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Saturday, December 17, 2016

December 17, 2016

"Sorry, Not Sorry" - Neither The Media Nor Their Owners Are Going To Change
The leftist heretic and popular scourge of religion Christopher Hitchens wrote in his superb Bill Clinton takedown, No One Left to Lie To, that the essence of American politics is “the manipulation of populism by elitism.” Unfortunately, this tactic didn’t work so well for the Clintons in November, as the reviled populists had the last irrational, racist, sexist, brutish and barbaric word on the matter (according to assembled liberal punditry). But the statement still rings true. This is, after all, the job description of corporate media. As The Intercept’s Glenn Greenwald says, the “supreme religion of the U.S. press corps is reverence for power.”  
‘Russia didn’t let terrorists capture Damascus’ – Russian UN envoy
Russia’s engagement in the Syrian crisis prevented militants from gaining control over Damascus, cut down their military and economic base and helped win back some captured Syrian territories, Russia’s UN envoy Vitaly Churkin told the UN Security Council.  
Quake hits east of Papua New Guinea, tsunami warnings scaled back
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 struck 157 km (98 miles) east of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported, prompting a warning about tsunami waves across parts of the archipelago. "Tsunami waves have been observed... warning that waves reaching one to three meters above the tide level were possible along some of Papua New Guinea's coastlines.  
Venezuela's 100-bolivar note withdrawal causes chaos
Venezuela's highest denomination banknote has ceased to be legal tender, in a move that has caused cash chaos and long queues at banks. Protests against the move led to looting in parts of the country, with shops attacked and roads blocked. Some cash machines on Thursday were still issuing the old 100-bolivar notes, hours before they expired.  
Turkish bus attack: 13 off-duty soldiers killed by car bomb
A suspected suicide car bomb in Turkey has killed 13 soldiers aboard a bus and wounded 55 more, Turkish officials say. The blast destroyed a bus carrying soldiers who had been allowed to visit a local market. An army spokesman said civilians may also have been injured. Images from the scene showed the bus reduced to a smouldering wreck with a massive hole punched in one side.  
Polish protesters block parliament over press freedom
Protesters have blockaded the Polish parliament in Warsaw in support of opposition MPs unhappy about new rules restricting press reporting. Police intervened to clear a path for government officials to leave by car after a late-night stand-off. Poland's populist right-wing government wants to limit the number of reporters allowed to cover parliament.  
China, US militaries 'in talks' over underwater drone seizure
Military officials from China and the US are in talks over the return of an underwater drone seized by the Chinese in international waters, China says. The Chinese navy seized the US research vessel in the South China Sea on Thursday. The incident - among the most serious between the two powers in years - took place just as oceanographic ship the USNS Bowditch was about to retrieve it.  
Burkina Faso militant attack: Twelve soldiers killed
Twelve soldiers have been killed and two are missing after an attack by Islamist militants near Burkina Faso's border with Mali, the army has said. Insurgents who carried out the attack did so on pick-up trucks and motorbikes, waving black flags. The soldiers were in the area to guard Burkina Faso's long and porous border with Mali, where a number of Islamist groups are active.  
How did South Carolina pioneer BDS legislation?
Ohio became the 15th US state to pass legislation banning business with companies that boycott, divest from or sanction Israel last week, joining an effort that began in May and June 2015 with Illinois and South Carolina. Illinois might not have surprised anyone with its nearly 300,000-strong Jewish constituency in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. But South Carolina, which has only some 20,000 Jews, raised eyebrows.  Here's why we should worry that China is no longer the top holder of US bonds
China's moves to weaken its currency in an "orderly fashion" and boost slowing economic growth is costing a lot of money, and the world's second-largest economy has been selling U.S. Treasurys to help finance the efforts, analyst Peter Boockvar told CNBC on Friday.  
1000 Radical Muslims Protest in London, Call for the Return of the Islamic Caliphate
hose angry white Anglo-Saxon Protestant men are at it again in Britain. Wait. Scratch that: MORE than 1000 Muslims took to the streets of London last night chanting Allahu Akbar and demanding an Islamic caliphate.  
Michelle Obama says America is entering a time of hopelessness
With fewer than 40 days remaining as first lady, Michelle Obama is continuing to reflect on the legacy she and President Obama will leave after having occupied the White House for the last eight years. In a new interview with Oprah Winfrey, the first lady addressed the election outcome and suggested that the U.S. is entering a time of hopelessness.  
BuzzFeed And The NYDN: Click-Bait Headlines, False Stories, And Virtually Nonexistent Retractions
In Thursday, December 1st, Yasmin Seweid was allegedly assaulted by Trump supporters in NYC. According to BuzzFeed and the NY Daily News, the attack took place at the uptown 6 train stop at 23rd Street in midtown Manhattan. The assaliants allegedly called Seweid a terrorist, broke her bag strap, followed her when she tried to get away from them, and tried but were unable to pull her hijab off of her head. Both Tamerra Griffin and Ben Kochman, the authors for BuzzFeed and the NYDN stories, did not include any additional sources for their story, other than Seweid’s personal account and a statement from police that the “investigation was ongoing” with no further comment.  
Maiduguri overwhelmed by victims of Boko Haram insurgency
Ali Bukar didn't know anyone when he arrived in Maiduguri with 43 people in tow and not a coin in his pocket. Bukar was fleeing the brutal killings of civilians by the Boko Haram Islamists in northeast Nigeria -- along with his wives, his sons, their wives and grandchildren.  
Series of earthquakes hit west of Templeton
Six earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 4.0 to 1.6 were reported in the Templeton area beginning early Wednesday morning.  
Magnitude 5.0 Quake Hits Chile’s Northern Coquimbo Region
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has occurred on the coast of Chile, in the northern region of Coquimbo, the US Geological Survey (USGS) informs.  
 

Friday, December 16, 2016

December 16, 2016

Facebook Using Unreliable Liberal Fact-Checker To Fight ‘Fake News’
One of the organizations Facebook is partnering up with is Snopes, which The Daily Caller has exposed more than once butchering the truth or seemingly outright lying in service of a liberal narrative.  
Russia halts evacuation of East Aleppo and announces 'liquidation' of remaining resistance
The announcement came one hour after the ministry said the evacuation of civilians from eastern Aleppo was "complete" after 9,500 people had been evacuated.  
Trump’s Orthodox Zionist Ambassador Eager to Serve in ‘Eternal Capital of Israel’
Friedman, for his part, said he looks forward to serving at his new job at “the US embassy in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem.” “Mr. Trump’s confidence is very flattering. My views on Israel are well-known, and I would advise him in a matter consistent with those views. America’s geo-political interests are best served by a strong and secure Israel with Jerusalem as its undivided capital.”  
Judge Napolitano Drops A Bomb: US Intelligence Was Behind Hacks — Not Russia
Who had access to all of this material without having to steal any codes?” “The United States Intelligence agents who did not want this woman in charge of the federal government and exposing more agents and resources and undercover assets in the Middle East,” Napolitano said, answering his own questions.  
Lynch Slips — Says No Evidence Of ‘Technical Interference’ From The Russians
Loretta Lynch stated Thursday that the United States intelligence community has not found any evidence of “technical interference” on the part of the Russian government on voting machines used in the 2016 election.  
Huge hole in the ocean floor near Australia could cause catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis
The tear in the Earth’s crust is located in the Banda Sea and measures about 60,000sq km — roughly the size of Tasmania. Geologists have now discovered the tear is one of the biggest faults on the planet and is running through the Ring of Fire, an area in the Pacific Ocean where a huge number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.  
Scientists reverse ageing in mammals and predict human trials within 10 years
An end to grey hair and crows-feet could be just 10 years away after scientists showed it is possible to reverse ageing in animals. Using a new technique which takes adult cells back to their embryonic form, US researchers at the Salk Institute in California, showed it was possible to reverse ageing in mice, allowing the animals to not only look younger, but live for 30 per cent longer.  
Venezuela's 100-bolivar note withdrawal causes chaos
Venezuela's highest denomination banknote has ceased to be legal tender, in a move that has caused cash chaos and long queues at banks this week. Some cash machines on Thursday were still issuing the old 100-bolivar notes, hours before they expired. President Nicolas Maduro said new higher-denomination bills would be fully distributed in January.  
Russia 'to increase mobile missile patrols'
A Russian military commander has said the army will expand mobile missile patrols in European regions of the country in 2017. Col Gen Sergei Karakayev said pontoon technology meant nuclear missiles could now be moved to new areas and "overcome practically any water obstacle". Tensions between Russia and Nato have escalated because of the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Ukraine.  
Australian republicans claim majority of MPs oppose monarchy
A majority of Australian MPs want to break ties with the British monarchy, the nation's republican lobby claims. The Australian Republican Movement says 81 of 150 MPs and 40 of 76 senators favour the move, citing public statements from the politicians. Monarchists have disputed the figures, insisting more support the status quo.  
Report: Boy with suspected ISIS ties attempted to bomb German Christmas market
A 12-year old German-Iraqi boy suspected of having links to extremist group Islamic State (ISIS) tried to blow up a bomb at a Christmas market in the western town of Ludwigshafen, German magazine Focus reported on Friday, citing security and judicial sources. The boy, born in the same town in 2004, was "strongly radicalized" and apparently instructed by an unknown ISIS member, Focus reported.  
Trump's Ambassador to Israel references 'embassy in Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem'
US President-elect Donald Trump will nominate David Friedman, his long-time attorney and a campaign adviser on Jewish world issues, as US ambassador to Israel, the transition team said in a statement on Thursday. The US embassy has for decades been located in Tel Aviv. Trump had pledged during the presidential campaign to move it to Jerusalem.  
IDF ready for clashes in Amona
The IDF is prepared for a possible physical confrontation with residents when the controversial Amona outpost is evacuated next week, after residents rejected a proposal to resettle at another site... While the IDF had initially hoped for a surprise evacuation before the December 25 deadline...in addition to the upcoming Hanukka holiday, has taken away the element of surprise.  
What Is The Real Purpose Behind "Fake News" Propaganda?
This is one of the great tragedies of the Saul Alinsky method of political confrontation; it has bred entire generations of people who now believe that there is no objective truth. They think everything is relative. Because of this belief, they assume that there is no wrong or right side, no wrong or right goal. Instead, there are only goals that are MORE right than the goals of others. Everything boils down to a “lesser of two evils” mentality, and the ends therefore justify the means. Using dishonest measures to win the fight becomes acceptab  
Trump picks a supporter of West Bank settlements for ambassador to Israel
President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will nominate New York bankruptcy lawyer David M. Friedman as his ambassador to Israel, saying in a statement issued by his transition office that Friedman’s “strong relationships in Israel will form the foundation of his diplomatic mission.”  
Some poor Venezuelan parents give away children amid deep crisis
Struggling to feed herself and her seven children, Venezuelan mother Zulay Pulgar asked a neighbor in October to take over care of her six-year-old daughter, a victim of a pummeling economic crisis.  
Facebook To Decide What’s Real Vs. Fake News For Users
Social media giant Facebook has announced the site will prompt users if they attempt to share news articles disputed by third parties, the latest in an array of efforts to stifle independent media.  
50 Christian Statues Defaced and Decapitated in Germany
Fifty statues of Christ and other Christian figures have been defaced and smashed apart in a crime wave sweeping parts of Germany. Statues in the Münster region in the west of Germany have been targeted over a series of months – including one of Jesus which had its head lopped off, and many more missing limbs or other fragments.  
Greece passes pension deal in defiance of bailout creditors
The Greek parliament has defied the international creditors providing Athens' bailout funds and voted through a one-off payment to pensioners. Plans for the €617m (£517m; $656m) pre-Christmas handout were opposed by European bodies negotiating Greece's financial lifeline.  
Maricopa Co. Sheriff's Office: "9 points of forgery" in Obama's birth certificate
According to officials, the forensic evidence was verified by two different digital document experts who live on two different continents, and neither of the two knew each other. According to officials, there are allegedly nine "points of forgery" on Obama's birth certificate, and words letters and dates, according to officials, were digitally copied and pasted.  

Thursday, December 15, 2016

December 15, 2016

New Study Casts Doubt On A Key Metric For Predicting Global Warming
New research suggests scientists may be wrong about a key measurement for projecting man-made global warming. Meteorologist Anthony Watts and amateur scientist Willis Eschenbach released new research suggesting “global climate sensitivity to increased carbon dioxide, and the potential feedback mechanism of increased water vapor in Earth’s atmosphere, is actually far less than postulated by the IPCC.”  
Lets Give FBI Director Comey A Little Credit – He Refused To Co-Author CIA Speculative Report On Russian Interference Into 2016 Election – Why Not?
FBI Director Comey deserves some credit for refusing to put the name of the FBI on a CIA speculative report which had no “evidence” to back it up. It was done entirely to help Hillary Clinton win the Election. Lets step back in time to go over a few facts:  
FBI: "No Evidence of Russian Interference in Election"
James Comey assured the president-elect there was no credible evidence that Russia influenced the outcome of the recent U.S. presidential election...Comey told Trump that James Clapper, the director of National Intelligence, agreed with this FBI assessment. The only member of the U.S. intelligence community who was ready to assert that the Russians sanctioned the hacking was John Brennan, the director of the CIA, “And Brennan takes his marching orders from...Obama.  
Intel panel nixes briefing on alleged Russian interference in US election after resistance
The House Intelligence Committee abruptly canceled a briefing set for Thursday on alleged Russian interference in the U.S. election, after the CIA declined to provide a briefer for the session, Fox News is told...lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle, have backed calls for a separate congressional investigation, voicing concern that Obama’s intelligence agencies might not be able to conduct a thorough review before he leaves office.  
EXCLUSIVE: FBI New York Field Office Told To Continue Clinton Foundation Probe
Officials at FBI headquarters instructed its New York field office to continue its corruption investigation into the Clinton Foundation following the election of Republican candidate Donald Trump, according to a former senior law enforcement official. The instructions ordered agents to “go forward” with their ongoing inquiry into the Clinton Foundation which is focusing on issues of corruption and money laundering, according to the source.  
Three parent babies: IVF clinics told they can create children with two mothers
Clinics in Britain can now apply to create three parent babies after the fertility watchdog gave the final apporval for the procedure. The fertility technique, which was developed by British scientists, allows doctors to replace an egg’s defective mitochondrial DNA with healthy DNA from a female donor to prevent children suffering debilitating conditions such as muscular dystrophy. 
La Niña no longer likely in the coming month
La Niña thresholds have not been met. Climate models and current observations suggest these patterns will not persist. The likelihood of La Niña developing in the coming months is now low, and hence the Bureau’s ENSO Outlook has shifted from La Niña WATCH to INACTIVE.  
USGS upgrades earthquake near Templeton to magnitude 4.0
The first quake, which jolted residents awake at 3:58 a.m., initially registered as a magnitude-4.2, according to the USGS. That reading soon was downgraded to 3.9 before the USGS later settled on 4.0. The temblor was centered about 5.6 miles west of Templeton, according to the USGS.  
Iran sanctions extension act to become law without Obama's signature
A bill extending U.S. sanctions against Iran for 10 years will become law without President Barack Obama's signature, but will not affect implementation of the international accord limiting Iran's nuclear program... "This Administration has made clear that an extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, while unnecessary, is entirely consistent with our commitments in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).  
ISIS takes responsibility for launching rocket at Israel from Sinai
ISIS claimed responsibility overnight Wednesday for a rocket fired at the Nitzana border crossing separating Israel and Egypt on Tuesday, despite the fact that the rocket failed to reach Israeli territory and landed in the Sinai. The terror group claimed responsibility for the rocket by publishing photos documenting what they called "shelling across the border of occupied Palestine by two Grad rockets."  
Ex-British ambassador who is now a WikiLeaks operative claims Russia did NOT provide Clinton emails
A Wikileaks envoy today claims he personally received Clinton campaign emails in Washington D.C. after they were leaked by 'disgusted' whisteblowers - and not hacked by Russia. Craig Murray, former British ambassador to Uzbekistan and a close associate of ...Julian Assange, told Dailymail.com that he flew to Washington, D.C. for a clandestine hand-off with one of the email sources in September.  
Brexit trade deal could take 10 years, says UK's ambassador
A post-Brexit UK-EU trade deal might take 10 years to finalise and still fail, Britain's ambassador to the EU has privately told the government. The BBC understands Sir Ivan Rogers warned ministers that the European consensus was that a deal might not be done until the early to mid-2020s. He also cautioned that an agreement could be rejected ultimately by other EU members' national parliaments.  
Islamists threaten 'volcano of jihad' against Egypt after execution
Egypt executed prominent Islamist fighter Adel Habara on Thursday, state media said, days after a top court rejected his final appeal and in defiance of militant threats to ignite "a volcano of jihad" across the country. Habara, 40, was sentenced to death in 2014 for killing 25 army conscripts in Northern Sinai in August 2013. He was hanged early on Thursday after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed off on the death sentence...  
Activist told New York schoolchildren to become 'freedom fighters for Palestine'
A case involving pro-Palestinian activists giving an anti-Israel presentation to third grade children in Ithaca, New York last year has resurfaced this week...showing the children adopting the views of the activists. The presentation, given on September 18, 2015 at the Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, was meant to raise the topic of human rights with the third graders...  
The Obama Family’s Christmas Card Doesn’t Mention Christmas
The Obamas sent out their last Christmas card from the White House, but some people have noticed a major problem with it.  
The 3 Stage Plot to Assassinate Trump: Thirty Three Days to Armageddon
I have delayed writing this article for the past four days. It is not that I don’t believe in the analysis that I am going to offer in this article, I wholeheartedly do. My hesitation stems from the fact that if the globalists are successful in pulling off the following plot, America is headed for the darkest days in her history. This will mark the end of America and for most us, our lives will be turned upside down.  
Christmas TV episode features jaw-dropping Jesus mockery, violence. Oh wait — it’s ‘Family Guy.’
Fox’s “Family Guy” has been turning mockery of Christianity and Jesus himself into big bucks for such a long time that some might say it’s pretty much become a standard menu item in a normal TV viewing diet.  
Regions NORTH KOREA Drunken Kim Jong Un forces top military leaders to write apology letters -- then forgets it
Kim Jong Un is not a happy drunk. The ruthless North Korean dictator overindulged on spirits this September when he ordered several top military vets to write apology and self-criticism letters, according to a Japanese media report.  
U.S. NYPD: Muslim teenager who reported harassment by Trump supporters made the story up
A Muslim teenager who reported being harassed on the New York City subway by supporters of President-elect Donald Trump fabricated the story, a New York City Police Department spokesperson told Business Insider.  
Yahoo suffers world's biggest hack affecting 1 billion users
Yahoo has discovered a 3-year-old security breach that enabled a hacker to compromise more than 1 billion user accounts, breaking the company's own humiliating record for the biggest security breach in history.  
Exclusive: China installs weapons systems on artificial islands - U.S. think tank
China appears to have installed weapons, including anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems, on all seven of the artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea, a U.S. think tank reported on Wednesday, citing new satellite imagery.  
Keith Olbermann Is More Insane than Ever
Back in the PJTV days when I was doing a show called Kruiser Control, we had a weekly segment called the "Olbermannometer." Our job was to mock liberal media bias and Keith was an endless supply of free material. He was a loon six years ago and the time since hasn't been good to him.  
Venezuelans fight to protect their savings as government pulls bills from circulation
Venezuelans are rushing to the banks this week in a desperate attempt to protect their savings from the government’s latest spasm of reckless financial policymaking.  
Ami Horowitz Went Into a Muslim No-Go Area in Sweden and Got Beat Up by 5 Men
Ami Horowitz went on a fact-finding mission to Sweden to see how much the tide of Muslim immigration has harmed the Scandinavian country. He highlights the extreme rise in rapes and violence, and shows areas that police will not go into.  

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

December 14, 2016

5.0 earthquake near the Geysers in Northern California
A magnitude 5 earthquake Wednesday morning jolted The Geysers, between Napa Valley and Clear Lake. Dishes rattled and diners looked around nervously but there was no damage when the quake shook the Cowpoke Cafe in Middletown just after 8:40 a.m., waitress Jessica Sanders said. “It really rippled through the building,” she said. “It was long, felt like it was 40 seconds.”  
Nine Members of Trump’s Cabinet Identify as Christians
Pastor David Murray posed the question as to whether or not Donald Trump just might have made a recent move that serves as the literal answer to prayers that have been on many Christians’ lips these past years: the new President appointed nine members to the White House, each of whom profess publicly to be Christians.  
New CRISPR gene-editing tool removes cells' natural undo button
scientists at Western University in Ontario have edited the editor, adding a new engineered enzyme to CRISPR that can help prevent the target DNA from repairing itself and canceling out the desired changes.  
ACTUV unmanned sub-hunter begins operational trials
Main contractor Leidos has announced that it is starting operational trials of the robotic sub-hunter it's building for DARPA. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) will take to the seas off the coast of San Diego, California in the coming months for tests of the unmanned ship's sensors, mission control hardware and software, and the autonomy system.  
Divider-in-Chief: Obama Claims “whites in northern states” Very Different from “southern states”
Obama broad brushed white people in the northern and southern parts of the United States, claiming sentiments about him between the two regions are “very different.” Obama claims racism has affected his presidency, he has made it a point throughout his tenure to promote racial division at every opportunity.  
Washington Post Reporter Warns Evangelicals about Their Rhetoric against ‘The Media’
Sarah Pulliam Bailey recently warned evangelicals about “dangerous” consequences of their rhetoric against mainstream media outlets...She argues that quality journalism is a friend to religion and that our implicit distrust of traditional journalistic organizations will work to undermine our own faith. R. Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary continued “I would have to blame many of those very same mainstream media outlets for being part of a culture that has subverted the very idea of truth...".  
Missing Piece of 400-Year-Old Prophecy Portends Russian Conquest of Israel
The prophecy, attributed to the Elijah ben Solomon Zalman, the leading Torah scholar of the 18th century known as the Vilna Gaon, states, “If the ships of the Kingdom of Russia cross the Bosphorous Straits (in Northwest Turkey), we need to put on our Shabbat clothes, because this is telling you that the coming of the Messiah is very close.” Two months ago, the Russian Navy sailed for the Mediterranean...  
White House, Clinton Tied To PR Firm Behind Electoral College Push
The public relations firm working behind the scenes with the faithless electors is rife with ties to prominent Democrats like President Obama and twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.  
NATO-Russia war billed as top risk for US in 2017, alongside terrorism – CFR survey
A NATO-Russia confrontation has been deemed a top risk by a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) survey, conducted by foreign policy experts. This placed it alongside the risk of a nuclear crisis with North Korea and a severe terrorist attack on the US.  
'Battle Royal Ahead Over Balfour'
We have already witnessed the chaotic launch of a campaign to persuade the government to apologize for Balfour – a House of Lords meeting where Jews were even accused of bringing the Holocaust on themselves.[1] That led to the resignation from the Liberal Democrat Party of the meeting’s host, Baroness Tonge.  
Nevada and Israel Sign Water Deal in First-of-its-Kind Agreement Between a US State and Mid-East Country
The deal—reached between Nevada’s WaterStart public-private joint venture and Israel’s National Technological Innovation Authority at Monday’s BusinessH2O Summit, a one-day conference in Las Vegas organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—paves the way for Israeli water technology companies to eventually set up research and production facilities in the notoriously arid state of Nevada.  
Devastating wildfires in Eastern forests likely to be repeated, expert warns
"Fire has played an important role historically in the forest ecosystem in the eastern United States, but the balance created by frequent—but not catastrophic—forest fires was upset by the Smokey Bear fire suppression regimen beginning in the late 1940s. Now, Eastern forests, when faced with prolonged drought, are more vulnerable to hotter-burning, terribly destructive wildfires."  
Bias Alert Media types hit panic button over CIA Russia assessment
It may be time for a deep breath. In the wake of a CIA assessment that Russia interfered in the U.S. election to boost Donald Trump, some media personalities are seizing on the report as proof Moscow just installed its own version of a Manchurian candidate.  
5.1 earthquake within Fiji region
The 5.1 magnitude earthquake occurred at a depth of 463 kilometres at 3:46pm this afternoon. According to the Mineral Resources Department's Seismology Unit, it was a moderate size earthquake with deep depth source location.  
If Trump skews science, researchers must raise the alarm - Obama official
Scientists must confront climate change deniers and speak up if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump tries to sideline climate research, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell is due to say on Wednesday. "If you see science being ignored or compromised, speak up," Jewell will tell a meeting of earth and space scientists in San Francisco, according to a draft of the speech seen by Reuters.  
France reportedly postpones Middle East peace conference
France will postpone a proposed Middle East peace conference in Paris to January next year...with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refusing to participate and US attendance in doubt. France has been trying to persuade Netanyahu, who has repeatedly rejected the conference proposal, to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the French capital to try to revive moribund peace talks between the two sides.  
Yemen conflict: US cuts arms sales to Saudi Arabia
The US has said it will limit arms sales to Saudi Arabia amid concerns over civilian casualties linked to air strikes in Yemen. Precision-guided weapons will no longer be delivered, a Pentagon official said. President Barack Obama's administration said it was concerned over "flaws" in the way air strikes are targeted in Yemen.  
Brazil: Clashes as Senate approves 20-year austerity plan
The Brazilian Senate has approved a controversial amendment to the constitution capping public spending for the next 20 years. The approval of the austerity measure is an important victory for President Michel Temer. He took office earlier this year promising to lead the country out of its worst recession in many decades.  
US Osprey aircraft crashes off Okinawa coast in Japan
The US Marines have suspended flights of all Osprey military aircraft in Japan, after a crash off the coast of Okinawa island. The incident on Tuesday night injured five crew members onboard. It stoked immediate anger among locals, some of whom have previously complained about the US military bases and the Osprey aircraft's safety record.  
Israel seeking spot on UN Security Council, Netanyahu reveals
Israel is working to become a member of the United Nations Security Council in 2019, Prime Minister Benjmain Netanyahu revealed Wednesday during a state visit to Kazakhstan. At a joint press conference at the presidential palace in the Kazakh capital of Astana, Netanyahu asked Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev for assistance in getting Israel accepted as a rotating member of the 15-member council.  
Syrian forces slaughter at least 82 civilians in Aleppo
Syrian forces slaughtered at least 82 civilians — including women and children fleeing from their homes — this week in what the United Nations deemed a “complete meltdown of humanity” in the war-torn city of Aleppo.  
Record-breaking wave thunders through North Atlantic
A colossal wave recorded in the North Atlantic has smashed previous records for size. The 62 foot (19 meter) wave -- captured between Iceland and the UK on February 4 2013 -- has set a new world record for the biggest wave ever recorded by a buoy, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  
World NATO is Hunting Russia's 'Carrier Killer' Submarines
NATO's anti-submarine forces are currently searching for one, possibly two, "carrier killer" Russian submarines thought to be in the vicinity of NATO warships off the coast of Syria.  
Dallas Police Resignations Soar As "Insolvent" Pension System Implodes
A few days ago we noted that the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System (DPFP) took the unprecedented step of halting withdrawals from their DROP fund after a "run on the bank" pushed to the entire pension system, and the City of Dallas, to the brink of liquidity crisis (see "In Unprecedented Move, Dallas Pension System Suspends Withdrawals"). Now, a local CBS affiliate in Dallas is reporting that the pension crisis is driving a massive surge in police resignations.  
Anti-Trump Elector Chris Suprun Paid For Ashley Madison While Bankrupt And Married With 3 Kids
Anti-Trump Texas faithless elector Stephen Christopher “Chris” Suprun, who wrote a widely-shared op-ed in The New York Times about his decision, in which he claimed ideological superiority over Trump, which would prevent him from voting for the President-elect on December 19 as he is required, joined and paid for cheating website Ashley Madison in 2012, using the same address registered to his 9/11 charity, while bankrupt, likely unemployed, and married with three young kids, after he and his working wife owed over $200,000 to multiple creditors — and that’s just the start of it.  
Mexico Is Hiding The World’s Largest Pyramid
“It’s the most difficult archaeological site in all of Mexico. Bar none.” That’s Patricia Plunket Nagoda, the American-born archaeologist and anthropologist who has spent the past few decades working with Mexican anthropologist Gabriela Uruñuela at the Great Pyramid to unlock its less than forthcoming secrets.  
5.5-magnitude quake hits Teluk Bintuni district
Papua (ANTARA News) - An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit Teluk Bintuni district in West Papua province on Tuesday evening, causing panic among local residents.  

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

December 13, 2016

Trump’s ‘Penny Plan’ Could Slash Federal Spending Over Decade
Trump told the New York Economic Club, “If we save just one penny of each federal dollar spent on nondefense, and non-entitlement programs, we can save almost $1 trillion over the next decade—again this is spending that does not touch defense, and that does not touch entitlements.”  
Report: Trump Team Searching for Embassy Site in Jerusalem
The incoming Trump administration is reportedly searching Jerusalem for a feasible site in which to locate the U.S. Embassy, according to a report broadcast Monday evening by Channel 2 television news.  
'Why on earth did Netanyahu offer Trump a Palestinian state?'
Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan blasted Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu over his comments in a 60 Minutes interview broadcast on Sunday, in which the Prime Minister called for President-elect Donald Trump’s help in achieving a two-state solution.  
Israeli officials will not meet visiting Swedish FM
It is highly unusual for a visiting high-level dignitary not to meet any Israeli officials. The move comes at a time of icy relations between Israel and Stockholm, which have been strained since the Social Democratic-led government recognized Palestinian statehood in 2014. Wallstrom arrives Thursday and is expected to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.  
Spinning Black Hole Swallowing Star Explains Superluminous Event
astronomers propose that the source was an even more extreme and very rare event — a rapidly spinning black hole ripping apart a passing star that came too close.  
Strong Earthquake Hits Solomon Islands for 2nd Day in a Row
A 6.9 magnitude natural disaster has struck off the coast of the Solomon Islands nearly exactly 24 hours after an even larger quake struck the same area of the Pacific. The latest quake initially triggered a fresh tsunami warning for the Solomon Islands, but that was lifted by authorities a short time later.  
Disaster zone volcano 'marching towards another eruption' as 120 quakes hit
THE site of the most disastrous volcanic eruption in modern times has burst into life with 120 earthquakes. And experts say the quakes at Mount St Helens are proof that we're heading towards another eruption.  
Iran to build nuclear marine propulsion after U.S. 'violation' of deal
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani ordered on Tuesday the head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to start planning the development of nuclear marine propulsion in reaction to what he called the United States' violation of the nuclear deal. Such propulsion would to be in marine transportation," he said in a letter published on state news agency IRNA.  
Israel receives F-35s, first country after USA
Israel's first two F-35s landed in Israel at the Netavim Air Force Base in the South on Monday afternoon to a celebration that had been delayed five hours by fog in Italy that prevented the stealth jets from taking off. Israel became the first country after the US to receive the American-built jets, which will increase its ability to attack distant targets, including Iran.  
Syphilis could become impossible to treat
Syphilis could become impossible to treat with key antibiotics, doctors warn amid concerns over a new drug-resistant strain. Once a death sentence, the vast majority of syphilis cases today are curable with penicillin injections. However, a new study reveals an aggressive new strain...is more widespread than previously thought - and there are limited ways to control it.  
Palmyra: 'Chemical gas attack' hits IS-held Syrian area
Dozens of people have been killed in air strikes and a suspected gas attack near the Syrian city of Palmyra, monitoring groups say. The targeted area is controlled by the so-called Islamic State group and has been under heavy bombardment from government-aligned forces. Dozens of people are said to have been killed during the combined assaults.  
Aleppo battle: UN says 82 civilians shot on the spot
Syrian pro-government forces have been entering homes in eastern Aleppo and killing those inside, including women and children, the UN says. The UN's human rights office said it had reliable evidence that in four areas 82 civilians were shot on sight. "We're filled with the deepest foreboding for those who remain in this last hellish corner" of eastern Aleppo, said spokesman Rupert Colville.  
Venezuela closes border with Colombia 'to destroy mafia'
Venezuela has closed its border with Colombia for 72 hours in the latest measure to combat smuggling gangs. President Nicolas Maduro says the "mafia" operating in border areas is causing huge damage to the economy. Many items subsidised by Venezuela's socialist government, including diesel and petrol, are sold at a huge profit over the border in Colombia.  
Indonesia blasphemy case: Emotional scenes as Ahok trial begins
There were emotional scenes in court on the first day of the blasphemy trial of Jakarta's governor, a Christian of Chinese descent. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as Ahok, cried as he denied allegations he insulted Islam. Mr Purnama is the first non-Muslim governor of Indonesia's capital in 50 years.  
Rocket alert sirens sound along southern border with Egypt
Incoming rockets sirens sounded in the southern Negev near the border with Egypt on Tuesday morning. According to initial reports, a projectile launched from Egypt in the direction of Israel triggered the sirens heard in several southern border communities, including Nitzana, Revivim, and Ezuz.  
Israel looking to sell missile defense systems to Azerbaijan
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday began his visit to Azerbaijan, to which Israel is looking to sell missile defense systems. Netanyahu and the the South Caucus nation's President Ilham Heydar Aliyev signed various bilateral agreements in a private two-hour meeting in Baku with security and defense advisors from both nations.  
Report: Trump Team Looking at Moving US Embassy Out of Tel Aviv
Incoming President Donald Trump's transition team is looking into moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel out of Tel Aviv, the Times of Israel reported.  
Completed Wisconsin recount widens Donald Trump's lead by 131 votes
Wisconsin’s historic presidential recount ended Monday resulting in a net gain of 131 votes for President-elect Donald Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton, the Wisconsin Elections Commission said.  
Mount St. Helens shakes 120 times within week as volcano recharges, scientists say
In less than a week, four swarms of more than 120 earthquakes shook Mount St. Helens in late November. Although they were too small to be felt even by someone standing directly over their epicenters, scientists say they reveal the volcano is likely recharging.  
Tina Fey Nails the Reason for Hillary's Loss
Here is a devoted liberal speaking to an audience of devoted liberals and being funny about politics in a way one rarely sees anymore on the left: self-mockery.  
Germany Combats Antisemitism with New 'Rent-a-Jew' Program
Do we have horns? Do we all know each other? Why do we control Hollywood, the media, and the banking industry? Curious Germans might find answers to these questions through a new program designed to combat antisemitism called "Rent-A-Jew." Many Germans "have never met a Jewish person," writes Deutsche Welle, and the new program wants to change that.  
Law Enforcement Officials Warn Obama: Locals May Turn On Anti-Pipeline Protesters
North Dakota law enforcement officials, who have been dealing with violent anti-pipeline protesters, accused President Obama of willfully ignoring their requests for help and warned that fed-up local groups are preparing to take matters into their own hands against the protesters.  

Monday, December 12, 2016

January 12, 2016

Mount St. Helens shakes 120 times within a week
In less than a week, four swarms of more than 120 earthquakes shook Mount St. Helens in late November. Although they were too small to be felt even by someone standing directly over their epicenters, scientists say they reveal the volcano is likely recharging. “Each of these little earthquakes is a clue and a reminder we are marching toward an eruption someday,” said Weston Thelen, a U.S. Geological Survey seismologist....  
Trump Labels CNN “Fake News”
President-elect Donald Trump labeled cable network CNN “fake news” Saturday for its continued inaccurate coverage of his future role with NBC’s The Apprentice. Trump savaged corporate media giants face-to-face at a meeting in Trump Tower last month, where several network CEOs and prominent talking heads were told they were a pack of liars.  
Hillary pleads to dismiss Benghazi lawsuit
The plaintiffs are arguing the case should to go trial because she doesn’t deserve special treatment as a member of the “political elite.” Clinton narrowly averted a default judgment in the case earlier when a judge adopted claims that she wasn’t properly served.  
Trump won’t be bound by One China policy without concessions on trade
Trump also said he won't be bound by "One China" policy unless Beijing makes concessions on trade.  
Attack on Cairo's Coptic Orthodox cathedral kills 25
Cairo, Egypt, Dec 11, 2016 / 02:47 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- At least 25 persons were killed Sunday when a bomb exploded at a chapel attached to St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo, and dozens more were injured.  
FBI Disagrees With CIA On Russian Influence In The Presidential Election
A senior FBI counterintelligence official met with Republican and Democrat members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in order to give the bureau’s view of a recent CIA report. The official did not concur with the CIA, frustrating Democrats.  
Claims of Russia's Involvement in Cyberattacks Groundless - Kremlin
Last week, media reports emerged citing the US Central Intelligence Agency accusing Russia of interfering in the US elections in November to help Donald Trump, who won the vote, secure victory.  
Magnitude 5.4 Quake Shakes Western Argentina
A 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit not far from Argentina’s western city of San Juan, the European Mediterranean Seismological Center said Monday.  
4.7 earthquake near Seddon felt by thousands across both islands
Nearly 4000 people from Christchurch to the Bay of Plenty have reported feeling a 'strong' 4.7 magnitude earthquake centred south-east of the South Island town of Seddon.  
Japan protests over China's complaint about fighter jets
Japan said on Monday it had protested to China over a Chinese complaint that Japanese fighter jets had engaged in "dangerous and unprofessional" behavior when they scrambled at the weekend as Chinese aircraft flew near Japanese islands. Chinese military aircraft on Saturday flew between Japan's Okinawa and Miyako islands, and over waterways near self-ruled Taiwan...as part of long-range exercises, Taiwan said.  
China warns Trump against ignoring its Taiwan interests
China expressed "serious concern"... after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-held stance that Taiwan is part of "one China"... Trump's comments...questioning nearly four decades of U.S. policy, came after he prompted a diplomatic protest from China over his decision to accept a telephone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Dec. 2.  
1,600 Flights Across Midwest Canceled as Winter Blast Rolls East
More than 1,600 flights were canceled at Chicago and Detroit airports Sunday as a winter storm swept through the Midwest on its way east, threatening to bring more snow to parts of Ohio that have seen nearly three feet. More than 1,390 flights were canceled in Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports — about half arrivals and half departures, flight-tracking website FlightAware reported.  
Venezuela pulls highest-value banknote 'to strike against mafia'
The Venezuelan government has announced it will remove the country's highest-denomination banknote from circulation within 72 hours to combat contraband. Central bank data suggests there are more than six billion 100-bolivar notes in circulation, making up almost half of all currency. Venezuelans will have 10 days from Wednesday to exchange the notes for coins and new, higher-value bills.  
Cyclone Vardah: Two dead as storm lashes south India coast
At least two people have been killed and thousands evacuated from coastal areas in two southern Indian states, as Cyclone Vardah lashed Chennai (Madras). Schools and businesses were shut and airport services suspended, as the cyclone made landfall with heavy rain and winds of up to 120km/h (75mph). Teams from the army and National Disaster Relief Force, along with two naval ships, are on standby.  
Nigeria Maiduguri: Two 'young girls' used as human bombs
Two girls said to be aged seven or eight have been used to bomb a market in north-east Nigeria, killing at least one other person and wounding 18. Police in the town of Maiduguri, Borno state, say the attack happened when the market was crowded with shoppers. The girls detonated their explosives minutes apart, witnesses said. Both were killed.  
Hamas offers missiles for armies willing to fight Israel
Palestinian terror group Hamas has offered to share its rocket arsenal with any Arab army willing to use them against Israel, Gaza-based Hamas official Fathi Hammad said Sunday to Al-Aqsa TV. Hamas has been manufacturing rockets on an industrial scale since it took control of the Gaza Strip, and has fired tens of thousands of projectiles during the past decade.  
Analysis: Israel’s northern front – Hezbollah’s supply lines
Twice in the past week, Syria has reported an Israeli attack on military targets in the Damascus region, around 25 kilometers from the Lebanese border and approximately 50 kilometers from the border with Israel. ...This is not the first time reports have been received regarding Israeli attacks on Hezbollah weapons convoy and arms caches in Syria, aiming to thwart the transfer of Syrian weaponry to Hezbollah in Lebanon.  
Thousands of people have backed a Brexit legal challenge to find out if Article 50 is reversible
Thousands of people have backed a new legal challenge to Brexit that will examine whether Article 50 — the process by which Britain will begin to leave the European Union — is reversible.  
Foxconn Fires 25% Of India Workers As Demonetization Destroys Sales
While piecemeal anecdotes and surveys have already exposed the devastation that PM Modi's demonetization plan has had on the Indian economy, tonight we see the first hard evidence as Foxconn has asked 25% of its workforce to leave after the cash ban caused sales to collapse by 50% forcing the company to slash production by half.  
Former UK Ambassador Blasts "CIA's Blatant Lies", Shows "A Little Simple Logic Destroys Their Claims"
I have watched incredulous as the CIA’s blatant lie has grown and grown as a media story – blatant because the CIA has made no attempt whatsoever to substantiate it. There is no Russian involvement in the leaks of emails showing Clinton’s corruption. Yes this rubbish has been the lead today in the Washington Post in the US and the Guardian here, and was the lead item on the BBC main news. I suspect it is leading the American broadcasts also.  
Dutch populist leader Wilders rises in polls after conviction
The party of populist anti-Islam Dutch MP Geert Wilders has risen strongly in the polls since the lawmaker was tried and convicted of discrimination, according to a survey published Sunday.  
Trump: Claims of Russian interference in 2016 race 'ridiculous,' Dems making excuses
President-elect Donald Trump, in an exclusive interview with “Fox News Sunday,” decried as “ridiculous” the CIA’s reported assessment that Russia intervened in the election to boost his candidacy – describing the claim as another “excuse” pushed by Democrats to explain his upset victory.  
Ethiopian Judaism ‘Nearly Identical’ to Second Temple Practice
While the differences between Ethiopian Judaism and the Judaism practiced by religious Jews today have led some to disparage the Ethiopian connection to the Jewish people, Dr. Ziv said that many Ethiopian customs align perfectly with descriptions of Jewish life and laws found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date from the Second Temple.  
Congresswoman Introduces ‘Stop Arming Terrorists Act’
Hawaii Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard last week introduced the “Stop Arming Terrorists Act” after visiting New York’s Trump Tower and meeting President-elect Donald Trump. Gabbard, an Army veteran and a member of the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services, wrote: “If you or I gave money, weapons or support to al-Qaeda or ISIS, we would be thrown in jail. Why does our government get a free pass on this?”  
Did Rabbi's Vision Cause Russian Missile To Explode on Launchpad?
In a lecture that he gave in September, Rabbi Nir Ben Artzi reassured his followers that the S-300 anti-aircraft weapons system Russia was sending to Iran would not be a threat to Israel, despite what military experts claimed. He cited Psalms as the source of his prescient knowledge.  

Sunday, December 11, 2016

December 11, 2016

Bill Would Allow Government to Locate People With Tracking Devices
A bill meant to help those with developmental disabilities would allow government agencies to locate people with tracking devices, which has some concerned the measure gives the federal government too much authority and power.  
Fox News Staff is Sick of Megyn Kelly (video)
According to a story on Breitbart by Joel Pollak, the staff at Fox News is sick of Megyn Kelly’s self-serving ego trip. As one unidentified source put it: “Everybody in the building is sick of it. We absolutely can’t stand it anymore.”  
France Extends Emergency Law as Terrorist Threat Remains High
The French government will extend until July 15 the emergency anti-terrorism measures due to expire at the end of January, as threats persist and may intensify in the run-up to next year’s presidential election, Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said after a special cabinet meeting. The state of emergency is “essential” and has proven efficient in thwarting attacks, he told reporters in Paris on Saturday.  
Weekend snow sets stage for Polar Vortex's icy return
Snow is forecast to spread across the nation's northern tier this weekend and as far east as Maine by Monday, setting the stage for another blast of bitterly cold air next week that could send temperatures plunging as far south as Atlanta. As serious winter weather settles in, the anticipation of harsh cold marks the reappearance of the Polar Vortex, like the one that infamously slammed the U.S. in January 2014.  
Catholic Church: New Priests Will be Expected to Preach Global Warming
Catholic Online reports that new priests will be expected to be familiar with and promote efforts to reduce carbon emissions. ...The Catholic Church is intimately concerned about climate change. The Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences...has concluded that global climate change is real and is caused, at least in significant part, by human activity.  
Somalia conflict: Deadly blast rocks Mogadishu port area
A suicide car bomber has killed at least 16 people in the Somali capital Mogadishu, officials say. Dozens of others were injured in the explosion early on Sunday. The bomber struck at the entrance of the city's main port facilities. Residents say the blast could be heard across Mogadishu.  
Nigeria Uyo: Scores dead in church collapse
At least 60 bodies have been recovered from a church that collapsed in the south-eastern Nigerian city of Uyo. Some reports put the number much higher. The roof of the church caved in on worshippers who had gathered for the ordination of a bishop. Those inside the Reigners Bible Church included Akwa Ibom state governor Udom Emmanuel, who survived the disaster.    
State aiming for new delay in demolishing Amona
The state is expected...to ask the High Court of Justice to postpone the demolishing of the West Bank Amona outpost by one month. The High Court had previously ordered the outpost’s demolition by December 25, and it has rejected previous requests by the state to postpone it. The one-month delay would move the demolition date to January 25, five days after US President-elect Trump takes office.  
Happy Socialist Christmas: Venezuala Seizes 4 Million Toys From "Price-Gouging" Importer, Gives To Nation's Poor
'Toys for Socialist Tots' appears to be the latest scheme dreamed up by Venezuela's President Maduro to keep the people from the verge of outright revolution. As Bloomberg reports, Venezuela price regulators on Friday seized almost 4 million toys from warehouses around greater Caracas and said they’d distribute them to low income children ahead of the Christmas holiday.  
Welcome To Jihadi Land! Iran Opens Theme Park Where Children Pretend To Attack Israel And Western Enemies
A new theme park has been opened by the Iranian government, where young children learn to be revolutionaries and fight against the country's enemies.  
Istanbul Besiktas Turkey: Stadium blasts kill 29 people
Two explosions near a football stadium in the heart of Turkey's biggest city, Istanbul, have killed 29 people and injured 166, the government says. The explosions, believed to be a car bomb and a suicide bomb, targeted police officers, officials say.  
Islamic State 'has lost 50,000 fighters' over two years
At least 50,000 militants from so-called Islamic State have been killed since the US-led coalition started fighting in Iraq and Syria two years ago, a US military official has said.  
France arrests new suspect in foiled terror plot
French judicial authorities have arrested and charged a sixth suspect in a foiled militant plot to attack sites in the Paris region, a judicial source said on Saturday. France has been under a state of emergency since a wave of Islamist attacks last year, giving police wider powers, and the arrests come at a sensitive time ahead of next spring's presidential elections in which security will be a major theme.  
Republican John Kennedy wins Louisiana Senate race in runoff
Louisiana voters Saturday chose to send Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy to the U.S. Senate, filling the nation's last Senate seat and giving the GOP a 52-48 edge in the chamber when the new term begins in January.