text:
♫ Boy, you're going to carry that weight,
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you're going to carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time…♫
Lyrics and Music by Lennon & McCartney recorded by The Beatles.
This is a guest post from Ann Mehl and originally appeared in her Newsletter and blog under the title "The High Note". To say that it struck a note is putting it mildly. I hope you find it to be as moving and reflective as I did. It is reproduced here with her approval and consent.
While scanning the radio in my car for a good song, I stumbled upon an interview with Paul McCartney. He was funny and engaging, so I stopped to listen for a while. He was asked about his voice, and if, at age 71, he could still sing all those old Beatles songs. His answer was honest and revealing. "Well," he said. "I can't hit all the high notes like I used to, but I've probably got better technique now, and you learn ways around that." Some of those techniques? Changing the melody ever so slightly, letting his back up singers hit the high notes for him, or simply calling upon his audience fill in the blanks. Music legend Sir Paul McCartney has had to learn that even he has musical limitations.
This got me thinking: How much of our lives are spent trying to chase a high note that we are no longer capable of hitting? And what does this cost us in terms of health and happiness? In my own life, I know I hit a high note when I ran my first marathon at 3:26, a personal record for me. It's unlikely I will ever do it again, and that's okay. I'm interested in different goals now. But it can be very hard to let go of who we used to be, or who we imagine we still are. We see it all the time in professional sports: the athlete who retires, only to "unretire" six months later. The boxer who wants "one more fight" when everyone around him knows he should have quit years ago.
Most of us are not athletes or professional performers, but we do know what it's like to chase our former glories, and to hunger for that intoxicating high note. Maybe it's the version of ourselves that is 10 years younger, or 20 pounds lighter. Maybe it's the earlier excitement of a new job, or the rush of a new romance. Most of us yearn for these peak experiences, and once experienced, seek to recreate them.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it can lead to a lot of frustration and heartache in the present. The problem with chasing only these moments, is that they are generally very fleeting, if they exist at all. And we can miss out on some of the really great moments happening in between. Martina Navratilova said it best: "The moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else."
I knew of one serial entrepreneur who made a killing on his first venture, to the tune of almost $10 million. He went on to create several other successful companies after this, but none as big as the first. Measured against this impossible standard, he felt he was constantly failing, even when, by all outward signs he was a massive success. To his family and work colleagues, he had become a bitter pill who could not enjoy his own success. He was enslaved to the high note, in his case, some arbitrary number below which anything spelled failure. He was Sisyphus, compelled to roll an immense boulder uphill, only to become demoralized every time it rolled back down on top of him.
There are two basic roads that we can travel: one is the road to freedom, and the other is the road to tyranny. The road to tyranny is based on always hitting the high note, and a refusal to accept anything else. It enslaves us to the past, and blinds us to new opportunities in the present. After all, who are we if we can no longer hit the high note? The road to freedom, on the other hand, accepts that all things are in a constant state of flux: our bodies, our minds, our relationships. What we are able to do in our 20s and 30s is very different from what we can do in our 40s, 50s and beyond. And not only is this okay, it is natural.
At the root of all unhappiness is our refusal to accept that all things eventually must end: our youth, our beauty and eventually even ourselves. What we are really fighting against is our own mortality, and that is one battle we will never win. But like Paul McCartney, maybe we can learn some new techniques. We can accept that while a relationship has changed, it does not necessarily have to end. We can accept that while a job is no longer as exciting as it once was, it may offer its own kind of reward in the people we meet. We can accept that through age or infirmity, a parent is no longer the person we once knew, and try to develop a new connection based on who they are now.
I'm not suggesting we give up or don't stretch ourselves, only that we don't have to be slaves to our past successes (or failures). Graceful surrender to the here and now is always preferable to screeching, or God forbid, ruptured vocal chords. Paul McCartney may not be able to hit the high notes like he used to. All he can do is make friends with the voice he has now, and the many beautiful notes he still can sing. And when the voice cracks, or won't go where he wants it to go, he invites the audience to sing along.
Thanks Ann for reminding us that unless we learn to gently acknowledge and adjust to the fact that we may not be able to hit the high notes like we used to, we will be carrying that weight a long time…
(Hat tip to Stewart Levine for originally drawing my attention to Ann's article).
Thought for the Day: "In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make" – Paul McCartney.
♫ I want you
Do you want me too?
I have one question
Can I help you?
Now watch me, what I do
Now thank you for coming through my drive-thru..♫
Lyrics and Music by: Julian Casablancas, Santi White, Pharrell Williams, recorded by Julian Casablancas, Santigold, and Pharrell Williams.
In the four prior posts in this series, we looked at how price is just one of seven components of the legal marketing mix. Part 2 discussed the product mix – and how changing your product mix may result in a great match between your services and the needs of the clients. Part 3 looked at who was on your team and how they deliver your services – and how this can have a big distinguishing effect on how clients view your services against the competition. In Part 4 we looked at promotion and how this can make your services stand out from the pack. In each of these posts we have looked at how each of these components helps distinguish your services from the competition; services that are distinguishable are priced differently, as they are no longer comparable with the competition.
In this post we are looking at yet another component of the marketing mix – namely the place where you deliver your services. Just consider the range of physical office configurations – from storefront offices on main street to walkup offices to Class A office space in a gleaming skyscraper. Each one of these sends an unwritten message to a potential consumer of legal services. Furthermore, you can practice as a solo, in an office sharing arrangement, an associate or a partner of a firm, large or small. Lawyers can maintain branch offices in the suburbs, in another town, province or state or even another country or continent. You can be a travelling lawyer who attends clients at their places of business, home, hospital, care facility, union hall or even a Starbucks. You can offer handicap access or after-hour access. Lastly but certainly not least, you can maintain a virtual office, using internet technologies to meet, share, collaborate and meet the needs of your clients who could be down the street, across town, in a distant city or even across the world. The range of possibilities are unbounded.
Indeed, bold lawyers have envisioned practising in ways that break the familiar constraints. Axess Law in Ontario has launched law offices that are embedded within Wal*Mart stores in Ontario and offer home, family, business services, legal contracts and notary services in an affordable and approachable context.
The range of offices and services that can be offered from different locations to meet client needs is as open and wide as your imagination. Perhaps one day a lawyer will open an office where a client can receive legal advice right in their car…and the lawyer would say…"Can I help You?" and then conclude with: "Thank you for coming thru my drive-thru…"
(cross-posted to tips.slaw.ca)
♫ That's why I fell for (the leader of the pack)…♫
Lyrics and Music by: George "Shadow" Morton, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, recorded by The Shangri-Las.
In the three prior posts on lawyers and pricing, we have looked at how price is only one part of the 7 components of the legal marketing mix. Part 2 discussed the product mix and how you can change your legal product mix to better meet the needs of your clients in a way that distinguishes your services from those of the competition. Part 3 examined how the people on your team can have a big impact on how your services are delivered. In fact, in Good to Great, Jim Collins said that the most important factor applied by the best companies is that they first of all "Got the right people on the bus, and the wrong people off the bus." In this post we are exploring how promoting your business can be a distinguishing feature, setting your business up as being different from the competition…allowing you to price your services differently from the competition.
Think about all the different ways that your clients learn about your services. Certainly word-of-mouth is the gold standard of referral marketing, but not everyone who is a client in your firm came in the doors as a result of a personal referral. When it comes to marketing your practice, the one truth is that whatever works today will stop working at some time in the future for reasons that you might never know. Accordingly you need to change up your promotional or marketing activities and keep trying new things. Small changes can have big effects.
Social media is all the rage today and for good reason. Facebook has now reached 1.3 billion people – and that doesn't include anyone in China! LinkedIn and Twitter are the other members of the "big three" social media networks. Have a look at your Facebook page, your LinkedIn profile and your use of Twitter. You can choose to not be on any of these (after all you can choose how to market your firm and your practice) and if these wouldn't resonate for you or your clients ..fair ball. What is worse is being there but not having updated anything for some time. This indicates lack of commitment and follow-thru. Same goes for a blog – I personally find blogging to be one of the easiest and more effective ways for a young lawyer to establish themselves and their expertise in the market, if done consistently and well. Combine a blog with your thoughtful use of twitter on developments in your legal area of choice and you can become known as an authority in short order. For a great overview of how Canadian lawyers are blogging see the Clawbies website – the Canadian Legal Blog awards. You can be as creative as your imagination will take you..provided you still stay within the marketing ethics of your jurisdiction.
If social networking is not for you, there are a host of more traditional marketing methods. In person presentations and webinars are one way to get known and demonstrate your knowledge of your area of practice. Financial institutions are always putting on presentations. If writing is your thing, then offer to do a regular column in a local or community newspaper (you can then reuse these articles in a blog or newsletter). You can clearly show your involvement and interest in local affairs, schools, sporting events, churches and other organizations and help them – thereby building your presence in the community.
Whatever you do, try to ensure that your marketing makes you stand out from the pack. After all that is its purpose – to show that you are different from the rest. You want your clients to have fallen for the leader of the pack.
(cross-posted to slaw tips.ca)
♫ I only need to tell myself
See what the future holds… ♫
Lyrics, music and recorded by S.P.Y.
Just a note that the 2014 Solo and Small Firm Conference early bird rate ends tomorrow…!!
This is a CLE-BC conference and we have worked quite hard on the content and the speakers. This is for anyone running or in a solo or small firm practice or thinking of launching one.
This is the latest in a series of Solo and Small Firm Conferences that have been hosted by CLE-BC. It only comes around every 2 years.
We have outstanding speakers including the Past President of the CBA Fred Headon doing the lunch keynote on the implications of the CBA Futures Report for solo and small firms (by Skype!).
You can attend in person or virtually.
Topics include Business School for Lawyers – what they didn't teach you in Law School; Managing the Finances – Making the Numbers Work, Law Office Management and Technology, Marketing Ethically, Dealing with the Self Represented and Freeman on the Land, Solo and Small Firm issues and a guest presentation by the founders of the Axess Law Firm in Ontario – who have 'embedded' a law practice inside a number of Wal*Mart stores in Ontario.
This is a fresh look at solo and small firm practice…and an exciting one.
As the conference chair, I welcome you to the conference and I am looking forward to seeing you all there. Come and see what the future holds!
♫ I want to be part of the solution
Can you use me to lead a revolution?
I want to be part of the solution… ♫
Music, Lyrics and recorded by: Jonah33.
The issues facing the profession have been set out by many: from Richard Susskind as documented in his many books, to Madam Justice McLachlin, who has said:
"Timely, effective access is the most pressing issue facing Canada's justice system, says Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin.
Many people have given up on seeking justice through the courts, deterred by the often expensive and time consuming process, she said.
"We do need some new approaches…we need to get behind the solutions," she said.
The problems facing the justice system and the legal profession are well set out. The issue is where are the solutions to come from? More importantly, where will the leadership come from?
The Canadian Bar Association has now published its comprehensive August 2014 report, Futures: Transforming the Delivery of Legal Services in Canada. This report is the culmination of two years of consultation, original research and analysis on the future legal marketplace in Canada, and includes a series of recommendations on where and how the profession can transform itself. (See more at: http://www.cbafutures.org/reports#sthash.NMcwadWx.dpuf)
The hardest issue, as I see it, will be in implementing the recommendations that have been brought forward. Implementation of change is always the hardest part of any process. Here the law schools are facing a critical juncture: do they help lead the change to meet the new challenges – or – do they stand in the way of change?
In an article in The New Republic entitled "How to Fix Law School" (http://www.newrepublic.com/article/113983/how-fix-law-school-symposium) Mike Kinsley says:
"When you graduate, you should be prepared to pass the bar. The discovery that everything you have crammed into your head for three years has no relevance at all, and you have to master a whole new curriculum in just a few weeks for the bar exam, is dispiriting.
It's absurd that you can graduate from law school without ever seeing a real client. Some clinical courses ought to be mandatory. Trainee doctors start seeing real patients within a year and a half. Trainee lawyers can go three, and graduate, without ever touching a client. And, let's be honest, the training of your doctor is more important."
I think law schools need to lead the change that we wish to see in the profession. It all starts here, from the training of lawyers to practice law (including training on issues such as practice management, actually running a business and using legal technology) to how to manage clients and actually do a conveyance, an incorporation or a decently drafted will. We need law schools to think differently.
Most of all, we need law schools to teach law students to be leaders who can step up and continue this process of change in order that the legal profession remains a strong, independent profession and continues to serve the needs of the community.
We need leadership in the profession and this training must start in law school. Law schools need to fully embrace being part of the solution in leading the revolution. In my view we don't need any more law schools in this country that train lawyers in the old ways of doing things. What we need are the existing law schools to produce graduates that are going to be leaders in moving the profession forward with new approaches, new technologies and new ways of thinking – we need law schools to be part of the solution.
(Article has been updated. The original was published in CBA's publication BarTalk).
♫ Well, rave on it's a crazy feeling
And I know it's got me reeling
I'm so glad that you're revealing your love for me…♫
Lyrics and music by: Shaun Ryder, Paul Richard Davis, Mark Philip Day, Paul Anthony Ryder, Gary Kenneth Whelan, recorded by Buddy Holly.
In the prior two posts on lawyers and pricing, we have been discussing the issue that price is but one part of the 7 components of the legal marketing mix. Part 2 discussed the product mix and how you can change your legal product mix to better meet the needs of your clients in a way that distinguishes your services from those of the competition. In this post we are exploring how important the people who deliver your legal services are and how this can be a distinct competitive advantage.
All of us have experienced situations where your first contact with a business is with someone who just makes you feel like looking after you is the most important thing for them to do in their day. I had that experience today – I called a law firm and spoke to an assistant who, when I asked to speak to her principal, said in the most caring voice: "Well, he isn't in his office right now but let me go out and round him up for you." This was my very first contact with this firm and this wonderful lady didn't know me from Adam. The way she made me feel was simply amazing. She made me feel valued and important. I recognized her exceptional people skills and thought about how she was a tremendous asset to the firm.
In Good to Great, Jim Collins said that the most important factor applied by the best companies is that they first of all "Got the right people on the bus, and the wrong people off the bus." In other words, your ability to select, recruit, train and retain the best people with the skills and abilities to do the job right is more important than everything else put together.
The Spectacled Marketer says:
If a customer feels their expectations of your business are exceeded, then the chances of a referral are exponentially increased because their loyalty to your company is exponentially increased as well!
You need to strive for your clients to feel exceptionally satisfied so that they rave about your services. How do you exceed your client's expectations? The first step is …hold on now…ask them! Yet lawyers and law firms *shudder* at the thought of asking clients three simple questions:
- What did they like about the firm's services,
- What didn't they like, and
- How could the firm firm do it better.
If you find out that there is someone on your bus that shouldn't be there…you have a decision to make. If you find out that you have someone on your bus who is simply exceptional and is a tremendous asset to your firm, make sure you recognize and reward them accordingly!
In considering the marketing of your practice, consider how the people in your business can either make your clients rage on, feel indifferent, feel satisfied or preferably, rave on about your services. Your client service can be a strong distinguishing factor as compared to your competition. In terms of your marketing mix, strive for having very satisfied clients showing their "love by raving on about you!"
(cross posted to www.tips.slaw.ca)
♫ Keep moving, never stopping sharks
Keep moving…♫
Music, lyrics and recorded by Further Seems Forever.
In the first column in this series we dealt with the issue that price is but one part of the 7 components of the legal marketing mix. Unfortunately many lawyers (and clients) tend to overly focus on price and not appreciate the other 6. The theme of this post will be to look at the product mix and the role that it plays in marketing (and pricing!) of legal services.
One law firm is different from another in terms of the mix of services that they can provide. My colleague and friend Bob Denney produces a "What's Hot and What's Not" report several times a year that I repost on here on my blog Thoughtfullaw.com with his kind permission. This report shows what services are in demand, what are staying neutral and which are declining. The importance here is that if you can be nimble, you can change your mix of legal services. Staying with the same mix of services can result in stagnation. In fact, Woody Allen in one of his movies once said:
"A relationship, I think, is like a shark, you know? It has to move constantly move forward or it dies. And I think what we got on our hands is a dead shark"
The one thing that you don't want to be as a law firm is a dead shark.
So survey your clients – do external reviews of what services are in demand, look at what industries are on the upswing in your area and think about how you can provide needed legal services to them. Compare your marketing mix of services to your competitors and see how you stack up. Eventually what you are doing will grow old in the eyes of the consumer – you need to change things up – complacency is the enemy of success.
If you can offer a unique mix of services that are more closely aligned to the needs of your clients, then you have moved from competing solely on price to being able to distinguish your services from those offered by the competition and show to the clients that you are doing a better job in terms of meeting their needs than the competition. The clients could say "Yes we could move to Dewey Gottem & Howe, but they don't do what Werk, Worke and Wourke do for us…" You have moved from competing on price to competing based on the perceived value of your services from the viewpoint of the client. You have become a moving, never stopping shark…
♫ Zoom Zoom Zoom ♫
A Capoeira song performed by Jibril Serapis Bey.
When it comes to legal services, it seems that many law firms see price as the sole basis for competition. However from a marketing perspective, price is but one of seven criteria that make up the 'marketing mix' for services. Since legal services are 'intangible economic goods' lawyers have to sell the perceived benefits of their services and see how they match up against the needs of the clients. All other things being equal, clients evaluate services on price. But this assumes that you are delivering commodity-like services that are largely indistinguishable from those offered by the competition.
If you can distinguish your services from the competition and come closer to meeting the discerned needs of the client as compared to the competition, you are now engaged in a differentiation marketing strategy. This is based on Michael Porter's work at Harvard Business School.
From this matrix, you can see that there are two major determinants of how you market your practice. The first is whether you appeal to a large target market or a smaller one. The second criteria is whether you choose to compete on price or on differentiating or distinguishing your services from the competition. The focused differentiation strategy seeks to market niche legal services to a target market. There is another factor at work here. Distinguishable legal services have a higher margin as compared to cost-focused strategies.
As you start to think about how to distinguish your services from those of the competition you move from thinking about the 'reference value' of your services (your price compared to the price of competing services) to the 'differentiated value' of your services (how the quality and method of delivery of your services compare to the competition).
When you start thinking of how this is done in other markets, for example in the automobile market, you see that autos can take you (and others) and transport them to new locations – that is their function and on this level they are commodities. Every auto sold does this. What distinguishes one auto to another can be neatly summed up in the phrase used by Mazda: "Zoom Zoom"….
In subsequent columns we will explore each of the 7 components in the service marketing mix and what they mean for lawyers.
♫ All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true… I was made for you
Oh yeah, well it's true… that
I was made for you…♫
Lyrics and music by Phillip John Hanseroth, recorded by Brandi Carlile.
The beginning of September is always the start of the new year for me. Perhaps it was so many years spent in school and the inevitable association with the start of the newly-minted school year. Perhaps it is coming back from a summer vacation refreshed and invigorated and with new energy for projects. Perhaps it is because I have been talking to many people who have plans for when they get back in September in terms of branding and setting a new strong strategic direction for their firm.
Either way, I believe that September is a wonderful time to refocus, regroup and decide the future direction of your practice. What changes would you like to see? Over time law firms can lose their focus on their core services – what do they do best. They can also lose touch with their core values and their strategic direction as they take on new files and clients that pull them in new directions. September is a perfect time to sit back with your colleagues and think about where the firm is going. Do you wish it to explore new opportunities? Or are you being pulled into areas that no longer represent the reasons you formed the firm in the first place? What is gnawing on you about the firm? What would you like to change from both a firm-wide and personal perspective? Start a list..and have your colleagues do the same – and arrange a time (on a weekend) to hone in on all this and come to a consensus on where all of you would like to go.
Come together and discuss the firm..its direction, focus, what makes it special and distinct – and what should be the future direction of the firm. What is your story? Have you been drawn away from the clients, activities and associations that drew all of you together in the first place? What is your marketing focus for the next while? What would you like to change regarding the management of the firm? What about technology? Have you fallen a bit behind in this area and need to incorporate plans for upgrades and new ways of doing things? Are there categories in the finance area that you would like to tighten up, such as the collection of old accounts receivable and the tightening up of credit extended to clients? How about looking at your budget and seeing if the expenses in the group "we have always been paying this" should be looked at again if for no other reason to see if there are other vendors who might be less-expensive?
Personally I think one of the important measures is whether you have remained a 'client-focused firm'. My late colleague and friend Milt Zwicker's acid test was whether what was done in the firm provided value to the clients - or not. If not he would change or modify the policy or procedure so that it benefitted clients as much as possible.
I think focusing on the story of the firm and how it carries you into the future is also important. This is the culture, the invisible bond that draws all of you together and forms the backbone of the belief system of the firm. Organizations can change their culture and focus, but the story is the glue that connects the past with the future and tells why you are where you are. It is important to connect with the story of the firm, since after all, the firm was made for you to be able to provide value and meaning to your clients.
(cross posted to tips.slaw.ca)
♫ Through the fire and the flames we carry on! ♫
Lyrics and music by: Herman Li, ZP Theart, Sam Totman, Vadim Pruzhaniov, recorded by Dragonforce.
Jo DeMars, of NetNeutrals (www.netneutrals.com) spoke at the 2014 Online Dispute Resolution Forum at Hastings College of Law at the University of California in San Francisco. This post is based on her most excellent presentation on Wednesday June 25, 2014. While her comments were presented in the context of resolving disputes that arise in e-commerce, her advice applies to virtually any consumer complaint, including client complaints regarding legal services.
She stated that most, if not all, people who have a complaint regarding a product or services are looking for five 'psychological currencies' from the provider. These are:
- They want a chance to tell their story;
- They are looking for a reasonable explanation of what went wrong;
- They are looking for assurance that their complaint will be dealt with;
- They wish to be thanked for their business; and
- They hope to receive an apology.
Her advice is that any provider should not hesitate to offer as many of these psychological currencies to people who are unhappy with your services. Why? Simply, it costs much more money to attract a new client vs. the cost to keep an existing client.
She explained that people who are feeling caught in this process typically go thru the same process: First they Feel; then Think, and lastly they Do/Behave.
She stated that when clients are feeling strong emotions, they are incapable of hearing you. You need to take care of the emotions before you can take care of the problem.
Accordingly she advises keeping calm. At the outset, your tone is everything and sets the stage for all that follows. Anger defusion is job #1. Once that is taken care of then the client is moving into a mindset where they can start dealing with the issues at hand.
She stated that many individuals or businesses hesitate in offering an apology. Jo stated that they should take time to master the Art of the apology:
- Clearly and completely acknowledge the problem
- Offer an effective explanation
Be honest with your clients and in particular, offer an honest apology to the client for how things transpired and the effect that this has had on them. Just hearing that a person or organization truly regrets what has happened to someone is a powerful message to help resolve a client complaint.
She also stated that it is important for the person or organization to tell the appropriate story. There are several components to this:
- own the problem,
- find allies if possible,
- take responsibility for making it right,
- follow thru, and
- tell the final chapter.
Her final advice was taken from firefighters: Run thru the flames – not away from them. It is easier and better to run to the problem thru to the other side than to run away from them.
(published concurrently with www.slawtips.ca)


text: The Almost MotherThere once was a woman who had never known love. Not the love you felt for another, or the love another felt for you. She had known the feeling of fierce loyalty for a man who offered many promises of a better world, but not love. It was through this man she had come to know lust, but still not love. Though deep down she desired love, life always denied her.Then one day it was through the empty lust that the man unwittingly gave her an opportunity to finally know love: She had become pregnant. At first she didn't know what to make of this. She was a fighter, an assassin; a warrior drafted into a coming war. But the more the little life grew in her, the more she wanted it. At first she was afraid that the man - her leader - wouldn't allow her to keep it. But her worries turned out to be for nothing; he seemed to be very pleased by this event. He was going to let her keep the child. For the first time in years she felt joy, and the beginnings of what she knew had to be love.Months went

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Talks on finalizing a Greek debt swap at today's meeting of euro-area finance ministers were "substantive and constructive," a finance ministry official in Athens said.
Discussions with the private sector about a framework based on the European Union's Oct. 26 proposals will continue "intensively," with the aim of making an official offer by Feb. 13, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
To contact the reporter on this story: Maria Petrakis in Athens at email@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Edward Evans at email@example.com


text:
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My Common Sense Politics
China unveils five second drone killer
Monday, November 3rd, 2014
Posted by Veterans Today
from Russia Today, Moscow
[ Editor's Note: Well it seems the drone makers and drone killers are going to enjoy secure employment for some time. Hardly a month goes by that we don't hear of some advance in the technology.
Looking back on it, drones have turned into a Pandora's box. They were just wonderful in the beginning when no one else had any — cost effective, no lives at risk and difficult to track and shoot down.
But just like the US was the leader in cyber-warfare in the beginning, it forced everybody else to get into the game pronto. We now see that happening big time.
Major countries are developing their own production capabilities so as not to be exposed to the Western sanctions monster. Most have been having to develop these in stages, except for Iran who captured two of our state-of-the-art drones and had copies up in a little over a year.
This new China drone is not really for traditional military defense, as it is limited to targets under 500 meters. Unsaid in the report is that mini-nukes are now small enough to be carried on these, a tremendous threat. So their new 5-second countermeasure is a welcome advance, and the test results are impressive, if they are true. Countries never publish that things don't work well.
We live in an age of un-war tested major weapons systems. And we hope that we do not get to see if ICBMs can be intercepted in space, far from their targets, in case they don't work.
Stealth technology is already outdated as countries with full spectrum radar satellite platforms can see the air turbulence behind a Stealth plane.
And yet the US is burying the defense budget in the "stealth" F-35, or using its huge cost overruns as a screen to fund black projects.
This makes us vulnerable to someone making a dumb move by over estimating their offense or the target's defense. This I feel is why the US changed their preemptive strike policy to target anyone that could retaliate on an attack from us… pushing the bully thing to the max.
They don't want potential opponents to have a defense, which is about an aggressive a stance as you can have. It is the position that Israel has enjoyed with its neighbors and their millions of occupation prisoners inside Israel. Did we learn it from them?… Jim W. Dean
China has developed and successfully tested a highly accurate laser defense system against light drones. The homemade machine boasts a two-kilometer range and can down "various small aircraft" within five seconds of locating its target.
Woolf's out but can anyone be trusted with this inquiry?
Published On: Tue, Nov 4th, 2014
By nsnbc David Pilgrim
As a second chairwoman resigns from the UK government's inquiry into historic child abuse allegations, it's clear that questions need to be asked about who should lead this investigation and what its remit ought to be.
Home secretary Theresa May has announced that a new leader will be sought to replace Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf, who has stepped down over accusations that she has too many ties to the people implicated in the investigation.
May has vowed to run any appointment by the survivors of child abuse that opposed Woolf as well as the MPs who grilled her before her resignation. But, speaking in the House of Commons, she said finding someone with enough gravitas who can clear their diary for what could be a very long haul, will be very difficult.
But a replacement must be found and it must be someone who can challenge people in high places. Woolf's appointment and resignation has led to questions about whether the British establishment can be trusted to police itself.
May has now made it clear that the inquiry team will be given stronger powers to call witnesses if it asks for them but such important pragmatic considerations are coloured at all times by the fundamental suspicion that the rich and powerful will ultimately protect themselves when the chips are down.
Labour MP Tom Watson – the nearest the political class currently has to offer as an honest broker – has highlighted just how deep this problem runs. Having worked as an instrumental voice in the hacking scandal, he has moved on to pushing for information about what happened to a dossier implicating several high-profile people of child abuse. In 2012, Watson made an explosive statement in parliament:
The evidence file used to convict paedophile Peter Righton, if it still exists, contains clear intelligence of a widespread paedophile ring. One of its members boasts of his links to a senior aide of a former prime minister, who says he could smuggle indecent images of children from abroad. The leads were not followed up …
Righton was a child protection expert later revealed as a founder of the Paedophile Information Exchange. He was eventually exposed in 1992 as a child abuser but the police failed to investigate him convincingly. Public school and Oxbridge educated (like many in senior parliamentary roles in Britain) Righton died a free man in 2007, despite extensive evidence about him being party to organised child sexual exploitation.
Nine real technologies that will soon be inside you
by Mike Edelhart
October 19, 2014
Given the frenzy of interest following the announcement of the Apple Watch, you might think wearables will be the next really important shift in technology.
Not so.
Wearables will have their moment in the sun, but they're simply a transition technology.
Technology will move from existing outside our bodies to residing inside us.
That's the next big frontier.
Here are nine signs that implantable tech is here now, growing rapidly, and that it will be part of your life (and your body) in the near future.
1. Implantable smartphones
Sure, we're virtual connected to our phones 24/7 now, but what if we were actually connected to our phones?
That's already starting to happen.
Last year, for instance, artist Anthony Antonellis had an RFID chip embedded in his arm that could store and transfer art to his handheld smartphone.
Researchers are experimenting with embedded sensors that turn human bone into living speakers.
Other scientists are working on eye implants that let an image be captured with a blink and transmitted to any local storage (such as that arm-borne RFID chip).
But what takes the place of the screen if the phone is inside you? Techs at Autodesk are experimenting with a system that can display images through artificial skin.
Or the images may appear in your eye implants.
2. Healing chips
Right now, patients are using cyber-implants that tie directly to smartphone apps to monitor and treat diseases.
A new bionic pancreas being tested at America's Boston University, for instance, has a tiny sensor on an implantable needle that talks directly to a smartphone app to monitor blood-sugar levels for diabetics.
Scientists in London are developing swallowable capsule-sized circuits that monitor fat levels in obese patients and generate genetic material that makes them feel "full".
It has potential as an alternative to current surgery or other invasive ways to handle gross obesity.
Dozens of other medical issues from heart murmurs to anxiety have implant/phone initiatives under way.
3. Cyber pills that talk to your doctor
Implantables won't just communicate with your phone; they'll chat up your doctor, too.
In a project named Proteus, after the eensy body-navigating vessel in the film Fantastic Voyage, a British research team is developing cyber-pills with microprocessors in them that can text doctors directly from inside your body.
The pills can share (literally) inside info to help doctors know if you are taking your medication properly and if it is having the desired effect.
4. Bill Gates' implantable birth control
The Gates Foundation is supporting an MIT project to create an implantable female compu-contraceptive controlled by an external remote control.
The tiny chip generates small amounts of contraceptive hormone from within the woman's body for up to 16 years.
Implantation is no more invasive than a tattoo.
And, "The ability to turn the device on and off provides a certain convenience factor for those who are planning their family.", said Dr Robert Farra of MIT.
Gives losing the remote a whole new meaning.
5. Smart tattoos
"Two shots to the head suicide" : a movie review
Friday, October 31st, 2014
by John Hankey, with an introduction by Kevin Barrett, Veterans Today Editor
When Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist Gary Webb – subject of the new movie Kill the Messenger - died of a "two shots to the head suicide," John Hankey hired renowned forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht to do an autopsy.
As far as I was concerned, you didn't have to be Cyril Wecht to know that Gary Webb was murdered. Gary Webb had exposed the CIA drug mafia, and he paid the ultimate price.
But it would have been nice to have Cyril Wecht's testimony that yes, of course it was murder, not suicide.
That's why John Hankey was so shocked when 9/11 truth superstar Mike Ruppert went all-out to prevent an autopsy, trumpeting the ludicrous "yes it was suicide" cover story and even convincing the Webb family to have Gary cremated before the autopsy could begin.
I'm convinced Ruppert's psychology was the root cause of this shameful episode in an otherwise mostly brilliant career. But John Hankey isn't so sure. On the contrary, he suspects foul play on Ruppert's part.
John Hankey debated this issue with me and Gordon Duff (who shares my view) on Friday night's Truth Jihad Radio. Gordon's high-level abilities in profiling and understanding people are on display during the last twenty minutes of the first hour. (The show will be posted here by Sunday – and available sooner than that to TruthJihad subscribers.)
Meanwhile, here is John Hankey's review of the new film about Gary Webb.
Movie Review: Kill the Messenger – the life and death of Gary Webb; and more lessons about CTKA and other guardians of "the truth"
… by John Hankey
I think Kill The Messenger is perhaps the best movie that was ever made. And I would like to urge you to stop reading this review, and run out to see it. My wife does not watch political movies, and she loved it. So take a date! All the reviews I have seen, in the LA Times, The New Yorker magazine, the Huffington Post, etc. have been full of the highest praise – astonishing for a film that lays the blame for the crack epidemic at the door of the Reagan administration: that is, CIA protected mega-dealers provided virtually ALL of the cocaine that destroyed millions of lives in in the US inner-cities in the 1980's. Such films are typically ignored or attacked. And it is worth stopping to make some observations about what is going on. In addition, it is a quirk of fate that I know some things about the story. You are not going to read these things anywhere else.
Gary Webb was a reporter for the San Jose Mercury News (an up-and-coming, highly ambitious, but still relatively small-town paper at the time) when he was accidentally confronted by the story that the CIA was involved in protecting Danilo Blandon, by far the biggest cocaine dealer in the history of the world. Rick Ross was Los Angeles' biggest dealer, and got 100% of his trade from Danilo Blandon, a CIA protected affiliate of Reagan "Contras".
With help from Gary Webb, Ricky Ross's attorney got Blandon to admit that money from his sales were going to the CIA's "Contra" terrorists, who were attacking mainly unarmed citizens in Nicaragua. Because of the outrageous atrocities committed by the Contras, and other CIA-created death squads in Central America, the Congress had specifically outlawed US support for such operations. (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4iMJcX8DMs at 19:26 for some horrifying details of these atrocities) Webb won the Pulitzer Prize for his work…and then suffered the professional consequences he knew were bound to come when he decided to write the article in the first place: he was fired. He got so depressed that he shot himself in the head. Twice.
When I heard that Gary's two-head-shot death had been ruled a suicide, with no autopsy, I was beside myself. When I found that none of his "friends" were doing anything to demand an autopsy, I lost my cool altogether. And decided that I would do whatever I could.
I was able to contact Cyril Wecht, a leading forensic pathologist of national stature. Wecht told me that he had heard of the case and was fascinated, to the extent that he agreed to do the autopsy for $5000, half his usual fee; and he put me in contact with his assistant to arrange the transport of the body to his facilities in Pennsylvania. The assistant told me that Wecht told him that in 35,000 autopsies, he'd never encountered a two-head-shot suicide. Dr. Wecht explained to me that veins and arteries are like balloons, very greatly expanded by blood pressure, and tight, when we are alive; and deflated and limp like empty balloons when we are not; and that determining whether Gary was alive or dead when the second shot was fired would be a simple and routine matter.
I contacted a friend, who is a private investigator in San Francisco, to try to help make arrangements to obtain the body for shipping to Wecht. He immediately drove to the Sacramento funeral home where Gary's body was located, and encountered the ex-wife and two sons in the parking lot. They agreed to the autopsy and signed a document saying so; and then allowed the investigator to examine and photograph the body. His surmise, supported by the photos he took, was that Gary was shot twice in the right ear canal, and that both bullets exited his left cheek. (You can see the key photo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4iMJcX8DMs at 24:46)
The investigator told me that of Gary's two sons, the younger brother did not believe his father had committed suicide (I have been attacked for saying that "the brother thought it was murder". Not Gary's brother. His younger son.) Perhaps the key portion of this story is that the extant photos show clearly that there was no autopsy of any kind performed.
I was also put in touch with an attorney who, because of the cases she was involved in, had been forced to become an expert in gunshot wounds to the head. She explained the history of the weapon with which Gary is alleged to have taken his own life, his father's "police special". It seems that police were being killed by suspects, who had already been mortally wounded, but who, in their last moments of life, got off fatal shots at the pursuing officers. The police wanted a weapon that was so powerful that it would knock a person to the ground, whether or not it killed them. The attorney assured me that no one could shoot themselves in the head twice with such a weapon. She said that a person would be killed by the explosion, before they were hit by the bullet; that being shot with a blank in the head would be like being hit in the head with a sledge hammer – and would be unsurvivable.
Bibi crashes 9/11 plane into grassy knoll
Sunday, November 2nd, 2014
Posted by Kevin Barrett
Israeli PM Benyamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is suddenly embroiled in controversy – over the two biggest unsolved murder cases in American history. First, a cartoon in Haaretz, Israel's liberal flagship newspaper, depicts Netanyahu as a kamikaze pilot flying a jetliner into the World Trade Center. Then Netanyahu, angered at being called a "chickenshit," snarls out a threat to Obama referencing the famous Grassy Knoll from whence JFK's brains were blown out.
What in tarnation was THAT about?
It seems that the insane war party (the neocons) and the relatively restrained war party (the realists) are trading threats – by referencing the two most infamous (and most obviously true) "conspiracy theories" of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Netanyahu-as-9/11-pilot cartoon was the realists threatening "chickenshit" Bibi. They had already told him he was too chickenshit to start a war, and too chickenshit to even think about making peace. The cartoon was a not-so-subtle reminder: "Any time we want, we can reveal the truth about 9/11 and have you and your neocon friends and assets hanged from a thousand lampposts."
Bibi responded with his "grassy knoll" reference – yet another threat to Obama's life, like Jewish Times editor Andrew Adler's calling on the Mossad to assassinate Obama, and the various White House "intrusions" that have showed the President cannot be protected from the world's biggest and baddest international crime syndicate.
The Greatest Mystery, Controversy, and Cover-up Ever
Saturday, November 1st, 2014
Posted by Jack Speer-Williams
No, it's not the inside job of 9/11
Whenever there is a truth so powerful that it could derail the overall controlling paradigm, the Controllers first try to shroud that factuality with mystery.
The corporate media immediately begins to tell us that such a truth is impossible, so the truth is not a truth, but a hoax. All mainstream reporting is centered around not proving the truth, but "proving" the hoax with distortions and out-right lies. Lies, however, told long enough began to sound much like truth; but they are still lies – lies many of us will swear by.
So now the stage is set for the long and fiercely contested dispute: Truth versus Hoax – which of course is controversy.
A controversy is the Controllers' method of buying time. Somewhat exciting at first, a controversy eventually loses its steam and becomes old hat. And old hat means uninteresting, or at least tritely familiar; but in any case, not worth pursuing.
And that is how those who would enslave us have used mystery and controversy to neuter and cover-up the greatest truth man has yet been exposed to.
Please note: once I have divulged this all-important but castrated truth, you will, I hope, perceive how the Controllers have deceived you.
Are you ready for this crucial truth?
The truth is … No, wait! I first want to say something. If you come away from this article only learning one thing, let it be a gut realization of how the major media has controlled your thinking on this key truth. Feel it viscerally, not intellectually, but in your bones know you have been had by the powers that wish to trap man in the five-sense reality forever.
If you are able to do that, you will have experienced an epiphany that could change your life and perhaps save your soul.
The truth is we are not alone in our world and certainly not alone in the universe– and crop circles prove it.
Disappointed? Feel let down? The climax did not match the build-up? You've heard all you want to hear about ETs UFOs, and crop circles?
Being fed up with hearing about crop circles is exactly how the Controllers want you to feel, because with enough of our widespread understanding of crop circles and their messages the ninety-nine percent of us could for the first time in recorded history oust the one percent from their pinnacles of tyrannical power.
True, there are some government hoaxed crop circles made for the express purpose of using them as examples to discredit the thousands of crop circles made by unknown sources.
To buttress this truism are some facts you will never hear in the controlled media.
There are benign beings in our universe who, unlike the Controllers, have our best interests at heart; and their messages, using pictograms and sacred geometry, may be proof of that.
Only uniquely positive beings could create the extraordinarily complex and beautiful crop circles – all in a matter of seconds, all without damage to the grains displaying the messages. No power on earth could come close to doing that no matter how omnipotent they pretend to be.
By ignoring all the video proof that shows plasma-looking balls of light creating gigantically complex crop circles within seconds, the international media has successfully influenced group opinion, so that most people have no idea about the true phenomenon of crop circles as they can be seen every summer in the grain fields of Europe, America, and Canada.
LOCK ON THE TRACTOR BEAMS-Researchers build reversible tractor beam that moves objects 100 times farther than other efforts
by Bob Yirka
Concept of photophoretic light–particle interaction in gases. Credit: Nature Photonics (2014) doi:10.1038/nphoton.2014.242
A team of researchers working in Australia has built a tractor beam that bests the distance of other efforts a hundred fold—and it can both push and pull objects. In their paper published in the journal Nature Photonics, the team describes their tractor beam project, how it works and what purpose it might serve.
A tractor beam is of course a beam emitted by a source that is used to hold and/or move another object. The idea was popularized by the Star Trek series and other science fiction works, and was used typically by one starship to trap and move another starship. In real life, physicists have made some inroads into developing a tractor beam (mostly based on the movement of photons to propel particles) but thus far, the objects trapped and moved have been extremely small and the distance moved even smaller. In this new effort the researchers used a different technique to move an object that was bigger and to move it much farther—a hundred times as far.
The new tractor beam is based on heat—a laser that shines a doughnut-shaped beam (it has a cold center) was fired at a gold covered tiny (0.2mm diameter) glass bead that was small enough to just fit inside the beam, where it was cold. The heat from the surrounding beam caused the surface of the bead to heat—creating hotspots. When the hotspots came into contact with air particles, those particles were repelled, which in turn caused an opposing force against the glass bead, pushing it (up to a distance of 20cm). The researchers found they could change the movement of the beads by adjusting the polarization of the laser, causing changes in the hotspots on the beads. That meant the beads could be pushed forward, stopped, pulled back, or held in place.
Putin Exposes Criminal Global Order
Thursday, October 30th, 2014
Posted by Jim W. Dean
by Ulson Gunnar
[ Editor's note: NEO's Ulson Gunnar brings us a timely piece on the Valdai Club meeting this year where international experts were brought into Russia for extensive discussions on the country and the world.
This included the opportunity to mix with top Russian leaders as they did this year with Putin attending.
A simple way to describe its work is really a "window to the world", a show of openness and no fear of comments and critiques about what Russia is doing. On the contrary, the Russian leadership values the input.
The West has been attacking Russia now with its upscaled color revolutions and where outside terrorists are now brought in where violence is needed to turn over a targeted regime.
We all had a front row seat to this with the ravaging of Ukraine after Victoria Nuland revealed the American taxpayers had spent $5 billion in support of the pro EU opposition groups, and as it turned out, the ultra nationalists.
While this has been widely reported on and covered in the alternative media, the US coverage of Valdai this year focused on Putin's comments about the current Western assault, its motivations and goals.
Our media is fully involved in the pysops move on Russia, spinning our obvious aggression to encircle Russia and China again, a la Cold War style, with their endless pandering about Russia aggression. Where that does not work their plan B pitch is "planned aggression".
When the Presstitutes role out what they call evidence of these hostile intentions, an idiot can instantly see that everything they mention are just the reactions to our own aggression. The elites have their heads so far up their behinds they cannot grasp that we see through this in two seconds. It's a cheap con, and they seem to have an endless supply of it... Jim W. Dean ]
Russian President Vladimir Putin, before an international audience, exposed an international order capitalizing on the end of the Cold War to reshape the world according to its own interests, sidelining concepts such as basic international relations, international laws, systems of checks and balances, and even the very concept of national sovereignty itself.
Amid President Putin's speech, he would condemn the United States' support for neo-fascists, terrorists, and its contempt for national sovereignty around the world.
Curious language accompanied the New York Times' account of the Valdai International Club discussion in the Black Sea coastal region of Sochi, Russia in front of which President Putin spoke.
In an article titled, "Putin Accuses U.S. of Backing 'Neo-Fascists' and 'Islamic Radicals'," the NYT attempts to portray President Putin's statements about US support for neo-fascists and terrorists as merely baseless accusations.
The NYT claims, "instead of supporting democracy and sovereign states, Mr. Putin said during a three-hour appearance at the conference, the United States supports "dubious" groups ranging from "open neo-fascists to Islamic radicals."" The NYT would also report,
""Why do they support such people," he asked the annual gathering known as the Valdai Club, which met this year in the southern resort town of Sochi. "They do this because they decide to use them as instruments along the way in achieving their goals, but then burn their fingers and recoil.""
It is difficult to understand why the NYT attempts to portray this statement as particularly controversial, or as a "diatribe," as the Times puts it, rather than a factual, timely, and necessary observation.
Branson's SpaceShip Two crashed in California's Mojave Desert
Sat, Nov 1st, 2014
By nsnbc
SpaceShip Two, the suborbital space tourism plane financed by Virgin's Richard Branson, exploded seconds after separation from its mother-ship White Knights and crashed in the Mojave desert of California. One of the pilots died, one was admitted to hospital with severe injuries.
Richard Branson's space tourism project has received a severe blow when the experimental SpaceShip Two exploded shortly after separation from its carrier plane and the ignition of the experimental, suborbital tourist plane's engine.
The Virgin subsidiary Virgin Galactic commented on the fatal crash in a tweet, saying that the spacecraft developed "serious problems" during the test flight. The cause of the catastrophic failure of the craft is still unknown.
Multi-billionaire Richard Branson immediately traveled to the crash site in California's Mojave Desert, reports Virgin Galactic. The suborbital spacecraft crashed about 150 kilometers from Los Angeles, not far from the launch site.
Branson's space tourism project is reserved for the super rich who can afford the estimated $ 250,000, which the pleasure of being elevated to an altitude of 100 kilometers above ground and to feel the effects of micro or near zero gravity will cost once the project is ready for commercial flights.
SpaceShip Two is designed to carry a crew of two pilots and six paying passengers. Even though the craft is still experimental, there are some 800 celebrities and "better-offs" who have booked a ride once the craft is ready for commercial use. Among them is, reportedly, Hollywood actor Tom Hanks. It's unknown whether he will take a box of chocolates with him on the flight.
After approval for commercial use, Virgin's Richard Branson, his daughter Holly, and his son Sam have booked tickets for the commercial "maiden flight".
The craft has previously been flown in over fifty test flights. In April 2013 it broke the sound barrier above California's desert. The explosion of SpaceShip Two right after the ignition of its engine, the death of one of the two test pilots and the serious injuries the other pilot suffered, however, may indeed be a blast and setback to Branson's commercial space tourism plans.
CIA Mouthpiece Lets Slip On Russian 'Aggression' in Ukraine
Fri, Oct 31st, 2014
For months now, Western mass media have been in lockstep with the US State Department and the NATO military alliance, promulgating claims of Russian aggression in Ukraine and towards Europe generally. The mantra-like repetition of these claims, with scant substantiation, resembles the Big Lie technique of Third Reich master propagandist Josef Goebbels. Told often and brazenly enough, the claims acquire normalcy as «accepted facts».
Western news media, from the BBC to the New York Times, uncritically peddle NATO and Washington claims that Moscow has «annexed» Crimea and infiltrated troops into eastern Ukraine to destabilise the pro-Western «government» in Kiev.
Last month at the NATO summit in Wales, outgoing secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen asserted: «So we continue to call on Russia to pull back its troops from Ukrainian borders, [and] to stop the flow of weapons and fighters into Ukraine».
Last week, that narrative was debunked by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The OSCE has been appointed to monitor the border between Russia and eastern Ukraine. The organisation's monitoring chief Paul Picard confirmed that since the beginning of its observer mission at the end of July to present, it has not recorded any movement of military equipment or units from Russia into Ukrainian territory.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh-Rasmussen.
«The movement of military equipment has not been seen by the OSCE from our border point [of observation]», said Picard during a press conference in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don last week.
The OSCE monitoring chief did say that there was Russian military movement of airplanes, helicopters and drones inside Russian territory along the border, but that there was no cross-border incursion. «We observed their movement, but didn't see them fly into Ukraine, so they did not cross the border», Picard said.
Tellingly, the OSCE assessment nullifying Washington and NATO claims of Russian invasion and infiltration of Ukraine was given negligible reportage in the Western media, which persists with the anti-Russian narrative that seems to operate on the basis of not letting the facts intrude on a convenient storyline.
However, the OSCE version of reality was surprisingly corroborated by an unlikely source – Radio Free Europe – albeit unintentionally, it would seem.
RFE was set up during the height of the Cold War as a mouthpiece for the American Central Intelligence Agency to broadcast anti-Soviet propaganda across Eastern Europe. As a recent France 24 headline put it: 'Radio Free Europe back on frontline over Ukraine' in which the obsequious report said gushingly:
«A quarter of a century after it helped topple totalitarian Communist regimes in Eastern Europe, the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is duelling Moscow again, this time in a media war over the Ukraine crisis.»
In any case, in a RFE report last week under the headline 'He was just a boy', the American broadcaster told of the anguish of a Russian mother who recently buried her 18-year-old son after he was killed fighting in eastern Ukraine earlier this month. A grief-stricken Zalogina Pushkaryov told RFE how her son, Yevgeny, was shot dead by Kiev military forces after he had volunteered to join anti-Kiev militia. That part of the story is real enough.
But the significant detail is that the report makes clear that young Yevgeny travelled from his hometown of Kronshtadt, near St Petersburg, to eastern Ukraine after he was recruited via the internet social media. He did so surreptitiously without his mother's knowledge. The RFE report also quotes other Russian «volunteers» who have gone to take up the fight for independence in the Donbass region from Kiev. It noted that these individuals are «ill-equipped and unprepared» for military action and are often «cannon fodder» in the battle against Ukrainian regular army units and self-styled National Guard battalions.
Thus RFE inadvertently spills the beans on the real nature of Russian involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. As Moscow has been consistently saying for several months, it has not sent weapons, troops or commandos into Ukrainian territory to support the pro-independence self-defence militia battling against Kiev forces, since the latter were dispatched in April on a so-called anti-terror operation against the dissenting ethnic Russian population of Donetsk and Luhansk.
To the extent that there is a Russian connection it is mainly on the basis, as the RFE report acknowledges, of young men volunteering unofficially through informal internet channels. These hapless volunteers are driven by personal reasons to defend what they see as a compatriot population under fire from an illegal regime. The RFE reported that these Russian volunteers have to arrange and pay for their own travel to the conflict region. That is obviously the behaviour of private Russian citizens, who are taking it upon themselves to take up arms in eastern Ukraine. It is not the kind of channel that Moscow would be operating if there was any official covert military plan to destabilise Ukraine – as Washington, NATO and the Western media, including RFE, have been claiming ad nauseam without the slightest proof.


text:
These two eloped last week and it was awesome!
Victoria BC Wedding Photography by Jesse Holland. Jesse photographs couples who love life in Victoria and the Bay Area of CA
These two eloped last week and it was awesome!
Happy Dia de los Muertos! . A couple months back I teamed up with an awesome group of people to make this shoot happen. Having always been a big fan of the Day of the Dead aesthetic this was a real treat. This shoot was the brain child of Elena from Conscious Hair by Elena, and she brought together Verbena Floral Design, Alexandra Forman Artistry, The White Peony, French Kiss Events, Mille Fiori Spa, and Citizen Clothing.
This wedding was particularly special for me. Amanda is a my best friend from High School, which means that at this pint in my time I have known her for over HALF MY LIFE. That's a little crazy. Amanda and Ryan had the best looking backyard wedding I have ever seen and I was so happy to be a big part of their day.
Lara and Phillip are two of the nicest people I have ever met. Shooting their wedding was a real highlight of the summer; I took my mom, sister and daughter along for a camping weekend at their Wedding in the Woodlands.
I love working with these two. They rented a sweet house out in Brentwood Bay and threw an awesome wedding and party for their friends and family. Also turns out they live around the corner from me, so I hope I get the chance to see more of them.
Your photos just keep getting better and better. As usual…these look spectacular!


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Photographer Taslima Akhter captured the image of the so-far unidentified pair in the rubble of the collapsed building.
The disaster has renewed concerns about the working conditions in Bangladesh's £12.8billion garment industry
The stores earning millions of pounds in profits and write the price labels should take responsibility for where their goods come from
Rescuer Didar Hossain said the woman and her newborn baby boy were found under a pile of concrete pillars
If you style them right, printed trousers are easy to wear, so don't by shy
We compare white shirts, pencil skirts, jumpers, jeans and floral dresses from high street favourites
Feel amazing in a sexy outfit for Valentine's and copy Nicola Roberts' style to be a tangerine dream
We take a look at what's in store on the high street for spring
Yesterday brought another clutch of Christmas trading updates from chains stores. It showed a mixed bag..with winners and losers
From opening clubs in Essex to panto in Liverpool, the ex-Baywatch star will do it due to her incredible debts
Get crafty this Christmas and create something your friends and family will treasure
Wrapped up with a woolly hat and baggy trousers, the Spaniard was barely recognisable as the underwear model who was engaged to the star
Get in on all the latest in fashion and beauty with Celebs on Sunday's round-up of the week
HATED Karen Matthews could be facing jail again after a probe into alleged benefit fraud was reopened.
The 16% fall last year from £781million to £658million came as women turned their backs on the retailer's fashion line
Long weekends were made for shopping. Invest in these catwalk copycats and you'll be laughing all the way to the bank (only don't, it's closed)
The fash' pack are having a pyjama party and YOU are invited! Hurrah! Only, will you actually dare to wear it?
*Maybe. Victoria Beckham has one of the most covetable closets in show business but admits: "I love fashion too much to wear a tracksuit or UGGs"
Beat your friends to the trends with our handy shopping guide and catapult your way straight into AW12 style. You'd better start practicing that evil cackle too (mwa ha ha haaaaa etc)
There's a Chris De Burgh joke in here somewhere
If your winter wardrobe's looking dreary (us), this is the perfect anecdote - your new season looks as sported by the celebs. And forget the cold - this is fashion...
Cheap-chic chain Primark compounded rival Peacocks' misery today by revealing a surge in sales.
The administrators of Peacocks have made 249 head office staff redundant in the first job losses since the clothing retailer collapsed.
TAMARA Ecclestone is relaxing on a white leather sofa in a champagne lounge, immaculately dressed in a designer two-piece, Louboutins and £100,000 of jewellery.
Globetrotting civil servants splurged £6.7million of taxpayers' money on top hotels, fine dining and spa treatments.
Nicola Robert's star has been on the rise for some time now.
HAPPY New Year! As you nurse your hangover how much do you remember of 2011? Test your memories of weddings, riots and dancing celebs, with our big quiz.
Beverley Pegg saves lives as an A&E nurse, yet the only life she has ever been cavalier with is her own.
The Boxing Day Sales aren't for everyone.
Pregnant Beyonce may be due any day now but she's not letting a little thing like a BIG baby bump come between her and her style.
THEY used to be something knitted by granny which would be quickly resigned to the back of the wardrobe.
Rooney Mara has been nominated for a Golden Globe in Beverly Hills this morning for her role as Lisbeth Sander in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
If you are looking to make a statement then look no further than this red lace bodycon dress from Primark.
Ok, that might be taking it a bit far. But Beyonce could be set to lose a huge amount of money - she's being sued for $100 million.
Fearne Cotton doesn't love just any fashion label.
I HAVE a confession to make... I'm a total shopaholic.
A doctor who was caught using his mobile phone to take sneak photographs up a woman's skirt as she tried on shoes in a shop, faces being struck off.
MARKS & Spencer boss Marc Bolland has backed the high street, despite suffering a plunge in profits.
So what if others don't like my outfit – I feel good and that's what counts
SHY Nicola Roberts was living every teenage girl's fantasy when she won instant fame but the dream quickly turned into a nightmare.
When you play roulette, blackjack and slots at Mirror Casino
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special offers
Shop The NeighbourhoodNovember 29, 2014
Complimentary Treats!
On Saturday, November 29, Yellow Pages is encouraging Calgarians to celebrate neighbourhood businesses by making local purchases!For patrons who dine at Yellow Door Bistro for brunch, lunch or dinner, we'll present them with complimentary chocolates prepared by Pastry Chef Karine Moulin also seen on Top Chef Canada Season Four. To qualify for the deal, you must spend $30 per person. Reservations are recommended.
Meet your neighbours at Hotel Arts by Mike Morrison
Shop & StayAvailable Thursday to Sunday
Calgary is the perfect city to get your shopping done this holiday season (for others or even for yourself!) and Hotel Arts is making it really easy for you! For each night you stay with us, we'll give you a $75 shopping card, complimentary self parking and complimentary Internet for an additional $35.
*Valid for night stays Thursday to Sunday up to a maximum of three nights. Bookable dates between October 23 and January 18, 2015. Shopping card is valid at The CORE, Chinook Centre Mall and CrossIron Mills.
Bed & BreakfastAvailable Sunday to Thursday
With our B&B package, get a good night sleep and start the day off with Yellow Door Bistro's delightful breakfast buffet for two. Package includes complimentary Internet.
For RomanceAvailable Friday to Sunday
Whether for a birthday, anniversary, wedding night or just because…surprise your loved one with a bottle of bubbly and enjoy a delicious chocolate treat while lounging in the comfort of a Luxury Suite. Our Romance Package is sure to set the mood for any occasion and includes valet parking.
Advance Booking SpecialAvailable Monday to Sunday
Book your stay a minimum of 14 days in advance of your arrival date and receive 10% off our best available rate.
*To receive this special offer, we require full non-refundable pre-payment at time of booking. This offer is not valid with any other rates.


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This dispenser was a beautiful accent for my kitchen. I have used it on my kitchen counter, and also as a stand-a-lone on a single sized decorated table for a birthday party. My 2 young great grands told me that it was so pretty. I am very pleased with it.
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment. More details
FINAL SALE EXCLUSION: Items marked as FINAL SALE are not returnable unless the problem you experience is the result of our error.
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Bradley LamensdorfStop Following
Bradley Lamensdorf
Lamensdorf, a frequent guest commentator and analyst on major business networks including CNBC, CNN and Fox Business News, also serves as a Portfolio Manager and Principal of Ranger Alternative Management LP, a sub-advisor to the Advisor Shares Ranger Equity Bear Exchange Traded Fund (NYSE: HDGE). In this role, he conducts top-down technical evaluations of broader market liquidity, sentiment and breadth to help identify short and intermediate-term market trends, manage exposure and mitigate risk. HDGE was launched in 2011 and is the first and sole actively managed, short-only ETF in existence.
Lamensdorf, also has managed investment portfolios for the Hughes family and acted as principal of Tarpon Partners, managing a long/short fund that was up more than 150% gross over six years. Earlier in his career, he was as an equity trader/market strategist for Taylor and Company, the Bass brothers' trading arm, co-managing a short-only strategy in a derivative format with notional exposure. He also served as the in-house market timing strategist for the entire internal and external network of Bass managers.
- Description: Newsletter author.
- Interests: ETFs
- Ph. Number:
- 203-557-3006
- Email:
- firstname.lastname@example.com
- Location:
- http://lmtr.com/
Brad is a frequent commentator on major business networks including CNBC, Bloomberg and Fox Business News. In his role as as co-portfolio-manager of the short-only actively managed Ranger Equity Bear ETF, he identifies short and intermediate-term market trends to manage exposure and mitigate risk. Before Ranger Equity Bear, Brad was a trading and marketing strategist for Ranger Alternative Management's short only portfolio, where he was both portfolio manager and principal. He also served as a principal of Precisian GP,LLC and portfolio manager of Precisian Partners L.P. Prior to Precisian he founded BHL Partners L.P., a commodity oriented hedge fund primarily focused on gold and gold equities. In addition, he served as a principal of Tarpon Capital Management L.P. and was the portfolio manager for Tarpon Partners, L.P. In 1997 he was a founder, partner and co-manager of KBH, L.P., an investment firm created to manage investment portfolios for the King- Hughes family. Brad also worked on the equity trading desk for the Bass family in Fort Worth, Texas where he co-managed an extensive equity portfolio with emphasis on short selling and derivative strategies. Brad received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992.
- the bullish % are in a very... on Market Timing Report: Indicators Are Cued Up Fo...
- this is not designed to be ... on Market Timing Report: Indicators Are Cued Up Fo...
- i run publicly traded ETf's... on Market Timing Report: Indicators Are Cued Up Fo...
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5 Climate Charts That Should Deeply Worry the Electricity Sector
The federal government released its third National Climate Assessment recently. The 800-page report, authored and reviewed by hundreds of scientists, details how a changing climate is already impacting human health, agriculture and ecosystems across the U.S.
The report also highlights alarming data about the threat of storms, droughts, heat waves and other severe events that could disrupt energy infrastructure.
"Extreme weather events are affecting energy production and delivery facilities, causing supply disruptions of varying lengths and magnitudes and affecting other infrastructure that depends on energy supply. The frequency and intensity of certain types of extreme weather events are expected to change," conclude the report authors -- including an expert from the oil major ConocoPhillips.
That warning comes weeks after the United Nations released its latest report concluding with "very high confidence" that growing extremes in weather are being influenced by human activity, thus creating new risks for energy systems.
Among energy companies, utilities are some of the most vulnerable to extreme weather. Aging infrastructure, inconsistent planning and outdated response systems are still widespread problems throughout the sector. Many utilities -- particularly those impacted by Superstorm Sandy -- have made big improvements in these areas. But utilities continue to get beat up by extreme weather, and this latest climate report shows the problem is only going to get worse. (We're going to have an ebook on this subject coming out soon, so stay tuned.)
Below are five charts on extreme weather that should worry utilities.
1. Extreme weather is the primary cause of major outages
First, a little detour to put the issue into perspective. According to a new report from Climate Central analyzing data from the North American Electric Reliability Council, 80 percent of major outages since 2003 have been caused by extreme weather.
This is very consistent with data from the Energy Information Administration, which also reported last year that 87 percent of outages from 2002 to 2012 were weather-related.
2. The heavy storms responsible for power outages are getting heavier
As documented above, most of the power outages are being caused by "conventional" storms that are getting far more intense. According to the National Climate Assessment, average rainfall during heavy precipitation events across the Northeast, Midwest and Great Plains has increased by 30 percent since 1991.
The Climate Central report also observed a surge in storm-related threats. Since 1951, heavy downpours have increased in the Northeast U.S. by 74 percent, in the Midwest by 45 percent and in the Southeast by 26 percent. And since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the number and strength of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean, even though few have made landfall.
3. Those heavier storms increase the risk of flooding
Precipitation changes have, naturally, increased flooding risk in the Northeast and Midwest. That could cause serious problems for power plants, particularly nuclear stations along waterways. According to a 2011 report from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that was made public in 2012, there are nearly three dozen nuclear reactors at risk of being flooded due to dam failure.
4. As temperatures spike, so too will peak electricity demand
Over the last few summers, record temperatures have pushed the grid in Texas, the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to its limits during peak times. But that's just part of the problem. According to the National Climate Assessment, the number of cooling days will increase between 37 percent and 90 percent through the middle of the century, depending on the region.
"Higher summer temperatures will increase electricity use, causing higher summer peak loads, while warmer winters will decrease energy demands for heating. Net electricity use is projected to increase," concluded the authors.
5. Sea-level rise will threaten more coastal energy infrastructure
Global sea levels have risen by 8 inches since the late 1800s. That seemingly small rise already has consequences. According to a 2013 study from the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, the risk of Superstorm Sandy-level flooding has doubled since 1950 (PDF).
And sea levels could rise by as much as 4 feet by the end of the century -- dramatically increasing the odds of a disaster like Sandy, which destroyed power infrastructure and left more than 8 million people without electricity.
"Rising sea levels, combined with normal and potentially more intense coastal storms, an increase in very heavy precipitation events, and local land subsidence, threaten coastal energy equipment as a result of inundation, flooding and erosion," wrote the authors of the report.
The conclusion: without a major drop in emissions combined with a coordinated effort to prepare for more storms, the U.S. power sector will be in for more frequent disasters that exceed the damage from Sandy.
We'll be releasing an ebook on the post-Sandy legacy in early June. In the meantime, check out this information about our Grid Edge Live conference in San Diego June 24-25, where we'll have a session about resiliency and extreme weather planning in the utility sector.
Greentech Media (GTM) produces industry-leading news, research, and conferences in the business-to-business greentech market. Our coverage areas include solar, smart grid, energy efficiency, wind, and other non-incumbent energy markets. For more information, visit: greentechmedia.com , follow us on twitter: @greentechmedia, or like us on Facebook: facebook.com/greentechmedia.
- Feed: Stephen Lacey - Greentech Media
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Stephen Lacey
Stephen Lacey is a Senior Editor at Greentech Media, where he focuses primarily on energy efficiency. He has extensive experience reporting on the business and politics of cleantech. He was formerly Deputy Editor of Climate Progress, a climate and energy blog based at the Center for American Progress. He was also an editor/producer with Renewable Energy World. He received his B.A. in ...
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Dieter Steinfort says:
Your View and details are right.I would like to go even further.If you take the total amount of PM in the atmosphere, which are again allow for unusal condensation means clouds/rain/storm, we exeeded the Redline. We are looking mainly into GHG, but PM nowadays are even wurther. PRC extrem smog are going arround the Globe and is adding to world wide PM. We are happy to see the Boeing and Airbus booming but each plain is adding PM even in 10.000m travelling altitude.
Nobody up to now ever added all of the "Shit" CO2/BC/PM/VOC/Sandstorm/Slah-and-burn/Vulcano Ash/.Car Tire particle/ car Diesel bad exhaust filter/Diesel Power Station/Refinery Flare like Russia since 10 years as big as to heat a town every hour!/and so on!!?
If we will understand that whatever we do, does have an impact to the enviroment, we could stop it now.!
|More coming soon...
"David, one resource I'd like to add to your list is Mike Berners-Lee's excellent book, How Bad Are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything, which is guaranteed to deliver at least one shock to every reader's carbon awareness. Some examples:A paper bag has two to four times the carbon footprint of an equivalent plastic bagA single red rose (non-seasonal) has the same climate impact as ten ..."
"The EIA correctly points out the benefits of tracking because it increases output in the late daytime hours. Unfortunately, their simulation seems to be well off the mark in terms of showing how the energy is distributed throughout the day. The data below comes from a monitored solar array at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where there is a tracking array next to a fixed array. ..."
" "The best currency we can think of is dollars per capacity-adjusted kilowatt. Let's just call it a "capacity-adjusted kilowatt.""There are obviously a bunch of other factors that affect the lifetime cost of energy like the expected life of the plant (~60 years for nuclear vs ~25 for ..."
"I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea of an "ARPA-C", but I'm skeptical that it would be able to accomplish much. It seems to me there's a mismatch between the type of research that government programs can or will fund, vs. the type of applied development that CDR actually needs.The options for ..."
Scott Edward Anderson is a consultant, blogger, and media commentator who blogs at The Green Skeptic. More »
Christine Hertzog is a consultant, author, and a professional explainer focused on Smart Grid. More »
Elias Hinckley is a strategic advisor on energy finance and energy policy to investors, energy companies and governments More »
Gary Hunt Gary is an Executive-in-Residence at Deloitte Investments with extensive experience in the energy & utility industries. More »
Jesse Jenkins is a graduate student and researcher at MIT with expertise in energy technology, policy, and innovation. More »
Kelly Klima is a Research Scientist at the Department of Engineering and Public Policy of Carnegie Mellon University. More »
Jim Pierobon helps trade associations/NGOs, government agencies and companies communicate about cleaner energy solutions. More »
Geoffrey Styles is Managing Director of GSW Strategy Group, LLC and an award-winning blogger. More »
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Donald Sterling's Wife Says She's Keeping The L.A. Clippers & Clippers' Head Coach Responds
The Sterling are looking to make the NBA's forced sale of the Los Angeles Clippers difficult. Donald Sterling's estranged wife, Shelly Sterling announced she plans to keep the team. Clippers' head coach Doc Rivers says that's going to be very hard for her to do.
Pics Of The-Dream's Attack On Pregnant Girlfriend Released — Tha Wire
It's more bad news for singer/producer The-Dream, as reported yesterday he turned himself into police to answer to domestic violence charges. Now incriminating photos have hit the net.
Dr. Dre Sell's Beats By Dre To Apple And Becomes Hip Hop's First Billionaire [VIDEO]
According to reports, Apple is planning to purchase Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine's Beats headphone empire. If the deal goes through, Dr, Dre will become Hip Hop's first billionaire.
Rescue Of Missing Nigerian Girls Update : Why There Has Been No Results [VIDEO]
The clock is ticking. Where are the 200+ missing Nigerian girls? Why haven't they been found? What is being done about it?
Future Creates Video Game For Hit Single 'I Won' — Tha Wire [VIDEO]
In his new joint 'I Won', Future teams-up with Kanye West to brag about catching two of the baddest chick's in Hollywood. Now the two Hip Hop superstars are giving fans a chance to catch a virtual 'trophy wife' of their own in the new 'I Won' video game.
How To Avoid Getting 'Catfished,' According to Big Boy Chill
In the spirit of tonight's retuning third season of MTV's 'Catfished' series, here are a few tips on how not to be the victim of a catfishing, according to Big Boy Chill that is.
Rich Homie Quan Rushed To The Hospital – Tha Wire
Rapper Rich Homie Quan's rap game is on point and he was just named to XXL's 2014 Freshman Class. However, the rapper had a close call recently and was rushed to the hospital. Get more details now.
Bring Back Our Daughters – More Than 200 Missing Nigerian Girls [VIDEO]
All of us here at 107 Jamz are praying for the safe and speedy return of ALL the missing girls in Nigeria (12 to 15 years of age). We join nations around the world in taking a stand #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurDaughters
2 Chains Talks Donald Sterling Drama with Chelsea Lately [VIDEO]
The hoop-la (no pun intended) surrounding disgraced Los Angles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's recorded racist rant on last month has drawn the attention and opinion of people everywhere. But what does 2 Chainz think about the drama behind Sterlings remarks?
New Orleans Residents Mad At Lil Wayne Over Unfinished Skatepark – Tha Wire [VIDEO]
New Orleans 9th Ward residents are upset with Lil Wayne because he hasn't finish a community skatepark as promised. Get all the details now.
Kanye West Listens As Aspiring Rapper Performs For Him On The Street [VIDEO]
An aspiring MC approached Kanye West as the rapper was headed home and spit a verse for the superstar. Surprisingly, West let the aspiring rapper have his moment and listened. See the video here and find out what happened next.