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Saturday, October 1, 2016

October 1, 2016

China's yuan joins elite club of IMF reserve currencies
China's yuan joins the International Monetary Fund's basket of reserve currencies on Saturday in a milestone for the government's campaign for recognition as a global economic power. The yuan joins the U.S. dollar, the euro, the yen and British pound in the IMF's special drawing rights (SDR) basket, which determines currencies that countries can receive as part of IMF loans.  
China paper says U.S., South Korea will 'pay the price' for planned missile system
The United States and South Korea are destined to "pay the price" for their decision to deploy an advanced missile defense system which will inevitably prompt a "counter attack", China's top newspaper said on Saturday. Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high this year, beginning with North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January, which was followed by a satellite launch...and its fifth and largest nuclear test last month.  
Employee reports potential drone sighting over Savannah River Site
The drone was reported in a site-wide security alert around 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Since the first sighting earlier this year, investigators have been searching for the drone operations. If investigators confirm that Thursday’s sighting was a drone and not another aerial vehicle, it would be the 10th drone sighting since June.  
Katla Volcano Continues to Tremble
Seismic activity in Katla volcano, South Iceland, continues. No less than 200 tremors have registered there in the past 24 hours, Vísir reports. Three quakes in excess of magnitude 3 hit the volcano overnight, the largest one at 4:41 am, of magnitude 3.7. It was preceded by another one of magnitude 3.1 a minute earlier. The third one measured 3.2 at 2:43 am. All three were shallow.  
Russia said to send more warplanes to Syria, diplomacy 'on life support'
Russia is sending more warplanes to Syria to ramp up its air campaign...as the United States said diplomacy to halt the violence was "on life support" but not dead yet. Fighting continued to intensify a week into a new Russian-backed Syrian government offensive to capture rebel-held eastern Aleppo and crush the last urban stronghold of a revolt against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that began in 2011.  
Bid to block US net handover rejected
A judge in Texas has rejected a last-ditch legal challenge to halt the final handover of internet naming power from the US government to a non-profit group. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) has administered the naming system since 1998. But from Saturday it will operate without the ultimate oversight of the US government.  
Syria conflict: Aleppo hit air strikes and barrel bombs
The divided Syrian city of Aleppo has seen a morning of air attacks, with reports of barrel bombs hitting a hospital already bombed this week. The Russian and Syrian air forces have been attacking the rebel-held east of the city, causing international outrage at the mounting civilian death toll. Government forces began a ground offensive against the rebels more than a week ago as a truce collapsed.  
Syria conflict: US says Russia driving rebels into extremists' camp
Russia's increasing military action in Syria is forcing moderates within the opposition into the hands of extremists, the US has said. It was making a difficult situation "more confused", the state department said as the US warned it might stop co-operating with Moscow over Syria. But Russia accused America of trying to spare a jihadist group in its bid to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.  
Libya: More than 100 families at risk of starvation in Benghazi
More than 100 families trapped in a Libyan neighbourhood are at risk of starving to death, Amnesty International has warned. Children have been reduced to "skin and bones" as no food or water reaches the district of Ganfouda, in Benghazi. All entry roads are blocked by fighting or by the Libyan National Army militia, which has cut off supplies.  
Jordanians protest multi-billion dollar gas deal with Israel
Thousands of protesters staged a protest in Amman on Friday to demonstrate against a $10 billion gas deal between Jordan and Israel. The deal will supply 1.6 trillion feet (tcf) of gas to Jordan's National Electric Power Company and marks a significant step forward in Israel's efforts to exploit its offshore gas reserves.  
White House corrects Obama speech transcript listing Jerusalem in Israel
US President Barack Obama offered heartfelt condolences at the funeral of...Shimon Peres, on Friday...in a show of support. But whether he was on Israeli ground to pay respects to one of the founding fathers of the Jewish state is a question that now risks eclipsing his gesture, after the White House issued an embarrassing correction on Friday night indicating that Jerusalem is, in fact, disputed territory.  
WHO says 338 killed in eastern Aleppo in past week
Fighting in Syria's besieged eastern Aleppo has killed 338 people since Sept. 23, including 106 children, and 846 have been wounded, including 261 children, the World Health Organization said on Friday.  
Hacked Audio of Clinton Fundraiser Raises More Suspicions of Russian Meddling
Another day on the campaign trail, another hack of Hillary Clinton’s campaign. This time it’s an audio recording of the Democratic presidential candidate speaking to donors at a February fundraiser in northern Virginia, and the subject isn’t just the usual stuff of politics: It goes to the heart of American nuclear strategy.  
Atlanta Church Opens Worship Service with Prince's 'Purple Rain'
With the understanding that it may be a “which came first, the chicken or the egg” type of thing, I’m less concerned about our culture’s slide into moral relativism than I am about the slide of many mainline evangelical churches into the sacrilegious. Every Sunday this slide seems to become steeper and faster as a variety of churches attempt to reinvent the definition of “Church.” Repackaging the gospel in ways that they believe will be more palatable for unbelievers, many congregations have traded their birthright as joint heirs with Christ for a pot of pop porridge. This past Sunday, for example, and sadly, Buckhead Church in Atlanta opened their worship service with the praise band performing a rendition of “Purple Rain.”  
Major Hurricane Matthew to lash Caribbean with flooding, damaging winds
Hurricane Matthew will threaten the central and northern Caribbean with flooding rain, damaging winds and an inundating storm surge early next week. Matthew, currently a Category 4 (major) hurricane, will continue to move west-southwestward across the central Caribbean Sea before making an abrupt turn to the north this weekend.  
The man who called Deutsche’s decline has some gloomy predictions on what’ll happen next
The strategist who predicted the capital concerns now enveloping Deutsche Bank (XETRA: DBK-DE) has told CNBC what could happen next in a saga that has seen the bank's share price fall by over 50 percent this year.
UK bioethicists eye designer babies and CRISPR cows
In a preliminary 130-page report released on 30 September, the influential Nuffield Council on Bioethics in London announced that two applications of the technology demanded further attention: genome editing in human embryos and in livestock.  
Jedi scientists freeze light in midair to bring quantum computers a step closer to reality
The researchers used a vaporized cloud of ultracold rubidium atoms to create a light trap, into which they shone infrared lasers. The light trap constantly emitted and re-captured the light.  
...terrifying orgy trend where mystery HIV carriers are invited to take part in unprotected sex parties may be spreading across Europe
Psychiatrists and psychologists have branded the disturbing behaviour as a form of self harm or even suicide. In the bizarre vernacular of circles where this is enjoyed "bugchasers" are the negative individuals. "Gift-givers" are the HIV positive individuals who have unprotected sex with the aim of infecting the chasers. Behaviour at so called circuit parties can demonstrate a reckless attitude towards STI infection rather than an active desire to contract the illness.  

Friday, September 30, 2016

September 30, 2016

California warns of possible stronger quake after earthquake swarm in Salton Sea
The California Office of Emergency Services has issued an earthquake advisory for Southern California following a swarm of small quakes in the region earlier this week. The advisory warned residents and officials in Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Kern and Imperial counties that there was a greater possibility of a major earthquake through Oct. 4  
Swiss Muslims claim burka is NOT required under Islamic law as they WELCOME proposed ban
PROMINENT Muslims in Switzerland have welcomed a proposed burka ban in the country and said the full-faced veil is NOT required under Islamic law.  
Iceland's Pirate Party poised for power on wave of public anger
Icelanders to vote in Oct. 29 parliamentary election; Pirate Party leads opinion polls, could form government, riding wave of public anger over perceived corruption; this would deal another blow to Europe mainstream politicians.  
A Christian and a Muslim just produced a new version of the Quran — with a twist
A Christian and a Muslim have come together to produce a unique version of the Quran — a full-text English edition of the holy book, but with a twist. “The Qur’an With References to the Bible” relies upon 7th century classical Arabic and comes complete with parallel verses from the Christian Bible.  
Pope embarks on peace mission to Caucasus
Pope Francis set off Friday for Georgia and Azerbaijan on what Vatican officials billed as a mission to promote peace in a troubled part of the world, three months after he visited neighboring Armenia.  
Popocatépetl spews volcanic ash up to 7.3 km (24 000 feet) a.s.l., Mexico
Volcanic ash produced by the eruption of Mexico's Popocatépetl volcano has reached 7.3 km (24 000 feet) above sea level at 14:37 UTC on September 29, 2016. According to the Washington VAAC, ash cloud is moving to the west and northwest of the summit.  
Hurricane Matthew grows to Category Two in Caribbean
Hurricane Matthew strengthened to a Category Two storm early Friday as it churned through the Caribbean near the island of Curacao, US weather forecasters said. The hurricane was packing winds near 100 miles per hour (155 kilometers per hour) with higher gusts, the National Hurricane Center said. That makes it a Category Two storm on a scale of one to five, with five being the strongest.  
Jewish leaders react to Rodrigo Duterte Holocaust remarks
Mr Duterte said he would kill as many addicts as Hitler did Jews in his crackdown on users and dealers. "Hitler massacred three million Jews... there's three million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them," he said.  
Middle East, Europe Will Be Swallowed in War of Gog and Magog, Warns Mystic Rabbi
Rabbi Ben Artzi, an Israeli rabbi who gained followers after rumors began to circulate of his prescient abilities in his youth, warned of the impending messianic war of Gog and Magog, which he said is a part of a spiritual process becoming clearly visible in the Middle East.  
Earthquakes Rattle Two Caribbean Nations Four Times In One Month
Four earthquakes have rattle two Caribbean countries twice this month, according to The Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies. The UWI Seismic reports this month indicate that Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis have been rattled twice by earthquakes.  
Facebook artificial intelligence chief developed SURVEILLANCE systems
Facebook’s artificial intelligence chief worked on the development of systems which could one day help computers automatically spy on humans, The Sun Online has learned. Yann LeCun, leader of Mark Zuckerberg’s AI research division, contributed to academic papers exploring the creation of software which would serve as a “key component” in an automated surveillance network.  
France 'conducts operations against IS'
France has begun air operations over Iraq from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, reports say. A number of Rafale fighter planes took off from the carrier early on Friday, news agency AFP said. The Charles de Gaulle, France's only aircraft carrier, was sent to the region earlier in September.  
US invests $50m in Niger drone base for counterterrorism
The US is investing at least $50m in a military air base in Niger that will be capable of deploying drones. The US already has a presence in the capital Niamey, where it shares an airbase with France's anti-Islamist force, Operation Barkhane. MQ-9 Reaper drones are stationed there.  
NUKE FACE-OFF Pakistan threatens to DESTROY India with nuclear bomb as atomic enemies edge to the brink of war
PAKISTAN’S Defence Minister has threatened to “destroy” India – after India said on Thursday it had carried out “surgical strikes” on suspected militants preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-ruled Kashmir. The strikes, which were a response to shots fired across the de facto border through the disputed Himalayan territory, could lead to a military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours – risking a ceasefire agreed in 2003.  
Putin and Assad Are Outdoing ISIS at Mass Murder
The all-out assault on Aleppo by Russian and Assad regime aircraft, targeting as it does aid convoys, hospitals, homes, market places, and mosques, seems to have mildly surprised and deeply upset senior American officials.  
Risk of Zika-Related Birth Defects 'Very Disturbing,' Official Says
The risk posed by the Zika virus to developing fetuses is likely far greater than current estimates suggest, a top U.S. health official said Thursday. Microcephaly, a rare birth defect in which babies develop abnormally small heads, is one of many Zika-associated problems increasingly being seen in children born to mothers infected during pregnancy with the Zika virus.  
Christians Shouldn't Be Pacifists, Christian National Security Experts Claim; Unveil New Foreign Policy Declaration
Dozens of Christian scholars and theologians have signed a joint declaration on American foreign policy in a scholarly journal that outlines a thoughtful, distinctly Christian vision for engaging world affairs.  
A Conspiracy Theory About Conspiracy Theories
One of the funny things about conspiracy theories, including false flag attacks, is how often they are proven to be true. You have to wonder how long the shame-inducing slam, “That’s a conspiracy theory,” will keep working.  
The Run Begins: Deutsche Bank Hedge Fund Clients Withdraw Excess Cash
Deutsche Bank concerns just went to '11' as Bloomberg reports a number of funds that clear derivatives trades with Deutsche Bank AG have withdrawn some excess cash and positions held at the lender, a sign of counterparties’ mounting concerns about doing business with Europe’s largest investment bank.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

September 29, 2016


Obama: Why I won't say 'Islamic terrorism'President Barack Obama has taken a lot of criticism from political opponents over his rhetoric when it comes to terrorism. But on Wednesday at a CNN presidential town hall, he was asked to defend why he refuses to say "Islamic" terrorism to a Gold Star mother. 


Prophecy Watchers On High Alert As Rare ‘Black Moon’ This Friday Will Usher In Jewish Feast Of Trumpets
The first day of September brought with it a ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse – where the moon falls in line with the Earth and the sun above Africa, making it appear as if the sun had darkened. This year, the Black Moon phenomenon has a twist to it - it will usher in the Jewish Feast of Trumpets.  

Dabiq: 1st shots fired at site of ISIS' apocalyptic prophecy
'We are waiting for you. For more than 1400 years, we are waiting for you' THE first shots have been fired in Islamic State’s prophesied ‘final’ battle. But will US and Turkish troops advancing on the town of Dabiq really trigger armageddon? an old Islamic prophecy that places the town firmly at the beginning of the ‘end of days’. It is where the forces of Islam and Christianity are supposed to meet in decisive battle.  
10-mile-wide killer asteroid hurtling toward Earth
But there is worse news: Although asteroid 2009ES, the designation of the aforementioned killer asteroid, is currently predicted to make a near-miss pass by the Earth, there are other killer asteroids hurtling through space with the potential to become impactors. And experts believe one will pass closer than half the distance to the Moon less than 13 years from now.  
FBI wanted Tesla’s ‘death ray’ invention for War Dept, documents show
The FBI has finally published its cache of files relating to Nikola Tesla, 73 years after “two truckloads” of his property were seized by the US government following the renowned inventor’s death. The declassified documents have been released under the Freedom of Information Act and revealed the FBI and government’s serious interest in the death ray - a particle beam weapon which Tesla claimed to have invented.  
GEOMAGNETIC STORMS CONTINUE
G1-class geomagnetic storms are ringing Earth's poles on Sept. 29th as a high-speed (600+ km/s) stream of solar wind continues to buffet our planet's magnetic field.  
Earthquake hits Greek coast near Kalamata, no damage reported
A magnitude 5 earthquake hit the Greek coast 34km south south-west of Kalamata on Wednesday (Sept 28), the United States Geological Survey said.  
3.2-Magnitude Earthquake Along Calaveras Fault Hits In Santa Clara County
A 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck this morning east of San Jose, according to the U.S. Geological Service. The quake struck at 8:26 a.m. and was centered near Mount Hamilton, 7.5 miles east-southeast of Alum Rock and 10.6 miles east of San Jose, USGS officials said.  
China armed forces warn Japan against South China sea patrols
Japan is "playing with fire" with plans to step up activity in the contested South China Sea through joint training patrols with the United States, China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday, warning it would not sit watching from the sidelines. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has repeatedly denounced what it views as interference there by the United States and its ally, Japan.  
In escalation, India says launches strikes on militants in Pakistan
India said on Thursday it had conducted "surgical strikes" on suspected militants preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-ruled Kashmir, making its first direct military response to an attack on an army base it blames on Pakistan. Pakistan said two of its soldiers had died in exchanges of fire and efforts to repulse Indian troops, but denied that India had made any targeted strikes...  
Gay pride flag launched into space 'to spread peace'
The rainbow flag that symbolises gay pride has been sent into space for the first time via a high-altitude balloon. Planting Peace, a US-based non-profit group that seeks to "spread peace in a hurting world", launched the flag near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on 17 August. The balloon captured video with a GoPro camera as it floated 21.1 miles (34.1km) above earth for three hours.  
Brexit: Italian PM Matteo Renzi warns UK over EU rights
It will be "impossible" for Brexit talks to result in a deal that gives Britons more rights than others outside the EU, Italy's PM has told the BBC. Matteo Renzi warned that leaving the EU would be a "very difficult process" - but the problems could be solved only after the UK began the exit procedure. He said the Brexit vote had been "a bad decision" but had to be respected.  
Typhoon Megi: Search for missing after China landslides
At least 33 people are missing in China's eastern Zhejiang province after heavy rains triggered two landslides, state media said. Twenty seven of those are from Sucun village in Suichang county where homes were swept away. A video on state media Xinhua showed a mass of debris sliding down the mountain.  
South Australia battles second day of storms after blackout
South Australia is enduring a second day of severe weather, after the entire state was left without power overnight. About 80,000 lightning strikes were recorded, some damaging power generation facilities, while winds toppled over 22 transmission towers. Power was restored to Adelaide area by 03:00 local time (17:30 GMT) but tens of thousands of homes remain cut off.  
Kashmir attack: India 'launches strikes against militants'
India's army says it has carried out "surgical strikes" against suspected militants along the de-facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir. The operation was aimed at preventing attacks being planned by Pakistan-based militants, a senior army official said. He said "significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them".  
Sudan government accused of using chemical weapons in Darfur
Dozens of children in Darfur have allegedly been killed by chemical weapons dropped on them by their own government, it is claimed. Amnesty International say the children are among more than 200 people estimated to have been killed by the banned weapons since January. Those affected by the "poisonous smoke" vomit blood, struggle to breathe and watch as their skin falls off.  
Solar storm heading towards Earth threatening to break your Sky TV and mobile phones
Modern-day Britain could go into meltdown after scientists forecast the solar storm to hit between now and Friday which could wreak havoc with technology. Solar storms affect Earth’s technology as radiation is thrown at the planet from the Sun.  
Facebook must ban abusive content, says German Justice Minister Maas
Heiko Maas wants Facebook to better enforce its community standards to rein in abusive users. Given the recent rise in anti-migrant and xenophobic posts, he has called for a meeting with Facebook's European managers.  
Israel court rules ex-PM Olmert must serve 27 months for graft
Israel's Supreme Court on Wednesday turned down an appeal by disgraced former prime minister Ehud Olmert against an eight-month prison term for corruption handed down in 2015.  
Obama Humiliated: For The First Time, Congress Votes To Override President's "Sept 11" Bill Veto
Summary: US Congress, first the Senate and then the House, humiliated the president when it voted on Wednesday to override Obama for the first time in his eight-year tenure, as the House rejected a veto of legislation allowing families of terrorist victims to sue Saudi Arabia. The House easily cleared the two-thirds threshold with a 348-77 vote to push back against the veto. The Senate voted 97-1 in favor of the override earlier in the day, with only Democratic Leader Harry Reid voting to sustain the president’s veto.  
Madness Swirls At House Judiciary Committee As Comey Attempts To Justify Hillary Innocence
James Comey appeared today before the House Judiciary Committee to answer questions about the FBI’s decision not to recommend prosecution of Hillary Clinton regarding misuse of classified emails – and in the process told members that once the politics stopped circulating, the FBI would again be seen as the institution “you know and love.”  
Philippines’ Duterte: ‘I Am About to Cross the Rubicon with the United States
In discussing his push to meet Chinese and Russian officials to attract investment, Duterte noted that he was preparing to “cross the Rubicon” with the United States. He did not elaborate on what he meant, though many have interpreted this as an indication Duterte is looking to weaken ties with his nation’s most reliable ally.  
5.1 magnitude quake hits west Nicaragua, killing at least 1
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit western Nicaragua near the capital Wednesday, causing at least one death, injuring five people and destroying some homes, authorities said. Government spokeswoman Rosario Murillo said a 78-year-old woman in the town of Nagarote apparently died from fright of the temblor.  

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

September 28, 2016

Netanyahu mourns loss of Peres as Israel bids farewell to a founding father
Cybercriminals offering contract services for hire offer militant groups the means to attack Europe but such groups have yet to employ such techniques in major attacks, EU police agency Europol said on Wednesday. "There is currently little evidence to suggest that their cyber-attack capability extends beyond common website defacement," it said in its annual cybercrime threat assessment in a year marked by Islamic State violence in Europe.  
At your service: cyber criminals for hire to militants, EU says
Cybercriminals offering contract services for hire offer militant groups the means to attack Europe but such groups have yet to employ such techniques in major attacks, EU police agency Europol said on Wednesday. "There is currently little evidence to suggest that their cyber-attack capability extends beyond common website defacement," it said in its annual cybercrime threat assessment in a year marked by Islamic State violence in Europe.  
Indonesia evacuates tourists after volcano eruption
Indonesian authorities have evacuated some 1,100 tourists after a volcano erupted at one of the country's most popular hiking destinations. Mount Barujari on Lombok island erupted on Tuesday, shooting ash 2,000m (6,500 ft) into the air. Officials are still searching for several hundred tourists who remain missing, according to the country's disaster agency.  
U.S. Nearly 200 earthquakes hit near SoCal's Salton Sea, USGS says
Almost 200 earthquakes were recorded in Southern California's Salton Sea in roughly a 24-hour period, geologists said Tuesday. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quakes that began Monday and persisted throughout the day. The strongest quake had a magnitude of 4.3, officials said.  
Warning of rare BLACK MOON: Astrological event to herald 'End of Days' and second coming
On Friday September 30, a rare Black Moon will occur, which many are linking to the apocalypse. The spectacular Black Moon occurs when the illuminated side of the moon is caught in the shadow of the Earth, making it virtually impossible to see.  
World’s first baby born using controversial new ‘three-parent’ technique
The world’s first child created using a controversial “three-parent” baby technique has been born in Mexico, it has been announced.  
'Emergency' need for exorcists after surge in people dabbling in Satanism and black magic
Exorcists are in urgent demand as a result of a sharp rise in people dabbling in Satanism and the occult, experts from the Catholic Church in Italy and the US said.  
U.N. Demands U.S. Pay Reparations To African-Americans
A new report released by the United Nations concludes the United States owes reparations to African-Americans for slavery and recent police-involved shooting deaths. The report was produced by the United Nations’ Working Group of Experts on African Descent and strongly condemned America’s “racist” history.  

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

September 27, 2016

Sanhedrin Revives 2,000-Year-Old Blessing for Counting of Jubilee Year
Unbeknownst to all but a few witnesses, as Rosh Hashana ended eleven months ago, the nascent Sanhedrin concluded months of deliberation by ruling that certain conditions had been met requiring the Nation of Israel to begin counting the Jubilee cycle. Rabbi Avraham Dov Ben Shor recited the blessing and the 49-year cycle began again.  
Terror victim remembers Clinton's 'inhuman coldness'
We still wanted to talk to her, people came ready to tell her their story, she didn’t intend to hear, it looked she didn’t want to hear. With inhuman coldness she went out amongst us all and disappeared in one of the corridors leaving us shocked and disappointed."  
NATO is reviewing ‘nuclear playbook’ to deter ‘terrible attacks’ by Russia – Pentagon chief
Addressing US servicemen, missile units and B-52 crews at Minot Base, Defense Secretary Ash Carter stated that the US and its allies had not built any new nuclear weapons or delivery systems in the last 25 years – and said that American nuclear forces must be ready to engage in a possible nuclear confrontation with Russia.  
CORONAL HOLE TURNS TOWARD EARTH
A large coronal hole is turning toward Earth, and it is spewing a stream of high-speed solar wind. NOAA forecasters expect the stream to reach our planet on Sept. 28-29 with a 50% chance of G1-class geomagnetic storms when it arrives.  
Michael Moore Says Trump ‘Won’ The Debate
Michael Moore appeared frustrated on Twitter following the presidential debate, saying Trump “won,” and “we all lost.” The 62-year-old film maker warned “pro-Hillary gloaters” against celebrating over how Hillary Clinton did in the debate against the Republican presidential nominee and insisted nothing she did changed things.  
Swarm Of Small Quakes Shake Salton Sea Area
Numerous aftershocks are expected over the next few days after a swarm of small earthquakes struck the Salton Sea area in Imperial County Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quakes ranged from magnitude 1.4 to the 4.3-magnitude quake during the swarm that began at 4:03 a.m., according to a Southern California Seismic Network report written by Jennifer Andrews of the Caltech Seismological Laboratory.  
Southern Japan jolted by 5.7 magnitude earthquake
In Japan, an earthquake of 5.7 magnitude struck southern Okinawa island and a chain of neighbouring islands on Monday. But no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of any damage or injury.  
METEOR SMASHES INTO AUSTRALIA: People left terrified as space rock causes houses to SHAKE
People in the area said the impact caused houses to tremble, with police confirming that they had received several calls in what many had thought was initially an earthquake. However, Geoscience Australia has stated that there was no quake, with weather forecasters Higgins Storm Chasing saying that “it looks like a meteorite has impacted somewhere offshore”.  
Washington Monument closed indefinitely over elevator’s ‘reliability issues’
Officials with the National Park Service made the announcement Monday, saying that the elevator has “ongoing reliability issues” and that they are not able to determine the cause of the problems. “As a result, we have made the difficult decision not to reopen the Washington Monument until we can modernize the elevator control system,” according to the Park Service announcement.  
Saudis, Iran dash hopes for OPEC oil deal in Algeria
Saudi Arabia and Iran on Tuesday dashed hopes that OPEC oil producers could clinch an output-limiting deal in Algeria this week as sources...said the differences between the kingdom and Tehran remained too wide. "This is a consultative meeting ... We will consult with everyone else, we will hear the views, we will hear the secretariat of OPEC and also hear from consumers," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters.  
Saudi women file petition to end male guardianship system
A petition signed by more than 14,000 Saudi women calling for an end to the country's male guardianship system is being handed to the government. Women must have the consent of a male guardian to travel abroad, and often need permission to work or study. Support for the first large-scale campaign on the issue grew online in response to a trending Twitter hashtag.  
Syria conflict: Obama 'deeply concerned' about Aleppo
US President Barack Obama has expressed "deep concern" about the situation in rebel-held parts of Aleppo, amid an assault by Syrian government forces. Medics in the city are struggling to cope with the huge number of casualties caused by the most sustained and intense aerial bombardment in years. Supplies of medicine and blood are running low, as a three-week siege by the army begins to have an impact.  
Colombia peace deal: Historic agreement is signed
The Colombian government and left-wing Farc rebels have signed a historic agreement that formally brings an end to 52 years of armed conflict. The rebel leader Timoleon Jimenez, known as Timochenko, apologised to "all the victims of the conflict" and was greeted by cheers and applause. He said: "I would like to ask for forgiveness for all the pain that we have caused during this war."  
Michael Fallon: UK will oppose plans for EU army
The UK will oppose any attempts to create an EU army because it could "undermine" the role of Nato, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said. Nato "must remain the cornerstone of our defence and the defence of Europe", he said, ahead of informal talks with EU defence ministers in Bratislava. Sir Michael said the UK was not alone in opposing a common EU defence policy.  
After historic gas deal with Jordan, Israel looking to build Cyprus, Greece pipeline
After signing a massive gas deal with Jordan, Israel is now looking to lay a pipeline to Cyprus and Greece, so Israeli gas can be exported there and to other European countries, National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Minister Yuval Steinitz said Tuesday. Steinitz made the remarks while speaking to reporters before the weekly cabinet meeting...  
Massive typhoon envelops all of Taiwan, will hit Chinese mainland next
The storm, which was packing maximum sustained winds of 115 miles per hour as of Monday evening eastern time, was poised to make landfall along Taiwan's east-central coast on mid-to-late afternoon Tuesday, local time. This makes it a Category 3-equivalent storm.  
After New York Attack, Congress Wants TSA to Secure Amtrak, Buses
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is one of those federal agencies that tends to inspire intense reactions among the traveling public. It’s a bureaucracy that interacts with millions of passengers each day, requiring their shoes, jackets, laptops—and time.  
What A Commodity Trading Legend Is Buying Ahead Of The Next Crisis
When a commodity trading guru like Dwight Anderson, founder of the iconic Ospraie Management, has something to say on the market outlook, people tend to listen, especially when he’s consigning the last great commodity bull run to the dustbin of history and buying gold and farmland for the next crisis.  
Walmart apologizes for refusing to make police officer’s cake
Walmart is apologizing for refusing to make a police officer’s retirement cake last week after an employee told the cop’s daughter that her “thin blue line” cake design might be considered racist.  
Venezuelan children fainting in school because they are hungry
Klaireth Díaz is a 1st-grade teacher at Elías Toro School, one of the biggest public schools in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Last year, she says, attendance was painfully low. Every day, of a class of 30 children at least 10 would be absent.  

Monday, September 26, 2016

September 26, 2016

Meteor SLAMS into Earth: Earthquake felt as 'burning objects' in sky and 'explosion' heard
Locals reported feeling tremors after spotting the "burning objects" streaking across the sky and one said they saw a "big ball of fire". There are reports a meteor, or space junk, hit near Gladstone in Queensland, Australia.  
How Far Can the U.S. Military Go to Building a Technology-Enhanced ‘Super Soldier’?
Neuroscience, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence and new drugs may pave the way for dramatic human enhancements, whether by external devices like exoskeletons; implants that expand endurance, cognitive ability and communication; or new drugs that enhance endurance, strength, perception and cognitive ability.  
UK set for HEAVIEST SNOWFALL in years: Long-range forecast warns of Winter 2016 BIG FREEZE
BRITAIN is facing the heaviest snowfalls in years this winter as the country's first icy blast arrives in SIX WEEKS unleashing FOUR MONTHS of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures, forecasters have announced.  
Insiders: The heat is on Hillary
'She will have to answer every single question flawlessly, exude gravitas...not cough, wear an acceptable pantsuit, smile enough, be likable, not laugh and have a good hair day. Donald Trump will just have to show up,” said an Ohio Democrat.  
‘Hillary cover-up operation’: FBI documents reveal how Clinton IT aide described plan to delete emails
New documents released by the FBI Friday in another late-week document dump revealed that an IT aide to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton once referred to the operation to begin automatically deleting her emails as the “Hillary cover-up operation.”  
Deutsche Bank shares plummet to record low as Merkel rules out bailout
Shares in Germany’s largest bank have hit rock bottom on Monday as Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly refused to provide Deutsche Bank state aid in its legal battle with the United States Department of Justice (DoJ).  
Ahead of debate, Trump endorsed by US immigration officers
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump picked up the endorsement on Monday of the union representing 5,000 federal immigration officers, a boost of support for his immigration policy ahead of his first debate with Democrat Hillary Clinton.  
2 Earthquakes hit off southwest Oregon coast
Two earthquakes hit off the coast of southwest Oregon on Saturday evening and early Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  
Twin earthquakes strike Japan’s Okinawa Islands, no threat of tsunami
The first quake is said to have struck Japan’s northernmost main island, measuring 5.5 magnitude. The quake struck just off the southern coast of Hokkaido and was rated to be moderate in nature. The quake struck at a depth of 20 kilometres (12 miles). The second quake struck just a few minutes later....  
Saudi Arabia Injects $5.3 Billion Into Banks to Ease Crunch
Saudi Arabia’s central bank stepped up efforts to support lenders in the Arab world’s biggest economy as they grapple with the effects of low oil prices. Banks’ shares advanced. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, as the central bank is known, is giving banks about 20 billion riyals ($5.3 billion) of time deposits “on behalf of government entities.”  
Iran's supreme leader tells Ahmadinejad not to run again for president
Iran's supreme leader has told former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad not to stand again in next year's elections, state media reported on Monday, effectively eliminating a major challenger to pragmatist incumbent Hassan Rouhani. Ahmadinejad had not announced any plans to run in the vote scheduled for May, but has made several speeches in recent months, prompting speculation of a political comeback.  
'Russia and US tensions over Syria dangerous for Israel'
The escalation in rhetoric between Russia and the United States over Syria's Civil War is creating a dangerous situation for Israel, former Israeli envoy to the United Nations Ron Prosor told Army Radio on Monday. "We have here a dangerous situation. It is dangerous...also to [Israel], because we find ourselves right in the middle," Prosor said. "We coordinate with Russia, and the Americans are an important strategic asset for us."  
Southern Japan jolted by 5.7 magnitude quake
Japan's southern Okinawa island and a chain of neighboring islands were shaken on Monday by an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage or injury.  
Japan Scrambles Jets After China Makes Show of Force in Key Strait
Japan scrambled jets Sunday after a fleet of Chinese aircraft flew into a strategically important strait near disputed islands in the East China Sea. Japan sent out the jets after eight of the Chinese planes crossed back and forth over waters between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako-jima island near Taiwan, the Defense Ministry in Tokyo said in a statement. Two of the planes may have been fighter jets, the ministry said.  
Boko Haram leader mocks Nigerian army, parents of missing girls
Boko Haram's embattled leader, Abubakar Shekau, appears in a new video to deny reports of his death and to taunt the parents of the nearly 300 school girls the group kidnapped from their boarding school in 2014.  
Jordanian writer who shared cartoon mocking ISIS killed outside courthouse
A prominent Jordanian writer facing charges for sharing a "blasphemous" anti-ISIS cartoon that outraged Muslim groups was fatally shot in Amman on Sunday, state news agency Petra reported.  
Aid delivered to four besieged towns in Syria: ICRC
Seventy trucks of humanitarian aid were delivered on Sunday to four besieged towns in Syria for the first time in almost six months, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said.  
Squeezing North Korea: old friends take steps to isolate regime
From kicking out North Korean workers and ending visa-free travel for its citizens, to stripping flags of convenience from its ships, Cold War-era allies from Poland to Mongolia are taking measures to squeeze the isolated country.  
Trump to Netanyahu: I will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's united capital
In meeting the Republican presidential nominee, Netanyahu thanked him for his continued support for Israel, his commitment to continued pressuring of Iran and for his opposition to efforts at the United Nations to impose terms of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.  

Sunday, September 25, 2016

September 25, 2016

US Air Force set to replace intercontinental nuke arsenal
Hidden underground in steel-and-concrete silos across rural America, more than 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles point to the skies, poised for launch -- and ready to obliterate cities across the world.  
Stabbing attack foiled near Hebron, terrorist shot
A Palestinian terrorist attempted to carry out a stabbing attack at a hitchhiking post at the Elias Junction, near Hebron, Friday. Security forces stationed at the checkpoint subdued the terrorist and prevented any harm to the Israeli civilians in the area. The terrorist was shot in the leg. No Israelis were injured in the incident.  
Episcopal Church Decline Continues With Loss of Over 37,000 Members in 2015
The Episcopal Church continued its long trend of decline in 2015, with recently released statistics showing the Mainline denomination losing more than 37,000 members last year. In statistics released earlier this week by the Episcopal Church Office of Research, in 2015 the Church had approximately 1.77 million members in its domestic dioceses, down from about 1.81 million members in 2014.  
Obama used a pseudonym in emails with Clinton, FBI documents reveal
President Barack Obama used a pseudonym in email communications with Hillary Clinton and others, according to FBI records made public Friday. The disclosure came as the FBI released its second batch of documents from its investigation into Clinton’s private email server during her tenure as secretary of state.  
China, Cuba agree to deepen ties during PM Li's Havana visit
Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang met with Cuban President Raul Castro on Saturday during a two-day trip to Havana, and the two leaders oversaw the signing of around 30 agreements on economic cooperation in various sectors, Cuban state media reported.  
California Enacts Law Requiring IMDb to Remove Actor Ages on Request
California Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday signed legislation that requires certain entertainment sites, such as IMDb, to remove – or not post in the first place – an actor’s age or birthday upon request.  
Netanyahu to meet Clinton and Trump during U.S. visit: sources
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently visiting the United States, will separately meet U.S. presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on Sunday, campaign sources and Israeli officials said.