Friday, March 20, 2009

Obama wants you to pledge loyalty to him tomorrow
Don't answer the door.

House Passes Volunteerism Bill Critics Call Pricey, Forced Service
The civilian national security force is coming along.

Obama and Israeli Leader Make Taped Appeals to Iran

Exclusive: Treasury Officials Proposed Limiting Bonuses for AIG

President Obama Jokes About Being a Bad Bowler: 'It's Like the Special Olympics'

AFP: Obama to visit Turkey on April 6-7: Turkish PM
Alliance of Civilizations.

Gates plays down Russia, China threats
Of course.

Pentagon reshuffles key commanding posts


Goldman Has $4.4 Billion Collateral on $6 Billion AIG Exposure

San Francisco police make several arrests during anti-war protest

Nineveh, IN man held in ‘sexting’ case
Good name for the town.




France braced for riots on day of protests against Nicolas Sarkozy
Millions take to the streets of France in protest

Bomb damages Greek state agency; no injuries

DryShips Rises After Signing $630 Million Contract

'Infandous*' George Galloway banned from Canada on grounds of national security
HA ha! /Nelson

E.U. rejects U.S. stimulus stance in favor of welfare spending

Deported former Nazi guard a free man in Austria
News: Austrian justice ministry says can't prosecute 83-year-old Josias Kumpf who admitted to participating in 1943 massacre of 8,000 Jews, because he was younger than 20 at time of the crimes.
And they told the US that before we deported him there, but we did it anyway.

Romanian police arrest Pentagon hack suspect




Russia nuclear reach extends to Asia on Toshiba deal

Putin Warns Against Printing Money to Cover Deficit
Which makes them smarter than us.

Russia might postpone shelf projects

Gazprom Refused To Join Nabucco

Russia: S. Ossetia, Abkhazia independent




Azerbaijan Votes In Favor Of Lifting Presidential Term Limit
RFE/RL Journalists Report Fraud in Azerbaijani Referendum
No, really?

Deficit of cash in Tbilisi

Turkey plans new base on Black Sea following Russia-Georgia war

Talking ‘Turkey’ about genocide

Turkey, Syria cooperate on water front




US plans soon to ease ban on contacts with Iran

Report: Iranian defector tipped Syrian nuke plans

Iranian Blogger Dies in Prison


2 US Navy vessels collide in Strait of Hormuz

Lebanon's hopes for democracy

U.S. to aid in rescue of persecuted Yemen Jews

Saudi Arabia Religious Police Mistakenly Beat Up Married Couple


UAE pardons 329 prisoners, cancels their debt

U.S. exports to U.A.E. eclipse trade to Israel and Saudi Arabia


Syria's Assad to visit Jordan ahead of Arab summit

US: Airstrike in Iraq kills 11 insurgents




U.N. rights envoy sees Israeli war crimes in Gaza

6 Yrs Jail for Arab Restaurant Poison Attempt

Netanyahu Gets Extension; Peres Pressures Labor


Egypt denies it has already invited Netanyahu

Egypt may boycott peace treaty anniversary over Lieberman pick

Egypt intel chief meets Clinton

Egypt's OCI wins $258 mln power plant contract




$33 bln Libyan water scheme stirs debate

Libya in move to lure foreign banks


UN cites reports of govt links to Somalia pirates

Pirates seize Greek ship in waters near Somalia

Bin Laden urges Somalis to topple new president


Africa: Millions of dollars wasted on water

Congolese flee new Hutu attacks

Zimbabwe 'surviving on beer and cigarettes'




Afghanistan says Kabul strikes planned in Pakistan

Anger in Pakistan at US plan to expand drone attacks against Taliban and al-Qaida targets

Briton: Extremists in Pakistan a Key Target

Pakistan - Thousands protest police killing in IHK

India: Pakistan's Mumbai probe 'sketchy'

Media warned on Mumbai evidence

Peace returns to Rabodi after riot leaves 26 hurt - India

Bomb blast on railway track targeting Rajdhani express




Armed Police to rebuild earthquake-damaged school in Sichuan

China's factories get desperate as orders drop

China Mobile Posts 30% Earnings Rise in '08

China 'to step up naval patrols'

Chinese guard shot dead in attack

N Korea to restore army hotline to South

Malaysia govt agency to sell 100 mln rgt Islamic bond




Mexico captures son of leading Sinaloa drug lord

U.S., Mexico to talk arms in Cuernavaca

Gunmen Open Fire in Mexican Tourist Town, Wounding 3

Panama a “Meeting Spot” for Mexican, Colombian Narcos


Brazil - Vast Reserve Is Approved

Ecuador army plane hits Quito buildings, six dead


Venezuela Chavez to nationalize Santander bank unit

Venezuela Signs Energy Cooperation Agreement with Japan




Opec Cuts Start to Take a Bite Out of Global Oil Inventories

IBM Selects 200 New Global Leaders for the Corporate Service Corps to Tackle Socioeconomic Problems in Key Emerging Markets
Aaargh.

U.N. panel says world should ditch dollar
ACMETAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

The quest for a global solution is misguided
But it will continue.

Green investment solution to global crisis

London police fear violent protests at G-20 economic meeting

China may be obstacle to Gordon Brown's global G20 economy plan

Biometrics Play New Role In Passport Technology




200,000 affected by Namibia floods: UN

Zambia: Floods Devastate 15 Districts, Leave Many Homeless

Dike work started in Fargo to prepare for flood


YEMEN: Field teams to fight new locust infestation - official

Rain triggers surge in locust activity - Australia


Putnam, Alachua Fire Crews Battle 330-Acre Brush Fire - Jacksonville




Magnitude 4.9 - POTOSI, BOLIVIA

Magnitude 5.0 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA

Magnitude 4.8 - OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE

Magnitude 5.1 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA

Magnitude 5.1 - PAPUA, INDONESIA
Quake hits off Indonesia

Magnitude 5.1 - CRETE, GREECE
Moderate earthquake rattles Greek island of Crete

Magnitude 7.9 - TONGA REGION
Tsunami Warning Issued After 7.9 Magnitude Quake Hits South Pacific
Magnitude 5.3 - TONGA REGION
Magnitude 5.4 - TONGA REGION
Magnitude 5.0 - TONGA REGION
Magnitude 5.1 - TONGA REGION

VIDEO: Tonga Volcanic Eruption Now In Fourth Day
Pictured: The spectacular eruption of an underwater volcano in the South Pacific
'No living thing left' as Tonga volcano erupts

Tsunami 'trigger' spotted on Google Earth


Magnitude 1.5 - TENNESSEE
Magnitude 1.8 - SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI
Magnitude 2.0 - SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI
Magnitude 2.4 - ARKANSAS
But New Madrid is "winding down." HA!

Magnitude 5.1 - HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION

Magnitude 5.4 - FIJI REGION

Magnitude 5.0 - VANUATU

Magnitude 5.1 - SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

Magnitude 5.0 - PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION

Scientists plan to drill into earthquake faultline for research
This can't end well.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Pakistan suicide bomber kills eight: police

Pakistani Political Crisis Jeopardizes U.S. Regional Strategy

Pakistan's Asif Ali Zardari may become a figurehead

Pakistan to Raise Funds Abroad Amid Political Strife

Pakistan kidnappers set new US hostage deadline

Pakistan Stocks Rise Most in 9 Months as Gilani Restores Judges

India welcomes end to political turmoil in Pakistan
Sorry, India, it ain't over yet.

‘Sharia to be enforced in other areas after Swat’

Pakistan militants hit NATO supply convoy

Pakistan suicide bomber kills 14: police

U.S. Weighs Taliban Strike Into Pakistan

Afghanistan wants larger role in terror fight

***

American Tower says to buy India's Xcel Telecom

Indian Sugar Producers May Boost Sales to Cool Prices

Kalimantan Gold in India talks on Indonesian coal
JAKARTA, March 16 (Reuters) - Canadian mining firm Kalimantan Gold Corp. is in talks with an Indian power plant on equity participation and a supply deal in a coal project in Indonesia's East Kalimantan...

Steel Authority of India Yet to Renegotiate Coking Coal Prices




China sends ship to disputed waters

Suez Environnement: Acquires Water Supply JV In Tianjin, China

Taiwan: Time not right for reducing China tensions

China rejects Coke bid to buy juice maker

China Tightens Grip as Tibet Revolt Hits 50-Year Mark

Bomb lobbed at police station in China's west

China labour leader freed after 7 years in jail

DPRK premier arrives in Beijing for China visit

***

Philippines - The looming power shortage


Chavez: Russia jets welcome, but no Venezuela base

Venezuela's Chavez says Russian planes can use base

Pentagon mocks Russian moves in Latin America
Nervous laughter, if there's anyone with a brain there.


Once Solid, Brazil's Big Food Companies Now Wobbling




Morocco accuses Iran of cultural infiltration

Kadhafi hands over Niger's ex-prisoners to Tanja

Libya eyes more property in west

Cash-strapped U.N. to halt West Africa aid flights

Somalia: Unknown Gunmen Kidnap UN Aid Workers
Aid workers kidnapped, freed in Somalia

Egyptians tell of 'days of terror' in pirate hands

GULF OF ADEN: Danes, Turks deter pirates off Yemen.

Vietnamese cargo rescued from pirates

Arab League will not arrest Sudan's president

Ghana: Women Lose Their Farms to Biofuel Production

***

Zimbabwe land grabs start again

Zimbabwe moves to repossess unused mining claims

Zimbabwe Closes in on Record
Inflation, that is.

Inside Zimbabwe: A world undone by neglect and madness

Denmark hints at normalising ties with Zimbabwe

***

DR Congo majority boycotts opening of parliament

Congo media group seeks journalist's release

Kenya set to sign trade agreement with DRC

Congo-Kinshasa: Recruits Executed for Trying To Flee

Foreign Policy: There Is No Congo




Gravity satellite launch delayed

European group pushes RFID project for enterprises

United Nations panel discusses extraterrestrial war and peace
Covering the important things.

Geek Replaces Lost Finger With 2GB USB Finger




Zimbabwe cholera cases at over 91,000

Dollars from dirt: Economy spurs home garden boom


Drought grips Texas cattle country

Central Valley Farmers Reeling From Drought Crisis

Drought, Desal Plant Woes Force More Groundwater Pumping - Tampa

Explorers On Global Warming Expedition Stranded in North Pole by Cold Weather





Mt. Redoubt volcano in Alaska placed back on Orange alert
Saturday...

Tanzania: U.S. Scientists Respond to Save Oldonyo L'engai Villagers - Arusha —
American scientists will assist Ngaresero village dwellers to live in harmony with Oldonyo L'engai Mountain, an active volcano. Villagers will be taught protection methods.
You don't live in harmony with a volcano. You get away from it.

Magnitude 4.5 - CATAMARCA, ARGENTINA
5.3 degrees earthquake shakes center of Argentina


New Madrid fault system may be shutting down
The same day:
Magnitude 1.8 - SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI
Magnitude 1.1 - TENNESSEE

Volunteers prepare for anticipated eruption | The Jakarta Post

An early warning system for tsunami developed

Magnitude 5.0 - TONGA
Earthquake hits ocean between Philippines and Indonesia

Magnitude 6.3 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
Strong earthquake strikes islands off eastern Indonesia
Magnitude 5.0 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.2 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA

Magnitude 4.9 - NORTH OF ASCENSION ISLAND

Magnitude 4.2 - GULF OF CALIFORNIA

Magnitude 4.7 - REYKJANES RIDGE

Magnitude 4.8 - NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA REGION

Magnitude 4.0 - NORTHERN ALASKA

Magnitude 4.2 - OFF THE COAST OF OREGON

Magnitude 5.0 - MARIANA ISLANDS REGION


Magnitude 2.7 - OKLAHOMA CITY URBAN AREA, OKLAHOMA
Magnitude 2.5 - OKLAHOMA CITY URBAN AREA, OKLAHOMA
Pair of Earthquakes Reported In Oklahoma City

Magnitude 3.8 - NEVADA
Earthquake Rattles Northeastern Nevada, No Immediate Report of Injuries

Geologists say event at Redoubt was an eruption
Sunday...

Hawaii's Volcanic fumes

Magnitude 4.9 - PAKISTAN

Magnitude 5.0 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.5 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA

Magnitude 4.4 - NEAR THE SOUTHEAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA
Second earthquake in a fortnight rattles Melbourne

Magnitude 5.2 - SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS

Magnitude 2.4 - OKLAHOMA

Magnitude 2.5 - ALABAMA

Undersea volcano erupts off Tonga coast
Deep sea volcano erupts off coast -AWESOME pictures.

Alert level lowered for Alaska volcano
Wednesday. I don't know what they're thinking, either.

Alert level lowered for Alaska volcano
Continued...

Gazprom Wants To Invest in Japan

Oil producer Russneft faces bankruptcy
Russian energy majors Gazprom and Rosneft are potential buyers for Russia's eighth-largest oil producer, Russneft, which is facing bankruptcy from loans.

Russia Plans ‘Large-Scale Rearming’
While we're disarming.

Russian build-up no threat to US: Pentagon
Riiiiight.

Russia warns companies about bailouts

Azerbaijan, Russia Agree to Disagree on Arms Transfer and More

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister receives ambassadors of Russia and China

Saakashvili Says Georgia Open to Russian Firms


Politics key to Russia-Turkey nuclear plant deal

Turkey and Russia on the Rise
Boy, that Ezekiel dude sure did have it pegged! Who'da thunk it? /


Russia to spend $43 bln on crisis in '09 -agencies

Gazprom may supply Hungary directly

Ukraine says Russian gas supply to Europe falls

Gazprom builds Arctic helicopter base
Mentioned it a while back, but it bears repeating.

Deferring Nabucco Is Win-Lose for Gazprom
Nabucco project not in EU pipeline
Rescuing Nabucco
Nabucco is the one that would bypass Russia.

Russia declines OPEC membership; proposes 'permanent envoy'

Russia's Stroytransgaz Commences Work on $418 Million Taweelah-Fujairah Gas Pipeline

***


UK - Why are our state-owned banks asking customers about their politicial affiliations?
Big Brother is watching!

Biometric passports law - upheld by the Romanian authorities

Financial crisis sparks unrest in Europe

Anti-government protests in Hungary

Several injured as Spanish students clash with police over reform

Protest against Montreal police backfires


French state faces quandary with Areva

French promise Brits £10bn of nuclear work


Belarus, Armenia to discuss cooperation in meeting modern-day challenges

EU opens high-speed internet connections for researchers in South Caucasus


Britain to buy its first 3 Lockheed F-35 fighters


Portugal urges EU to pressure Israel over settlement expansion

Jordan, Portugal set to boost partnership
Hmmm....


Iraqi Christian refugees flock to Germany




Gazprom may join Iran's South Pars project

Sanctions Keep Lid On Iran-China Deal
Lucrative deal opens the door to Asia--and perhaps Gazprom--but the U.S. is blocking the way.
Don't worry, we'll stop soon enough.

A 'back channel' appeal to Iran
President Obama and his aides are preparing to send a secret message to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, inviting him to open a clandestine "back channel" for direct talks between the United States and Iran.
Can't be very secret, now, can it?

Brown issues Iran nuclear warning
Gordon Brown tells Iran it faces a "clear choice" over its nuclear plans, with the possibility of tougher sanctions.
ROTFLMAO!

U.N. Official, D’Escoto, Faults U.S. and West on Iran and Sudan
We're too tough on them. *headdesk*

U.S. charges Iran businessman with illegal exports

Khatami to pull out of Iranian election
Make way for Mousavi!
Iran's presidential candidate vows to follow Khatami's reformist path

Forget Iran's president, the power is Ayatollah Khamenei's
But Mousavi will put a happy face on it.

Iran-Armenia railway important for the region

***

Libya eyeing Enel's rights issue

Canada - Libya May Buy Oil Company
Libya says it may block Verenex Energy buyout

***

Syria's Strategy in Lebanon: Historical Overview

Syria: Pro-democracy activist sentenced to 3 years
Syria jails dissident despite detente with West
As if the West really cared.

Syria's Assad ready to mediate with Iran: report
Dun dun DUN!

***

Aqaba 'vital for the Iraqi economy', says minister
Iraq pinpoints Red Sea port as key facilitator for upcoming reconstruction projects.

U.S. plans hardware withdrawal from Iraq

***

Azerbaijan: Referendum May Mark Demise of Civil Society

Azerbaijan Announces Prisoner Amnesty

Azerbaijan Opening Supply Route to Afghanistan

***

Iran, Armenia to construct largest hydroelectric power station in Caucasus

Intimidation blamed for Georgian paper's closure

Anti-government rallies mark start of protest season in Tbilisi

***

Egypt's Orascom Construction FY net rises 230 pct

Egypt Restructures Industry

Egypt to open inner chambers of 'bent' pyramid

Egypt blocks Hamas cash at Rafah border
night-vision goggles and around $900,000

Islamists blast Egypt for denying entry of Jordan activists to Gaza

***

Turkish Involvement Could Stimulate Middle East Development

Obama likely to refrain from naming 1915 incidents as "genocide"

Kurdish independence just a dream, Talabani tells Turkey

Analysis: Turkey's interest in hydropower
Turkey, hosting the fifth World Water Forum this week in the former Ottoman imperial capital Istanbul, is an anomaly among Middle Eastern nations, among the world's most parched regions, in that it has a surplus of water relative to its neighbors. Istanbul epitomizes this natural bounty, sitting as it does astride the Bosporus, a waterway connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean.

Turkey detains 5 after bone fragments found-report
Turkish police detained five people on Tuesday after finding bone fragments detectives think may be the remains of victims of extrajudicial killings in the mainly Kurdish southeast, state-run Anatolian Agency (AA) said.
"Extrajudicial killings?" Is that like murder?

***

South Korean Investigators Targeted by Suicide Bomber in Yemen

Obama Envoy in Yemen to Hand Letter to Saleh
Hand delivering letters in the armpit of the world!

Saudi shipping company adds call on Port of Charleston next month

S. Korea's SK Engineering wins $805 mln UAE order




FM: Palestinians will not talk to anti-peace Israeli government
Palestinians calling Israel "anti-peace".

Gamal Mubarak to CNN: Two-state solution only way to achieve peace in ME
Israel must uphold two-state solution, EU foreign ministers say
Joel 3, I say.

Unity unlikely as sides refuse to budge
Bibi Invites Barak into Coalition, Possibly Splitting Labor

Netanyahu Embraces New Economic Thinking
With unemployment up and exports down, Israel's next Prime Minister is casting off laissez-faire philosophy in favor of more state intervention.
Never a good sign.

U.S. bans ex-Mossad chief over spy case

Two Israeli policemen shot dead in West Bank

Egypt said planning to invite Netanyahu for official visit

Hamas, Israel fail to agree in Egypt talks

Lebanon prosecutor seeks execution of Israeli 'spies'

Israel Museum, Home to Dead Sea Scrolls, Gets $100 Million Redo
The scrolls, btw, are under attack:
Scholars in uproar over challenge to Dead Sea Scrolls

Lebanon rules out talks with Israel

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

“Acmetal”:Currency of the Recession to make London Debut
How Wile E. Coyote pays for his merchandise. *I know, I know...*

Kremlin to Pitch New Currency at G20
This is a different one from the Kazakh "acmetal".

Moscow proposes a ’new order’

Russia for global financial reforms

***

Fifth World Water Forum Opens in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Forum Examines World's Dwindling Water Resources

World Bank appeals for water investment





The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment
Vets attack Obama health proposal
Obama backs off plan to alter vets’ healthcare
Trial balloon.

***

There are currently 17 upper level positions unfilled at Treasury. And more in other depratments. And yet...
***

Pentagon readies its cyberwar defences

Pentagon Puts Controversial Personnel Plan on Hold

Military Weighing Its Use of Contractors

Major Players Look To Fix Weapons Acquisition

Obama taps Russia specialist for arms control post

Gates readies big cuts in weapons

White House says NATO is no threat to Russia
Now THAT'S the truest thing I've heard in ages!!!

***
Krugman Says Mild U.S. Recession Became a ‘Plunge’
March 17 (Bloomberg) -- Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman said the world is in a “coordinated global slump” that “looks worse in Europe and in Japan” than in the U.S. and he called for more public spending to combat the crisis.

China cements role as top creditor to US: Treasury


What is up with all the brouhaha over AIG?

Obama will try to block executive bonuses at AIG

Armed guards at AIG offices after death threats over bonuses

Rage at AIG Swells As Bonuses Go Out

Obama Town Hall: A lesson on banking and how AIG is like a suicide bomber

Michelle Malkin » The Kabuki Theater of AIG Outrage

It's being drummed constantly by the White House and the media--it's pretty darn useful for them, actually. You whip up public anger at the corporations, and you can use if for a front to get more control.

Obama seeks greater rein on financial institutions

It also distracts the populace from the real outrage: We're printing money left and right, and the latest cash dumps were never voted on at all.

Fed launches bold $1.2T effort to revive economy

Don't panic. Read your Bible. Read a good survival manual.

Then go out and practice those things you've read.




Works and Days » The “Depression” for Us Idiots

Cheaper gas can't last, analysts warn

Feds to ease restrictions on 'American Taliban'

The Nationalization Option
Brazilian FM: U.S. should nationalize banks
Look for it.


Missouri report on militias, terrorists draws criticism
Oh, dear. There goes my good citizen award.

Who sent soldiers into an Alabama town last week?
Who sent 22 military police and an Army officer into the tiny Alabama town of Samson last week after a gunman went on a rampage that left 11 people dead? That's what the U.S. Army would like to know.
I'm cautiously worried about this one. Guy was on a rampage, and communities often have agreements with nearby bases to help--Eglin lends their bomb-sniffing dogs to our sheriff's department and city police. But in this case, seems like a lot of MPs and no one knowing how they got there. Not good.


***

San Diego Union-Tribune Says It Was Sold To Platinum Equity

Northrop Grumman willing to divide tanker contract with Boeing

Boeing Unveils New Stealthy F-15



***

There's more, but it'll have to wait for a decent hour. me sleepy.

Monday, March 16, 2009

World Needs Single Currency To Beat Crisis - Kazakh President
Kazakh leader calls for single global currency
Nobel-prize winner backs world currency
This is what they mean about the upcoming G20 being "a new Bretton Woods."

Russia cool on Kazakh idea for new world currency
They've got their own plans for a new regional currency. Which is what I think will happen across the globe.

International Cooperation Is the Way Out of the Financial Crisis
aaaargh!


Geithner Urges ‘Forceful’ G-20 Action, More IMF Funds
The Obama administration soon will also push Congress for legislation that allows the IMF to “mobilize” its stockpile of gold, Geithner said today. Congress would need to approve the IMF funding expansion, although it wouldn’t count against the budget deficit, he said.

Those of you who think gold will be the accepted currency of an apocalypse, take note. It's also subject to manipulation.


Bleak data from Asia, Europe ahead of G20 meeting

Geithner embraces G20, IMF, World Bank in global crisis battle plan

Obama Says ‘Concerted’ G-20 Action Needed on Economy

Russia opposes minimum fiscal stimulus for G20

France says US seems unconvinced on own stimulus

Banks want G20 to set up pricey bad bank

G20 backs boosting ADB's capital by $100 bln

Cable: G20 should be 'realistic'

Geithner hears complaints, crowing at G20


***

Africa: Kofi Annan - 'Continent Must be Part of the Solution to the Global Economic Crisis'

World Bank warns of "very dangerous" year ahead
I agree, but for different reasons.

White House objects to UN calling US 'deadbeat'

Crossing over to Islamic banking
Also part of the arrangement.

***

Advisor named for upcoming Summit of the Americas

U.N.'s Water Czar to Participate in Protests at U.N.-Backed Water Conference





Google-Backed 23andMe Seeks Parkinson’s Patients Spit

Arphid Watch: End of the Verichip Saga?

Florida schools testing out biometrics

Science News / Networks Of Plunder

Air Force Plans Enormous Spy Blimp


***

Once Every 28 Years: Blessing on the Sun

U.N. warns about natural disaster risks


There's No Pill for This Kind of Depression
Two, the economy isn't the only reason for our unease. There's more to it. People sense something slipping away, a world receding, not only an economic one but a world of old structures, old ways and assumptions. People don't talk about this much because it's too big, but I suspect more than a few see themselves, deep down, as "the designated mourner," from the title of the Wallace Shawn play.

Blind nut finds a squirrel! Or something.


Prince of Wales warns about climate change and then does the samba
*headdesk*

'At least 20,000 homeless' in Angola floods

Official: HIV/AIDS Rate in D.C. "Higher Than West Africa"
Sodom on the Potomac, indeed!





Magnitude 4.5 - ECUADOR

Magnitude 5.2 - SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS

Magnitude 5.3 - SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA

Magnitude 5.7 - COSTA RICA
Strong quake shakes Costa Rica
Magnitude 5.8 - COSTA RICA
Magnitude 5.9 - COSTA RICA
Earthquakes Send Costa Rica's Southern Zone Into Panic, No Major Damage
Magnitude 4.9 - COSTA RICA
Magnitude 5.1 - COSTA RICA

Magnitude 4.7 - NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

Magnitude 5.0 - PUERTO RICO REGION
4.9 earthquake north of Puerto Rico shakes island

Magnitude 5.2 - SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

Magnitude 5.1 - SICHUAN-GANSU BORDER REGION, CHINA
5.0-magnitude earthquake hits central China

Magnitude 4.5 - SAN LUIS, ARGENTINA

Magnitude 5.2 - OFF THE WEST COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA

Magnitude 5.5 - SOUTH OF AFRICA

Magnitude 5.0 - SOLOMON ISLANDS

Magnitude 4.8 - OFFSHORE TARAPACA, CHILE
Strong Earthquake Rocks Four Regions in Chile

Sea volcano blows its top 300km off NZ coast

Magnitude 6.2 - SOUTH OF PANAMA
Magnitude 4.9 - SOUTH OF PANAMA
Magnitude 4.8 - SOUTH OF PANAMA

Magnitude 5.4 - KEPULAUAN BABAR, INDONESIA

Magnitude 5.0 - KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

Magnitude 4.8 - PRIMOR'YE, RUSSIA

Magnitude 4.5 - EL SALVADOR

Magnitude 4.8 - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS REGION
Magnitude 4.7 - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS REGION
Magnitude 5.4 - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS REGION
Magnitude 5.4 - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS REGION

Magnitude 4.3 - OFF THE COAST OF OREGON
Magnitude 4.3 - OFF THE COAST OF OREGON

Magnitude 5.0 - AUCKLAND ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND REGION

Magnitude 4.9 - PAKISTAN

Magnitude 5.4 - OFF EAST COAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND, N.Z.
Magnitude 5.2 - OFF EAST COAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND, N.Z.
4.3 magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand North Island

Colombian volcano rumbles, 3,000 evacuated

Pace of quakes speeding up near Yorba Linda

Light Earthquake Shakes Bulgaria's Pavlikeni

Magnitude 5.2 - WEST CHILE RISE

Magnitude 5.2 - SOUTHERN PERU

Magnitude 5.1 - CORDOBA, ARGENTINA

Magnitude 5.0 - KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

Magnitude 5.0 - TONGA

Magnitude 2.6 - EASTERN TENNESSEE

Epoch Times - Another Five Earthquakes Shake Sichuan Province

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Clinton Hints to Arab Teens PA is Already a Sovereign State
AAAARRGH!

Pope to make landmark visit to mosque
Benny, Benny, I had such high hopes, then you went and smashed them.

Editor's Notes: Another pope

U.S., Israel at Odds Over Iran's Nuclear Weapons Aspirations

Iran the focus as Ashkenazi flies to meet top US officials

Farkash: 'Peace more likely with Syria than PA'

Police: New via-Syria drug route revealed

Stage Set For A Collision: Lieberman, Netanyahu and Barack Obama

Plan to introduce biometric IDs stirs privacy debate
!?!

Islamic-Style Ponzi Scheme Costs Investors 100 Million Shekels

Hezbollah chief defiant on Israel

More rockets fired at south

Japan threatens economic sanctions on Israel

Israel: Nuke-Free Zone in Middle East? Only When There is Peace

Terrorist Arsenal of 50,000 Rockets Aimed at Israel

Two policemen killed in shooting attack on Jordan Valley Road





Iran says no need for Turkish mediation with U.S.

Azerbaijan and Iran sign seven documents

Turkey hopes Black Sea oil will make the country self-sufficient

Turkey to increase trade with Syria to $10 billion

Turkey says attacks Kurd rebel targets in northern Iraq

Saakashvili critics in concert, march in Georgia

Azerbaijan: A Leader of Georgia's Ethnic Azerbaijanis Is Arrested in Baku

***

Iran 'has no bomb-grade uranium'

Iran 'one or two years' from nuclear weapon: Russian expert

Mousavi enters Iran's June poll

Iran's president blames West for economic crisis
As much as I hate to say it, he's right about that.

U.S., Iran Face Off in Wrestling Tournament as Obama Extends Sanctions

Iran, China sign $3.2 billion gas deal

***

Syria launches first stock exchange

SYRIA: Damascus getting courted from all sides

British politicians meet Hamas leader in Syria

***

Saudi hosts Syria, Egypt in effort to end rift

Disneyland to woo Saudi tourists

Saudi $3.36B power-water project on line this year

Saudi FM criticises Tehran

Saudi Arabia toughens line against Bashir warrant

***

Jordan says four firms bid to build nuclear plant

Kuwait says eyes nuclear cooperation with France

18 inmates injured in riot at Lebanese prison

4 South Koreans killed in Yemen suicide bombing

***

BABYLON: A TALE OF TWO CITIES

'Chemical Ali,' others sentenced in Iraq

Egyptian Daily Reports On Secret Program To Revive Ba'th In Iraq

Report: U.S. Shoots Down Iranian Drone Flying Over Iraq

Iranian Qods Force Operatives Captured In Iraq

Iraq Security Official Wants 'War of Intelligence' to Track Extremists

Al-Qaeda suspects gunned down in Iraqi custody

***

Ancient golden jewelry found in Egyptian tomb

Egypt: 9 paintings stolen from Egyptian museum

Egypt army cadets attack police

Egypt wants Palestinian unity deal by Saturday

Egypt invites Hamas, Islamic Jihad leaders to Cairo

Cultural cooperation between Egypt and Norway

***

Emiratis target 'masculine women'

UAE to invest $700 billion in East Asia

Gold (jewelry) sales plunge by 70% in UAE, Saudi Arabia

Sarkozy to open first Gulf military base in Abu Dhabi: report

***

OPEC calls for end to overproduction

Algerian energy minister says wants OPEC output cut




'US will hand Afghanistan over to Pak'

Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran join drug crackdown

Afghanistan: 20 Years in Prison for Questioning Sharia Law
We've lost. We caved on the war of ideas; combat ceases to matter after that point. :(

Gen. Petraeus: No Iraq-style surge in Afghanistan

***

U.S. State Department Silent on Growing Pakistan Tensions

Pakistan storms closer to civil breakdown
They have nukes.

Pakistan tries to stifle opposition's protest
Clashes mark protest in Pakistan
Pakistan Protesters Vow to Reach Islamabad as 1,000 Arrested
Pakistan opposition head Sharif under house arrest
Pakistan Arrests Opposition Leader to Block Protests

Zardari, in Iran, backs 'Peace Pipeline'

US lawmakers: Pakistan must give access to nuclear scientist

Drone 'kills 24 Pakistan Taleban'

Pakistan - Gas pipeline blown up in Sui

***

India in major embassy security review: report

'Third front' launched in India

Bhel may team up with Bharat Forge, Areva in new venture

Railway police official's body found-Vadodara
Hmm.

Central Asia and Russia: Countries can't afford to say no to Kremlin

***

Workers die on China rail project

China stocks up on bargain oil

CNOOC to invest RMB 300 bln in Guangdong

Dissident lawyer's family flees China to US asylum



Indonesia opens first defence university

Japan warns it may shoot down North Korean satellite launcher





Air Force Plans Enormous Spy Blimp

Florida schools testing out biometrics
!?!?!

Arphid Watch: End of the Verichip Saga?

Science News / Networks Of Plunder
Teen gunman kills self after slaying 15 in Germany
German school shooting prompts calls for tighter gun control

Grenade attack at Kiev railway station wounds 7

Neo-Nazis rally in Slovakia



Muslim extremists shout abuse at British soldiers during home-coming march
Thousands show support for soldiers
'Disgraceful' Islamist protesters plan to target more soldiers returning from Iraq
Muslim protester who works as baggage handler at Luton Airport has security pass suspended

Minister beaten after clashing with Muslims on his TV show

Why the killers are back in Northern Ireland
Nationalists riot in N. Ireland riots after police arrest 3 over killings




Areva seeks Mideast funding
Bingo. The French are up to quite a bit these days.

Areva May Sue Siemens on Nuclear Deal With Rosatom, Figaro Says

GDF Suez May Look At Acquiring Gas Natural Assets

Total and GDF Suez mull to invest in French photovoltaic industry

What does Sweden have against rational Nordic energy solutions?
Sweden's continued opposition to a natural gas pipeline running along the floor of the Baltic Sea is more political than it is environmental, but that doesn't make it any more rational, argues researcher Timo Kivimäki.


Britain 'biggest in EU by 2050'
Britain could have the biggest population in Europe by 2050 and be the third biggest recipient of migrants in the world, UN projections suggest.


GRAY: EU has the means to check Gazprom
The means, but not the will.

The Breadbasket Becomes the Basket Case--Ukraine

Ghost Towns Dot Finland as Forestry Collapse Threatens Growth




Report: Cuba, Venezuela could host Russian bombers
Right in our backyard!

Medvedev upbeat before Obama meeting
I guess so!

Russia may scrap Iran missile delivery: report
not holding my breath.

Russia, Libya sign warship contract worth up to $200 mln

South Ossetia to allow Russian bases for 99 years: report

Russia preparing for withdrawal of Black Sea Fleet

Russia says it wants to keep radar in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan says Russia arming enemy Armenia

Head of Sevastopol administration: Russian Black Sea Fleet owes Hr 3.6 million to Ukrainian Pension Fund

'Merchant of Death', Viktor Bout, denies arming terror

Russian oil and gas swap for Ukraine’s Crimea Peninsula?

Putin agrees to waive gas fines in gesture to Ukraine
Putin eases off 'broke' Ukraine

CSTO experts meet in Moscow to discuss military-economic cooperation

Russian Oil Roulette

Russia power producers face hard years -regulator

Russia issues arrest warrant for mobile phone mogul

Russia Sibur seeks $2 bln, pays off loan early
Sibur is controlled by Gazprombank, the banking arm of Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom.

Russia to invest $850 m in floating nuclear power plants

Central Asia to press ahead with Russia gas pipeline

Putin Offers Miners a Crash Course on Crisis

Russia axes $2.8 bln plan to save developers

Russia's Billionaire Drop-Offs

Russia’s Richest Woman, Baturina, Seeks Aid, Getting Double Takes

Gazprom willing to ship more gas to Poland

Putin, Gazprom Bluffing to Hungarians on South Stream

Belarus Seeks to Double Russian Gas Flows, Challenging Ukraine

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev poised to replace officials loyal to Vladimir Putin
I'm not buying the 'power struggle'. I'm calling ploy.

Russian workers start hunger strike over wage cuts

Activists accuse Russia of mistreating Muslims

Police: More than 40 detained in Moscow protest

1,000 rally against government in Russian Far East





Making Peace or Fueling War in Africa

Senior Uganda rebel leader killed

Congo war crimes verdict called landmark

Congo miners suffer as boom turns to bitter bust

Ugandan army begins Congo pullout



Blast Kills Security Official in Somali Capital

Somali pirates injure two seafarers

Somali pirates keep up attacks but seizures fall

Japan orders warships to Somalia anti-piracy mission

South Africa transhipment set to grow as vessels avoid Suez



Eritrea invites Bashir, condemns Hague warrant

Sudan brushes aside Egyptian proposal for international conference

Opposition politician released in Zimbabwe

Fresh drilling lifts hope of striking oil in Kenya

Madagascar president offers poll



Libyan citizens won't receive oil revenues

Libya frees 136 Islamists close to Qaeda

Official: Serbia blocks arms sale to Libya
No reconciliation with Mullah Omar: Pentagon
yet.

Minnesota connection? Experts warn that Somali extremists are radicalizing Americans

No decision on US refueling tanker: Pentagon
Obama pushes for five-year delay for Air Force tanker

Navy Sends Destroyer to Protect Surveillance Ship After Incident in South China Sea
Obama calls for measures to stop China Sea clashes
U.S. vessel's standoff with Chinese sub 'dangerous,' analyst says

Pentagon Rethinking Old Doctrine on 2 Wars


***

Economic crisis shows government isn't the answer | ajc.com
Nationalize banks - Salt Lake Tribune
Washington Square News - Gov’t should dissolve, not nationalize failing banks
We’re left with no choice but to nationalize - Las Vegas Sun
Bank of America CEO warns against nationalization

Everybody's talking about it, but not everyone is aboard. Obviously the hopium supply is wearing a bit thin.

Stress Test Zombies: Not Too Big To Fail? Tough Tootsies Little Banks!

Summers Says Economy Hasn’t Hit Bottom, Job Losses May Continue

And this one's my favorite:

Nationalize Newspapers. Or Bail Them Out. But We Can't Let Them Disappear
Because we don't have enough government media.

Calif. brokers indicted in $7 million lender theft

Madoff Jailed After Pleading Guilty to Epic Scheme



China’s Premier Wen ‘Worried’ on Safety of Treasuries
Obama Administration Tries to Reassure China on Treasury Debt
"Tries" being the operative word, there.



Texas state health agencies ban workers from going to Mexico

Ron Paul defends earmarks, says anti-pork McCain is just grandstanding
HA ha! Sorry, Paulbots, your guy is as crooked as all the others are.

Marriott may be 'interested in' The Greenbrier





Shooting spree left 11 dead in less than an hour
Samson deputy loses wife and 3 mo. old daughter
Tuesday's rampage is deadliest in Alabama history
Violent DVDs found in Ala. shooter's home

Tennessee Church Gunman Hoped Attack Would Provoke More Like It

Man kills 4 at gathering in Miami, then kills self

Woman, stepdaughter slain in Wash. ax attack





Turkey Sees a Greater Role in Obama's Foreign Policy

Obama picks U.S. ambassadors to Iraq, Afghanistan

Freeman blames 'Israel lobby' for ouster
it was teh jooooooooooooooooooooos! Ugh.

Column One: Intelligence and the anti-Israel lobby


I’d have preferred his prosecutor got the job, but I’m vindictive like that
I mention this for one reason: Tony Ward is the President’s nominee to head the Justice Department’s Civil Division. If you want to know how far we are past 9/11, there’s your answer: John Walker Lindh’s defense attorney is going to work for Justice. I’m not saying he wouldn’t do a perfectly competent job.

It just seems like one of those things that might have stuck out, once upon a time.


Cohen Withdraws From Running for No. 2 Treasury Job

Obama Afghan Plan Focuses on Pakistan Aid and Appeal to Militants
Birds of a feather.

Obama talks to Indonesia, Saudi leaders on economy

US officials to Obama: Talk to Hamas

U.S. disagrees with British decision to engage Lebanon's Hezbollah
For now. I think you can see from all the preceding that it won't last.

Brazil leader takes regional clout to White House
And gets bumped back and his name misspelled. Classy, Barry! 'Course, this guy isn't what I'd call a friend:

Brazil's Lula: A Bridge to Latin America's Left?

Obama may get cheaper, stripped down helicopter

Obama Team Heads to 'War' Over Economic Agenda
A wave of top Obama financial advisers blanketed the airwaves to promote the president's budget proposal; at the same time they tried to blunt Republican charges that the White House is exploiting the crisis to enact sweeping changes.
But it's exactly what they've said they're doing. And it's exactly what the Republicans have done.





Mtl police to don military fatigues at weekend anti-police brutality march
Organizers of an annual anti-police brutality demonstration say they can't be held responsible for how the traditionally violent march unfolds on Sunday.
Sounds like they're hoping to drum up some more charges of brutality.

Canada takes steps to protect Arctic



Obama Considers Request to Deploy Troops to Mexican Border

Mexico: As body count rises, morgues filling up

Mexico drug cartels buying public support

Feds bolster agents on border with Mexico

Nine bodies found in common grave near Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

2,000 more troops arrive in Mexican border city