Ted Cruz is a Canadian, but His Citizenship Can be Bought

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Greetings my American friends, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper here for <i>I’m With Stupid.</i><br /><br />I am humbly honored to have been permitted by Jay and Matt to use their mildly popular and nearly worldwide forum so that I may <strike>pontificate</strike> calmly comment upon an almost serious matter that slightly concerns both of our above average nations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNfuufEMnl2m21_0xN_OKOeWcj58Wb4uuxhuSmHf2Iu6zSgouFyaZcIMs1ngec8nB5MQ1wGfOhlRyqqs3Zxk_B3F_PWMzm_jGYLBt_gVCnBIArBjEqjCnWlFE_uREbG8H57um-jFS4oor/s1600/Stephen+Harper+Prime+Minister+Canada+Asshole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNfuufEMnl2m21_0xN_OKOeWcj58Wb4uuxhuSmHf2Iu6zSgouFyaZcIMs1ngec8nB5MQ1wGfOhlRyqqs3Zxk_B3F_PWMzm_jGYLBt_gVCnBIArBjEqjCnWlFE_uREbG8H57um-jFS4oor/s400/Stephen+Harper+Prime+Minister+Canada+Asshole.jpg" width="400" /></a>As I, like my fellow Canadians, am a polite and mild-mannered person, I have ambivalent emotions about publicly writing on what I am about to say, but…<br /><br />As this is an issue of tepid importance, I feel that I must.  I mean, if that’s okay with you guys.  If it is not, please turn away now and perhaps click onto the gentle and heartfelt reflections of IWS’ very own<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/search?q=Paul+Piatt" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Paul Piatt.</span></a></span><br /><br />It seems that U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was born within the confines of our neatly, yet not at all ostentatious borders to a Cuban father and American mother.  While some in our country would consider him to be of, dare I say, rascally lineage, Sen. Cruz while an American, does have the official status of being a Canadian citizen as well.<br /><br />Now as many of you Americans know, Sen. Cruz has his Cuban/Canadian eyes on running for President in 2016, so Mr. Cruz has stated gleefully (which is an adjective that Canadians are unaccustomed to) that in order to show his oneness of patriotism to America, he would renounce his Canadian citizenship.<br /><br />While to us Canadians, that could be taken as a gentle slap to our collective cheek, we as Canadians, are all about and accepting of, individuality and the personal space and thoughts of others.<br /><br />So, out of respect for Sen. Ted Cruz, his selfish ambitions, and his dislike for Canada, he is free to come to Canada, or any Canadian embassy, fill out the legal citizenship renunciation form, and pay the $100 fee.<br /><br />However…<br /><br />While we Canadians don’t like to rock the boat nor curry favors from others...in this case?  I am going to have to put some caveats on his renunciation prior to it going forward.<br /><br />You see?<br /><br />The Democrats in America know that Cruz has two, maybe three citizenships, and because of that, even the most tannin of tea partiers will not vote for him in the primaries.  However, Democrats would like nothing more than to see an unelectable Ted Cruz get the Republican nomination in 2016.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7qwjLuRietj-0AG-dVeBWMX3NoXq2HnVIFm-yncDpZ3qL7Rn3_2lSdDvHCLmqoeGrTLp9VjXEI3P7AmK7qday6c0PvWcB-83pPdfres7oBB9dVLvjQn9pb1UdzoxSeQDvhFBnzf0PimW/s1600/Ted+Cruz+Asshole+Jerk+Gay+Canadian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7qwjLuRietj-0AG-dVeBWMX3NoXq2HnVIFm-yncDpZ3qL7Rn3_2lSdDvHCLmqoeGrTLp9VjXEI3P7AmK7qday6c0PvWcB-83pPdfres7oBB9dVLvjQn9pb1UdzoxSeQDvhFBnzf0PimW/s400/Ted+Cruz+Asshole+Jerk+Gay+Canadian.jpg" width="400" /></a>If the Democrats and the Obama administration want us to allow him to renounce his citizenship so that it bolsters his bona fides among Republican primary voters, we want a little sumpin sumpin in return before allowing him to step foot into our country or into one of our embassies in order to fill out the legal and requisite paperwork.<br /><br />Here are but a few items that we are demanding, and they must be done by September 1…<br /><br />In any and all official U.S. government documents we want to be referred to as, <i>Exciting and Exotic Canada.</i><br /><br />Just for Canadians, we want you to devalue your currency so that more Canadians are able to visit your strip clubs, steal your license plates, and pee on your front lawns.<br /><br />We want an airtight dome installed over Detroit so that our citizens in Windsor don’t have to suffer from the stench and the heartache emanating from the Motorless City.<br /><br />We will, by Parliamentary voice vote, revoke the Canadian citizenship of Justin Bieber, and grant him American citizenship, and you must honor it.<br /><br />Your Congress will by proclamation in perpetuity, make September 1st, <i>National When Canada Influenced the United States and Made Ted Cruz Its Bitch Day</i>.<br /><br />On American FM radio stations between 6 and 9 PM on Fridays, only songs by Rush and Triumph are allowed to be played.<br /><br />That motherfuckin’ Ted Cruz is a crazy insane bastard, but to me and my fellow Canadians, he’s gold.<br /><br />So let’s see some bling, America…The curling stone of renunciation is on your ice.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbj-JXFpz7UD8G8Up_9PK6knH_XtjakAonYOTbpdfNEJ09_Wc_O3OkbHaYkeTs2pOAoRjy8GvtwbhZ36LLFTHUxRF4MKJRSr0c7fVp6MtL43ijNOeuyqhOgK7vi1o_ZSbMOt_xKekuPWi/s1600/Stephen+Harper+Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbj-JXFpz7UD8G8Up_9PK6knH_XtjakAonYOTbpdfNEJ09_Wc_O3OkbHaYkeTs2pOAoRjy8GvtwbhZ36LLFTHUxRF4MKJRSr0c7fVp6MtL43ijNOeuyqhOgK7vi1o_ZSbMOt_xKekuPWi/s200/Stephen+Harper+Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><a href="mailto:mattmaniws@ymail.com">mattmaniws@ymail.com</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/MattMan_IWS" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">@mattman_iws</span></a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattmaniws" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">My Facebook Page</span></a> </div>

Ted Cruz is a Canadian, but His Citizenship Can be Bought

Greetings my American friends, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper here for I’m With Stupid. I am humbly honored to have been permitted b...

Read more »

Flower Party by Night Yves Rocher Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOBPOtcvXdU/UhVjTAiOAgI/AAAAAAAAJVg/2mfjpz38F8M/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOBPOtcvXdU/UhVjTAiOAgI/AAAAAAAAJVg/2mfjpz38F8M/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Sometimes you just need to let your hair down and pamper yourself and leave your worries behind. What better way to do so with the best products imaginable whether its bubble bath, shower gel, a moisturizing lotion, or sweet smelling perfume to feel luxuriously smooth, sexy and confident.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2MzjaNLCr8/UhV08yZ49JI/AAAAAAAAJWI/ILPv1rMGk3Y/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2MzjaNLCr8/UhV08yZ49JI/AAAAAAAAJWI/ILPv1rMGk3Y/s320/13+-+1" width="248" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ever have that one lotion or spray that you put on and the scent just doesn't last as long as you want it to?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let me tell you these products from <a href="http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/main">Yves Rocher</a> that I've received for review are amazing they smell  oh so good and it lasts all day!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Body lotion:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Leaves your skin so soft leaving a floral scent behind, even you'll want to sniff at it all day and night it smells that good!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Shower gel:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Relaxing fruity scent whether on a bath sponge or for running a tranquil bubble bath.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Perfume:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Delicious fruity aroma that will last all day long and smells incredibly amazing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What I loved:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Smelled amazing</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lasts long </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Loved the fancy perfume bottle </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Not an overpowering scent</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I loved them all!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Website:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/main">http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/main</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Facebook:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/YvesRocherUSA"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">https://www.facebook.com/YvesRocherUSA</span></a></div>

Flower Party by Night Yves Rocher Review

 Sometimes you just need to let your hair down and pamper yourself and leave your worries behind. What better way to do so with the best pro...

Read more »

Programming and Outreach Coordinator - Woodbridge Town Library

<strong>Programming and Outreach Coordinator</strong> (full time) - <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Woodbridge Town Library</span></strong></strong> seeks a full time employee to oversee and manage adult programming and provide technological outreach. This position requires an ability to create and implement innovative programming, and to manage public relations in all formats. Additional responsibilities include website management, database maintenance, knowledge of various PR formats, eBook familiarity, and ability to provide technology assistance to patrons. Candidate must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with patrons of all ages. Hours of employment may require 1-2 weeknights and an occasional Saturday. Minimum educational requirements: MLS degree from an ALA accredited institution preferred but not required. Bachelor’s degree and some library experience required. Salary commensurate with experience, competitive benefits. Please send resume and cover letter by <span style="color: red;">September 6, 2013</span> to: Director, Woodbridge Town Library, 10 Newton Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525. Or email to: <a href="mailto:tfabian@woodbridgect.org">tfabian@woodbridgect.org</a>. The Town of Woodbridge, CT is an equal opportunity employer.

Programming and Outreach Coordinator - Woodbridge Town Library

Programming and Outreach Coordinator (full time) - Woodbridge Town Library seeks a full time employee to oversee and manage adult programm...

Read more »

Reference and Technical Services Librarian - Woodbridge Town Library

<strong>Reference and Technical Services Librarian</strong> (part time) - <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Woodbridge Town Library</span></strong></strong> seeks a part time employee (14 hrs/week) to provide both reference support to patrons and help out in the technical services department. Responsibilities include; assisting patrons with databases and software, eBook knowledge, and online support. This position requires proficiency in public library aspects of reference and interlibrary loan as well as current reference practices. Candidate should have knowledge of cataloging standards which include MARC records, AACR2, RDA, OCLC and the Dewey Decimal System. Candidate must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Hours of employment will require 2 weeknights each week and one Saturday per month. Minimum educational requirements: MLS degree from an ALA accredited institution and some library experience. Competitive rate. Please send resume and cover letter by <span style="color: red;">September 6, 2013</span> to: Director, Woodbridge Town Library, 10 Newton Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525. Or email to: <a href="mailto:tfabian@woodbridgect.org">tfabian@woodbridgect.org</a>. The Town of Woodbridge, CT is an equal opportunity employer.

Reference and Technical Services Librarian - Woodbridge Town Library

Reference and Technical Services Librarian (part time) - Woodbridge Town Library seeks a part time employee (14 hrs/week) to provide both ...

Read more »

High School Library Media Assistant - Northwest Catholic High School

<strong>High School Library Media Assistant</strong> - <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Northwest Catholic High School</span></strong></strong> is seeking a part-time (20 hours a week) Library/Media Assistant who will support the curriculum by assisting students and staff with access to information and information-seeking skills. Preferred hours of availability are generally between 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (only on days when school is in session) during the school year. Responsibilities include: Maintaining the library as a welcoming, helpful and orderly learning environment during and after school. Tasks would include but not be limited to supervising students monitoring student internet use, checking out library materials, assisting students and staff in the use of the library resources and maintaining the library collection. Strong computer knowledge of Microsoft Office is required along with an aptitude for careful, detailed analytical work. A bachelor’s degree is required and experience working in a high school library is preferred. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to Academic Dean John Cusson at <a href="mailto:jcusson@nwcath.org">jcusson@nwcath.org</a>.

High School Library Media Assistant - Northwest Catholic High School

High School Library Media Assistant - Northwest Catholic High School is seeking a part-time (20 hours a week) Library/Media Assistant who ...

Read more »

Senior Administrative Associate - Wilton Library

<strong>Senior Administrative Associate</strong> - <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Wilton Library</span></strong></strong> seeks a full-time Senior Administrative Associate to assist Executive Director and Development Office. Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access), QuarkXPress, fundraising database software (Sage Fundraising 50), web browsers, web-based email, calendar software and photo editing software. Duties include generating letters and reports, entering information into fundraising database, creating bookplates and graphics; working with board, staff and volunteers on events, attending fundraising events and other general office management assignments as required. Successful applicant will be self-motivated, energetic, have demonstrated problem solving abilities, business decorum, good interpersonal and communication skills, professional telephone manner, and be able to work in a team environment. Experience in the Development area is highly desirable. Email resume and cover letter to Anne Rowlands, Director of Development, at <a href="mailto:employment@wiltonlibrary.org">employment@wiltonlibrary.org</a>. Wilton Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Senior Administrative Associate - Wilton Library

Senior Administrative Associate - Wilton Library seeks a full-time Senior Administrative Associate to assist Executive Director and Devel...

Read more »

Head of Adult Services - Simsbury Public Library

<strong>Full-time Head of Adult Services</strong> - <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Simsbury Public Library</span></strong></strong> is seeking a creative, self-motivated Librarian who, under the general supervision of the Library Director, is responsible for providing excellent customer service through management and development of departmental staff, coordination of departmental services including reference and information services; technology instruction and assistance; reader’s advisory; room bookings and use; adult programming; outreach, marketing and publicity; interlibrary loan and resource sharing. The Head of Adult Services is also responsible for Library operations in the absence of the Director. Some evenings and weekends will be required. This is a full-time A5 (Supervisors) position with a salary range of $66,837-$82,370. Required minimum qualifications: MLS with five years progressively responsible library experience, including two years of supervisory experience; proficiency in reference and with Library automation, personal computers, software applications, tablets, android and smart phones, as well as social media. Strong customer service skills are essential. All applications must be submitted online at: <a href="http://www.simsbury-ct.gov/jobs" target="_blank">www.simsbury-ct.gov/jobs</a>. The closing date for this job opening is Monday, <span style="color: red;">September 2, 2013</span>.

Head of Adult Services - Simsbury Public Library

Full-time Head of Adult Services - Simsbury Public Library is seeking a creative, self-motivated Librarian who, under the general supervi...

Read more »

Children’s Librarian, Teen Services - East Hartford Public Library

<strong>Children’s Librarian, Teen Services</strong> (Full time) - The <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">East Hartford Public Library</span></strong></strong> is looking for an enthusiastic, tech-savvy teen services librarian to join our customer service-focused staff as we begin a major renovation and expansion of our library. Responsibilities include: develop and conduct programs for teens and tweens, maintain teen collection, provide readers advisory and reference assistance, plan and teach instructional technology classes. Ability to effectively use social media for library marketing, especially Facebook and Pinterest, preferred. Knowledge of SIRSI and website updating a plus. MLS required and three years’ experience in public libraries preferred. This is a full-time position, thirty-five hours a week including one night and a regular Saturday rotation. Starting salary is $55,633 plus benefits. Employment application is available at <a href="http://www.easthartfordct.gov/" target="_blank">www.easthartfordct.gov</a>. Completed application must be returned to East Hartford Human Resources Dept., 740 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108 by <span style="color: red;">September 6, 2013</span>. EOE.

Children’s Librarian, Teen Services - East Hartford Public Library

Children’s Librarian, Teen Services (Full time) - The East Hartford Public Library is looking for an enthusiastic, tech-savvy teen service...

Read more »

Reference Librarian - Fairfield Public Library

<strong>Reference Librarian</strong> - <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Fairfield Public Library</span></strong></strong>, Fairfield, CT is seeking that special person to join our team of great librarians. We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in adult collections and innovative programming. You are friendly and approachable with a curiosity to explore new approaches to technology and any other “new” trend, idea, or concept. You love connecting our patrons and helping them look for a solution to their questions. Your work is performed with considerable independent judgment and initiative. Your days will be complete and sometimes you will leave the building exhausted yet energized. You will have a MLS from an ALA accredited university and one to two years’ experience working as a professional librarian. Fairfield, CT is a train ride between New York City and Boston and is on the shore of Long Island Sound. Our town is a very special place for a very special Reference Librarian. Starting salary $58,167 with benefits package. Please send a cover letter and resume to Library Director: Karen Ronald: <a href="mailto:kronald@fplct.org">kronald@fplct.org</a> by <span style="color: red;">September 6th</span>.

Reference Librarian - Fairfield Public Library

Reference Librarian - Fairfield Public Library , Fairfield, CT is seeking that special person to join our team of great librarians. We a...

Read more »

Part-time Technical Services position - Deep River Public Library

<strong>Part-time Technical Services position</strong> - <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Deep River Public Library</span></strong></strong> is looking for an energetic, personable and motivated tech services person to catalog and process all library materials and to be in charge of ILL. Position requires copy and some original cataloging. We are looking for someone with commitment to modern library service. This is a 19 hour a week position, including one evening weekly and one Saturday a month. No benefits. Qualifications: public library experience, cataloging experience with Verso preferred. Hourly rate depending upon experience and skill set. Send letter of introduction, names of three work references and resume to: <a href="mailto:srooney@deepriverct.us">srooney@deepriverct.us</a>. The application process will remain open until the position is filled.

Part-time Technical Services position - Deep River Public Library

Part-time Technical Services position - Deep River Public Library is looking for an energetic, personable and motivated tech services per...

Read more »

Abusive employer Marquez Brothers gets the OK from Walmart

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlWHjokOafhYvFvGpVWttWmefNuxn3Uuk1768c5Gt5K92jJ6oquHUiv802PE3HkDMGWfBnSM5b66nDUBkFdNblFljETpft60WlVRYJ0YQhWXCPPSkg2ySwFwvlcaKLxv7_xrTEcLZtqOE/s1600/Marquez+bros+contract+vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlWHjokOafhYvFvGpVWttWmefNuxn3Uuk1768c5Gt5K92jJ6oquHUiv802PE3HkDMGWfBnSM5b66nDUBkFdNblFljETpft60WlVRYJ0YQhWXCPPSkg2ySwFwvlcaKLxv7_xrTEcLZtqOE/s400/Marquez+bros+contract+vote.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marquez Brothers workers after voting down the contract proposal in May. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Marquez Brothers, the California cheese plant with the horrific record of mistreating workers, recently got approval by an "independent auditor" to continue as a Walmart contractor.<br /><br />No one should be surprised by this. Getting approval to be a Walmart contractor involves passing a very low bar indeed. Marquez Brothers joins <a href="http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2013/08/21/US-Bangladesh-Safety-Plan-Implementation-082113.aspx" rel="nofollow">Bangladeshi garment factories</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/oct/18/walmart-supply-chain-agencies-accused-wage-theft" rel="nofollow">warehouses accused of massive wage theft</a>.  And it was only when a disgusted public and suppliers put pressure on Walmart did it sever its relationship with <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/30/business/wal-mart-suspends-seafood-supplier-over-work-conditions.html?_r=0" rel="nofollow">C.J.'s Seafoods</a>, a Louisiana seafood processor that enslaved its workers.<br /><br />Marquez Brothers is a horror story in its own right. The company's employees voted last year to join the Teamsters, but management is spending heavily on a nasty law firm to bust the union. The company made a ludicrous contract proposal in May that was voted down 119-2.<br /><br />Retaliation against workers is common, and union supporters have been fired. In March, one of the <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/03/boss-to-workers-if-you-go-to-sacramento.html" rel="nofollow">Marquez Brothers' low-wage workers went to testify at a hearing</a> in the state capitalabout its intimidation of immigrant employees. The company's pricey lawyers to follow the worker to the hearing room in Sacramento and intimidate her in front of lawmakers.<br /><br />Wages are as low as minimum wage. Employees who have worked at Marquez Brothers for 10 years are making $9 an hour, while health care for a family is more than $600 a month. We are told management gave employees a penny an hour raise and told them they should be grateful.<br /><br />You can imagine what their working conditions are like. Workers who cook cheese are given gloves so cheap their hands get burned. Workers injured by slipping in the freezer aren't given light duty. If workers apply for workers comp or unemployment benefits, Marquez Brothers tries to block them. One worker in his 40s was told by his supervisor that he should quit because he's too old and no longer useful to the Marquez Brothers.<br /><br />Walmart recently sent an "independent" auditor to assess the company's labor practices. You can guess how it happened. The auditor didn't speak Spanish, so the human relations manager active in busting the union did the translation.<br /><br />Marquez Brothers got a passing grade from Walmart. We hope they're proud of it.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

Marquez Brothers walmart Abusive employer Marquez Brothers gets the OK from Walmart

Marquez Brothers workers after voting down the contract proposal in May.  Marquez Brothers, the California cheese plant with the horrific re...

Read more »

YEMEN:

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlorTja2Fo4zgPFg7znKR1axjOYcX4hqY2mR0lqrGssiUOBc54r_l8PHi1Oa_w87ZbiGIPH7jDkiOB2vMAczTXfXcRGYZPS9LBMGqsmBRKUamWNSeRGRpExOAPDQwM2Uqu-N5A1hbzYzj/s1600/yemen_grunge_flag_w__emblem_by_syndikata_np-d5ydwdm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlorTja2Fo4zgPFg7znKR1axjOYcX4hqY2mR0lqrGssiUOBc54r_l8PHi1Oa_w87ZbiGIPH7jDkiOB2vMAczTXfXcRGYZPS9LBMGqsmBRKUamWNSeRGRpExOAPDQwM2Uqu-N5A1hbzYzj/s320/yemen_grunge_flag_w__emblem_by_syndikata_np-d5ydwdm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A CRITICAL BUT FORGOTTEN FRONT</span> </span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The struggle against al-Qaeda in YEMEN stands as an unheralded though critical front in the global war against terrorism. This fight has taken the form of violent hit-and-run operations against the YEMEN Army, itself backed by U.S. drones, and the establishment of territorial bases that are often in flux.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRdoqXPRRNGbaO9u-V3Uzew5KEYV9ZREahAFyq6p9gmoTPqlp1TiOR_ZVeT1FMXW9h8vhC-rz7UYxk0eSNDmL6GL-N1lheS-Kx7nxhRcvnwPgrCoN6T5yL1cVTGh6aheTfGL3WrsLAfbg/s1600/Yemen_map_showing_strike_area%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRdoqXPRRNGbaO9u-V3Uzew5KEYV9ZREahAFyq6p9gmoTPqlp1TiOR_ZVeT1FMXW9h8vhC-rz7UYxk0eSNDmL6GL-N1lheS-Kx7nxhRcvnwPgrCoN6T5yL1cVTGh6aheTfGL3WrsLAfbg/s320/Yemen_map_showing_strike_area%25281%2529.jpg" width="304" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most recently the battle has shifted to Hadramaut province, which was already largely controlled by al-Qaeda, after the YEMEN Army managed to regain control of Abyan province and expel Ansar al-Sharia. Despite these ostensible gains, al-Qaeda forces have proven adept at moving in to fill gaps in central authority and capitalizing on endemic instability, poverty, unemployment, and political division in YEMEN- the very factors that provide the most fertile ground for spreading the group’s extremist beliefs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since its establishment in January 2009, al-Qaeda in the ARABIAN PENINSULA has launched numerous attacks against AMERICAN interests in the region. In response, Washington has slowly expanded its drone attacks in YEMEN and strengthened the government's ability to fight this 'organization' on its own via increased training and military assistance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the onset of the Arab Spring in 2011, a political crisis emerged in YEMEN between former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who ruled for more than 30 years, and his opponents who criticized the government’s systemic corruption and failure to provide basic services. Al-Qaeda took advantage of the growing security vacuum and launched a series of raids across the South in that year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STRAIT OF BAB EL MANDEB, A STRATEGIC CONCERN </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the Arab Spring intensified in YEMEN, causing the overthrow of the Saleh regime, al-Qaeda significantly expanded its operations, particularly against the YEMENI armed forces. In March of 2012, an Islamic Emirate was declared in Shabwa province, and the city of Zanzibar has been held by the organization since 2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9AjUHfMsxewCoFHfoIRRKkiX80_-_j0Zrj9rMutAtHByUpH8bwY2qOAfHHOifVRcAN2ZQXW7VALuvlgRtwKpadlP4WSt8sOMZTwba9p9XF_iue4vIEP_psFdDS6ivsp_NOJI4sixCfQM/s1600/get_map.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9AjUHfMsxewCoFHfoIRRKkiX80_-_j0Zrj9rMutAtHByUpH8bwY2qOAfHHOifVRcAN2ZQXW7VALuvlgRtwKpadlP4WSt8sOMZTwba9p9XF_iue4vIEP_psFdDS6ivsp_NOJI4sixCfQM/s320/get_map.php.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The surge of al-Qaeda’s activities in YEMEN after the Arab Spring is a cause of great concern for both the Gulf Cooperation COUNCIL (GCC) and the UNITED STATES. YEMEN’S control over one of the most important naval straits in the world, the Strait of Bab-al -Mandeb, (Read related article: </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">BAB EL-MANDAB: STRATEGIC LINK BETWEEN THE INDIAN OCEAN AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, VIA THE RED SEA AND THE SUEZ CANAL</span> at: <a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/08/yemen.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/08/yemen.html</a>)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which is located between YEMEN and the Horn of AFRICA, underscores this geostrategic importance. Commercial liners and oil tankers pass through the strait on their way to and from the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Suez Canal</b>. International stakeholders are concerned that al-Qaeda will take advantage of the current transitional conditions in YEMEN to threaten shipping and international trade, contributing to the maritime piracy that is already blighting the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HURDLES ON WAY TO STABILIZATION</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are several factors that will complicate new YEMENI President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s attempts to stabilize the South and reestablish central government authority. They include:</span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Terrain: al-Qaeda has concentrated its activities in areas that are mountainous and lacking in infrastructure, where literacy rates are low and poverty is rife. In this, YEMEN poses challenges similar to those of AFGHANISTAN.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Political Instability: The Islamists are taking advantage of post-revolution political turmoil. Currently, the armed forces are preoccupied with internal stability and domestic political power struggles; the YEMEN Army is seeking to maximize its influence and presence in several cities, especially in the southern provinces. In fact, there are political parties and power blocs that are invested in al-Qaeda’s activities because they lost out in the process of political transition in YEMEN. Many opposition groups and tribes have thus facilitated al-Qaeda’s activities as a way to weaken the incipient central government. For example, some tribes have allowed terrorists to establish safe havens for training and recruitment.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arms: In addition to the fact that YEMEN has the second highest rate of gun ownership in the world, al-Qaeda-allied groups have been able to seize large quantities of weapons, equipment, and ammunition from YEMENI army sites captured in the south and southeast of YEMEN.</span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These factors have enhanced al-Qaeda’s ability to become President Hadi’s biggest challenge in moving the country from dictatorship to democracy. After the Arab Spring, the new leadership inherited a fragmented security and military apparatus that must contend with an organized terrorist structure with a strong grip on many of the important cities and regions in the southern part of the country.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL YEMENI CITIZENS LOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbmpOhKKyZo7YqPi7WiMsEfr4WMsdNDYydLycndwgx29jqXySz7QvhlcqV33oHJXCYIwbfQ7cmdW5RviUMKrBvDHCnaKRZS6exVOc5b33NBmk7_KODbN1-BM7jwKsOa6p5dcpR-sK0ILn/s1600/yemap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbmpOhKKyZo7YqPi7WiMsEfr4WMsdNDYydLycndwgx29jqXySz7QvhlcqV33oHJXCYIwbfQ7cmdW5RviUMKrBvDHCnaKRZS6exVOc5b33NBmk7_KODbN1-BM7jwKsOa6p5dcpR-sK0ILn/s200/yemap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Given the circumstances, the new government is faced with a very difficult task. On the one hand, it must fulfill the political responsibilities entrusted to it in the transitional phase, particularly the responsibility to push for a national dialogue and political settlement. On the other hand, Hadi’s government has to eliminate all sources (economic, political, and security) that al-Qaeda is drawing on to strengthen its grip on the southern areas. It also needs to understand that the continued escalation of al-Qaeda activity will doubtlessly overshadow the overall situation in YEMEN, making any political settlement vulnerable to further shocks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The war against Islamist militants is draining the state's resources, all at the expense of other political and economic development goals. In addition, security agencies have often botched operations in dealing with militants, thus prolonging the duration of the fight and encouraging al-Qaeda to carry out more daring attacks against top YEMENI leaders.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The inability of the new government to resolve the battle with al-Qaeda will affect the democratic transition negatively. It’s only a matter of time until YEMENI citizens lose confidence in the transitional government which has promised to fight terrorism and ease their economic hardship. This may push some people to engage in other local or regional political projects, or even fall into the arms of terrorist groups. Moreover, the continuation of these groups’ activities in YEMEN will encourage dissatisfied young people on the regional and international level to come to YEMEN and support the terrorist cause.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix20NZ46gFUVq541VESZEgWO_9puq7ezavX7BaZyI8ZTL4f4zUaFxCngmlb-YGNmeNN2uGkDw0q1dipQVRH405MZ-NgZXnhxe3yekCmgz1MvJ3_O2EVW8PExPJ0Ce2JT0VrLR1EwePWxg7/s1600/Yemen-353px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix20NZ46gFUVq541VESZEgWO_9puq7ezavX7BaZyI8ZTL4f4zUaFxCngmlb-YGNmeNN2uGkDw0q1dipQVRH405MZ-NgZXnhxe3yekCmgz1MvJ3_O2EVW8PExPJ0Ce2JT0VrLR1EwePWxg7/s320/Yemen-353px.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the end, the geostrategic blessing of YEMEN’S location – its proximity to oil wells of the GULF and supervision of the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb – is turning into a geostrategic curse. At present, these characteristics merely expose the country to more external pressure and interference, turning it into an open battleground against terrorism.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">By Suzane Mneimneh via IDN</span></span></div>

YEMEN:

A CRITICAL BUT FORGOTTEN FRONT   The struggle against al-Qaeda in YEMEN stands as an unheralded though critical front in the global war agai...

Read more »

water retention

Happy Hump Day!<br /><br />I've been retaining water something fierce.  I have been given a diuretic in the past, but my problem is that I can't take it every day becasue of the side effects.  But if I don't take it, I can gain as much as 8 pounds over night.  So, I am trying to take it every 3 days or so.  It's so frustrating.  I did some research and the liver issues I have more commonly is connected with water retention.  So, at least the mystery is solved as to why.  Last night when I stepped on my scale (which is about 3 or 4 pounds off from my doctors office), It appeared that I had gained 8 pounds.  I was MAD.  Because of feeling so creapy the last 2 weeks, I stopped taking the diurectic completely.  I decided to take one last night and I lost almost all of it over night LOL.  So that told me that I had definiately am having serious issues with water retenion.<br /><br />Do you have issues as well?  If so, do you have a more natural remedy that you find is helpful to maintain?  Any feedback would be great!   <br /><br />I am still planning on weighing in officially on Friday but I don't expect any weight loss, but I don't expect weight gain.  These last 2 weeks have been trying on me, but I am staying on the healthy diet - I'm just in maintenance mode until I am 100%.  Every day I feel better and better and I am hoping by Friday I will be able to kick back into high gear.  But, I will still record so everyone can see!!<br /><br />It's good to put it out there.  What's even more impressive to me is, even felling as creapy as I did and not able to do a lot, I still maintained with Belviq.  Normally without Belviq, when I feel creapy, I eat creapy and gain wait!  So, I keep telling myself that although I am derailed a bit, I am still doing MUCH better with Belviq!<br /><br />Thank you all for the support!<br /><br />xoxox<br />Ellie

water retention

Happy Hump Day! I've been retaining water something fierce.  I have been given a diuretic in the past, but my problem is that I can'...

Read more »

The Journey Continues

Today is our wedding anniversary.<br /><br />Two years.<br />Longer than either of our first marriages and this one is going to stick.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi9qP2qkv8xgfWf116Svs0IIsPoqeHNPdpqV3UOuU03-XYD7q80doL-4nb_sQJOk527IFaTn9tP6_sATImDsKvFAweobF10FFIHmG3EjM9XQjnPx2x03zvgUjpWmbBAFzmkPg8EmtYAge/s1600/index.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi9qP2qkv8xgfWf116Svs0IIsPoqeHNPdpqV3UOuU03-XYD7q80doL-4nb_sQJOk527IFaTn9tP6_sATImDsKvFAweobF10FFIHmG3EjM9XQjnPx2x03zvgUjpWmbBAFzmkPg8EmtYAge/s400/index.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />I'm a lucky bastard, got a keeper who puts up with my shit.<br /><br />That's a good thing because even on this occasion I found a way to fuck things up.<br /><br />My wife told me a couple months ago that she had reserved a room for two days at our favorite retreat and that I needed to schedule those days off from work.<br /><br />She reminded me again a couple weeks ago.<br /><br />Did I remember to do that?<br /><br />Oh Fuck No.<br /><br /><br />Once again I am in the Dog House for that.<br /><br />All those millions of brain cells I spent years killing for entertainment must have included some important ones.<br /><br /><br />She is a good woman though and she has forgiven me, sort of.<br /><br />I'm sure I can expect to hear about it for the rest of my natural life.<br /><br />Shit happens.<br /><br />So while I venture off back to the salt mines in ninety degree weather, she will be forced to find something to entertain herself with.<br /><br />I'm sure her sister will be happy to come help her kin in her hour of need.<br /><br />So if it gets a bit stale around here it's because I have other things to do for a bit, like having "old people sex" as her younger sister calls it.<br /><br />She's one to talk. She is in her late forties and ain't gettin' any.<br /><br />BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAA!<br /><br />I know, TMI but it's my fucking Blog and I'll do as I damn well please.<br /><br />See ya's later.<br /><br /><b>Update;</b><br /><br />Somebody upstairs cut me a huge break.<br />I stopped at Subway to get something for lunch and my boss happened to be there.<br /><br />He asked me if I was planning on leaving a little early tonight, apparently my immediate supervisor had said something to him.<br /><br />I said no, I was just going to go to work and then take off at quitting time.<br />He said I could take off, there wasn't much going on, a big job had been postponed and they already had another guy from dayshift come to swing for the week.<br /><br />WOOT!<br />I told him he had just made my wife happy so now I have the whole day off and here I am on the fucking computer with my lovely wife sitting next to me scowling like a she bear because of it.<br />LMAO!<br />Told ya I was a peckerhead.<br />Just a few more minutes honey, I swear!<br /><br />OW!!<br /><br />Bye now.

The Journey Continues

Today is our wedding anniversary. Two years. Longer than either of our first marriages and this one is going to stick. I'm a lucky basta...

Read more »

EGYPT: THE LYNCHPIN OF THE MIDDLE EAST (Part 2)

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normale Tabelle"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">EAST AND WEST EMPIRE SATURATION – WHERE AND WHEN WILL THEY COLLIDE?</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The operational modalities of the UNITED STATES as the ’police of the world’ are viewed by many with envy and with disgust. When the USA is advance its economic interests its massive military power projects far ahead of any diplomatic efforts. That is a luxury that others do not have. The US has benefited from this arrangement immensely and rival nations are attempting to reshape this model adding their own cultural sensibilities. As the old adage goes, ’talk softly but carry a big stick’.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://mondediplo.com/2003/05/03lemoine"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In his December 1823 message to Congress, US president James Monroe had launched the doctrine that would bear his name. As the SPANISH empire collapsed, enticing the BRITISH to fill the void, he defied EUROPEAN intervention in the affairs of the AMERICAS. It would have been of benefit to all had the US not, under the guise of fighting against external colonialism, focused its foreign policy on constituting a continental block that the US itself hoped to dominate.</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://mondediplo.com/2003/05/03lemoine"><span style="color: blue;">Without worrying about credible justification, the US intervened militarily in PUERTO RICO (1824), MEXICO (1845 and 1847), NICARAGUA (1857 and 1860) and in the province of PANAMA (1860). Alarmed, the governments of CHILE, BOLIVIA, ECUADOR, NEW GRENADA (COLOMBIA) and PERU met in Lima in 1847 to examine this interventionism. The outbreak of war against MEXICO in 1848 justified their concern: from Texas to California, the US annexed half MEXICO’S territory. After its own Civil War, the US became aware of its huge power. From 1880, having conquered the West, it turned its attention to the South. During General Grant’s presidency (1869-77), the theory of “manifest destiny” made clear US ambitions: to control the continent. The US spoke about the “defence of democracy” softly, and sent in the marines by way of a big stick. Besides the occasional military intervention, there were invasions followed by establishment of protectorates</span></a>. -<b>-<a href="http://mondediplo.com/2003/05/03lemoine"><span style="color: blue;">Le Monde</span></a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many nations have been quietly sitting on the sidelines watching the UNITED STATES operating with righteous impunity. Beasts from the east are looking to not only stand up to AMERICA but slowly chip away at their turf. CHINA’S is following bits of the US playbook when it comes to their mixed-market economy, while rapidly building up their military force. CHINA is leveraging their military to intimidate any who would interfere with their economic aspirations while appearing meek and adamantly denying all accusations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SOFT POWER VERSUS HARD POWER</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/hard-power-soft-targets/2007/11/10/1194329562764.html"><span style="color: blue;">Evidence compiled by The Sunday Age reveals that, in its relations with AUSTRALIA, CHINA uses its power to co-opt support and silence critics. Sometimes, it involves intimidation and threats. In international relations, there is soft power and there is hard power. Exercising it is how governments get their way. CHINA’S communist rulers are no different. They legitimately use soft power to win foreign friends and gain international influence. The tools of soft power are culture, education, public diplomacy, business links and people-to-people contacts. Then there’s hard power — overt pressure or threats. In CHINA’S case, its hard power carries more punch than most and, in relations with AUSTRALIA, it’s backed by lots of money</span></a>. –<b><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/hard-power-soft-targets/2007/11/10/1194329562764.html"><span style="color: blue;">The Age</span></a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2013/07/18/chinas_gets_tough_on_maritime_disputes_106698.html"><span style="color: blue;">The focus on peace, development, and cooperation was welcomed and continues as the main emphasis in CHINESE foreign policy; but it has been accompanied in recent years by repeated use of coercion and intimidation well beyond internationally accepted norms in support of CHINESE broad maritime claims in the SOUTH CHINA Sea and the EAST CHINA Sea. In short, the principles and praxis of CHINESE foreign and security policy have evolved and continue to change, reflecting a mix of domestic priorities, challenges and considerations, as well as treatment and acceptance by neighbors and others abroad.</span></a> –<b><a href="http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2013/07/18/chinas_gets_tough_on_maritime_disputes_106698.html"><span style="color: blue;">CSIS</span></a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA has been building a massive economic engine due to the needs of its gargantuan population. There have been subtle hints of a coming insurrection within CHINA due to pollution, corruption, land grabbing, limited water supply, and inflation of food prices. Over the last few years there have been major riots that have instilled fear within the leadership of CHINA. CHINA is digging its heels into the SOUTH CHINA SEA and the INDIAN OCEAN to apply its new economic and military grand strategy, building a new “Silk Road” between sea lines to ensure proper transport of its imports and military infrastructure. CHINA is weary of both RUSSIA and INDIA and do not want to find being cut off from the rest of the world. A military or financial blockade in the straits by its enemies or past allies would be debilitating.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ASIA-PACIFIC STRATEGIC RETRENCHMENT: POLITICAL AND MILITARY OBJECTIVES </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The USA, JAPAN and CHINA are projecting power and expanding <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-21/u-s-must-help-asean-countries-build-south-china-sea-defenses-mccain-says.html"><span style="color: blue;">maritime and mainland strategic defenses</span></a> within the ASIA-PACIFIC landscape for control of <a href="http://www.eia.gov/countries/regions-topics.cfm?fips=SCS"><span style="color: blue;">trade sea routes, strategic raw materials – hydrocarbons hubs </span></a>and security of <a href="http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=10671"><span style="color: blue;">geographic provinces of strategic interest.</span></a> The ASIA-PACIFIC geopolitical scenario will be no easy task since ASIAN nations are interplaying AMERICANS and CHINESE, with the U.S. military providing security and CHINA providing economic fringe benefits.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.aei.org/events/2013/07/29/squaring-the-circle-general-raymond-t-odierno-on-american-military-strategy-in-a-time-of-declining-resources/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“As you look at the Asia Pacific, it’s about competition for resources, limited resources,“</span></a> <a href="http://www.aei.org/events/2013/07/29/squaring-the-circle-general-raymond-t-odierno-on-american-military-strategy-in-a-time-of-declining-resources/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It’s about making sure that everyone is able to sustain their own sovereignty and their interests” – US Chief of Army Staff General Raymond T Odierno- </span></a><a href="http://www.aei.org/events/2013/07/29/squaring-the-circle-general-raymond-t-odierno-on-american-military-strategy-in-a-time-of-declining-resources/"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">American Enterprise Institute</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pentagon and civilian leaders are rapidly increasing <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-deployments-to-asia-pacific-coincide-with-chinas-expansion-2012-3#ixzz1prWNvXgq"><span style="color: blue;">U.S. Army, Marines </span></a>and <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18305750"><span style="color: blue;">U.S. Navy presence</span></a> in CHINA’S backyard. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Navy"><span style="color: blue;">CHINA’S naval fleet</span></a>, the largest in ASIA, which boasts 62 submarines, 13 destroyers and 65 frigates of active ships in the region. The U.S. military is increasing military footprints, boots on the ground with <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-03/u-dot-s-dot-marines-arrive-in-australia-as-asia-pacific-presence-raised"><span style="color: blue;">U.S. Marines</span></a>, <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/349806#ixzz2SoMdp5sl"><span style="color: blue;">Joint Special Operations Command,</span></a> <a href="http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/08/15/838308/us-military-planning-set-storage-depot-phl"><span style="color: blue;">military equipment depots</span></a> and <a href="http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=15152&page=0"><span style="color: blue;">strategic intelligence and aerospace footprint</span></a>with locales in <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/asia-pacific/Jonathan+Manthorpe+East+Timor+challenges+Australia/8437488/story.html"><span style="color: blue;">AUSTRALIA</span></a>, <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/06/pentagon-cam-ranh-bay-vietnam.html"><span style="color: blue;">VIETNAM</span></a> , <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-expands-counterterrorism-assistance-in-cambodia-in-spite-of-human-rights-concerns/2012/11/15/f2df3de8-2e59-11e2-abff-7d780620a97a_story.html"><span style="color: blue;">CAMBODIA</span></a> and the<a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/army/219717-reports-us-philippines-building-new-naval-base-in-spratlys-"><span style="color: blue;"> PHILIPPINES</span></a>. Not only is the vast deployment of U.S. military armed forces concentrated toward CHINA’S expansion, these forces will provide security for vested interests in the region – <a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/plenty-of-reasons-for-marines-to-train-in-australia-just-don-t-mention-china-1.230050"><span style="color: blue;">JAPANESE Ichthys Gas</span></a> , <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-03/u-dot-s-dot-marines-arrive-in-australia-as-asia-pacific-presence-raised"><span style="color: blue;">Royal Dutch Shell</span></a> , <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><span style="color: blue;">ExxonMobil</span></a>, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><span style="color: blue;">Forum Energy</span></a> and <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/9822955/Trillions-of-dollars-worth-of-oil-found-in-Australian-outback.html"><span style="color: blue;">trillions of dollars worth of oil found in AUSTRALIAN outback</span></a>. Coincidence?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/04/17/13/ph-us-military-aim-territorial-defense-force"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The PHILIPPINES and U.S. military are considering the development of a territorial defense force orce capable of handling the PHILIPPINES’ strategic interest in the SOUTH CHINA SEA, a high-ranking U.S. military – </span></a><a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/04/17/13/ph-us-military-aim-territorial-defense-force"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ABS </span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/27/us-philippines-usa-idUSBRE95Q0C120130627"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The proposed airfields and naval bases in the PHILIPPINES, a close U.S. ally, coincides with a resurgence of U.S. warships, planes and personnel in the region as Washington turns its attention to a newly assertive China – </span></a><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/27/us-philippines-usa-idUSBRE95Q0C120130627"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Reuters</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwkM8JysIe_KgUaVnz8FahYCw0FbLbAUgG2OvMp5NqaY7LVU56sKUzpZjktCamN4qlCBMOhxdUcD32OWCm2eAiB_aogUNQnOUutrlF-QT3GJcIRtXVenwyYCT2OvX2Hw6McX0OhCHNj4o/s1600/map-island-dispute-624.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwkM8JysIe_KgUaVnz8FahYCw0FbLbAUgG2OvMp5NqaY7LVU56sKUzpZjktCamN4qlCBMOhxdUcD32OWCm2eAiB_aogUNQnOUutrlF-QT3GJcIRtXVenwyYCT2OvX2Hw6McX0OhCHNj4o/s400/map-island-dispute-624.gif" width="400" /></a></b></div><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA’S rising military power in the region is expanding well beyond it’s borders through <a href="http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/china-s-destabilizing-designs-on-its-neighbors-by-brahma-chellaney"><span style="color: blue;">stealth wars and operations</span></a> , key transport and delivery of <a href="http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130404000295"><span style="color: blue;">strategic resources</span></a> and continued intrusion on nations <a href="http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/08/04/disputed-waters-are-rising-in-the-south-china-sea/"><span style="color: blue;">economic exclusive zones</span></a>. CHINA’S activities in the region are necessary to nourish it’s regional appetite for power, influence and resources, diplomacy necessary to sustain the CHINESE economic engine. JAPANS considerable dependence on imported energy resources (90%) transiting routes of Malacca – South and East CHINA Sea is a high risk of <a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/31361/the-coming-resource-wars-between-america-china-and-japan"><span style="color: blue;">engagement of military forces</span></a> and energy firms with CHINA over territorial disputes especially over <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-to-begin-deep-water-drilling-in-disputed-sea-7721975.html"><span style="color: blue;">oil and gas</span></a> in the heavily disputed <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/chinese-army-general-says-okinawa-not-ja/676090.html"><span style="color: blue;">Okinawa</span></a> and <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-10/disputed-islands-with-45-years-of-oil-split-china-japan.html"><span style="color: blue;">Diaoyu-Senkaku Islands </span></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.gulf-times.com/business/191/details/359867/chinese-firms-in-$5bn-drive-to-develop-gas-fields-in-disputed-waters"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CHINESE state-run oil companies hope to develop seven new gas fields in the East CHINA Sea, possibly siphoning gas from the seabed beneath waters claimed by Japan, a move that could further inflame tensions with Tokyo over the disputed area- </span></a><a href="http://www.gulf-times.com/business/191/details/359867/chinese-firms-in-$5bn-drive-to-develop-gas-fields-in-disputed-waters"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Gulf Times</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.energytribune.com/78293/cnoocs-offshore-strategy-intensifies#sthash.geruNwef.yBWCXJVt.dpbs"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">However, whichever side you fall on, the fact remains that CNOOC is CHINA’S largest offshore exploration and production company which takes its mandate from Beijing to secure as much oil and gas as possible, seriously – </span></a><a href="http://www.energytribune.com/78293/cnoocs-offshore-strategy-intensifies#sthash.geruNwef.yBWCXJVt.dpbs"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Energy Tribune</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. and Philippines strategic architecture is <a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/04/17/13/ph-us-military-aim-territorial-defense-force"><span style="color: blue;">operation acquisition prevention</span></a>, <a href="http://yalejournal.org/2013/06/12/who-authorized-preparations-for-war-with-china/"><span style="color: blue;">AirSea Battle</span></a> vs <a href="http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2012/09/26/chinas-system-of-systems/"><span style="color: blue;">anti-access/anti-denial capabilities (A2/AD)</span></a>, <a href="http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-12/offshore-control-answer"><span style="color: blue;">military’s offshore control</span></a> concept to ensure the flow of strategic assets to U.S. allies while blockading CHINESE access, <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/10/navy-readies-for-chinese-power-grab-on-shipping/"><span style="color: blue;">interdict import</span></a> of <a href="http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20130204000028&cid=1102&MainCatID=0"><span style="color: blue;">strategic raw materials</span></a> at <a href="http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/07/16/the-submarine-race-in-the-malaccan-strait/"><span style="color: blue;">vital sea gates and choke points</span></a> and inhibit CHINESE corporate <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-to-begin-deep-water-drilling-in-disputed-sea-7721975.html"><span style="color: blue;">offshore oil and natural gas energy</span></a> and <a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06/28/12/china-sends-combat-ready-patrols-spratlys"><span style="color: blue;">naval activities </span></a>in the exclusive economic zones, mainly CHINA’S<a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=138931&cat=3"><span style="color: blue;"> 9-dash line territorial claim</span></a> over <a href="http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/31/948591/chinese-general-reveals-strategy-panatag-takeover"><span style="color: blue;">PANATAG</span></a>, <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/318107/news/nation/dfa-beijing-s-sweeping-claims-over-entire-south-china-sea-is-the-problem"><span style="color: blue;">Parcel and Spratly Islands</span></a> of the South CHINA Sea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/south_east_asia/AJ201306190093"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The PHILIPPINES has deployed a fresh batch of marines and supplies to a shoal in the disputed South CHINA Sea, where a CHINESE warship and surveillance vessels appeared last month and triggered a new standoff in the strategic waters, the PHILIPPINE defense secretary said on June 19 – </span></a><a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/south_east_asia/AJ201306190093"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Asahi.</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/447117/army-to-shift-to-territorial-defense"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is shifting its operations from internal security to territorial defense in 2014, focusing on the Luzon coastlines amid disputes over marine boundaries in Southeast Asia, the new Nolcom chief – </span></a><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/447117/army-to-shift-to-territorial-defense"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Inquirer</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A decades-old territorial squabble over the South CHINA Sea is entering a new and more contentious chapter, as claimant nations search deeper into disputed waters for energy supplies while building up their navies and military alliances with other nations, particularly with the UNITED STATES – </span></a><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Reuters</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1292576/manila-move-air-force-navy-near-disputed-waters-south-china-sea"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The PHILIPPINES plans to relocate major air force and navy camps to a former US naval base north of Manila to gain faster access to waters being contested by CHINA in the South CHINA Sea- </span></a><a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1292576/manila-move-air-force-navy-near-disputed-waters-south-china-sea"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">South China Morning Post</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Strategic dialogue between the U.S., CHINA and JAPAN over economic exclusive zones, oil and gas regions and military encounters over territorial disputes could easily ignite a <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/world/islands-off-agenda-but-still-split-asean-20120403-1waq0.html"><span style="color: blue;">South CHINA Sea Flashpoint </span></a>. With hardly any noise or accusations from pundits, the U.S. massive military and diplomatic buildup in the ASIAN Block is a counter-move toward CHINA’S <a href="http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1076500/yuan-hailed-world-reserve-currency"><span style="color: blue;">renminbi bloc </span></a>and forestall the creation of multinational ASIAN block adopting the <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/business/2013-07/18/c_132551570.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Yuan as a primary currency</span></a> and the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17988142"><span style="color: blue;">direct exchange of oil and gas for Yuans</span></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://rbth.asia/business/2013/07/17/china_reportedly_planning_to_back_the_yuan_with_gold_47997.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Beijing’s possible move to back the yuan with gold would not be meant as a strategic measure to strengthen the national currency and increase its attractiveness as an investment medium. Rather, it would be a flaunt aimed at demonstrating to the world (and to the USA in particular) that CHINA is capable of taking the risks associated with a departure from the dollar standard – </span></a><a href="http://rbth.asia/business/2013/07/17/china_reportedly_planning_to_back_the_yuan_with_gold_47997.html"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RBTH</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323550604578407953709535988.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CHINA may soon start direct trading between the yuan and the AUSTRALIAN dollar, bypassing the U.S. dollar when exchanging the units, to take advantage of growing financial and trading ties between two nations – </span></a><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323550604578407953709535988.html"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">WSJ</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HIGH PROBABILITY OF A FUTURE SMALL SCALE WAR OVER SHRINKING STRATEGIC RESOURCES? </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When considering CHINAS A2-AD strategy, one popular theory is that CHINA would go all in launching massive saturation missile strikes on AMERICA and JAPANESE bases to gain advantage and attain victory </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The US-PH alliance is erecting an offensive/defensive perimeter in the Asia-Pacific to secure jump-off points for <a href="http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/07/19/americas-airsea-battle-vs-chinas-a2ad-who-wins/"><span style="color: blue;">pre-emptive strike capabilities</span></a>. The Pentagon is increasing the <a href="http://breakingdefense.com/2013/07/11/us-marine-force-in-darwin-australia-boosts-to-1000-next-year-boost-to-meu-force-proceeds/"><span style="color: blue;">MEU to 2500</span></a> in Darwin, increasing rotational <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/13/world/asia/us-negotiates-expanded-military-role-in-philippines.html?_r=2&"><span style="color: blue;">Naval and JSOC operations in the PHILIPPINES </span></a>, shifting <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g6U9CEl4UqdDR8ptPcdJzG2xgeMw?docId=CNG.5f7e680a7478fbc2aaf2aa8acde7d611.5b1"><span style="color: blue;">Marines from JAPAN to GUAM</span></a> which all could find themselves transiting the region in littoral combat ships as part of the <a href="http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20130419/NEWS/304190010/With-Pacific-pivot-Marines-eye-8216-Single-Naval-Battle-8217-strategy"><span style="color: blue;">Single Naval Strategy</span></a>. The PHILIPPINES are planning to <a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1292576/manila-move-air-force-navy-near-disputed-waters-south-china-sea"><span style="color: blue;">relocate air and naval forces to Subic Bay</span></a> to cut reaction time by fighter aircraft to contested South CHINA Sea areas. JAPAN is revamping Self Defense Forces from a defensive position to <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/07/14/national/amphibious-warfare-first-strike-options-eyed-in-defense-policy-revamp/#.UeOMNo7zsUQ"><span style="color: blue;">first strike</span></a> – <a href="http://japandailypress.com/japan-to-join-us-led-military-drill-on-capturing-island-territory-0429987"><span style="color: blue;">amphibious island capturing abilities</span></a> with <a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/798115.shtml#.Ue1bpY7LI7w"><span style="color: blue;">military frontiers</span></a> to counter CHINESE intrusion and <a href="http://nation.time.com/2013/07/09/japan-ready-to-declare-well-go-first/#ixzz2YZL5Wutm"><span style="color: blue;">defend JAPANS East CHINA Sea territories </span></a>and energy resources. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA is deploying naval operations west to <a href="http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Chinas_plans_to_shield_Mideast_oil_routes_999.html"><span style="color: blue;">shield Middle East oil routes</span></a><a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/china/AJ201201250053"><span style="color: blue;">.</span></a> <a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/china/AJ201201250053"><span style="color: blue;">CHINESE submarines loaded with nuclear missiles</span></a>are on high alert as counteroffensive strategy to turn SOUTH CHINA SEA into off limits zone. CHINA’S military test firing of <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/china-fires-anti-satellite-rocket/story-fnb64oi6-1226645577231"><span style="color: blue;">anti-satellite rockets</span></a> capable of disrupting communications and the navigation of U.S. carrier strike groups. Pointed at TAIWAN are <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-18/china-s-anti-carrier-missile-now-opposite-taiwan-flynn-says.html"><span style="color: blue;">Carrier Hunter anti-ship warheads</span></a> intended to destroy the ships’ flight decks, launch catapults and control towers. CHINA’S growing naval assertiveness by circumventing <a href="http://nation.time.com/2013/07/18/china-finds-a-gap-in-japans-maritime-chokepoints/#ixzz2Zex0hsZC"><span style="color: blue;">gaps in JAPAN’S Maritime Chokepoints</span></a> and launching <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/world/new-coastguard-a-show-of-chinas-strength-20130728-2qshe.html"><span style="color: blue;">coastguard paramilitary vessels</span></a> to keep pressure on JAPAN over disputed islands in the EAST CHINA SEA.</span></div>

EGYPT: THE LYNCHPIN OF THE MIDDLE EAST (Part 2)

EAST AND WEST EMPIRE SATURATION – WHERE AND WHEN WILL THEY COLLIDE? The operational modalities of the UNITED STATES as the ’police of the w...

Read more »