but what does that mean for the coming election?
Ms. Blasey-Ford Legal Team: No Further Plans To Pursue Allegations Against Brett Kavanaugh…
No surprise here. With Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh having successfully defeated the fraudulent smear campaign mounted against him; the political operatives in control of Blasey-Ford announce they have no further plans to pursue. Washington DC – With the Senate … Continue reading →
President Trump Impromptu Remarks Departing White House….
Earlier today President Trump delivered impromptu remarks to the press pool as he departed the White House for a rally in Topeka Kansas. The remarks were ahead of the senate vote to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
Amid Deep Job Losses, Who’s Fighting for Government Workers?
Ethical Technology - 6 hours ago
Politicians who seek populist/progressive support should stop repeating the antigovernment nostrums of the right and start challenging them instead. It’s time for genuine leaders to push for a bold public-sector jobs program, fearlessly and without cynicism.
India – Winter arrives one month early
Lahaul valley saw heavy snowfall in September for the first time in decades. ________________ 6 Oct 2018 – With parts of upper Himachal receiving several spells of snowfall and high altitude lakes frozen completely, winter this year has arrived at least a month in advance. Upper regions of Kullu, Kinnaur and Chamba districts and and the ... Read moreIndia – Winter arrives one month early The post India – Winter arrives one month early appeared first on Ice Age Now.
Druze residents in occupied-Golan Heights rally in support of Syrian gov’t
Gathering along a fence separating them from the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan Heights, Druze commemorated the anniversary of the start of the 1973 Arab Israeli War while celebrating Syria’s successes in its recent war against the terrorists. Carrying Syrian flags, portraits of President Bashar Al-Assad, binoculars and megaphones, the Druze community in the village […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Breaking: Largest rebel group begins withdrawing heavy weapons from Idlib buffer zone
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:30 P.M.) – The largest rebel group has begun withdrawing their heavy weapons from the Idlib buffer zone, local activists reported this evening. According to the reports from the area, the the Turkish-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) began removing their weapons from the front-lines in Idlib, as they observe the Idlib buffer zone […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Armenian PM attends requiem of French music legend Aznavour
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:30 P.M.) – The Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan paid tribute to Charles Aznavour at St. John Baptist Church in Paris on Saturday, at a requiem ceremony organised by the Armenian Church. Hundreds of people gathered outside the church to pay tribute to the 94-year-old French variete legend that died on October 1. “I […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US to supply Israel with more F-35 jets to combat Syria’s S-300 system – report
On Tuesday, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow had delivered S-300 missile systems to Syria to increase the security of Russian military personnel in the Arab country. An additional shipment of US F-35 stealth planes will be supplied to Israel under President Trump’s order, in retaliation to Syria’s recent acquisition of Russian S-300 […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Jihadist civil war breaks out in west Aleppo as HTS seizing town from Zinki
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:00 P.M.) – The jihadist rebels in west Aleppo are engaged in an all out war after Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham carried out a powerful attack against their former allies from Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki. In a sudden move, HTS stormed Zinki’s positions inside the west Aleppo town of Mirznaz, resulting in the complete expulsion […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Brazilians Go To The Polls On Sunday To Elect A New President
*L.A. Times: **A deeply divided Brazil goes to the polls Sunday, with Trump-like front-runner stirring passions* *As Brazilians prepare to go to the polls Sunday, they seem to have had enough of politics as usual.* The left-wing Workers’ Party, which headed the country for almost 13 years and was credited with pulling Brazil out of poverty and into economic prosperity, fell from grace after several of its members were among the more than 100 high-ranking politicians implicated in the billion-dollar Car Wash corruption scandal and the economy began to founder. Luiz Inacio Lula da ... more »
Open Letter to Michigan Voters from Bill Roberts
Bill Roberts *Bill Roberts is a LaRouchePAC Policy Committee Member and Former Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan’s 11th District* Dear Citizen, The November 6th midterm election is the most important election of any of our lifetimes. Whether we continue to move forward out of the 16 years of failed policies of the George W. Bush and Barack Obama presidencies, or are dragged back into perpetual war and economic destruction, depends in large part on how you, the American citizen, act in the weeks ahead. As a former candidate for the Democratic nomination for U... more »
"Not Because We're Worth It..."
"We are the world. We are the people and we deserve better not because we're worth it but because no worth can be put on the incalculable, on the infinite, on life." - Nick Mancuso
Banksy Artwork Self-Destructs Just After $1.4 Million Sale
A work by the elusive street artist self-destructed in front of startled auction-goers, moments after being sold for $1.4 million.
"It'll Do..."
*Deputy Wendell:* “It's a mess, ain't it, Sheriff?” *Sheriff Bell:* “If it ain't, it'll do till the mess gets here.” - “No Country For Old Men” It's here...
The Founding Fathers Were Correct- Just Not in the Way You'd Thought
I found this on my friend Wendy Corsi Staub's Facebook news feed. This revelation that Lawrence O'Donnell makes should not be a revelation, especially to an old political savant like me. But it is. I always knew the senators during the Continental Congress then, as now, were every bit the patrician white males as their Roman forebears. But I never looked at the US Senate as anything less than the upper chamber of a legislative branch that was anything other than a democracy, representative government of the people, for the people, by the people. It isn't. O'Do... more »
Trump, Kavanaugh de facto legalized rape, what social mores next?
Murder, perhaps? Oh, that’s been done by the Back the Badge movement. hmm… pedophilia? Well, that’s been allowed under certain conditions… like “emancipation by marriage” now, that’s really scary. even touches on Slavery. Works like this… Girl as in Not Old Enough is raped. There’s no better word to describe it. The Rapist gets a... more »
Two Years Since Donald Trump Destroyed The World
Ninety-seven percent of experts agree that Donald Trump destroyed the planet two years ago. A President Trump could destroy the world economy – The Washington Post Donald Trump’s first gift to the world will be another financial crisis | The … Continue reading →
"Think You're Prepared For The Next Crisis? Think Again"
*"Think You're Prepared For The Next Crisis? Think Again"* by Adam Taggart "No plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first contact with the main hostile force." ~ Helmuth von Moltke the Elder "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." ~ Mike Tyson "Scottish poet Robert Burns aptly penned the famous phrase: “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men/Gang aft a-gley.” (commonly adapted as "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.") How right he was. History has shown time and time again that the only 100% predictable outcome to any given str... more »
Sea Ice Extent (Global Antarctic and Arctic) – Day 278 – 2018
Originally posted on sunshine hours: South / North
Treasure Quest - A Few Final Thoughts
Just a couple of things to clear up after the season finale of *Treasure Quest*. Just a couple of questions that I have about the show, or a couple of comments about what we saw. First, if I understood it right, one of them mentioned they had spent two months in the wrong place. They had talked to the last man living who had actually looked for the treasure and he told them that he thought it was on the site of the old Jesuit mission. In that first episode, after they had traveled over the Death Highway, trekked in with burros, and made a big deal about how isolated the place was, ... more »
Guest Blogger Jeffrey outlines flaws in Ford’s story
A quick summary of Ford's credibility: She refused to hand over the results of her polygraph. She refused to hand over her 2012 Therapist’s notes. She said she was afraid to fly, but has flown dozens of times. Since she did in fact fly, she offered no other reason for the politically beneficial delay she insisted on. She said she wanted anonymity but contacted WaPo multiple times. Said she got advice from “beach friends” but didn't mention that the primary one was a former FBI lawyer, Monica McLean, who worked for Preet Bharara, a man Trump fired. She also failed to mention, wh... more »
Bosnia-Herzegovina Heads To Polls On Sunday
*YaniSafak:* *Bosnia-Herzegovina heads to polls on Sunday * *67 political parties, 34 independent candidates, 34 alliances to run in general election* Voters in Bosnia and Herzegovina will choose a new government in the general election on Sunday. Bosnia's government structure is one of the most intricate political systems in the world. A total of 3.35 million Bosnians are eligible to cast ballots in the election. The vote will be held across the country at 5,794 polling stations. Three-hundred-and-fourteen mobile teams will reach 10,000 citizens unable to step out to vote. *R... more »
Always Believe Women? Boy’s Life Destroyed by Girls’ False Allegations
[image: always-believe-women-boy-s-life-destroyed-by-girls-false-allegations] The accusations plaguing Brett Kavanaugh have captivated the nation. Yet they’re not as damning as two relatively recent allegations of sexual assault made against a Pennsylvania teen — allegations that were backed by corroborating witnesses.
Oct. 6: Our very dangerous world.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/theinvestigators/the-investigators-trump-taxes-1.4850942 Now, how about an expose on taxes not paid by New Brunswick's wealthy? No. The irving press is too busy criticizing the government for spending too much. ________________________________________________________________ Another story that didn't (and won't) make the irving press. https://www.theguardian.com/global/2018/oct/04/ontario-six-nations-nestle-running-water _____________________________________________________________ This story may seem overdone. I don't think it is. Comic books do project values... more »
DeVos Secret Vist To View Koch Program
Betsy DeVos visited Wichita last Monday, but it was a very quiet visit. Her online schedule shows Monday an unscheduled day, and neither the Department of Education nor the group she visited issued any news release. It was a local source-- Suzanne Perez Tobias at the Wichita Eagle-- that picked up the story. So what did DeVos travel to Wichita to see? She traveled to Koch Industries to meet a teacher and some students from the Youth Entrepreneurs, a group founded by Charles Koch and his wife Liz in 1991. It started out as an eight week course at a Wichita high school "designed to im... more »
Latvians Go To The Polls Today
*RFE:* *Russia-Friendly Party Hoping Latvian Election Will Propel Them To Power * Latvia holds parliamentary elections on October 6 in a vote that could propel a populist, Russian-friendly coalition to power. Latvia, a member of the European Union and NATO, shares a 270-kilometer border with Russia. It has a sizable ethnic-Russian minority of around 25 percent, a legacy of nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation that ended in 1991, when the nation regained its independence. Latvia's mainstream parties have kept pro-Russian politicians from power as they sought ever closer ties with... more »
The Vicious Entrenchment Circle: Thoughts on a Lifetime with a Republican-Controlled Court
On May 15, 1969, Justice Fortas resigned from the Supreme Court, thereby ending a seven-year period in which a 5-4 majority of the sitting Justices had been appointed by Democratic Presidents. I had just turned eight years old. I’m now almost 58. And yet that day in May 1969 remains the last moment in time that a majority of the Court was appointed by Democrats. That’s right: By the time the Court’s current Term ends in June, it will have been more than *50 years *of GOP-appointed control. The appointment of Merrick Garland should have brought an end to that extraordinary str... more »
PEW Research: Most Prefer U.S. As The World Leader
*Axios:* *Allies sour on U.S. but fear China more* Many of America's closest allies tend to view China more favorably than the U.S. and have more confidence in Xi Jinping than Donald Trump, according to an annual survey from the Pew Research Center. But when asked whether the world would be better off with the U.S. or China as the leading global power, respondents overwhelmingly choose the U.S. Why it matters: The U.S. is far less popular around the world than it was before Trump took office, and the decline has been particularly sharp in countries like the U.K., Germany and Canada...more »
White Helmets "First Responders" to huge bomb blast in Northern Syria where 5 are killed
*White Helmets - Proxy Murderers for "Usual Suspects"* View the video in this link to an Iranian* Press TV *report on a car bombing that took place in Azaz, Northern Syria, just earlier today. Watch it carefully until the end and you'll see the White Helmets appear...standing "helplessly" at the scene of the crime. When it comes to actually dousing the flames...the White Helmets are nowhere to be found. This terrorist act was similar in form and function to hundreds committed during the past decades in the Middle East. *Only cowardly, deceptive Israel and its terror proxies commi... more »
Anti-Red Wave Likely To Sweep Carlos Curbelo Away, Despite Lots Of Advantages, Including A Weak Opponent
*Total lesser-of-two evils race (FL-26)* In August GBA Strategies, working for the DCCC, polled FL-26 voters and found incumbent Carlos Curbelo 7 points ahead of Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Yesterday the same firm found leading Mucarsel-Powell leading Curbelo 50-48%. The district includes all of the southern tip of Florida from the southern part of Miami-Dade, west of Kendall and Monroe County, through Homestead, all of the Everglades National Park and all of the Keys from Biscayne National Park to Key West. It has grown increasingly blue in recent years, having g... more »
High Stress May Reduce Fertility in Women, New Study Finds
https://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2018/10/06/high-stress-may-reduce-fertility-in-women-new-study-finds.aspx?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=twittermercola_blog&utm_campaign=20181006_high-stress-may-reduce-fertility-in-women-new-study-finds Advertisements
Vitamin D supplements don’t improve bone health, study finds.
https://edition-m.cnn.com/2018/10/05/health/vitamin-d-no-benefits-bone-density-intl/index.html
Final Vote on Judge Brett Kavanaugh – Senate Livestream and Discussion…
Republican and Democratic Senators speak on the senate floor about their decision for their vote to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Debate should end at approximately 3:30pm when the final vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh will be held. Fox News Livestream … Continue reading →
How Japan Captured Singapore (And Broke the Back of the British Empire)
*Warfare History Network, Jon Diamond* *Security, Asia* [image: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1361532] Winston Churchill's greatest nightmare came true. Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto was not the only gambler in Imperial Japan’s military hierarchy. Lt. Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, appointed commander of the Imperial Japanese Army’s (IJA) 25th Army on November 2, 1941, to lead the invasion of Malaya and Singapore, also took risks to capture the prized British territory in less than 100 days after his invasion commenced on December 8. Yamashita’s rationale was to defeat the British and Common... more »
SWEIDA: A Bloody Massacre Barely Registered by Western Media as ISIS Slaughter Innocent Civilians in their Sleep
*Vanessa Beeley* | One of the bloodiest massacres of an eight year war carried out by ISIS empowered by the US Coalition in Syria.
Regulatory Capture Illustrated Effectively
The EPA has sent Edward Calabrese as its lead witness to testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee: Conley, Julia (2018, October 3). Making 'Fringe' Scientist Who Argues Exposure Good for People a Key Witness, Trump's EPA Moves to Roll Back Radiation Safety Rules. Common Dreams Provoking outrage among environmentalists, Trump's EPA sent toxicologist Edward Calabrese—who has argued that loosening radiation regulations could have positive health effects on humans, as well as saving money for businesses that currently work to limit exposure—as its lead witness ... more »
Meanwhile, From the Temple of Doom...
Looks as if Melania's trip to Africa is going swimmingly... Now all she needs is a colonial pith helmet to... Oh, for fuck's sake!
Demonic Howling Banshees™ gather in DC to protest Kavanaugh vote...
*because the good Lord knows if they can't kill their babies life will never be the same - except for the babies.* Listen up, Banshees - even if Roe v Wade was overturned *based on it being bad law*, it would simply return to the states where it belongs. The states would approve abortion and you can continue to kill your babies - because you're too stupid and irresponsible to prevent a pregnancy while enjoying unrestricted sex with numerous men. Now, I'm going to head out and run some errands so I can be sure and watch the vote on C-Span. If you're a beer drinker, be sure to lift ... more »
Hard for ranchers to reach their cattle in knee-deep snow – Video
Wintry weather arrived in Montana several days ago, with more intense storms this week. Laura Monroe and her husband said that the 14 to 16 inches (more than 36 cm) of snow on their land north of Browning has made it nearly impossible for them to reach their 250 cattle. They were set to ship ... Read moreHard for ranchers to reach their cattle in knee-deep snow – Video The post Hard for ranchers to reach their cattle in knee-deep snow – Video appeared first on Ice Age Now.
Climate Science, Ethics and Religion
Thanks to an insightful post at Climate Scepticism (here), we have a recent quote from former US President Obama: “You have to believe in facts. Without facts there’s no basis for cooperation. If I say this is a podium and you say this is an elephant, it’s going to be hard for us to cooperate…I […]
Saturday Morning Links
Assorted content for your weekend reading. - Yutaka Dirks reviews Lars Osberg's *The Age of Increasing Inequality*, with a particular focus on how matters have been getting worse in recent decades. - Ryan Nunn, Jana Parsons and Jay Shambaugh study (PDF) the connection between geography and inequality, including the role of decreasing migration in locking in and exacerbating existing disparities. And Danny Dorling examines the link between higher inequality and lower life expectancy around the globe. - Mary Bousted points out how educational inequalities arise out of social and env... more »
Cops Breaking Facebook Rules, Creating Fake Accounts to Watch You—Here’s How to Spot Them
By Matt Agorist A scathing new report shows that Facebook is teeming with fake accounts—created by police officers to track their adversaries. According to Facebook’s... more »
Scientists Accuse DARPA of Genetically Modifying Insects for Bioweapon to Spread Agricultural Viruses
By Matt Agorist In a scathing report issued this week, researchers with the Science Policy Forum have accused the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency... more »
Worst Job Growth In A Year – Way Below Expectations
By Michael Snyder We just got more evidence that the U.S. economy is starting to slow down. The U.S. economy must produce somewhere around 200,000... more »