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The advisory also warns military activities linked to the bloody conflict in Syria have been ramped across Iran's airspace.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington are running high following Donald Trump's controversial decision to pull out of the landmark Iran nuclear deal re-introduce economic sanctions last month.
Flight Service Bureau, which provides safety information on airspace to airlines, said "without seeming alarmist", the deteriorating relationship between the US and Iran must be taken into account when planning flights in Iran's airspace.
This is getting just about as serious as is a heart attack: I find myself very alarmed at these developments.
Nearly two years since State Department employees (and some CIA spies) began suffering from a mysterious acute illness that left some victims with permanent brain damage and hearing loss, the US State Department is inching closing to a conclusion that anyone paying attention could have easily anticipated...
That's right...
...it looks like this guy is at it again.
To wit, NBC News reported Tuesday morning that the State Department believes Russia is the prime suspect in a series of mysterious attacks using concentrated sound waves or microwaves (the US still isn't certain of the exact nature of the attacks) that seriously injured 26 "diplomats" (many of whom were CIA spies) working at the US embassy in Havana.
The U.S. blockade on Cuba, imposed for more than 60 years, cost the tiny Caribbean island US$4.2 billion between April 2017 and March 2018, bringing Cuba's total losses over six decades to US$134.5 billion.
In an annual report detailing the impact of Washington's ongoing financial and trade policy, Cuba's Foreign Ministry branded the blockade "the most unfair, severe and prolonged system of unilateral sanctions that has been applied against any country."
The report, published Friday, noted that bilateral relations between the two nations – which had begun to thaw under the Barack Obama administration – experienced "a serious setback" in June 2017, when new U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memo strengthening the blockade.
who beli~eves Torture actually Works)
On Wednesday, the talk show host tweeted, "What @TheRealRoseanne said is indefensible, but angrily attacking a woman who is obviously not well does no
Over the past two years there have been increasing reports of supposed "sonic injuries" among US diplomats. First in Cuba and more recently in China. Controversial implications are that the US officials may have been maliciously targeted by a "sonic weapon" in host countries. However, a more likely explanation is that the alleged victims are the result of US attempts to create "super spies".
Some 250 US diplomats in China are reportedly undergoing neurological medical tests to ascertain if they have succumbed to the same kind of brain trauma diagnosed in other colleagues. A study of 21 diplomats evacuated from Cuba found last year that they had incurred brain injuries, but, it was diagnosed, not from physical impact to their heads.
Some factors so far missing from the subject need to be addressed.
First, it seems strange that the mysterious brain injuries are only reported by US diplomats. No other country has reported similar incidents among their diplomatic staff.
This certainly seems to be an "Occam's razor" approach to the problems presented here, and make far more sense than any of the outrageous charges presented against both Cuba and China.
Cuba will officially recognize private property under a new constitution that also creates the position of prime minister alongside the president, state media reported on Saturday.
IT IS A testament to the Washington establishment's rhetorical dexterity that it labeled Guantánamo Bay home of the world's most dangerous terrorists. U.S. leaders meant, of course, to refer to the hundreds of non-Americans detained at the base over the past 16 years. But a closer look at the history of Guantánamo tells a different story — one in which the United States, beginning 120 years ago this June, used the enclave in southeastern Cuba to launch decades upon decades of terroristic overseas conquest.
A " take the high moral ground" country would let go of Guantanamo, and give it back to the Cuban government long ago; however, unfortunately, at this time in its history, the US is not that country.
Torture of prisoners of war goes unabated, both at Gitmo, I was force-fed at Gitmo; what guards are now doing is far worse and at Emerati "Dark Sites" in Yemen.
Yemeni prisoners say the Emeriati offices sexually torture them
Torture rarely produces actionable intelligence, but produces, instead, false confessions, in order to get the torture to stop, and adds "depth and dimmension" to the agendas created with which to support and justify the Unhinged, Surveilled State of America's endless wars on hapless countries which have never done anything to us, but just happen to sit on resources, like oil, rare earth minerals, or opium poppies, which the US government wishes to expropriate.
I would like to politely point out that such torture, particularly in Yemen, is being done under the watch of Gina Haspel, CIA Director, who just assured Congress that she would no longer allow torture, if she got confirmed to the post of CIA director.
Unfortunately, it is painfully apparent that with Ms. Haspel, that public posture, and reality, have utterly no meaningful relationship whatsoever in her world.
Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz affirmed his country 's support for Syria in its war against terrorism. During his meeting with Health Minister Dr. Nizar Yazigi in Havana on Thursday, the Cuban Minister said that "standing by Syria and supporting it is a firm Cuban decision that is based on Cuba's consistent policy of supporting friends and allies." The Cuban minister noted that the signing of a medical cooperation agreement contributes to enhancing the relations between the two countries in this field and allows the establishment of relations with Syria in other fields. On Wednesday, Syrian and Cuban Health Ministries signed a medical cooperation agreement to strengthen relations in this field. "It's our duty to provide all kinds of help to the Syrian people in light of the current ordeal they are going through," he said.
This is where the stumblers are being moved to. All the stories I have stumbled, over 110,000 articles are still available. There are tens of thousands of your stories I stumbled the last 7 years.
I will continue to put your stories up at Mix.com,but it will take some time to rebuild traffic and figure out the best way to do that with this new site.
Details are just beginning to hit the wires...
According to a number of reports, a Boeing 737 crashed shortly after a takeoff from José Marti International Airport in Cuba.
The plane with reportedly 100 passengers onboard was headed for Holguin on the eastern side of the island from Havana. The aircraft reportedly belonged to Cubana de Aviación national airline.
I can't think of another story I've reported on which was so completely, 100% devoid of facts….
The allegations of Cuban "sonic attacks" are a complete and total joke. If you believe one iota of this scandalous insult to human honesty and decency – you are dangerously gullible.
Why are only White workers in the US and Canadian embassies reporting health problems, when Cubans act as embassy guards, janitors, etc.? Are injurious sound waves racist?
I talked to Cubans guarding the abandoned Canadian embassy: they said their health is totally fine. The US embassy is in a densely-populated area – hundreds of locals should have been impacted, but nobody has reported any problems.
Scientists of all nationalities have declared: the idea that imperceptible sonic waves can cause brain damage is against the laws of acoustic physics. Scientists are entirely too charitable when they attribute as "mass hysteria" the self-reported and unproven "physical affects".
The find was made by a reporter investigating far-left and right militant groups
Washington State Fusion Center included the files in its response to his inquiry
A compressed file detailed research into bizarre 'psycho-electronic' weaponry
Cuba turns to a model Communist Party official, Miguel Diaz-Canel, to steer it through a period of uncertainty when it finally turns the page on the Castro era in a vote on Thursday.
The 57-year-old First Vice President is the pre-ordained choice of Raul Castro as he steps down, ensuring that the vote in the National Assembly to appoint him will be little more than a formality.
Cuba's new National Assembly (single-house parliament) has gathered for its first session at Havana's Palace of Congresses for electing a successor of the current president of the country's State Council, Raul Castro. The session is being telecast live. No foreign correspondents, except for photographers and TV cameramen, have been allowed to attend. The session will last for two days. On Wednesday, the legislators will elect the legislature's leadership and then, the president, first deputy president and another 29 members of the State Council. Under the Cuban Constitution, the president of the State Council is the head of state and government. The State Council's makeup and the name of the new head of state will be announced on Thursday. Raul Castro has led the State Council since 2008, when he replaced his elder brother, leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro (1926-2016). Raul Castro, 86, has said more than once he has no intention of seeking a third five-year term.
Tensions between Russia and the US could be ramped up further if Vladimir Putin agrees to reopen the old Soviet-era military base in Cuba.
The base in question, near Havana, was opened in 1962, in response to American ballistic missile deployment in Italy and Turkey.
It sparked the Cuban Missile Crisis, considered to be the closest the Cold War came to escalating into full-scale nuclear war.
The base was closed in 2002, but now, two of President Putin's key parliamentary allies are urging him to reopen the unit, just a few hundred miles from the Florida coastline.
Their calls come after the American placing of US missile defence systems close to Russia's borders.
Bingo! I did say that Trump's reversal of normalization of relations with Cuba would lead to this result.
(*Right along with The Russians , Syrians , Iranians , Koreans , Afghans , Chinese , Palestinians , Cubans , Venezuelans , Pakistanis and The Filipinos !)
The relations with the Republic of Cuba have long been one of the most painful problems of the United States. Even after the withdrawal of its main ally – the USSR – from the global stage, all the US attempts to get Cuba under its influence have failed. Lately, Cuba has acquired a new strong ally – China.
Scientists believe the root of a 'sonic attack' that led to the US State Department recalling 21 employees and reducing staff from its embassy in Cuba could've just been 'bad engineering.'
In September 2017, the State Department pulled 21 diplomats and their families out of Cuba and stopped issuing travel visas to the country after embassy workers reported hearing loss, dizziness, speech issues, cognitive problems and other medical symptoms that appeared to stem from a 'sonic attack' in their homes or hotel rooms.
Some Canadian embassy workers also reported feeling ill from a high-pitched noise.
Doctors, FBI investigators and US intelligence agencies all tried to identify the source of the 'sonic attack,' with some people postulating that a sonic weapon or even a poisoning was being deployed against the embassy workers.
US hardliners used the "sonic attacks" to block normalization of relations with Cuba and maintain the now 60-year old embargo against the island (proving the CIA knows how to hold onto a grudge for the Bay of Pigs). But as we are apparently heading to war with Russia the last thing the US needs is for Russia to regain the old Soviet foothold on Cuba, so they are saying the attacks were an accident. This means the plan to normalize relations with Cuba will move forward to bring them into the US sphere of influence and block Russian access. That in turn means the ending of the embargo, and I, for one, look forward to some Cuban rum and Cuban cigars! :)
Of the many stories written about Hurricane Katrina in autumn 2005, and its devastating consequences, one crucial element is virtually overlooked. During the all-important hours after the tropical cyclone laid waste to sections of south-eastern United States, the Bush administration ignored the aid of its Cuban neighbor.
Cuban leader Fidel Castro offered to ship over 1,600 doctors and dozens of tons of medical supplies to the US's affected areas. Considering the decades-long terrorist attacks perpetrated against Cuba by US governments, in addition to a crippling embargo, it was a noble gesture by the Castro government.
A gesture largely erased from the record too – it wouldn't do for the powers-that-be to raise Cuba's profile while questioning the leader of the free world. Castro's remarkable offer was not altogether surprising if one looks at the record.
Nellie Ohr, wife of demoted doj official, worked for Fusion GPS and the CIA's "Open Source Works" group
In a handwritten suicide note left by Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, 68, the eldest son of famed Cuban leader Fidel Castro, he claimed that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was his half-brother, which would confirm the longstanding rumor in Cuba that Fidel Castro fathered Justin Trudeau after a public tryst with Margaret Trudeau in 1970.
US officials and military lawyers who helped set up and run the notorious prison at Guantánamo Bay have warned that Donald Trump risks repeating a $6bn mistake by keeping it open.
(*But when your name is Donald Trump , Money Is No Object !
PLUS: It could lead us back to seeing some real NEWS in the NEWS http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/powabuse.html )
HAVANA (AP) — The oldest son of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro killed himself
The oldest son of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro killed himself on Thursday after months of treatment for depression, state media reported. He was 68.
(*what prescription was he on for treating that depression ?)
Remember, Democrats told us minimum wage increases don't lead to more unemployment.
Despite Customs and Border Protection admitting to ongoing privacy concerns over data retention (currently planned for a 2-week maximum), an article in The Business of Federal Technology highlights that a rapid expansion of biometric airport security is imminent.
Until now, biometric ID has been used or tested at 5 international airports. Although there was a clear assumption of a wider roll-out, it was unclear what the timetable was for implementation and how pervasive the program would become. Apparently, if all goes well for CBP, it will be in ALL U.S. airports within just 4 years, according to statements given to senators by Commissioner Kevin McAleenan:
McAleenan, who is facing confirmation to hold the top CBP job on a permanent basis, told members of the Senate Finance Committee that the agency planned to expand current trials at five international airports to all major airports in the U.S. in four years.
For national travel, this is simply going to push people back into their cars on to already overloaded, packed, and in many cases, crumbling US highways.
IF this is the outcome CBP wants this technology to have, then bravo, well done!!
And BTW, CBP: the fastest way to eliminate terror in this country, is to stop mucking about with other countries' resources, expropriating them to the corporations which own this country, and to which they have utterly no moral right, and insuring that those resources are only sold for the US dollar.
You're welcome!! :-)
Pyongyang hopes to rekindle a Cold War-era friendship.
Korean Central News Agency announced Friday that North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and his delegation will be traveling to Cuba, in hopes of revamping international support amid sanctions and widespread condemnation of Pyongyang's nuclear missile tests.
The Washington Post reported that North Korea's visit to Cuba occurs as Pyongyang's largest trading partners announced they would halt trade with the isolated nation. Singapore—North Korea's seventh largest trading partner–indicated it would sever its trade with the country Thursday, while the Philippines—Pyongyang's fifth largest trading partner—is following suit.
Here is where reversing Obama's normalization of relations with Cuba comes back to bite the US government.
Now Cuba – in spite of a non-stop economic war waged on it by the US – has one of the highest literacy rate in the world and sends it doctors to help in disasters around the world, over 700 to help after the recent hurricanes in 2017.
The Cuban system is not perfect, but in the areas of social welfare and dealing with civilian emergencies, it makes the US look truly pathetic.
Russian senators Franz Klintsevich and Viktor Bondarev put forward a suggestion to deploy Russian military bases "within spitting distance from the United States." The senators believe that such a step will be an adequate and sobering response to the deployment of US missile systems near Russian borders.
In this broadcast from July 15th 1967 New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison responds to an attack by NBC News on June 19th 1967 prior to his trial of local New Orleans businessman, and possible CIA agent or asset, Clay Shaw on charges of conspiring to murder President John F. Kennedy. NBC News tried to discredit Garrison and his office in the minds of the citizens. In a desperate attempt at tainting the jury pool and making Garrison and his case irrelevant. Shaw was eventually acquitted by the jury. Be that as it may, Garrison was able to use his air time wisely and laid out his entire case for there being a conspiracy to murder President John Kennedy for the public to hear. He remains the only law enforcement official to bring anyone to trial in regards to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. To quote Jim Garrison, "let justice be done, though the heavens fall."
Col. L. Fletcher Prouty discusses photos of General Ed Lansdale in Dealey Plaza on November 22nd 1963. Ed Lansdale was a CIA agent whose cover title was that of an Air Force Colonel and later General, who worked directly for CIA Director Allen Dulles. Lansdale specialized in political-psychological warfare operations, and manipulation of governments. The photo of him in Dealey Plaza on November 22nd 1963 reveals a deep level of involvement with certain factions within the CIA in the planning, operational phase, cover story, and cover up of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22nd 1963. Such operations (Coup d'état) were Gen. Lansdale's specialty.
As Miami New Times reports, a set of documents related to Operation Mongoose — which was the Central Intelligence Agency's plot to remove Castro from power — show that the U.S. at one point considered staging terrorist attacks against Cuban refugees that were either headed to or were already residing within the country.
A paper approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1962 outlined a plan to create a pretext for invading Cuba and overthrowing the Castro regime that involved killing refugees and then pinning the blame on Castro's government.
"We could develop a Communist Cuban terror campaign in the Miami area," the report read. "The terror campaign could be pointed at Cuban refugees seeking haven within the United States. We could sink a boatload of Cubans en route to Florida (real or simulated)."
Based on new archival materials becoming available every now and then, a slice of Cold War era history that is still dissected and understood from new perspectives is the so-called Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The narrative that was dominant initially was that the Soviets surreptitiously tried to deploy inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBM) to Cuba targeting the US and the attempt was nipped in the bud with the Kennedy administration staring down the then Kremlin boss Nikita Khrushchev through a display of naval blockade of the island.
(*THE GENIOUS OF TRUMP: Who knew The Restoration of Freedom was easier to accomplish With Sanctions In Place ?)
Why are there so many uncertainties about an event that should be transparent?
As several of you noted, it could be a case where some people were shot from somewhere and fake elements were added to blow the scene into a massacre for use in behalf of some agenda or the other.
The CIA has been forced to declassify some 270 memos from its secret torture facilities in Afghanistan. The story these memos tell is horrific and jolting. The people tortured were not terrorists. They were suspects. Some may say this is all ancient history, but consider the current president's view on torture. He said he's torture in a heartbeat. Are we still "torturing some folks"?
Disturbing news from Guantánamo, via the human rights organization Reprieve. Yesterday, in a press release, Reprieve explained that the authorities at Guantánamo have stopped force-feeding hunger-striking prisoners, a practice that has existed for ten years, because of a new Trump administration policy."
Hunger strikers have existed at Guantánamo almost since the prison opened, and in 2013 a prison-wide hunger strike drew worldwide condemnation for President Obama's inaction in moving towards closing the prison, as he had promised on his second day in office. Inconvenienced by Republican lawmakers, who had raised considerable obstacles to the release of prisoners, Obama had chosen not to challenge the Republicans, and had, instead, done nothing.>>>
California can now start jailing people that refuse to use the preferred gender pronouns of nursing home residents after Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill Thursday.
The law's effect is limited to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, but mandates that those who "willfully and repeatedly" refuse "to use a transgender resident's preferred name or pronouns" can be slapped with a $1,000 fine and up to one year in prison, according to the California Heath and Safety code.
Known as the "LGBT Senior Bill Of Rights," the legislation also requires nursing homes and care facilities to allow residents to use the bathroom of their choice, regardless of biological sex. The bill's author, state Sen. Scott Weiner, argues that religious views don't hold weight in public areas.
From: the State of California's "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" Department!
Tillerson finally grew some cojones...
Cuba's top diplomat insisted Tuesday that his government had nothing to do with unexplained health "attacks" on U.S. diplomats, telling Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that Cuba still has no evidence to explain what transpired in Havana. Tillerson emphasized that it's Cuba's responsibility to protect diplomats on its soil, regardless of who is to blame.
Countering the aggressive attacks of the United States President Donald Trump against sovereign nations in his address at the United Nations General Assembly this week, many other leaders from around the world have used the forum to denounced the U.S. imposed blockade against Cuba.
"On Thursday it emerged that the "attack" – which Cuba denies – was in one case a blaring, grinding noise which jolted an American diplomat from his bed in The Capri, a Havana hotel popular with tourists.
The diplomat, according to AP, moved just a few feet, and there was silence. He climbed back into bed – and then the agonising sound hit him again.
"None of this has a reasonable explanation," said Fulton Armstrong, a former CIA official who served in Havana long before America re-opened an embassy there.
This is another example of "Look for what should be there and isn't."
Cuba WANTS normalized relations with the United States. They want an end to the almost 60-year old embargo. So, if indeed there is something being done at the embassy, it is NOT Cuba who is doing it.
Cuba WANTS normalized relations with the United States. They want an end to the almost 60-year old embargo. So, if indeed there is something being done at the embassy, it is NOT Cuba who is doing it.
rt video
American officials have revealed more information about a mysterious sonic device that is believed to have caused numerous diplomats to suffer hearing loss and other serious ailments. Last month, the Associated Press reported that the first hearing-loss symptoms were reported by personnel at the US embassy in Havana in the fall of 2016. The news agency said that at least five embassy personnel reported suffering from sudden and unexplained loss of hearing. The symptoms were so serious that caused some American diplomats "to cancel their tours early and return to the United States", according to the Associated Press.
Authorities in Cuba, the United States and Canada are investigating reports that several foreign diplomats stationed in Havana have been experiencing severe hearing loss in recent months. Some are blaming the deployment of a mystery "covert sonic device" for the diplomats' symptoms. The allegations originate from diplomatic personnel stationed at the US embassy in Havana. The embassy reopened in 2015, 54 years after it was closed down following a series of diplomatic rifts between Cuba and the US during the height of the Cold War.
The US believes several State Department employees at the US embassy in Havana were subjected to an "acoustic attack" using sonic devices that left at least two with such serious health problems they needed to be brought back to the US for treatment, several senior State Department officials told CNN.
A US government official told CNN that the who, where and when point to "an attack" -- the US is investigating whether a third country was involved as "payback" for actions the US has taken elsewhere and to "drive a wedge between the US and Cuba."
Power Machines will take part in upgrade of turbines mounted in Cuba's sugar mills, export sales director of the Russian machine-building company Yuri Kolesnikov told TASS on Friday. 75 turbines were supplied for power units of Cuban sugar mills in times of the Soviet Union, Kolesnikov said. "These turbines have been significantly worn out for the time being. We agreed on a technical expert examination of this equipment with the Cuban party and will offer a list of spare parts for delivery according to its findings. Their installation will make possible to restore normal operability of units already in coming future," he said. Upgrade of turbines is planned later on for the purpose of increasing their capacity, the manager said. "The Cuban party is highly interested in that. We have technical capabilities and are ready to meet this requirement".
Cuba's delegate at a U.N. meeting an hour's drive from the site of a Nazi extermination camp in Poland objected Tuesday to an Israeli request for a minute's silence for Holocaust victims – then called for another one, for the Palestinians. The meeting of the U.N. Education Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage committee had earlier passed an Arab-initiated measure denouncing Israeli activity in Jerusalem's Old City and declaring it an "occupying power" in the city. Israeli ambassador Carmel Shama HaCohen noted the proximity of Auschwitz to the meeting and linked modern-day efforts to separate the Jewish people from their ancient capital to Hitler's campaign.
Note: Except it wasn't an extermination camp. They had 11 orchestra, a hospital, soccer field, brothel, script money to purchase articles. When will this end. When you say it does.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day official visit to the US, on Sunday addressed the Indian diaspora near here in Virginia.
Here are the top quotes of PM Modi at the event:
1/ When India talked of terrorism 20 years back, many in the world said its a law and order problem and didn't understand it. Now terrorists have explained terrorism to them so we don't have to.
DOWNLOAD -WATCH - "America's War Drugs" Stream online
script + ad blockers recommended !
U.S. President Donald Trump rolled back some of the key measures of his predecessor's rapprochement with Cuba Friday, making it harder for American tourists to travel to the island, and harder for American corporations to do business there.
That move was immediately met with a rebuke from Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The internet is not a friendly place for LIARS!
New reports out of the Daily Caller suggest that President Trump is planning to soon make an announcement that he is reversing all of President Obama's moves to reopen US-Cuba relations, which saw a reestablishment of diplomatic ties, a slight loosening of business restrictions, and even talked about permission to allow Americans to visit the island nation.
President Trump has been of two minds on this issue, as in 2015 he said he saw nothing wrong with the US opening Cuba, but during last year's campaign he repeatedly threatened to terminate all of Obama's deals on the island, claiming he was as hostile to Cuba trade as Sen. Marco Rubio (R – FL).
And it appears Rubio, along with some other politicians who have made their career at least in part on being anti-Cuba, who have gotten Trump's ear on the matter, and under heavy pressure from them Trump appear to be planning to knuckle under and close down contact with the island.
President Trump, a word please; I would like to remind you that the US, which had once been at war with Vietnam, is now one of its trading partners.
The US government has never technically been at war with Cuba; it just could't forgive or forget that Cuba threw out its puppet, Batista, when Castro took power.
Perhaps, now might be the time to forgive and forget, and institute a policy of peace, trade, and travel?!? That...would be both logical, and very presidential, sir.
Students compare Trump's Policies to Nazism… except They are Really OBAMA's Policies!!
In an effort to once again demonize Trump with the tired 'Russian collusion' angle, liberal newspaper The Guardian has instead proved what we have suspected all along. The article states that European spy agencies passed this 'intel' to CIA director John Brennan, who then used to orchestrate a full on campaign of political espionage against Trump.
In the following video, Right Wing News re-examines the timeline of the whole fiasco and explores Brennan's motivations. Did he become overly enamored by the Muslim world during his time as a station chief in Saudi Arabia and now views Trump's realistic view of Islam as anti-Islamic? That wouldn't be at all surprising; Brennan was an American Communist Party supporter at the height of the Cold War and brought in a host of like-minded ilk into the CIA. Or was it simple greed; did he just want to keep his position as CIA director under a Hillary presidency?
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
full interview
Andrea Mitchell....the wife of Swamp Monster Alan Greenspan.
In a press briefing at the Pentagon today, African Command leader Gen. Thomas Waldhauser announced that the US intends to keep ground troops in Libya for the foreseeable future to support "friendly forces," and to "degrade" the ISIS forces that remain in the country.
Waldhauser did not specify how many US troops are in Libya now, or how many will stay, but did estimate that there were less than 200 ISIS fighters left in Libya. The US had announced the end of the anti-ISIS campaign in Libya back in December, but never fully withdrew from the country.
The US forces were in Libya trying to help the "unity" government defeat ISIS in the city of Sirte. US officials repeatedly claimed the city was totally surrounded, and that no ISIS fighters would get away, though when the fighting finally ended, a substantial number of ISIS fighters did in fact get away.
Translation: this is "military-speak" for the reality that the US government is never leaving Libya because of the oil and the oil pipelines.
There appears to have been no basis for a criminal or intelligence probe. National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was dismissed amid a torrent of mainstream-media reporting and disgraceful government leaks (but I repeat myself). Among the most intriguing was a New York Times report the morning after Flynn's resignation, explaining that the former three-star Army general and head of the Defense Intelligence Agency was "grilled" by FBI agents "about a phone call he had had with Russia's ambassador." No fewer than seven veteran Times reporters contributed to the story, the Gray Lady having dedicated more resources to undermining the Trump administration than the Republican Congress has to advancing Trump's agenda. Remarkably, none of the able journalists appears to have asked a screamingly obvious question — a question that would have been driving press coverage had an Obama administration operative been in the Bureau's hot seat. On what basis was the FBI investigating General Flynn?
Full Video: Watch President Trump's First Solo Press Conference
It wasn't all about saving the world from environmental catastrophe. Like any other closed-door meetings, talks or conventions, there will always be an ulterior motive behind every movement and theirs was for the destruction of the long-established Capitalism that has shaped economies since the time it came into existence.
The Executive Secretary of the U.N.'s Framework Convention on Climate Change even said as much more than once, so as not to be referred to as a mistake. And with the mainstream media's backing, this global scame has been relatively easy for the U.N. to continue to spread its distorted message to people who cannot, or will not, easily distinguish fact from fiction.
the David Brock-run organization
"It would be desirable of the United States' new administration to opt for respectful attitudes to the region but the plans that have been announced are alarming as they jeopardize our interests in the areas of trade, employment, migration and environment," he said. Cuba, in his words, is committed to discussing with Donald Trump's new government "outstanding problems in bilateral relations on the basis of equality, reciprocity, respect to sovereignty and independence of our country and to continuing respect-based dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest." Washington and Havana "can cooperate and live side by side in a civilized way, respecting their differences and promoting everything that is beneficial for both countries and nations," he said and warned that Cuba would make no concession in what concerns its sovereignty and independence.
Place your bets on who will be the major partner in the Trump, Kissinger and Ma law firm.
Kissinger has drafted a plan to officially recognize Crimea as part of Russia and lift the Obama administration's economic sanctions.
The plan fits into Kissinger's overall strategy — call it a traditional British Balance of Power, or Divide and Rule, approach — of breaking up the Eurasian front (Russia-China-Iran) that constitutes the real "threat" to what Mattis defines as the "established world order."
Proof that the CIA has lied to the public in the past. Jimmy Dore breaks it down
The big shots who run the country are trying to strong-arm 'the Donald' into carrying their water so the depredations can continue...
Powerful elites are using the credibility of the US Intelligence agencies to demonize Russia and prepare the country for war.
Last week's 25-page report, that was released by the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, illustrates to what extent intelligence is being "fixed around the policy".
The Intelligence Community has been coerced into compromising its credibility to incite fear of Russia and to advance the geopolitical ambitions of deep state powerbrokers.
Just a few days into 2017 and we can already say with a great degree of confidence that 2017 will be a historical year. Furthermore, I submit that 2017 will be the "Year of Trump" because one of roughly three things will happen: either Trump will fully deliver on his threats and promises, or Trump deliver on some, but far from all, his threats and promises or, finally, Trump will be neutralized by the Neocon-run Congress, media, intelligence community. He might even be impeached or murdered.
Of course, there is an infinity of sub-possibilities here, but for the purpose of this discussion I will call the first option "Trump heavy", the second one "Trump light" and the third one "Trump down".
Could Trump redefine the presidency?
Donald Trump may be a historic figure, but that does not mean he is easy to understand or anticipate. One thing is for sure – he has a unique style and form of communication.
The kind of revelation that Valentine has provided needs to be presented judiciously and dispassionately as it is shocking to the uninitiated.
If you want to learn about the CIA as a deep state within the surface state, read this book.
Priceless explanations abound in paragraphs. Valentine writes that the government wages psywar against the American public in various ways for various purposes.
Self-declared liberal Americans consider Bush to be a warmongering disaster, yet somehow they hail Obama as some kind of progressive «peace president».
Eight straight years of warmongering come to an end as US President Barack Obama bows out with his «farewell to the nation» speech this week, as fawning American media dubbed his valediction.
In reality, Obama's outgoing address should have been billed as a «farewell to arms» made by arguably one of the most belligerent presidents to ever have occupied the White House.
Only in exceptionally delusional America could such a pernicious paradox be presented as something honorable and sentimental.
"It's all fake news. It's phony stuff. It didn't happen, and it was gotten by opponents of ours, as you know..."
President-elect Donald Trump held his first press conference Wednesday since winning the election and answered questions about his relationship with Russia, arrangements for the future of his business, and some of his plans for the first days of his administration. Trump vowed to repeal and replace Obamacare within the "same hour,". He also promised to name a Supreme Court nominee within the first two weeks after he takes office. The event was marked by tense exchanges...
The only test to determine if one qualifies for heroic whistleblower status is whether or not more people were affected positively than negatively.
The Founding Fathers knew exactly the heroism and personal self-sacrifice of those who gave up their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for the sake of freedom for all.
court rejected the 20-year-old conscript's arguments that he acted in self-defence.
2016 has been a fantastic year for Russia. Putin's policy of slow, low-key and deliberate move and counter-move has proven to be extremely effective.
Just like European maps place Europe in the center of the planet, so do most western commentators look at the past year from a US/Europe-centered perspective. Which is fair enough. Furthermore, the AngloZionist Empire has just suffered two major disasters, the Brexit and the election of Trump.
The credit for the election of Donald Trump goes first and foremost to the American people to whom I sincerely believe the entire planet owe a heartfelt and loud "THANK YOU!!!!!".
Not only did the British people defy the Empire and vote for a Brexit, but now the Imperial Homeland has "backstabbed" them by electing a patriot who is not interested in maintaining the global empire (or so he says, at least for the time being).
Putin's stoic statesmanship speaks for itself.
Not for the first time, the contrast in character between Putin and Obama was illustrated in the latest diplomatic spat over alleged Russian hacking.
For one thing, Putin's gracious magnanimity always in the face of American provocations shows the Russian leader to be a fine statesman and human being; whereas Obama looks like a pathetic, cheap nonentity.
President Putin made a surprise attack:
He said that his government would not take retaliatory measures. Indeed, he went further by offering seasonal goodwill greetings to President Obama, his family and the people of America, as well as repeating invitations to the children of accredited US diplomats in Russia to festivities being held at the Kremlin.
The bad losers Democrats are STILL shell shocked about the fact that they lost and are throwing a temper tantrum, trying to cloud President-elect Trump's incoming policies.
The Truth is that the US as a nation need to now move past the NeoCon era, the warmonger era...
Get ready, because the thick of the action starts now.
The 2008 casino capitalism-provoked financial crisis, plus the American "resolve" to remake the so-called Greater Middle East through wars of choice, regime change and covert ops miserably failed.
As we wait for the dawn of the Trump era – an almost intergalactic geopolitical question mark – what's certain is that the War Party US deep state won't admit defeat. And the key geopolitical riddle to be answered is how strident internal American tensions will deal with the hub of progressive Eurasia integration: Russia, China and Iran.
These acts, carried out in secret two-thirds of the time, include funding the election campaigns of specific parties, disseminating misinformation and propaganda...
The CIA has accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 presidential election (with absolutely zero evidence) by hacking into Democratic and Republican computer networks and selectively releasing emails.
But critics might point out the U.S. has done similar things.
Syrians in the liberated city of Aleppo are celebrating Christmas…
'We had 4 years of pain, of war & blood'
Christians in Syria have largely rallied behind the secular government, seeing it as their protector.
This year, many people in the liberated city of Aleppo are celebrating for the first time since the war began. RT's Lizzie Phelan talked with residents of the war-ravaged city now recovering from its wounds.
Written before the presidential election, the co-authors could not have anticipated a Donald Trump victory, but they might be hoping that the report would serve as a guideline for the new administration.
Hopefully they will be wrong in that expectation, but it is difficult at this point to see where the next White House will be going with its Middle Eastern policy.
There are a number of things wrong with the report from my perspective. Most significant, it assigns to the United States the responsibility to set and enforce standards of governance in parts of the world where the American people have little in the way of actual interests.
Fidel Castro was the man who led the successful effort to overthrow the brutal and reactionary dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista - a dictatorship that had the backing of the U.S. government.
The Castro-led victory of 1959 began a long period of transformation for Cuba, raising the country from a starkly poor Third World condition to a modernizing socialist state. Here are some of that country's achievements under Castro's leadership
Lawrence Davidson explains why Americans of Cuban descent celebrated the death of Fidel Castro, and why American conservatives are unable to comprehend the historical facts behind the evolution of Castro's regime.
A delegation of doctors trained at the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba announced they will head to Standing Rock to "serve in solidarity."
Fidel Castro have repeatedly visited the Soviet Union. TASS remembers his trips to the USSR in this photo gallery.
At age 90, Fidel Castro passed away after decades of heroic struggle for social justice, not just for his native Cuba but for all people around the world. Even in his final decade of illness, the iconic revolutionary was still actively fighting; writing articles on international politics and upholding the cause for socialism.
Even in death, Fidel's revolutionary spirit lives, teaches, inspires.
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Start In A Tavern: Playtesting Project
This morning I received playtest materials for a roleplaying game that's currently in development. I agreed not to redistribute any of the materials I was forwarded except for testing purposes, and I'm going a step further and keeping the actual name of the game to myself as well. Only the gaming group will know.
I've skimmed the material so far, and I'll tell you this (actually, most of what I'll mention is available on the site I contacted to participate in the playtest) — it uses a modified version of the d20 System in some capacity. I don't know how much of the final version will however. It has enough that some elements were immediately recognizable.
Now, the scientist in me has already devised a couple scenarios. Because I'm expected to put together a group and actually test the system, there are certain elements that ought to be controlled so the play experience can be evaluated. I'm generating most of the characters ahead of time to speed things along.
Next, I figure I'll run a fairly combat-heavy adventure, which I believe is referred to as a "meat grinder," for the purpose of testing the combat mechanics. They're usually an integral part of the system, especially one based on the d20 System. (If the combat doesn't work in a d20 spin-off, the game probably won't go far.)
There are also some really cool background and/or gameplay elements that would delight any game master or player, and as much as I'd love for everyone to choose their own, I figure we'll be able to provide more useful feedback if we concentrate our efforts on testing specific parts of the game at a time. One background at a time.
We can then rotate through a couple and try a variety of things.

subset: commoncrawl


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Want to participate with me in a grief study?
January 13, 2010 at 11:01 am Molly Piper 10 comments
I just signed up for a scientific study about traumatic loss. Here's the description from their site:
We are a team of researchers from Arizona State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Austin College. We are exploring the experiences of those aged 18 and older who have experienced traumatic loss and bereavement. The purpose of this study is to determine the individual, familial, and societal effects of trauma and to improve standards of care to the bereaved and a model of compassionate caregiving and intervention that fosters resiliency at every level.
The lead researcher for the study is Dr. Joanne Cacciatore. Here's how I know about her:
The first book I read after Felicity died was one called Stillborn: The Invisible Death by John DeFrain et. al., researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They did a study back in the 80s and published it in book form. It's mostly stories of peoples' experiences with stillbirth. It was deeply helpful for me just to read that other people had gone through what I had.
Then, I emailed Dr. DeFrain because the book was out of print. He so politely and sensitively emailed me back and suggested I look into the MISS Foundation, the organization founded by his former doctoral student, Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, who had also lost a child.
I really appreciate her continued research into the topic of stillbirth and traumatic loss. I thought, since so many of us here have lost children traumatically, we should contribute. We can be a means of further research into this painful, under-studied area by sharing our time and our stories to help others.
So here's what you do:
- Go to http://tearstudy.org .
- Enter your name and email.
- They'll send you an email right away, and then you just click the link in the email to confirm your email address.
- Wait for them to email you with further details.
I say, let's do this!
Entry filed under: Grief.
10 Comments Add your own
you're on!
I just saw this on MISS today. Thanks for getting the word out!
Thanks for posting, I doubt I would have heard otherwise.
i'm signing up. thanks so much.
Thanks so much for letting me know about this. Already signed up!
Forever missing Gavin 4/7-5/3/08
i have referred several friends who are walking through the grieving process to your blog as a source of encouragement. it has been a refreshing "cup of cold water" to many weary souls. thanks for sharing your story. i wondered if you still have archives for your blog before march 2008? i value your honest perspective, and i remember reading some of your earlier posts that i think would be HUGE encouragement to friends. thanks.
never mind! found what i was looking for. 🙂 thanks!
I'll join you!
it's the comments section that's bringing tears today. all these, "i'm signing ups" are representative of huge losses.
Thanks for letting us know!
Signed up.
With love and hope.
One day i'll see her in heaven!
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by Janet Arden, Editor
January-February 2005
Where would we be without email?
My 83-year-old mother retired sixteen years ago after managing the dietary department of a major hospital for 27 years. Since she left the business world before the advent of desktop PCs and email, Mom is regularly amazed when my husband and I talk of emails we get from co-workers at the office.
"Why don't you just walk over—or at least pick up the phone—and ask or tell someone what you need?" she asks.
Well, we say, email is faster, less intrusive, provides electronic documentation of the communication, etc. You can communicate without coordinating time zones or even dialing the phone. You can send materials to another desk whether it's down the hall or halfway around the world. You can ask the question you need to ask without engaging in additional social chitchat or even getting up from your desk.
What we don't say, of course, is how much time we spend on email. But those of you who responded to our reader survey last year had a lot to day about email. You were especially vocal about how much time you spend on it.
In fact, when asked what you would most like to change about your day, more than half of TileDealer readers said they would like to spend less time on email.
I feel your pain. I have noted with increasing frequency the days I spend hours on email—sending, reading, and replying to. This does not include time spent deleting junk email, looking for long-lost email, and so on. Like many of you, reading and following up on email is usually the first thing I do every day. And, like many of you, that can literally take hours. Then, you get involved in another task and the first wave of email responses start coming. And so it goes.
I have decided, however, I'm not willing to give up email.
A few weeks ago my computer lost all my email, along with my electronic address book. Once I had finished cursing the invisible "computer gnomes" that I believe are responsible for these incidents, I was stuck.
Everything I wanted to work on was somehow related to email—information I knew was in an email, email requests I wanted to send, data I planned to email elsewhere, even phone and fax numbers were in the electronic address book attached to my email!
I could not receive email either. I had to ask a co-worker to send out the word that I could not get email. Everyone in the office was appropriately sympathetic, printing out copies of emails they thought I might need, offering names and numbers that I had lost.
I should have savored the email quiet, but instead I felt isolated. What was I missing?
Fortunately, a talented and resourceful IT professional was able to restore my email. Unfortunately, some messages and contact information simply disappeared. I suspect I will continue to find things that are "missing" for some time to come. (And so I can say—at least for awhile—sorry I missed that; it must have been in the mail I lost.)
The lesson for me was that communication is too important—anyway we get it—to lose it. And while I agree with so many of you who say email is too time consuming, I know it has more pros than cons.


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Plush carpet is one of the most traditional carpet choices, and yet it remains one of the most popular due to its soft feel and amazing versatility. Today, plush carpet comes in an almost limitless array of colors, patterns, and styles.
To understand the makeup of plush carpet, you need to understand pile. "Pile" refers to the fibers that form the surface of the carpet. Plush carpets have a relatively high, evenly cut pile with a slight twist to each fiber. Because of this, plush carpet has a tendency to show footprints and vacuum tracks. If this is a problem, you may want to consider purchasing a plush carpet with a textured surface – or select carpet with a higher pile, such as frieze.
Plush carpets are low maintenance, making them a popular choice for busy homeowners. Most modern plush carpets are pretreated to resist soil and stains.
With so many choices in fibers, styles, colors and patterns, it's smart to start your carpeting purchase with a free in-home consultation and design consultation from Floor Coverings International Orange County NY. Our trained design associates will work with you to select the best plush carpeting for your unique home. We look forward to working with you!
You might also be interested in:


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Established in 1951, Air Works is a CAR 145 organization and it is today, India's largest independent MRO provider with a presence in 27 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.
Over the past seven decades, we have contributed significantly in shaping Indian aviation, growing and maturing in sync with the industry. In the process, we have become the trusted partner for customers from both civil aviation and defense services.
Today, our Group, via strategic partners and subsidiaries, offers a host of services comprising MRO, Line maintenance, Interior & exterior finishing, Avionics upgrades and retrofits, Maintenance training (Part 147), Charters, and, Asset Management services to domestic and international clients including private or business aircraft owners & operators, commercial airlines, global aviation services providers and aircraft leasing companies.
As a Company with global benchmarks, we collaborate closely and are the first-line service provider to leading aviation and technology OEMs, delivering world-class solutions to our customers from our locations in India, France, Dubai, Ireland, and China.
We take pride in our people practices and our employees embody Air Works' core values of Customer responsiveness, Innovation and Integrity. With a culture that accords paramount importance to our customers, an established infrastructure which leverages technology, proven capabilities, structured processes, and, a comprehensive portfolio of service offerings, we enjoy an impeccable reputation in the industry for our outstanding workmanship, compliance with quality standards, as well as exceptional safety orientation.


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2017 IGI grad Anastasia Webb helped lead the University of Oklahoma Sooners to their 4th NCAA National Championship! In the Finals, OU scored a 198.3775 to out pace LSU – 197.8250, UCLA – 197.5375 and Denver – 197.0000. Anastasia had an outstanding night with scores of Bars-9.8125, Beam 9.9000, Floor-9.9250, Vault-9.8500 for a total All Around of 39.4725. Anastasia is pictured above with 2012 IGI grad Haley Scaman, a member of OU's 2014 and 2016 National Championship Teams. Congratulations to Anastasia and OU!
IGI's Torie Stotz to Compete for the University of Illinois
IGI is so proud to announce that Torie Stotz will be joining the University of Illinois Gymnastics Team!
From the Illinois Press Release:
A JO National qualifier, Stotz placed eighth on vault at the 2016 JO Nationals. Stotz also impressed on the state and regional level, placing in the top-three on vault for the past two years and becoming state floor champion at the 2016 Level 10 Illinois State Meet. Of recent, Stotz, earned a sixth place finish at the 2018 Region 5 Level 10 Championships, along with placing third on vault and sixth on floor at the 2018 Level 10 Illinois State Meet.
"Tori was actually one of the first recruits I met when I arrived on campus last year in July," said Walsh. "I immediately recognized her as having a very positive attitude and contagious personality. She is a solid vaulter, has a strong work ethic, and a lot of potential to contribute to the program on any event."
Congratulations Torie!!!
IGI is Hiring
IGI Gymnastics is looking for energetic, friendly, dependable individuals who enjoy teaching and building confidence in children.
- Birthday Party, Open Gym and Weekend Front Desk Staff
- Recreational, Preschool and Ninja Zone class coaching opportunities
Don't have experience but love working with children? IGI will train you!!!
Please click the link below and fill out the online form:
Employment Information Form
Anastasia Webb – Big 12 Newcomer of the Week
IGI Gymnastics graduate Anastasia Webb was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week for the third straight week!
Webb was named the Newcomer of the Week for the third time this season after setting a career-high in the all-around with a 39.625, moving her into seventh nationally with a 39.475 average. Webb set three career highs over the weekend, tallying at least 9.9 on three events for the first time this season. She led the team with a 9.950 on bars, sharing the event title with Nichols, and added a 9.925 on floor, a 9.9 on vault and a 9.850 on beam.
Oklahoma is the defending National Champion and currently ranked #1 in the nation.
As an IGI Gymnast,Anastasia was JO National Champion on both Floor-Ex and Vault, as well as a 2017 Nastia Cup Competitor.
Congratulations to Oklahoma and Anastasia!!!
Columbus Day
For Columbus Day, October 9th:
- IGI will be holding all Regular Classes
- There will be a Special Columbus Day Open Gym:
- 11am-1pm
- $10 per child
- Waivers must be completed by parent or guardian: IGI Waiver
We are thrilled to announce that Laurie Hernandez, 2016 Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, will be on hand on Friday, February 9, 2018 to help us celebrate our
20th Anniversary IGI Chicago Style Meet!!!Laurie Hernandez won a gold medal in the team event for the United States and silver on the balance beam at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. She is also competed on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars.
IGI Spirit Week
IGI Spirit Week is September 11 – 16th
- Monday, September 11th = Red, White, Blue Day
- Tuesday, September 12th = Pink Leotard Day
- Wednesday, September 13th = Crazy Hair Day
- Thursday, September 14th = Chicago Sports Team
- Friday, September 15th = Inside Out Day
- Saturday, September 16th (National Gymnastics Day) = IGI Leotard Day
For the Saturday IGI Leo Spirit Day, we have some cute, new IGI leos in our pro shop featuring a fun, multicolored back and colorful jewels on a black front!
Nastia Liukin at IGI!!!
Nastia Liukin, the 2008 Olympic All Around Champion visited IGI on May 22nd. During her hour-long session she gave short talk, followed by a Q&A, meet-and-greet, and autograph signing session! A big THANKS to Nastia for visiting IGI!!!


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Here in Czech Republic any citizen can pass a relatively simple test and receive a license to carry a handgun in public in a concealed manner. On the other hand another member of the EU - the UK is strongly opposed to personal ownership of guns to the point where even the police doesn't carry one on routine patrols.
What's the reasoning behind this? Is it all because of the single school shooting in 1996? Or perhaps the British public was always against guns for some reason and the Dunblane massacre simply nailed the last nail in the coffin of personal defense options?


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Merriam KS based Sunflower Dent & Detail is a prime example of how a small, family-owned business can benefit from a professionally designed and marketed website. Sunflower D&D went from having no website to achieving a dominant search engine position for all targeted keywords in less than six months. This auto detailer now receives an additional 2-4 Internet leads each day and their website ranking and traffic performance continue to improve. They have extended their customer base from Merriam KS to Lenexa KS, Olathe KS and most of the KC Metro Area. We provided Sunflower with a 10-page website design, updated their logo and continue to provided comprehensive search engine optimization services – tailored for this company's budget. Business owner Gary Hassler calls Kansas City Website Design his "best marketing investment to date."
As a reputable Kansas City auto detailing and body collision repair shop, the staff at SunFlower Dent & Detail believes that providing dependable service by professionals who are experts is more important than a shiny, impressive facility located in prime traffic areas. Whether you are in need of auto detailing, paintless dent repair or auto body repair, SunFlower Dent & Detail employs technicians who are skilled and dedicated to customer satisfaction.
Some of the auto body repair services offered include rust & corrosion repair, plastic bumper, fender, and panel repairs, auto body painting, scratch repair and the removal of minor dings or dents. If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident, SunFlower is the Kansas City auto body repair shop you can rely on to make your vehicle look like new – without costing an arm and a leg. Because the facility focuses on staffing professionals who are experts at their trade rather than a fancy storefront and hiring the cheapest labor to get the job done, prices are affordable. No huge overhead for a fancy building and great location, just technicians who offer superior quality work.
SunFlower Dent & Detail offers PDR, or paintless dent repair, for those who have those little pings, dents, or dings that are often caused by shopping carts, hail, and other car doors in parking lots. Many customers who have had the PDR service performed on their vehicles for the first time are amazed by the results, and even more amazed by the price considering what most other Kansas City car dent removal services charge.
Just need your car detailed out? No problem at all – SunFlower Dent & Detail takes care of auto detailing, cleaning your vehicle inside and out until it shines like a new penny! Detailed auto cleaning isn't just a "spit shine," it's extreme cleaning and polishing so that the result is a car that's "showroom floor" ready. For all of your auto detailing, auto body repair and paintless dent repair needs, count on SunFlower Dent & Detail.


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Born abroad in the beautiful country of Colombia, Chef Carlos Osorio spent his formative years in the culinary capital of the USA, New York City.
Chef Carlos began his formal culinary training at the age of 15 in the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) in Queens, NY. Upon completion of C-CAP, Carlos Osorio was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. Chef Carlos then began his formal career cooking in New York City with James Beard Award nominated chef, Floyd Cardoz (featured on Top Chef Masters). Chef Carlos also worked closely with Ben Pollinger, Executive Chef of Oceana restaurant in New York City, a Michelin Star recipient. Chef Carlos also apprenticed at the famous NYC Chanterelle restaurant, recipient of two Michelin Stars.
Chef Carlos became familiar with the Pacific Northwest through his work in the Midwest as he sourced many of his ingredients for suppliers local to Sequim, like oysters, salmon, and clams. Compelled by the cornucopia of foods sourced locally on the Olympic Peninsula, Chef Carlos Osorio chose to move to the source and found himself employed as the Executive Chef at Blondie's Plate restaurant in Sequim.
Born and raised in Forks, WA, Nicole is a Pacific Northwest native. An expert in the handcrafted cocktail, Nicole was named one of the top 10 bartenders in Best of the Northwest King 5 TV contest. In fact, she crafted the entire cocktail menu at Blondie's Plate restaurant, And her cocktails are AMAZING! Explore the unique libations menu featuring Mules and other perfectly balanced cocktails here.
In her spare time, Nicole races a Jet Sprint Boat in international competitions. She is the navigator! (Ask her about it while she prepares you a sexy Smoked Manhattan!)
Yet another dog lover on the all-star staff of Blondie's Plate restaurant in Sequim, Nicole adores her dachshund, Capt. Jack Sparrow. And while you won't find her at home cooking (her true passion is to EAT), you just might glimpse Nicole riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle along the winding back-roads of the Olympic Peninsula. Visit Blondie's Plate restaurant in Sequim and allow expert mixologist Nicole to pour you a custom crafted, perfectly balanced libation. Find out why Blondie's restaurant in Sequim has the best cocktails on the Olympic Peninsula!
Sequim native Darci Hintz earned her BA in Global Wine Studies from Central Washington University where she also earned her Wine Trade Certificate. Darci loves Washington State wines because there are so many varietals in one region. With so many delicious grapes to choose from she can't name just one favorite wine!
In addition to extensive wine tasting in Walla Walla and throughout Washington State, Darci has studied French wine in the Rhone Valley region of France. It is a good thing this woman loves to travel! Darci also loves cooking. She uses her connoisseur's palate to pair her favorite Washington Wines with her homemade French and Italian dishes.
While not cooking homemade food or imbibing delicious wine, Darci can be found shooting nine holes on Sky Ridge Golf Course in Sequim. Or hanging out with her Beagle, Bella.
Visit to Blondie's Plate restaurant in Sequim, WA and allow Darci to guide you through a specially curated selection of Washington State and local wines! What a great way to explore and expand your palate! Have a look at the Blondie's Plate wine menu here.


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Intel plans to establish a new company called SpectraWatt to develop solar energy technology and produce solar cells, the chip giant said Monday.
Intel will transfer all technology related to converting sunlight to energy into the new company and lead its first round of investment. The chip maker will join several other companies, including a subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Solon AG and the PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund (CETF) to invest US$50 million in the new solar venture.
The investment will take place by the end of June.
SpectraWatt will break ground on a manufacturing and technology development center in Oregon later this year, and its first product shipments are expected by the middle of next year. The new company will focus on advanced solar cell technologies as well as improving manufacturing technology to lower the cost of photovoltaic energy.
Currently, the cost of solar energy is twice that of retail electricity, Intel said. Reducing the cost of solar energy should ensure continued industry growth of 30 percent to 40 percent annually, according to the chip maker.
The new CEO of SpectraWatt will be Andrew Wilson, former general manager of Intel's New Business Initiatives group. The statement quotes Wilson as saying the goal of SpectraWatt is to move toward long-term national energy independence.


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At Haven's Kitchen, this tender braised leg of lamb might be served at a private dinner party. Chef David Mawhinny then sandwiches any extra meat and meat juices with pickled vegetables and focaccia for lunch.
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 500°. In a roasting pan that's large enough to hold the lamb, spread out the vegetables, herbs and peppercorns. Season the lamb generously with salt. Set the lamb on top of the vegetables and roast for about 25 minutes, until the lamb is lightly browned.
Add the stock to the pan and cover the pan with foil. Reduce the oven temperature to 300° and braise the lamb for 2 hours. Uncover the lamb and cook for 1 hour longer, until deeply browned on top and the meat is very tender. Let the lamb rest in the juices for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a carving board. Strain the cooking juices, discarding the solids, and spoon off the fat. Slice the lamb 1/4 inch thick and serve with some of the cooking juices.


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Confederation Trail
One of Canada's longest running theatres, the Kings Playhouse is the cultural and entertainment centre of eastern PEI. Events include local and internationally acclaimed musicians, theatrical plays and much more. Newly expanded, accessible, licensed and air conditioned for your comfort.
Nearby:Things to do Places to stay Places to eat
© 2017 Island East Tourism Group, All Rights Reserved


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Silesian-Upper-Lusatian Union of Museums
Living history, enlivening stories
With the foundation of the Silesian- Upper Lusatian Museum Federation LLC in 1999, it was the first time to try to operate small museums out of communal jurisdiction in the cultural region of Upper Lusatia-Lower Silesia. Specific topics of each of the four museums give a key to understand history and nature of eastern Upper Lusatia, since not only Görlitz offers unique architecture and culture, but the surrounding country is filled with history and stories to experience. The museums just wait to be discovered. Our museums: Village Museum Markersdorf, Granite Mining Museum Koenigshainer Berge, Castle Krobitz – a piece of Prussia in Saxony (exhibitions, concerts, happenings weddings, conventions), Ackerbürgermuseum Reichenbach.


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Hi there internet.
I need a new fencing jacket.
And I am thinking of going the "polish route", ie: jacket with that leather apron in front.
So I wonder if anyone here know where to get this apron I see all the polish guys using as I personally feel that would be far better than just a jacket or a jacket with a plastic protector underneath. (Also you look like a badass with one... )
Also, I find the APetterson jacket a tad small, does anyone here have any inputs on the Gdansk Pro jackets from histfenc (spes) ?
Thanks for any help
-Marius R.


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It seems every day there's a new towering building popping up boasting 'Green' technology. To most this is an a great trend considering commercial buildings account for over 60% of the nation's electricity consumption, according to government estimates, and generate 30 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. But these energy-efficient buildings only represent a small number of commercial properties. Many of these properties were erected decades ago before sustainable, or green, designs became the norm. This large amount of older buildings presents a much bigger opportunity to cut down on energy consumption and carbon emissions that contribute to the warming of the planet.
The United States Green Building Council — whose Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, or LEED, program has become the standard for sustainable building — has guidelines that address older buildings. Called LEED for Existing Buildings, or LEED-EB, the three-year-old program provides a laundry list of steps that building owners and managers can take to operate and manage their properties more efficiently. Like the certification program for new buildings, the program for existing buildings assigns points for various steps, including efforts in recycling, water and energy efficiency and air quality. There are four levels of certification, from basic to platinum, which is awarded to the highest-scoring buildings.
As more and more companies are looking to reduce waste, along with their carbon imprint, they find that their buildings are one of their most immediate opportunities. For their efforts, they usually get a healthier and cleaner work environment, improved efficiency and lower operating costs, all of which can help attract both new tenants and employees. The efforts are worth it, especially given the trend for companies to be at the forefront of the green movement. The response from the public is more than positive, LEED certification is crucial to the future. It helps businesses compete, recruit employees and attract tenants and at the same time is helpful in moving the climate into a 'Green' friendly status.
Advanced Control Corporation has been designing, installing and servicing innovative building systems for years, helping thousands of buildings in Florida to reduce their carbon footprint and to become LEED-certified. Contact Advanced Control to find out if your business is ready for the energy challenges that lie ahead. For more information on how Advanced Control can help you, call 954.491.6660.


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Despite the controversy over Miami rapper Pitbull�s $1 million contract with Florida�s tourism marketing organization, industry leaders in Palm Beach County are warning against cutting state money for the public-private agency, saying it could have a �negative and immediate� impact on the economy.
Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday recommended Visit Florida receive $76 million in state funding to help pay for its marketing efforts. Some state lawmakers, however, have taken aim at the organization�s budget, citing secrecy surrounding its contracts and marketing deals.
The pubic-private marketing organization has faced mounting scrutiny since it refused to release details about its $1 million contract with Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez. The controversy led to the resignation of Visit Florida�s longtime President and CEO Will Seccombe, who stepped down last month at the governor�s request.
RELATED: Secret no more: Pitbull tweets $1M contract with Visit Florida
Despite the shakeup, Discover The Palm Beaches, the county�s tourism marketing arm, is urging community leaders to push for state money for Visit Florida.
In an email message sent to industry leaders on Tuesday, Jorge Pesquera, Discover�s President and CEO, said tourism is a �a significant driver� of the state�s economy. Pesquera urged recipients of the message to call their state representatives, senators and the governor�s office.
RELATED: Out-of-state tourists spending more, Visit Florida says
�Tourism marketing efforts have a direct impact on the industry�s ability to sustain and grow tourism numbers, as well as fend off threats resulting from natural or man made disasters such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes, Zika, etc.,� Pesquera wrote. �Reductions in tourism marketing funding will have a negative and immediate impact on local communities in Florida.�


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Box 9
Contains 1 Result:
KKK Fined in Eatonton, GA/Cosby, Georgia Guilty of Murder/Curtis, John, Hanged Himself, undated
File — Box: 9, Folder: 78
Identifier: Series 8
Scope and Contents From the Series: This series contains carbon copies of articles Anderson wrote when he was a reporter for the "Pittsbugh Courier". He used four bylines: "Courier Press Service"; "Courier Roving Reporter"; "Dateline: Georgia"; and "Report from Dixie." Quite frequently the different bylines shared the same subject matter, especially those concerning political or legal issues. His writings under "Courier Press Service" and "Courier Roving...
Dates: undated


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At our Snows Fiat dealerships located in Newport on the Isle of Wight, in Farlington, Portsmouth, at Sarisbury Green and Millbrook in Southampton, we have all of the latest technology to ensure your Fiat is well looked after. Regular servicing will not only ensure that your vehicle is running reliably, but can also improve fuel economy and ensure it has retained its value when the time comes to sell it on.
You can book a service online today, for a convenient time. Our workshops are even open on Saturdays, so looking after your car needn't be at the detriment of your working life.
You can reduce the cost of servicing with our special offers, which include fixed-price servicing plans. These break down the cost of your scheduled maintenance into monthly instalments, so you're never stung when a service is due - especially as some services are pricier than others. Not only does paying monthly make it easier to budget for, but it provides protection from inflation, too.
We also carry a large number of official Fiat parts, which can bring your Fiat back to its best if anything needs replacing. Or you may be interested in the range of genuine accessories, including things like roof boxes and bike racks, which can amplify your Fiat's practicality and make it even more useful.
If your car is off the road because of a bump and you find yourself needing an unscheduled visit to our workshop, let us know. We can perform accident repairs, whether it's simply a paint scrape that needs a touch-up, or something more significant.
Click through to read more about the services we have available, and contact us if you'd like to take advantage of our technicians' years of experience.


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Scissor Hasp LS10031PC
- Brand
- Locksafe
- Sub Category
- Padlock Hasps
- Type
- Spring Steel Hasp
- Product Number
- Price
- $45.00 AUD ea + GST
- Product Category
- Hasps
Product Description
- To view price and extra information click "Read More" =>
- Material: 1.6mm spring steel.
- Finish: powder coated.
- Jaw size: 8mm.
- Holes diameter: 8mm.
- Quantity of holes: 20.
- Internal diameter of jaw: 28mm.
- Many Holes for added padlocks.
- Ideal for contractors on site.
- These Scissor hasps are similar to other products on the market but are customised by either size, material thickness, type, number of holes and jaw size.
- The internal diameter is the size measured in the circle created when in the closed position.
- The jaw size is the width of the jaw at the thinnest part.


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Key European figures this week dropped the biggest hints yet, that the European Union would allow Britain to delay or cancel Brexit altogether by reversing Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told Bloomberg that while it was "up to the British government to take their own decisions," Germany would not stand in the way of the UK returning to the 28-nation bloc.
"If they wanted to change their decision, of course, they would find open doors," he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron has said a very similar thing. "Of course the door is always open as long as the negotiations on Brexit have not finished," Macron said in a press conference on Tuesday.
He even said that once Brexit talks start "we need to be collectively clear that it's more difficult to reverse course."
Theresa May cancelling Brexit remains an unimaginable scenario given the outrage it would trigger and damage it would do the public's trust both in the Conservative Party and British democracy as a whole. But with the UK without a government at this time of writing and a second general election later this year a distinct possibility, it's clear that Britain is in not in an ideal state to enter such a defining set of negotiations in just a few days' time.
With this in mind, it is worth revisiting the question of what the law says about whether Prime Minister May or any other prime minister could actually reverse Brexit.
What is Article 50?
Article 50 is the official mechanism that allows a country to leave the EU and outlines a vague procedure for doing so. It was created as part of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. Once Article 50 is triggered, the departing member state has two years to negotiate the terms of its exit from the EU. May invoked Article 50 on March 29, 2017.
What does the law say about reversing it?
There is no clear legal position on whether Britain could legally reverse Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. In fact, politicians and courts in Europe are split on the question.
Most recently, a leaked European Parliament draft resolution has said that the UK will be able to revoke Article 50 before it expires if the rest of the EU agrees. This means May would be able to reverse the two-year process prior to it coming to an end, as long as it was accepted by the remaining 27 EU member states.
Here's who else says Article 50 is revocable:
Lord Kerr, the author of Article 50, says "you can change your mind while the process is going on." He told the BBC: "During that [two-year] period, if a country were to decide actually we don't want to leave after all, everybody would be very cross about it being a waste of time … They might try to extract a political price but legally they couldn't insist that you leave."
Speaking in the House of Lords in March, Kerr added: "When the government says as a matter of policy that they will not withdraw the notification … they implicitly confirm that in law they could withdraw it and they could. It is revocable."
European Council President Donald Tusk suggested last year that Britain could change its mind. "In my opinion, the only real alternative to a 'hard Brexit' is 'no Brexit'," he said last October, adding that once exit discussions were over Britain must "assess the outcome of the negotiations and determine if Brexit is really in their interest."
The House of Lords was advised by its own legal counsel: "It is absolutely clear that you cannot be forced to go through with it if you do not want to: For example, if there is a change of government … There is nothing in Article 50 formally to prevent a member state from reversing its decision."
On the other hand, here's who has suggested that Article 50 is irrevocable.
Justice Secretary Liz Truss has said, "my understanding is that it is irrevocable." She made the claim on "The Andrew Marr Show." The official position of the government is that it would never undo its decision.
The UK Supreme Court, in its decision requiring the House of Commons to vote on a bill triggering Article 50, said, "In these proceedings, it is common ground that notice under Article 50(2) (which we shall call 'Notice') cannot be given in qualified or conditional terms and that, once given, it cannot be withdrawn." That, however, was merely a procedural assumption in the case. The court did not rule on the merits of the position. As a matter of law it remains undecided.
In summary, the question of whether Britain could reverse Article 50 remains up for legal debate — but it clearly can't be ruled out. After all, Conventional wisdom pointed to both Remain winning last year's in-out referendum and May returning a comfortable majority at last week's general election. Conventional wisdom isn't always correct.
NOW WATCH: Douglas Carswell: 3 reasons why the Leave campaign won
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From time to time my job leads me to local museums and historic sites. It's a great gig for a museum junky like myself. And, better yet, I occasionally get to see stuff that doesn't turn up on the usual tours. Take, for example, this amazing window that I discovered (thanks, Blanche) on a recent visit to Cliveden (rhymes with "lived in"), a National Trust historic site north of downtown Philly in Germantown, PA. For nearly two centuries, Cliveden's owners encouraged their guests to "sign" the building's windows with a diamond scribe. Look closely and, in just this single pane, you'll find nearly one hundred and thirty years worth of names, dates, and well wishes. The window is a guest book in glass, the result of a charming tradition that literally etched family friends into Cliveden's memory.
Folks who, like myself, spend a lot of time doing history with things know full well that objects seldom speak so clearly of their pasts. This window owes its remarkable prolixity to Benjamin Chew and his progeny. Chew, a lapsed Quaker who made big money managing the Penn family's legal affairs, built Cliveden as a summer home in the 1760s. The house is most famous for sheltering a handful of British soldiers who, garrisoned behind the building's three-foot thick stone walls, managed to stall General Washington's advance toward Philadelphia in October 1777 during the Battle of Germantown. Chew sold the place after the Revolution, but reacquired it shortly before his death. The home passed from generation to generation until 1972 when the Chew family presented Cliveden to the National Trust. That they did speaks strongly to the family's awareness of its own significant historical legacy.
Cliveden's windows are, in this light, striking evidence of one family's desire to commemorate itself. And what a striking commemoration it is. To look through this window is to see one's self reflected in the deep memory of a building, and a landscape beyond, that witnessed the unfolding of our national story. And, at the same time, the window is itself a unique kind of historic text. It chronicles the comings and goings of some of this country's most prominent people over a remarkable span of time. The absence of less prominent names reminds us that not even objects have perfect memories. In any event, much could be made of this by a historian with an ear for objects. How one footnotes a window is another matter entirely.


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These differently colored bowls, each containing a fish, a star, and a heart, turn learning colors and shapes into a fun game for everyone! With the stylized simplicity for infancy, this clever set will grow in difficulty as your child grows up. Introduce the oversized tweezers to add an extra challenge as your child ages and develops greater hand dexterity. The genius behind the sorting game is that it can truly be hundreds of games in one, helping your child develop and grow for years. The only limit is your imagination! Add building blocks and use these unique shapes to create worlds, play matching games with the colors and shapes, role play dinnertime fun with the tweezers and pieces, we can't wait to see how you play!
- Width:
- 12.0 (in)
- Height:
- 2.2 (in)
- Depth:
- 11.0 (in)


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Donal Ryan's literary workshops
As part of the Leaves literary festival taking place in November, on Friday November 8 there will be a number of workshops in schools.
Author Donal Ryan will be visiting Mountrath Community School and will give a workshop and reading on The Spinning Heart.
Donal is from Nenagh and he currently lives in Limerick with his wife Anne Marie and their two young children. Donal's debut novel, The Spinning Heart, is co-published by The Lilliput Press and Doubleday Ireland. The Spinning Heart won overall Book of the Year at the 2012 Irish Book Awards. Donal also won Newcomer of the Year for 2012. The Spinning Heart has been longlisted for the 2013 Man Booker Prize.
Donal's second novel, The Thing About December, will be published in Autumn 2013.


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Home > JCLC > Vol. 28 > Iss. 2 (1937)
Volume 28, Issue 2 (1937)
Word-Magic and the Embezzlement of Real Property
Orvill C. Snyder
Police and Punishment Among Native Americans of the Plains
William Christie MacLeod
Education and Supervision of Mental Defectives
Byrd Arnold Smith
Crime Prevention From the Cradle Up
Max W. Nohl
Clinical Method for Diagnosing the Seriousness of Juvenile Delinquency
Mervin Durea and Joseph Pataky
Comparison of County Jail Inmates With the Working Community From Which They Come
H. Dewey Anderson and Percy E. Davidson
Honor Among Criminals
Jerome G. Sacks
Identification Through Dental Records
Edward J. Ryan


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from: http://artoftalk.tv/
Neal B. Joins ArtofTalk.tv as Web Video Entertainment & Events Correspondent
NEW YORK, March 3 – Blogger, on-air correspondent and New York City man-about-town Neal B. joins ArtofTalk.tv as their Web-Video Entertainment & Events Correspondent.
Neal B. (of "Neal B. in NYC" @nealbinnyc) is no stranger to covering entertainment in front of the camera. As a tv personality, host and actor who has appeared on tv, radio and in newspapers as an expert in covering events and celebrity interviews, Neal B. brings a wealth of experience to ArtofTalk.tv and a big personality that is sure to build upon his fast-growing internet fan-base.
Says Neal B. of his background: "I am a testament that things do happen for a reason. I was born in Colombia, South America. When I was merely a baby I was adopted by the two most generous and amazing people. I have lived in the New York City area for my entire life. I have taken advantage of the culture and I love soaking in all the arts and city life!"
It is this love of life, people and New York City that drew ArtofTalk.tv to Neal B.. His positive, fun outlook on entertainment and life is exactly what Neal B. plans on sharing with the ArtofTalk.tv audience on a its new talk show on-the-go ("Chat Stat"). Neal B. will cover celebrity interviews at red carpet events, coverage of special talk show tapings and live music performances, hot-spots and undiscovered gems of New York and the people who frequent them and get average-joe opinions from people on the streets about hot talk show topics including entertainment and politics. In addition to his up-to-the-minute video coverage, ArtofTalk.tv will also feature regular blog posts by Neal B. on what's new, what's relevant and what's to come.
Says Charlie Oliver (Founder and Managing Editor at ArtofTalk.tv), "Neal B. is that rare mix of enthusiasm, raw creativity and a winning personality that naturally draws people to him – all of that, coupled with a megawatt smile and we have a winning formula! We are thrilled to be working with Neal B. and look forward to his contributions and energy. I have no doubt that ArtofTalk.tv fans will adore him!"
Media Contact: email@example.com


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Greetings everyone!
It hardly seems possible that it was only 16 months ago that Central Missouri Scale Modelers started. We have really come a long way since then. Let's look at the past 16 months.
Our first meeting was in September 2009, and we have met each month since, with an average attendance of 9 modelers.
Over the past year, we have participated in the following activities:
§ Had model display tables at The Columbia Car Classic, The 2010 Honor Drive, and the Old Wheels Car Club.
§ Conducted a modeling instruction event at the Independant Living Resource Center Summer Camp for kids in July.
§ Some of our members participated at modeling competitions at The Gateway Invitational St Louis in September, and at KCCON Kansas City in October, having great success at these competitions.
Now looking ahead, what do we have in store for 2011? Well, I don't think we are going to be slowing either. We will be involved in the same events this year that we were at in 2010, and hopefully in greater numbers. I challenge everyone to be out in greater numbers and have more entries at the modeling competitions that will take place in and around the state of Missouri in 2011!
TigerCon 2011, our own modeling competition, will be taking place on November 5th. This will be a challenge to put on and will require lots of hard work, but should turn out to be a model competition that will bring vendors and modelers back each and every year.
IPMS Nationals will be in Omaha, Nebraska this year, August 3 – 6. That is within 5 hours of us here in mid- Missouri. Would be great to have a group of us up there with our projects! If any of you have not been to IPMS Nationals, it is truly an event that you need to go to. Not only is the competition on a nationwide scale, but there will be workshops, tours, and many, many vendors!
But let's not forget us and our passion of being modelers. I want to challenge everyone to be active at the monthly meetings, working hard to learn how to do things better at the hobby of modeling. The more we learn about modeling, the more fun we will have at modeling! So if there are things that you want to learn how to do better, or skills that you can help pass on to the group, bring them up at the next meeting.
Let's make 2011 a year that we can look back on and say, "What a year for Central Missouri Scale Modelers"!
Colin Smialek
Central Missouri Scale Modelers President


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WaPo Puts Own Fact Checker to the Test
In a somewhat goofy but endearing exercise, WaPo tests their own Fact Checker today with a special in-house edition of Glenn Kessler's The Fact Checker. This is, by far, the most creative internal memo we have seen to date out of WaPo. And trust us when we say we read memos that bore us to tears. They bring in Pinocchio to help. They also introduce Kessler's new assistant, Josh Adam Hicks, who comes to the position highly recommended. Who wouldn't hire him? He once worked as a fruit picker in New Zealand.
The Fact Checker's claim of expansion
"The Fact Checker is awesome. He's making sure people know what's real, and he's building a huge audience doing it. We need to get him some help for the campaign."
–Steven Ginsberg, Washington Post national political editor, July 7, 2011
Glenn Kessler relaunched The Fact Checker in January, examining the truth behind political rhetoric. He has managed to strike fear in Congress, annoy the White House and keep every presidential candidate on his or her toes. But is Ginsberg's claim of expansion correct?
The Facts
In a relatively short time, The Fact Checker has become one of The Post's most widely read blogs, with demonstrated potential for growth. Kessler has frequently set the agenda for political discourse in the ongoing fiscal debates and the presidential campaign. And he is just one guy.
To increase the The Fact Checker's output and reach, Josh Adam Hicks has come aboard to assist.
Hicks, who was an English major at Albion College, is a recent graduate of Stanford University's master's degree program in journalism. He comes highly recommended by our former Post colleague, R.B. Brenner, who taught him at Stanford. Josh previously worked for suburban Seattle newspapers, winning a number of journalism awards, and this summer completed an internship on the metro desk at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Upon finishing college, he bought a one-way ticket to New Zealand, where he worked for eight months as a commercial fisherman and fruit picker.
The Post expects that his sharp eye for news, rigorous attention to the facts and intimate knowledge of kiwis will be an enormous asset to The Fact Checker franchise.
The Pinocchio Test
With Hicks in the house, The Fact Checker clearly is prepared to delve even deeper into the claims and counterclaims of politicians in Washington and across the country. Ginsberg's statement earns our prized Geppetto checkmark
P.S. Please welcome Josh, who is sitting across from Lucy Shackelford.
Kevin and Marilyn


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Horses trained in Britain, Japan, America and Ireland dominated the UAE Derby on Saturday, and the winner now leads the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings. But how valuable is the form? James Willoughby, who is assessing each of the Derby trials using the tools available to him via the TRC Global Rankings algorithm, gives his verdict.
Trial number: 18 of 27
TRC trial rank: #7
Trial name: UAE Derby
Grade: 2
Our Grade: 2
Course: Meydan
Date: March 25, 2017
Distance: 9.5f
Going: Muddy
Winner: Thunder Snow
Winner Expected RPR: 114.9
Winner Actual RPR: 115
Winning Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor (TRC Global Ranking: #11)
Winning Jockey: Christophe Soumillon (#5)
Winning Owner: Godolphin (#2)
Winning Sire: Helmet (#97)
This was a classy win by the G1-winning Thunder Snow (Racing Post Ratings 115 here, compared with 119 at best) who was five wide on the first turn and three wide on the home turn. He has a high action and doesn't appear particularly well balanced to be running on dirt; neither did he help his cause by jinking right in the straight under a strong drive from Christophe Soumillon.
A review of the video below will help the reader decide the likely cause of this waywardness. Is it possible something caught his eye, or could his jockey have done more to keep him balanced?
Thunder Snow and runner-up Epicharis, winner of the Hyacinth Stakes in Japan, are eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby, but the latter is unlikely to ship from Japan because of tricky quarantine restrictions. For his part, Thunder Snow is a probable runner, but he will have to run a lot faster than this to prevail. According to Beyer figures – which now cover racing in the UAE - the time was four lengths slower than some of the U.S. colts, and that looks hard to argue with.
Though this race was just half a furlong short of the Derby trip, Thunder Snow appeals a little vulnerable at the distance. Third-placed Master Plan (RPR 111), trained by Todd Pletcher, was bearing down on the first two approaching the line and could be worth remembering for the Belmont, as all he does is keep going.
The Racing Post results chart also reports how the fourth-placed Lancaster Bomber – second to his Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemate Churchill in last October's G1 Dewhurst Stakes – did very well to reach his final placing (fourth) after missing the break.
Thunder Snow does deserve extra credit for navigating the officially muddy surface. He ran fourth in the Dewhurst and second in the G1 Racing Post Trophy last year before winning the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud by five lengths. That came on soft turf, but those are different conditions to a wet dirt-track and this colt may improve again on an artificial surface.
For now, however, it seems likely that there will be better, stronger stayers in the line-up at Churchill Downs. He is still a worthy challenger for Godolphin.
Read James Willoughby's previous Derby trial analyses
1. Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity (Mastery)
2. Jerome (El Areeb)
3. Sham Stakes (Gormley)
4. Lecomte Stakes (Guest Suite)
5. Holy Bull (Irish War Cry)
6. Withers (El Areeb)
7. Robert B. Lewis (Royal Mo)
8. Swale Stakes (Favorable Outcome)
9. Sam F. Davis (McCraken)
10. San Vicente (Iliad)
11. Southwest Stakes (One Liner)
12. Risen Star (Girvin)
13. Gotham (J Boys Echo)
14. Fountain of Youth (Gunnevera)
15. San Felipe (Mastery)
16. Tampa Bay Derby (Tapwrit)
17. Rebel Stakes (Malagacy)