With The Unrest Growing In Ukraine, Russia Ponders On What To Do

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a4b2X2FSNcw" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Worried By Ukraine Violence, Russia Ponders Next Steps -- Timothy Heritage, Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - A Ukrainian protester lobs a burning petrol bomb into a doorway, a police officer writhes in agony on the ground, smoke and flames rise from burning barricades.<br /><br />Footage of violence in the Ukrainian capital was beamed almost non-stop into Russian homes by state television on Wednesday, accompanied by apocalyptic warnings of civil war next door and accusations of meddling by foreign states.<br /><br />The pictures tell the story better than any politicians' words, ramming home the message that President Vladimir Putin wants to put across - the violence has got out of hand and must be stopped.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-russia-policy-idUSBREA1I1NI20140219">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0219/Is-Putin-pushing-for-a-crackdown-in-Ukraine">Is Putin pushing for a crackdown in Ukraine?</a> -- Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: There are no good options for Russia on the escalating violence in Ukraine. Ukraine is a deeply divided country where moves for reconciliation and compromise are now ideas of the past ..... and any foreign intervention will only solidify positions on both sides. My prediction .... the violence and protests will continue, the economy will crater (if not already), and in the end .... when this mess is over .... Russia will play an important role by bailing out the economy and providing emergency funding to (I predict) a new coalition government.<br /><br />As to the possibility of Russian soldiers entering Ukraine .... that option will only happen if Ukraine descends into civil war .... a prospect that is horrifying to even contemplate. <br /><br /><b>Update #2:</b> <a href="http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Merkel-Putin-wants-end-to-Ukraine-unrest-5247262.php">Merkel: Putin wants end to Ukraine unrest</a> -- AP<br /><br /><b>Update #3:</b> <a href="http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116655/kiev-ukraine-protests-are-vladimir-putins-worst-nightmare">What's Happening in Kiev Right Now Is Vladimir Putin's Worst Nightmare</a> -- Julia Ioffe, National Interest

With The Unrest Growing In Ukraine, Russia Ponders On What To Do

Worried By Ukraine Violence, Russia Ponders Next Steps -- Timothy Heritage, Reuters (Reuters) - A Ukrainian protester lobs a burning petrol ...

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Ukraine President And Protest Leaders Agree To A Truce

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LikDtFQi09I" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine President Agrees Truce With Opponents As West Prepares Sanctions -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich said late on Wednesday that he had agreed a "truce" with opposition leaders after 26 people were killed in street clashes, ahead of meetings with EU foreign ministers who are threatening to impose sanctions for the violence.<br /><br />A statement on the Presidential website announced an agreement for "the start to negotiations with the aim of ending bloodshed, and stabilizing the situation in the state in the interests of social peace".<br /><br />A tense stand-off between protesters and riot police continued on Thursday morning in Kiev, where the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Poland will later meet Yanukovich before returning to Brussels for a meeting of all 28 European Union foreign ministers to decide on targeted sanctions for Tuesday night's violence.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140219">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Ukraine President And Protest Leaders Agreeing To A Truce</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-government-opposition-truce-802/">Ukraine’s president, opposition agree to a truce</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-19/ukraine-25-killed-241-injured-in-kiev-clashes">Ukraine president, protest leaders agree on truce</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26267220">Ukraine president 'agrees truce' with opposition</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kiev-explodes-into-chaos-at-least-25-reported-dead-in-ukraine-protests/2014/02/19/aacecc60-9967-11e3-b88d-f36c07223d88_story.html">Ukraine president, protest leaders agree to a truce</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10650325/Ukraine-President-agrees-truce-with-opponents-as-West-prepares-sanctions.html">Ukraine President agrees truce with opponents as West prepares sanctions</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://world.time.com/2014/02/19/ukraine-truce/">Ukraine Crisis Reaches Truce</a> -- Time<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579392321222351150?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579392321222351150.html">Truce Declared in Ukraine in Wake of Deadly Violence</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-19/ukraine-president-declares-truce-after-lurch-toward-martial-law">Ukraine President Declares Truce After Lurch Toward Martial Law </a>-- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP<br /><a href="http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-army-chief-fired-sanctions/25270054.html">President Yanukovych And Ukrainian Opposition Leaders Agree 'Truce' And Talks</a> -- Radio Free Europe<br /><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-s-president-protest-leaders-agree-on-truce-1.2542830">Ukraine's president, protest leaders agree on truce </a>-- CBC<br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/ukraine-both-sides-willing-to-negotiate">Both sides in Ukraine willing to negotiate</a> -- MSNBC<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/19/ukrainian-president-announces-and-protesters-have-agreed-to-truce/">Ukrainian president announces he and protesters have agreed to truce</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/ukrainian-police-fight-protesters-after-nations-bloodiest-day/article16954452/">Ukraine President agrees to 'truce' with opposition leaders</a> -- Globe and Mail<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/truce-both-sides-ukraine-say-theyre-ready-negotiate-n33396">Truce? Both Sides in Ukraine Say They're Ready to Negotiate </a>-- NBC<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I am not confident that this truce will last. Both sides are far apart on almost all of the major issues ... and I doubt that they are going to compromise. The only solution will be to call for elections .... but I doubt that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich is going to agree to this condition.

Ukraine President And Protest Leaders Agree To A Truce

Ukraine President Agrees Truce With Opponents As West Prepares Sanctions -- Reuters (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich said l...

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Is The U.S. Now Downplaying It's Military Option On Iran?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1aXjke-Vr5JS-6IHEsou-3ln8RnCnSfRTIZNUAKVlxJPqmYG2O3Z6asS7Ir3WxUxpYKWHZEaeuHWCSyxFICj7KebM6gHh-PR0LQ3mWKVNcjBIuhAJdIKctoQi64yiUWc9M4_55TTaEJ-/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1aXjke-Vr5JS-6IHEsou-3ln8RnCnSfRTIZNUAKVlxJPqmYG2O3Z6asS7Ir3WxUxpYKWHZEaeuHWCSyxFICj7KebM6gHh-PR0LQ3mWKVNcjBIuhAJdIKctoQi64yiUWc9M4_55TTaEJ-/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hagel Gives Vague Answers When Questioned at Synagogue -- Washington Free Beacon</span></b></div><br /><i>On Iran, Hagel downplays U.S. military option</i><br /><br />Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel sought to downplay the viability of a U.S. military strike on Iran during an informal chat Tuesday evening at a Washington-area synagogue.<br /><br />Hagel took a seat on the bima at the Beth El synagogue in Bethesda, Md., for a wide-ranging discussion about Iran, Israel, budget cuts, and other pressing issues facing the Pentagon.<br /><br />Hagel, who has run into trouble when speaking off the cuff, offered mostly vague answers and avoided delving too deeply into any particular issue.<br /><br />When asked about Iran’s nuclear pursuit, Hagel said diplomacy is “smarter” than the military option.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://freebeacon.com/hagel-gives-vague-answers-when-questioned-at-synagogue/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>I guess Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel read the White House memo .... "mumble a lot and do not rock the boat when it comes to Iran".

Is The U.S. Now Downplaying It's Military Option On Iran?

Hagel Gives Vague Answers When Questioned at Synagogue -- Washington Free Beacon On Iran, Hagel downplays U.S. military option Secretary of ...

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Human Rights Watch: Syria Now Using Powerful Cluster Bombs On Civilian Targets

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IzoTRvAwA6N2G2Dew7d81oBkyc4MmjzdAQbrrbzzOJT66v35lNgFcO9YNmI_6ARRShn_Ouc8M2wsHtXpWXoQKe11CVvDnqCDvK8hrB0fyi0fbtDorVjIvQIL-Kj0kUksWVviydTcAsNe/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IzoTRvAwA6N2G2Dew7d81oBkyc4MmjzdAQbrrbzzOJT66v35lNgFcO9YNmI_6ARRShn_Ouc8M2wsHtXpWXoQKe11CVvDnqCDvK8hrB0fyi0fbtDorVjIvQIL-Kj0kUksWVviydTcAsNe/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An unexploded 9N235 antipersonnel fragmentation submunition found in Keferzita in Syria. Each submunition contains 395 pre-formed fragments, some the mass of 9mm pistol bullets. © 2014 Private </span> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New And More Powerful Cluster Munitions Used In Latest Attack On Civilians In Syria -- Cluster Munition Coalition</b></span></div><br />Syrian government forces are using new and more powerful cluster munitions not seen before in the conflict, adding to the civilian death toll and leaving a deadly legacy of unexploded ordnance according to a new report by Cluster Munition Coalition member, Human Rights Watch.<br /><br />HRW reports that government forces used rockets containing explosive submunitions in attacks on Keferzita, in northern Syria, on February 12 and 13, 2014. These are the largest type of cluster munition rockets yet identified in Syria, more powerful and deadly than those previously used. An eyewitness who spoke to Human Rights Watch reported that at least two civilians were killed and least 10 others were wounded in the attacks last week.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/news/?id=4624">Read more </a></b>....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On HRW's Report On Cluster Bomb Use In Syria</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-19/247818-hrw-says-syria-using-powerful-new-cluster-munitions.ashx#axzz2thKlsXWL">HRW says Syria using powerful new cluster munitions</a> -- Daily Star/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-syria-crisis-clusterbombs-idUSBREA1I1LQ20140219">Powerful new cluster bombs used in Syria: rights group</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2014/02/19/Syrian-regime-using-new-cluster-munitions-.html">Syrian regime using ‘new cluster munitions’ </a>-- Al Arabiya<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: More misery on top of more misery in Syria.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Human Rights Watch: Syria Now Using Powerful Cluster Bombs On Civilian Targets

An unexploded 9N235 antipersonnel fragmentation submunition found in Keferzita in Syria. Each submunition contains 395 pre-formed fragments,...

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2 Former Navy SEALs Working As Contractors Found Dead Aboard The Maersk Alabama

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Kb8birn3x-4" width="420"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2 Former Navy SEALs Found Dead Aboard Ship At Center Of ‘Captain Phillips’ Saga -- FOX News</b></span></div><br />Two former Navy SEALs working as security contractors aboard the Maersk Alabama were found dead Tuesday aboard the container ship, a day after it was docked near an island northeast of Madagascar, according to the Trident Group, the security firm that employed the men.<br /><br />Authorities identified the two men as Jeffrey Reynolds and Mark Kennedy, both 44.<br /><br />Details of the contractors' deaths remain unclear, but they were not on watch and did not die while performing a security operation, Tom Rothrauff, the president of the Trident Group, said. He said an initial assessment of the scene did not suggest any foul play.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/02/19/2-american-contractors-found-dead-aboard-ship-featured-in-movie-captain-philips/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On 2 Former Navy SEALs Found Dead Aboard The Maersk Alabama</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/19/2-former-navy-seals-found-dead-captain-phillips-sh/">2 former Navy SEALs found dead on ‘Captain Phillips’ ship</a> -- Washington Times<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/19/americans-dead-captain-phillips-ship/5615165/">2 U.S. guards found dead on 'Captain Phillips' ship</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2563213/Two-former-Navy-SEALs-hired-guards-dead-aboard-Captain-Philips-ship-near-Madagascar.html">Two former Navy SEALs hired as guards found dead aboard 'Captain Philips' ship near Madagascar</a> -- Daily Mail<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/asia/seychelles-maersk-deaths/">Police: 2 Americans found dead on Maersk Alabama</a> -- 'Captain Phillips' ship -- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26266489">Two US men found dead on 'Captain Phillips' cargo ship</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2-us-security-officers-found-dead-in-seychelles/2014/02/19/b7064272-9991-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">2 US security officers found dead in Seychelles</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://hamptonroads.com/2014/02/reports-two-found-dead-maersk-alabama">Two U.S. guards found dead on Maersk Alabama</a> -- The Virginia-Pilot

2 Former Navy SEALs Working As Contractors Found Dead Aboard The Maersk Alabama

2 Former Navy SEALs Found Dead Aboard Ship At Center Of ‘Captain Phillips’ Saga -- FOX News Two former Navy SEALs working as security contra...

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It Is Tough To Be A Russian Hockey Coach

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj715zvr0QeLlNZtbSVBRCxH67dS5lDtYB2nh3GycTcKgAbLiu3Q04Jj35x2il1nCe9VIoVTcDs5G7oWYZBfzHtYZsC75AdplbEF3xMyRVEjge2Zl-2I8t0MoNn7yy3Rnp91XBXWyAu22Xt/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj715zvr0QeLlNZtbSVBRCxH67dS5lDtYB2nh3GycTcKgAbLiu3Q04Jj35x2il1nCe9VIoVTcDs5G7oWYZBfzHtYZsC75AdplbEF3xMyRVEjge2Zl-2I8t0MoNn7yy3Rnp91XBXWyAu22Xt/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Russian men's hockey coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov watches his team during its quarterfinal loss to Finland. ZUMAPRESS.com</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Russian Olympic Hockey Coach: 'Eat Me Alive Right Now' -- Wall Street Journal</b></span></div><br /><i>A Shocking Loss to Finland Leads to a Theatrical Postgame Interview</i><br /><br />Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, the 58-year-old head coach of the Russian hockey team, faced a crowd of stunned Russian journalists after Finland eliminated his squad from the men's hockey tournament here with a 3-1 win in the quarterfinals.<br /><br />A news conference with Bilyaletdinov, followed by a brief impromptu session surrounded by roughly 20 reporters, offered evidence of how much the loss shocked Russia. Excerpts of the exchanges between the coach and Russian journalists are below:<br /><br />At a news conference at Sochi's Bolshoy Ice Dome shortly after Russia's loss to Finland: <br /><br /><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303636404579392940335780808">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> To new readers of this blog .... my nationality is Russian .... and I love hockey. I now live in Montreal .... so I now get to see the Montreal Canadiens play regularly ... but it is not the same. Today's Russian loss is a shocker .... at least the Canadians won (barely) .... but the Russian loss is still a shocker.<br /><br />Sighhh .... <br /><br />My prediction is for a Canadian - Finland final match-up .... and the Canadians will take the Gold. But still .... no Russian - Canadian/U.S. final ..... what a bummer ....  :(<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> Yup .... I know how <b><a href="http://deadspin.com/that-sad-vladimir-putin-photo-is-not-from-today-1525874263">these guys feel. </a></b>

It Is Tough To Be A Russian Hockey Coach

Russian men's hockey coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov watches his team during its quarterfinal loss to Finland. ZUMAPRESS.com Russian Olympi...

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China Prepares For War Against Japan (Updated)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgG5B-73-C4XDQgdLf_1_z31Ffqizt2jKK3InPCUqYsarprH0MjReT2V0VdmrhxPitquieVWGE8ymexZw7CVxlW8AYIuaHi-9PKR-S_WEmWFttr1pFit_TE7DPtVlxuHaUOcD1q-lZSDk/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgG5B-73-C4XDQgdLf_1_z31Ffqizt2jKK3InPCUqYsarprH0MjReT2V0VdmrhxPitquieVWGE8ymexZw7CVxlW8AYIuaHi-9PKR-S_WEmWFttr1pFit_TE7DPtVlxuHaUOcD1q-lZSDk/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinese soldiers discuss during the Peace Mission-2013 China-Russia joint military drill in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Aug. 6, 2013. The 20-day Peace Mission-2013 China-Russia joint military drill began in Chelyabinsk on July 27. (<a href="http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/special-reports/2013-08/07/content_5432568.htm">Xinhua/Xian Yunqiang</a>)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>China’s Military Trains for War Against Japan -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat</b></span></div><br />A senior US military official says the PLA has been holding exercises to practice seizing islands in the East China Sea.<br /><br />A senior U.S. military officer has accused China’s People Liberation Army of training for a “short sharp war” against Japan in the East China Sea aimed at seizing the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.<br /><br />According to the U.S. Naval Institute, Captain James Fanell, Director, Intelligence and Information Operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said that the massive Mission Action 2013 exercise between all three branches of the PLA last year was aimed at preparing for a war to defeat Japan’s Self Defense Forces in a conflict in the East China Sea.<br /><br />“We witnessed the massive amphibious and cross military region enterprise — Mission Action 2013,” USNI News quoted Capt. Fanell as saying. “[We] concluded that the PLA has been given the new task to be able to conduct a short sharp war to destroy Japanese forces in the East China Sea following with what can only be expected a seizure of the Senkakus or even a southern Ryukyu [islands] — as some of their academics say.”<br /><br /><b><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/chinas-military-trains-for-war-against-japan/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Previous Post:</b> <a href="http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.ca/2014/02/china-trains-for-short-war-with-japan.html">China Trains For ‘Short War’ With Japan</a><br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Captain James Fanell (Director, Intelligence and Information Operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet) may be blunt in his assessment of Chinese intentions .... but he is probably right.

China Prepares For War Against Japan (Updated)

Chinese soldiers discuss during the Peace Mission-2013 China-Russia joint military drill in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Aug. 6, 2013. The 20-day Pe...

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CIA Declassifies OSS Field Manual

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8AcYechJ1OBbvlvUFxMaqEcTjpoA3L33KHYHFjfV2QlE8SUZjm4BfeIy8TP5ysnP5HcHdw_boEldLY3mWErR6i7ob3vouRxYdphttkYk7O2aaLGqemvCuAVxwSdYeVP92E0zjjRy_eho/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8AcYechJ1OBbvlvUFxMaqEcTjpoA3L33KHYHFjfV2QlE8SUZjm4BfeIy8TP5ysnP5HcHdw_boEldLY3mWErR6i7ob3vouRxYdphttkYk7O2aaLGqemvCuAVxwSdYeVP92E0zjjRy_eho/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: William J. Donovan. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:William_Donovan.jpg">Head of the OSS</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to Operate Like a Spy: CIA Declassifies OSS Field Manual -- The Blaze</b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">Commentary by </span><a href="http://sofrep.com/author/14charlie/" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;" title="Posts by 14Charlie">14Charlie</a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">, </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">a junior active duty officer working ground intel and supporting an airborne-capable unit. <i>Due to his placement and access, he writes under the pseudonym seen here. </i>Nothing here is written in an official capacity or represents the positions of the United States government; all work is his personal opinion alone. This was </span><a href="http://sofrep.com/33044/how-to-operate-like-a-spy-cia-declassifies-old-oss-field-manual/#ixzz2tgt4Azsc" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">originally published </a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">on </span><a href="http://join.sofrep.com/the-blaze/" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">SOFREP</a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;"> on Feb. 17, 2014. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The CIA isn’t known for sharing its secrets with anyone, let alone the public. As such, the contents of an old Office of Strategic Services field manual aren’t something to be missed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As SOFREP has <b><a href="http://sofrep.com/31166/jed-21-beyond-counter-terrorism-part-2/" title="Jed-21: Beyond Counter-Terrorism (Part 2)">covered previously</a></b>, the days of the OSS were the glory days where espionage, sabotage, and war-fighting all converged under the banner of “Wild Bill” Donovan and the Allied fight against the Nazis during World War II, with resounding success.</div><br /><b><a href="http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/how-to-operate-like-a-spy-cia-declassifies-oss-field-manual/#">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>WNU Editor: </b> The full declassified manual straight from the CIA is <b><a href="https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2012-featured-story-archive/CleanedUOSSSimpleSabotage_sm.pdf">here</a></b>.

CIA Declassifies OSS Field Manual

Photo: William J. Donovan. Head of the OSS How to Operate Like a Spy: CIA Declassifies OSS Field Manual -- The Blaze Commentary by  14Charli...

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U.S. Navy SEALS Love The Swiss Army Knife

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pnkb8HRo7I-LZvXKiGhckhmVp-JvQi91uraJfKHhEo7LupzbMt2-s1BAmuDj8g5dFDcfQdO7uVlu0W9zBgTPyiMK8hyuP24Pu7yh6Q7pMpS8QV0WHFbNginYPwJxi674_U4VUgvpYcH9/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pnkb8HRo7I-LZvXKiGhckhmVp-JvQi91uraJfKHhEo7LupzbMt2-s1BAmuDj8g5dFDcfQdO7uVlu0W9zBgTPyiMK8hyuP24Pu7yh6Q7pMpS8QV0WHFbNginYPwJxi674_U4VUgvpYcH9/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wenger RangerGrip 75 130 mm (5.1 in) Swiss army knife. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ranger_Grip_75.JPG">Wikipedia</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Swiss Army Knife Key To Navy SEALs' Survival Kit -- USA Today</b></span></div><br />How valuable is a Swiss Army knife?<br /><br />Well, the Navy SEALs, perhaps the military's most elite fighting force, puts the knife at the top of its wish list for survival kits to be issued to its members.<br /><br />A solicitation for survival kits released this week by the U.S. Special Operations Command lists a variety of tools needed for people stuck in the wild trying to survive. This 31-item, "worst-case scenario" kit includes the following:<br /><br />• Swiss Army knife. First developed by Swiss knife maker Karl Elsener in 1884 for his nation's army, the knife has been a standard item in any outdoors enthusiast's tool kit. New versions have included USB flash drives and cellphones.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/nation/2014/02/19/swiss-army-knife-seal-survival-kit/5604249/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I have gone through three Swiss Army Knifes in the past 20 years. One I lost, one I gave to my friend's oldest son, and the last one has been with me for ten years. If there is a tool that you must carry with on a camping trip or trekking/hiking in the woods .... this is a must tool.

U.S. Navy SEALS Love The Swiss Army Knife

Wenger RangerGrip 75 130 mm (5.1 in) Swiss army knife. Wikipedia Swiss Army Knife Key To Navy SEALs' Survival Kit -- USA Today How valua...

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Meet 'Johnny Walker' The Iraqi Interpreter Who Earned The Respect Of The U.S. Special Forces

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DWxDQu82N04" width="420"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>'Code Name: Johnny Walker': How Iraqi Interpreter Saved The Lives Of U.S. Special Forces --FOX News</b></span></div><br />Offering a unique perspective on the Iraq War, the new memoir “Code Name: Johnny Walker” tells the story of one Iraqi who risked everything to fight with U.S. troops, in particular the Navy SEALs, becoming perhaps the only “terp” (interpreter) to be welcomed into their tight-knit fold.<br /><br />Co-written by Walker (a pseudonym and nickname given to him based on his love of the Scotch whisky) and author Jim DeFelice, "Code Name" is the story of a family man who the SEALs came to rely on to interpret the local language on dangerous missions as the insurgency intensified following the American invasion.<br /><br />But for Walker, this isn’t so much about telling his story as it is honoring the Americans he ended up spending eight dangerous years working alongside.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/02/18/code-name-johnny-walker-how-iraqi-interpreter-saved-lives-us-special-forces/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b>  To be accepted by such a closed knit group is quite an accomplishment .... he must have done some unbelievably heroic actions to receive this respect.

Meet 'Johnny Walker' The Iraqi Interpreter Who Earned The Respect Of The U.S. Special Forces

'Code Name: Johnny Walker': How Iraqi Interpreter Saved The Lives Of U.S. Special Forces --FOX News Offering a unique perspective on...

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Apache Helicopter Pilots Will Now Be Able To See Targets In Color

<script src="http://WZDX.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=901686;hostDomain=www.fox54.com;playerWidth=630;playerHeight=355;isShowIcon=true;clipId=9856185;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.fox54.com/" title="FOX 54 WZDX – Huntsville News, Weather and Sports">FOX 54 WZDX – Huntsville News, Weather and Sports</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lockheed Tech Lets U.S. Apache Helicopter Pilots Aim In Color - Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - The U.S. Army has unveiled new technology that will for the first time allow AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots to see targeting and surveillance data in full, high-resolution color, instead of the fuzzy black and white images they get now.<br /><br />An Army official said new sensors developed by Lockheed Martin Corp over the past four years could help avoid mistakes such as the 2007 attack by two U.S. Apache helicopters that killed 12 people in Baghdad, including two Reuters news staff, after they were mistaken for armed insurgents.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-usa-army-apaches-lockheed-idINBREA1I14220140219">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update #1:</b> <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140219-909970.html">Team Apache Sensors Conducts Test Flight Of The Modernized Day Sensor Assembly On The AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><b>Update #2</b>: <a href="http://www.fox54.com/story/24759233/new-technology-helps-apache-helicopter-pilots">New Technology Helps Apache Helicopter Pilots</a> -- FOX News<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> This development is long overdue.

Apache Helicopter Pilots Will Now Be Able To See Targets In Color

FOX 54 WZDX – Huntsville News, Weather and Sports Lockheed Tech Lets U.S. Apache Helicopter Pilots Aim In Color - Reuters (Reuters) - The U....

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The Pentagon Wants To Shock Soldier's Brains To Keep Them Alert During Combat

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dwtVpil5z8PQmJ8Ieo_qjrUrohPuGD4vvCW3k-jBCSZvOLYElnUCw0io7PUUUZiCv9NuQEcYOlZJWNgWj20Kfb86PHWfUeoTmnL6gykwM5n1SjzGiaiS9Jcdje40Jm_s3TtkW-TmLa6c/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dwtVpil5z8PQmJ8Ieo_qjrUrohPuGD4vvCW3k-jBCSZvOLYElnUCw0io7PUUUZiCv9NuQEcYOlZJWNgWj20Kfb86PHWfUeoTmnL6gykwM5n1SjzGiaiS9Jcdje40Jm_s3TtkW-TmLa6c/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Air Force Research Laboratory is researching the use of electrical stimulation to increase troops’ alertness and cognitive ability. <a href="http://www.guns.com/2014/02/18/military-use-low-levels-electricity-stimulate-troops-brains/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=military-use-low-levels-electricity-stimulate-troops-brains">Guns.com</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pentagon Considers Using Electricity To Stimulate Troops’ Brains -- Boston Globe</b></span></div><br />WASHINGTON — For some modern soldiers, caffeine is just not enough to stay vigilant, especially for the growing ranks of digital warriors who must spend hours monitoring spy drone footage and other streams of surveillance data.<br /><br />So the Pentagon is exploring a novel way to extend troops’ attention spans and sharpen their reaction times: stimulate the brain with low levels of electricity.<br /><br />It sounds like science fiction, but commanders in search of more effective tools than the ubiquitous cups of coffee and energy drinks are testing medical treatments designed to treat such brain disorders as depression to determine whether they can also improve the attentiveness of sleepdeprived but otherwise healthy troops.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/02/18/air-force-stimulates-brain-waves-improve-performance-drone-operators/V8ZG5DEYze4lCoGlloq14H/story.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Reports That The Pentagon Wants To Shock Soldier's Brains To Keep Them Alert During Combat</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2562152/The-shock-troops-U-S-military-trials-ELECTRIC-PULSES-soldiers-alert-combat.html">The shock troops: U.S. military trials ELECTRIC PULSES to keep soldiers alert during combat</a> -- Daily Mail<br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/02/18/pentagon_tests_electric_brain_stimulation_as_alternative_to_coffee.html">The Pentagon is Trying to Replace Coffee with Electric Brain Stimulation</a> -- Slate<br /><a href="http://www.guns.com/2014/02/18/military-use-low-levels-electricity-stimulate-troops-brains/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=military-use-low-levels-electricity-stimulate-troops-brains">Military to use low levels of electricity to stimulate troops’ brains </a>-- Guns.com<br /><a href="http://www.newsmax.com/scitech/brain-electricity-pentagon-studies/2014/02/19/id/553489">Shock the Brain vs. Coffee? Pentagon Studies Ways to Keep Soldiers Sharp </a>-- Newsmax<br /><a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/82751/pentagon-wants-to-use-electroshock-therapy-on-sleepy-drone-operators">Pentagon Wants to Use Electroshock Therapy on Sleepy Drone Operators</a> -- Policy Mic<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I prefer to take my coffee or energy drink instead.

The Pentagon Wants To Shock Soldier's Brains To Keep Them Alert During Combat

The Air Force Research Laboratory is researching the use of electrical stimulation to increase troops’ alertness and cognitive ability. Guns...

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The Pause That Depresses

The following chart shows the average of new private housing units authorized by building permits and new privately owned housing units started.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AFXyXf63BOt50KtzE0w-asLGEMWSPxpw1prTx0b9UwEop4Cs7Vc-hY_oUSmcgIW00VIntdBcAMagL-jtvCd6wDQ33iGU5kMNBGBkMv8Pm_FDWwPpPnGkzVAdI0hDjZmN7AplTnbwtK4/s1600/The+Pause+That+Depresses.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AFXyXf63BOt50KtzE0w-asLGEMWSPxpw1prTx0b9UwEop4Cs7Vc-hY_oUSmcgIW00VIntdBcAMagL-jtvCd6wDQ33iGU5kMNBGBkMv8Pm_FDWwPpPnGkzVAdI0hDjZmN7AplTnbwtK4/s320/The+Pause+That+Depresses.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />If cold weather is responsible for the exponential trend failure then, as seen in the chart, it sure has been cold over the past year.<br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=si2">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

The Pause That Depresses

The following chart shows the average of new private housing units authorized by building permits and new privately owned housing units star...

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 19, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wps-swtXQAM" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine Suffers 'Black Day' That Will Never Be Forgotten -- Ian Traynor and Harriet Salem, The Guardian</b></span></div><br />Assault on Independence Square in Kiev left at least 26 people dead, 10 of them police officers<br /><br />Beneath the gilded column known as Stella that towers over Kiev's Independence Square, the charred, black remains of Ukraine's battlefield bore witness to the saddest, grimmest 36 hours in the young country's history.<br /><br />On Tuesday morning, the public space was an encampment of tents and soup kitchens occupied mainly by youthful and peaceful protesters sick to the back teeth of the corruption, cronyism and misrule of their president.<br /><br />By Wednesday afternoon, the area was occupied by ranks of interior ministry troops, special "Berkut" security forces, and common police in full body armour. They lined up five-deep on a smoking wasteland of burned out buses, smouldering fires, collapsed sodden tents, almost three months of thriving protest ruthlessly reduced to shards of timber and rubble.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/19/ukraine-black-day-protest-kiev">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/europe/ukraine-protests/">'Truce' declared in bloodied Ukraine, but will it last?</a> -- Phil Black. Michael Pearson and Victoria Butenko, CNN<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/19/ukraine-revolutionary-situation-east-west-violence">Ukraine is now in a potentially revolutionary situation </a>-- Mary Dejevsky, The Guardian<br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2014/0219/Answering-Ukraine-s-bullets">Answering Ukraine's bullets</a> -- Christian Science Monitor editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/david-ignatius-regional-spymasters-make-tactical-changes-to-bolster-syrian-moderates/2014/02/18/5d69596c-98f0-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">On Syria, a spymasters’ conclave</a> -- David Ignatius, Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials-on-the-left/021814-690333-us-follows-cowardly-lion-policy-in-syria.htm">Obama Speaks Loudly In Syria, But Carries A Small Stick</a> -- Ruchard Cohen, IBD Editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/syria-iraq-lebanon-the-new-afpak-9897">Syria, Iraq, Lebanon: The New AfPak</a> -- Anno Bunnik, National Interest<br /><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303945704579391290674357858?">Time for the 'Never Agains' on North Korea</a> -- Nicholas Eberstadt, Wall Street Journal<br /><br /><a href="http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/americas-failing-china-paradigm-9901">America's Failing China Paradigm</a> -- Gordon G. Chang, National Interest<br /><br /><a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/inside-story/Insiders/2014/2/18/can-france-and-theafricanunionbringpeacetocentralafricanrepublic.html">Can France and the African Union bring peace to the CAR?</a> -- Janet Weinstein, Al Jazeera <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/02/18/218571/in-bosnia-economy-still-struggling.html">In Bosnia, economy still struggling with fallout of civil war</a> -- Phil Cain, McClatchy Foreign Staff<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2014/02/19/argentinas_downward_spiral.html">Argentina's Downward Spiral </a>-- Jaime Daremblum, Real Clear World<br /><br /><a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/02/18/congress-is-loving-the-army-to-death/#more-841854">Congress Is Loving the Army to Death</a> -- Max Boot, Commentary<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/peggynoonan/2014/02/18/our-decadent-elites/">Our Decadent Elites </a>-- Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 19, 2014

Ukraine Suffers 'Black Day' That Will Never Be Forgotten -- Ian Traynor and Harriet Salem, The Guardian Assault on Independence Squa...

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World News Briefs -- February 19, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QYwS43BvxmM" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">World Leaders Condemn Ukraine Bloodshed -- Time/Reuters</span></b></div><br />E.U. considering sanctions on government of President Viktor Yanukovych<br />The European Union has called a rare meeting of the group’s 28 foreign ministers for Thursday in response to the deteriorating crisis in Ukraine.<br /><br />The anti-government protests descended into bloodshed Tuesday, with at least 25 killed and hundreds injured as protestors clashed with police forces in Kiev’s main square. The day of fighting was by far the bloodiest since protests against the Ukrainian government of President Viktor Yanukovych began in November. Clashes were expected to resume Wednesday.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://world.time.com/2014/02/19/world-leaders-condemn-ukraine-bloodshed/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Russia’s Lavrov warns against <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140219/187693438/Russias-Lavrov-Warns-Against-Military-Intervention-in-Syria.html">military intervention in Syria</a></b>.<br /><br />Assad escalates firepower using <b><a href="http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Assad-escalates-firepower-using-missiles-against-rebels-341885">missiles against rebels</a></b>.<br /><br />Islamists order women to don veil <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-syria-crisis-islamists-dress-idUSBREA1I1OX20140219">in eastern Syria</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia says U.N. Syria aid resolution<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-u-n-aid-resolution-possible-coming-112138759.html"> possible in days: agency</a></b>.<br /><br />Syrian rebels call <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/syrian-rebels-call-commander-sacking-coup-2014219172827173502.html">commander's sacking a coup</a></b>.<br /><br />Lebanon dances into the abyss as <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26239778">Syria conflict crosses border</a></b>.<br /><br />'Twin suicide attack' <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26254300">in Beirut kills four</a></b>. Suicide bombers target <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-lebanon-blast-casualties-idUSBREA1I0PQ20140219">Iranian center in Beirut</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry, Abbas to discuss <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-abbas-to-discuss-mideast-peace-in-paris/1854414.html">Mideast peace in Paris</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran, powers seek to agree basis <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-iran-nuclear-idUSBREA1H0S620140219">for final nuclear deal.</a></b><br /><br />Iran, six world powers tackle agenda<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-powers-hold-39-substantive-39-nuclear-talks-001157852.html"> for final nuclear accord</a></b>.<br /><br />Washington critics sound alarm <b><a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/dc-critics-sound-alarms-as-talks-with-iran-resume/">as Iran talks resume</a></b>.<br /><br />BAE Systems agrees Eurofighter pricing <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26254561">with Saudi Arabia</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />Seven convicted over Rajiv Gandhi assassination <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/19/india-state-rules-rajiv-gandhi-assassination-plotters-freed">set to be freed.</a></b><br /><br />Thai anti-government protesters gather<b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/asia/thailand-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t2"> outside defense compound.</a></b><br /><br />Thai court warns against using emergency powers <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/thai-protesters-rally-against-pm-deadly-bangkok-clashes-031559648--sector.html">to disperse protests</a></b>.<br /><br />Sri Lanka considers A South Africa-style <b><a href="http://world.time.com/2014/02/19/sri-lanka-considers-a-south-africa-style-truth-and-reconciliation-commission/">Truth And Reconciliation Commission</a></b>.<br /><br />Afghan ethnic tensions rise in<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/world/asia/afghan-ethnic-tensions-rise-in-media-and-politics.html?ref=world&_r=0"> media and politics</a></b>.<br /><br />No 'active negotiations' <b><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/198628-wh-no-active-negotiations-with-taliban">with Taliban</a></b>.<br /><br />White House mum on <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/white-house-mum-damning-north-korea-report/">damning North Korea report</a></b>.<br /><br />India’s 29th state born <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/indias-29th-state-born-amid-protest-pepper-spray/2014/02/18/8318e8ba-98ac-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html">amid protest, pepper spray</a></b>.<br /><br />Filipino Muslim rebels <b><a href="http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/A/AS_PHILIPPINES_MUSLIM_REBELS?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-02-18-07-26-27">expel leader for beheading</a></b>.<br /><br />China respects Taiwan system,<b><a href="http://www.sinodaily.com/reports/China_respects_Taiwan_system_Xi_tells_Taipei_ex-VP_Lien_999.html"> Xi tells Taipei ex-VP Lien</a></b>.<br /><br />Raid on Kim Dotcom’s mansion <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/court-dotcom-warrant-legal-646/">ruled legal by NZ court</a></b>.<br /><br />North Korea detains <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26252483">Australian missionary</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />Robert Mugabe's lavish 90th birthday plans decried <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/19/robert-mugabe-birthday-plans-condemned-zimbabwe-struggles">as Zimbabwe struggles.</a></b><br /><br />Mubarak denies he <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/mubarak-denies-he-stole-public-funds-2014219142420673362.html">stole public funds</a></b>.<br /><br />South Sudan rebels say capture <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-southsudan-unrest-idUSBREA1H15U20140218">oil-producing state capital</a></b>.<br /><br />Libyan militias keep up <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-envoy-in-libya-urges-talks-in-parliament-crisis/2014/02/19/5db4f09c-994b-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">pressure on parliament</a></b>.<br /><br />Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26254480">Bama attack mars victory claims</a></b>.<br /><br />Peacekeepers clash with <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/gunfire-blasts-near-airport-c-african-capital-104338101.html">anti-balaka fighters in C.Africa</a></b>.<br /><br />MSF: CAR aid efforts <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/car-msf-18feb14/1854091.html">have failed</a></b>. Heavy fighting in CAR <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-heavy-fighting-in-central-african-republic-capital-disrupts-un-aid-visit/1854536.html">disrupts UN aid visit</a></b>.<br /><br />UN protest at Liberia-Ivory Coast <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26248723">'forced extraditions'</a></b>.<br /><br />Egypt taking 'ultimatum <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248702">against tourists' seriously.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Ukraine president 'agrees truce'<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26267220"> with opposition</a></b>.<br /><br />Embattled Ukraine: Kiev’s vicious cycle of violence rages on <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/kiev-clashes-rioters-police-571/">- Live Updates</a></b><br /><br />Violence in Ukraine: Yanukovych <b><a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/violence-in-ukraine-leads-eu-to-finally-consider-sanctions-a-954511.html">forces EU into sanctions</a></b>.<br /><br />Moscow blames radicals for deadly clashes in Ukraine, EU leaders ponder <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-deadly-clashes-reactions-652/">sanctions against government</a></b>.<br /><br />Yanukovich says opposition <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/yanukovich-says-opposition-crossed-limits-201421943854745891.html">'crossed limits'</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine leader denounces coup bid, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140219">West weighs sanctions</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine: 25 killed, 241 injured <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/19/ukraine-25-killed-241-injured-kiev-clashes/">in Kiev clashes</a></b>.<br /><br />Merkel, Putin agree to <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-merkel-putin-idUSBREA1I1SI20140219">avoid Ukraine escalation</a></b>.<br /><br />Pussy Riot say Cossacks beat them <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-olympics-pussyriot-idUSBREA1I1MM20140219">with whips in Sochi</a></b>.<br /><br />IMF urges European Central Bank to mull <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/19/imf-european-central-bank-interest-rates-deflation-eurozone">cutting interest rates below zero</a></b>.<br /><br />Britain to protest over Spanish incursion<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-britain-spain-gibraltar-idUSBREA1I15G20140219"> into Gibraltar's waters</a></b>. Spanish warship disrupts Royal Navy <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/19/spanish-warship-gibraltar-royal-navy-exercise">Gibraltar training exercise</a></b>.<br /><br />Italy's Renzi says expects government<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-italy-politics-idUSBREA1I12E20140219"> in place by Monday</a></b>.<br /><br />French police question <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26254615">industrialist Serge Dassault</a></b>.<br /><br />Siberian shale find fuels <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/siberian-shale-find-fuels-russias-fracking-future/">Russia’s fracking future</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />U.S. condemns <b><a href="http://swampland.time.com/2014/02/19/ukraine-sanctions-obama-congress/">Ukraine violence</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela unrest kills fifth person,<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1I15M20140219"> Lopez faces court</a></b>. Venezuelan opposition leader Lopez due in court <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/americas/venezuela-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1">after surrendering</a></b>.<br /><br />Obama arrives in Mexico for summit <b><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/02/19/218679/obama-heads-to-mexico-summit-amid.html">that may show NAFTA strains</a></b>.<br /><br />Politics to shadow Obama’s<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/world/americas/politics-shadow-obamas-trade-talks-with-mexico.html?ref=world"> trade talks in Mexico</a></b>.<br /><br />U.S., Mexico mull relaxing border for <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/us-mexico-relax-border-trusted-business-travelers/#ixzz2tiLi9lWH">‘trusted’ business travelers</a></b>.<br /><br />Everyone is optimistic about Mexico, <b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/19/mexico-obama-economy-summit/5604065/">except for Mexicans</a></b>.<br /><br />Ecuador pursued China oil deal while pledging <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/19/ecuador-oil-china-yasuni">to protect Yasuni, papers show</a></b>.<br /><br />Colombia fires army chief <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2014/02/colombia-fires-army-chief-over-scandal-201421924548335298.html">over scandal</a></b>.<br /><br />Argentina asks U.S. Supreme Court <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-usa-court-argentina-idUSBREA1I03N20140219">to hear bonds case</a></b>.<br /><br />Brazil's worst nightmare:<b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/brazils-worst-nightmare-argentina-wins-world-cup-22551314"> Argentina wins World Cup</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Jose Pimentel pleads guilty <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26264273">in NYC 'bomb plot'.</a></b><br /><br />Split within Al Qaeda over <b><a href="http://freebeacon.com/split-within-al-qaeda-over-syrian-rebels-grows/">Syrian rebels grows</a></b>. Smuggled video testimony documents harsh rule of <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/19/smuggled-video-testimony-harsh-rule-of-syrian-islamista-raqqa">Syrian Islamist group.</a></b><br /><br />Obama administration 'to offer Taliban 5 Gitmo prisoners in exchange for last Afghanistan POW Bowe Bergdahl <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562211/Obama-administration-offer-Taliban-5-Gitmo-prisoners-exchange-Afghanistan-POW-Bowe-Bergdahl-spent-four-years-captive.html#ixzz2thXQCpRd">who has spent four years captive'</a></b>.<br /><br />FBI documents raise additional questions about Saudi and al-Aulaqi <b><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/02/18/FBI-Documents-Raise-Additional-Questions">connections to 9/11 attacks</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Blackberry boss 'outrage' <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26255645">at T-Mobile iPhone offer.</a></b><br /><br />Google spreading Fiber fingers<b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/02/19/google-fiber-new-cities/5610707/"> to more cities.</a></b><br /><br />Thai rice to flood global markets<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-thai-rice-to-flood-global-markets-as-subsidy-ends/1854297.html"> as subsidy ends</a></b>.<br /><br />Microsoft OneDrive launches worldwide; free cloud storage service provides one place <b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140219-903256.html">for everything in your life</a></b>.<br /><br />Google fund invests in education start-up <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-google-investment-idUSBREA1I0XJ20140219">Renaissance Learning</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 19, 2014

World Leaders Condemn Ukraine Bloodshed -- Time/Reuters E.U. considering sanctions on government of President Viktor Yanukovych The European...

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Breaking News: All Sides Agree To A Truce In Ukraine

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XXi1Z7BskLErdiczWzDXnZsFlvv2nBDbiNaudPv9cZ_5V2yC5F1jn4PFl5rIK5x-Ekq0VFdvy4ydJg7N3divz-TQDLYnFepuF1_1vzWxRomO8oYqTvkiKscT8syz5g0K03lCAWhOwmxN/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XXi1Z7BskLErdiczWzDXnZsFlvv2nBDbiNaudPv9cZ_5V2yC5F1jn4PFl5rIK5x-Ekq0VFdvy4ydJg7N3divz-TQDLYnFepuF1_1vzWxRomO8oYqTvkiKscT8syz5g0K03lCAWhOwmxN/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Interior Ministry members clash with anti-government protesters during a rally in Kiev, February 18, 2014. REUTERS/Vlad Sodel</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine President 'Agrees Truce' With Opposition -- BBC</b></span></div><br /><div class="introduction">Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych says he has agreed a truce with opposition leaders, after at least 26 people died in protests this week.</div><div class="introduction"><br /></div>A <b><a href="http://www.president.gov.ua/news/30111.html">statement</a></b> on the presidential website said they had agreed to start "negotiations" aimed at ending the bloodshed of the last two days.<br /><br />They also agreed to try to stabilise "the situation in the state in the interests of social peace".<br />Earlier today, the president sacked the head of the armed forces.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26267220">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>WNU Editor: </b>This is a breaking news story. We will have a news roundup on the crisis in Ukraine late tonight.

Breaking News: All Sides Agree To A Truce In Ukraine

Interior Ministry members clash with anti-government protesters during a rally in Kiev, February 18, 2014. REUTERS/Vlad Sodel Ukraine Presid...

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OIL and NATURAL GAS to become UNAFFORDABLE for many

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">*****ENERGY PRICES RISING*****</span> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrIFHEcn8oqrvUY_af0ong8jqvZaLV0oCUSmrf8bnB9-ad_LEUp23TtsMqo9joACj9gz7JmOC46-9-TDyXStNwtEh9QqAUUYR44Re2qtMnkRx3wxscf5RsbU_T6HWvFTuFE7cCsGOucA/s1600/OILpumpPIC_redsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrIFHEcn8oqrvUY_af0ong8jqvZaLV0oCUSmrf8bnB9-ad_LEUp23TtsMqo9joACj9gz7JmOC46-9-TDyXStNwtEh9QqAUUYR44Re2qtMnkRx3wxscf5RsbU_T6HWvFTuFE7cCsGOucA/s1600/OILpumpPIC_redsky.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNutmgOSn7eSf8nUMZb5NNv0uI7GI5U2rOz523sBK-BQMq5SNLzfMbxZ4PGN3-Zx_vwhFw7Qf4lB7VRblqz-MYjPDp2XE1HCSU2dvNj3Zxes7L1ojGpZ6CI16Y-vIUcrpV93vfglfoPtU/s1600/natural-gas-flaring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNutmgOSn7eSf8nUMZb5NNv0uI7GI5U2rOz523sBK-BQMq5SNLzfMbxZ4PGN3-Zx_vwhFw7Qf4lB7VRblqz-MYjPDp2XE1HCSU2dvNj3Zxes7L1ojGpZ6CI16Y-vIUcrpV93vfglfoPtU/s1600/natural-gas-flaring.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Get ready for an ENERGY CRISIS</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And they tell us there's no INFLATION? </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Regardless of what we've been told about being the world's largest producer now of OIL and NATURAL GAS and all the wonderful things about natural gas fracking and the Bakken Oil Region, along with Obama's promises of alternative energy plans, we are heading for a major crisis.   The charts tell the tale now as both OIL and NATURAL GAS are headed higher.  CRUDE OIL is already up over 7% over the last two weeks.  And besides NATURAL GAS heading higher, there is a load of cold weather left for the season.  There's no denying that weather patterns are becoming so extreme we may even see an unseasonably hot summer with a widespread AIR CONDITIONING CRISIS.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Either way you look at this we are going to get HIGH FUEL PRICES at the GAS PUMP and also on our UTILITY BILLS.  Even your outdoor grill will become a major expense at these rates.  By the way the fuel rationing for PROPANE is still going on here in the Midwest.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Watch OIL and NATURAL GAS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="199" src="http://www.finviz.com/fut_chart.ashx?t=CL&cot=067651&p=h1" width="400" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="199" src="http://www.finviz.com/fut_chart.ashx?t=NG&cot=023651&p=h1" width="400" /></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6YK8uUY-yLk?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />...developing...

OIL and NATURAL GAS to become UNAFFORDABLE for many

*****ENERGY PRICES RISING***** Get ready for an ENERGY CRISIS And they tell us there's no INFLATION? Regardless of what we've been ...

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Spanish Navy Conducts Another Incursion Into Gibraltasr During A Royal Navy Training Exercise

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjqXlUm8CS6LLL4LJjh8n6F2JbpcjEnWrsKryz5d6zONOf7FloKfLuoH_6L9jnMOzRsfhMGkTBWDtt6oQIwbs7YrG3u-QLcCk2BPIQw_IDngz8GeClziV2HvsscB1Jh6cXhxLH3xHGhFW/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjqXlUm8CS6LLL4LJjh8n6F2JbpcjEnWrsKryz5d6zONOf7FloKfLuoH_6L9jnMOzRsfhMGkTBWDtt6oQIwbs7YrG3u-QLcCk2BPIQw_IDngz8GeClziV2HvsscB1Jh6cXhxLH3xHGhFW/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Union flag flies at Europa Point in front of the Rock (rear), a monolithic limestone promontory, and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim mosque in Gibraltar, south of Spain August 12, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Jon Nazca</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Says To Protest Over Spanish Incursion Into Gibraltar's Waters -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Britain said on Wednesday it would make a formal "high level" protest to Spain over what the British Foreign Office described as an incursion into Gibraltar's territorial waters by the Spanish Navy earlier this week.<br /><br />The incident is the latest in a long line of diplomatic spats between Britain and Spain over Gibraltar, a rocky outcrop off Spain's southern coast that Madrid ceded to Britain 300 years ago, but that the Spanish authorities now want to reclaim.<br /><br />"There was an incursion into British waters near Gibraltar by the Spanish Navy on 18 February, during a Royal Navy exercise," a Foreign Office spokesman said in a statement. "We are raising this at a high level with the Spanish government and will be issuing a formal protest."<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-britain-spain-gibraltar-idUSBREA1I15G20140219">Read more </a></b>....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On UK Protests On Another Spanish Incursion Into Gibraltar's Waters</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=32967">Spanish warship disrupts British parachute jump </a>-- Gibraltar Chronicle<br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562932/HMS-Sabre-patrol-boat-forced-Spanish-Navy-vessel-disrupting-British-parachute-exercise-Gibraltar.html">HMS Sabre patrol boat forced to see off Spanish Navy vessel disrupting British parachute exercise off Gibraltar </a>-- Daily Mail<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26262439">Spanish incursion off Gibraltar prompts UK protest</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/gibraltar/10648732/Gibraltar-row-Spanish-warship-disrupts-British-Navy-training.html">Gibraltar row: Spanish warship disrupts British Navy training </a>-- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/460648/Britain-demands-answers-after-Spanish-ship-disrupts-Navy-exercise-in-Gibraltar-waters">Britain demands answers after Spanish ship disrupts Navy exercise in Gibraltar waters </a>-- Express<br /><a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/uk-to-protest-over-spain-ship-move-30024310.html">UK to protest over Spain ship move</a> -- Belfast Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/royal-navy-rocked-spanish-armada-3163415">Royal Navy rocked by Spanish Armada at Gibraltar</a> -- Mirror

Spanish Navy Conducts Another Incursion Into Gibraltasr During A Royal Navy Training Exercise

A Union flag flies at Europa Point in front of the Rock (rear), a monolithic limestone promontory, and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim mosque in Gibr...

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FED officials comments cause EXTREME MARKET INSTABILITY

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">*****MARKET UNCERTAINTY*****</span> </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The FED sounds uncertain about the economy</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Are they running out of options? </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">IMF ISSUES <span style="color: red;"><u>WARNING:</u></span> </span></b><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11206201" style="color: red;">http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11206201</a></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8wsoaVvHCP-70sQ65lB2PbNqzQVsVFO6jZVf1YxgehtCj4NcXFhzXVX3l7GrEnlrGdZ06g5OhM8imGcQYFHFHsFq4-FaSKK7jx0mUorIchrEWDnggdzfR4QOxk5YiUjx6s0IG_IYXk0/s1600/FederalReserveBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8wsoaVvHCP-70sQ65lB2PbNqzQVsVFO6jZVf1YxgehtCj4NcXFhzXVX3l7GrEnlrGdZ06g5OhM8imGcQYFHFHsFq4-FaSKK7jx0mUorIchrEWDnggdzfR4QOxk5YiUjx6s0IG_IYXk0/s1600/FederalReserveBoard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wall Street CONFUSION rises</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjn97brsIpmi3LQsUJI_KRK-88rxYO6RfOFzgHJ5ry2qXzMs-_c12G1_7FkAKOEfaudk30dCW3EXYjE_EbS8DYz7GWoszGGzjAvj2FpIvrq9Wo4YDJvxPnP3WZclBranhopQfsrtUSx4/s1600/WallStreetmoneyPIC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjn97brsIpmi3LQsUJI_KRK-88rxYO6RfOFzgHJ5ry2qXzMs-_c12G1_7FkAKOEfaudk30dCW3EXYjE_EbS8DYz7GWoszGGzjAvj2FpIvrq9Wo4YDJvxPnP3WZclBranhopQfsrtUSx4/s1600/WallStreetmoneyPIC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Watch the DJIA CHART:</b></span><br /><br /><img alt="http://markets.money.cnn.com/markets/overview/modules/chart.asp" src="http://markets.money.cnn.com/markets/overview/modules/chart.asp" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Is there a CONFUSION INDEX?</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Markets don't like uncertainty </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The VIX becomes EXTRA-VOLATILE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rate-pledge-on-table-taper-is-not-fed-officials-2014-02-19" style="color: red;">http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rate-pledge-on-table-taper-is-not-fed-officials-2014-02-19</a></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><!-- Start FreeStockCharts.com Chart Widget --> <br /><div align="center" width="100%"><iframe frameborder="0" height="390" scrolling="no" src="http://widgets.freestockcharts.com/WidgetServer/InteractiveChartWidget.aspx?guid=a357bce2-b938-4026-8c9b-236c4be1f8ab&w=500&h=390" style="border: none;" width="500"></iframe></div><!-- End FreeStockCharts.com Chart Widget --> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>WATCH THE S&P500 FUTURES:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><img height="257" src="http://www.finviz.com/fut_chart.ashx?t=ES&cot=138741,13874A&p=m5" width="400" /> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Got GOLD and SILVER?</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://charts.kitco.com/KitcoCharts/index.jsp?Symbol=GOLD&Currency=USD&multiCurrency=true&langId=EN&utm_source=kitco&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=20110407_iCharts_gold_chart&utm_campaign=iCharts" target="_blank"> <img alt="Live 24 hours gold chart [Kitco Inc.]" border="0" height="253" hspace="0" src="http://www.kitco.com/images/live/gold.gif" vspace="0" width="400" /></a> </b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://charts.kitco.com/KitcoCharts/index.jsp?Symbol=SILVER&Currency=USD&multiCurrency=true&langId=EN&utm_source=kitco&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=20110407_iCharts_silver_chart&utm_campaign=iCharts" target="_blank"> <img alt="Live 24 hours silver chart [ Kitco Inc. ]" border="0" height="253" hspace="0" src="http://www.kitco.com/images/live/silver.gif" vspace="0" width="400" /></a> </b></div><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

FED officials comments cause EXTREME MARKET INSTABILITY

*****MARKET UNCERTAINTY***** The FED sounds uncertain about the economy Are they running out of options?  IMF ISSUES WARNING: http://www.n...

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Fighting Resumes In The Central African Republic

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vskUCGN9G48" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Fighting In Central African Republic Blocks U.N. Visit -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Heavy fighting erupted near the airport in Central African Republic's capital of Bangui on Wednesday, as Christian militia tried to block the evacuation of Muslims and disrupted a visit by a top United Nations aid official, witnesses said.<br /><br />The fighting was the latest episode in a cycle of religious violence that has displaced 1 million people from the former French colony and killed at least 2,000. About 6,000 African and 1,600 French peacekeepers have failed to halt the conflict. Paris has warned the crisis risks degenerating into genocide.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-centralafrican-idUSBREA1I19E20140219">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Growing Violence In Central African Republic</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g_HYm0ONi9KyfG-thcl3BS_CddaQ?docId=8221c38e-a35a-417a-a0c1-9f9863262220">Peacekeepers clash with anti-balaka fighters in C.Africa</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/heavy-fighting-near-c-african-republic-airport/2014/02/19/e724a854-9991-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Heavy fighting near C. African Republic airport </a>-- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.france24.com/en/20140218-civilians-killed-car-peacekeepers-clash-militias/">Civilians killed as CAR peacekeepers clash with militias</a> -- France 24<br /><a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/843555.shtml#.UwT5mIWJJuQ">Gunfire erupts at airport in Central African Republic's capital </a>-- Global Times/Xinhua<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/central-african-republic-french-troops">French troops move west in Central African Republic</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/French-CAR-operation-to-last-longer-than-expected-20140215">French CAR operation to last longer than expected </a>-- News24<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-centralafrican-chad-un-idUSBREA1H0WK20140218">Chad says U.N. force needed to stabilize Central African Republic</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47173&Cr=central+african+republic&Cr1=#.UwT45oWJJuQ">Central African Republic: amid ongoing violence, UN rights chief urges accountability</a> -- UN News Centre<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/centralafricanrepublic/10638550/The-hellish-descent-of-the-Central-African-Republic.html">The hellish descent of the Central African Republic </a>-- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201402191054.html">Central African Republic: Life in the Midst of Horror in the Central African Republic</a> -- allAfrica.com/Amnesty International<br /><a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/inside-story/Insiders/2014/2/18/can-france-and-theafricanunionbringpeacetocentralafricanrepublic.html">Can France and the African Union bring peace to the CAR?</a> -- Janet Weinstein, Al Jazeera <br /><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2014/02/19/religious-violence-engulfs-central-african-republic-photos.html">Religious Violence Engulfs Central African Republic (PHOTOS)</a> -- Daily Beast

Fighting Resumes In The Central African Republic

New Fighting In Central African Republic Blocks U.N. Visit -- Reuters (Reuters) - Heavy fighting erupted near the airport in Central African...

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Two Suicide Car Bomb Attacks In Beirut Kill Six

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ca79BalaCEU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Twin Suicide Car Bombs Strike Lebanon's Capital, Kill At Least Six -- L.A. Times</b></span></div><br />BEIRUT -- Twin suicide car bombs ripped through a residential district of the Lebanese capital Wednesday in the latest deadly attack believed tied to the war raging in neighboring Syria, according to official and witness accounts.<br /><br />At least three people were killed and scores injured in the blasts, which may have targeted a nearby Iranian cultural center.<br /><br /><b>[</b>Updated at 8:35 a.m. on Feb. 19: Lebanon's official news service later raised the death toll to at least six and said 129 people were injured, including four victims who remained in critical condition late Wednesday.<br /><br />Lebanese politicians from a broad spectrum of political parties condemned the attacks, saying they were a deliberate effort to incite sectarian strife and undermine Lebanon's fragile democracy.<b>]</b><br /><br />The strikes -- the latest in an escalating series of bombings in Lebanon -- occurred during the morning rush hour near a busy traffic circle in the densely populated Bir Hassan neighborhood.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-lebanon-suicide-bombings-20140219,0,3839057.story#axzz2tn880HP5">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Today's Suicide Bombing Attack In Beirut</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/world/middleeast/bombs-strike-southern-beirut.html">Bombs Strike Southern Beirut, Killing at Least Five </a>-- New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-lebanon-blast-casualties-idUSBREA1I0PQ20140219">Suicide bombers target Iranian center in Beirut</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/deaths-blast-southern-beirut-20142198538467372.html">Iranian cultural office targeted in Lebanon</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/19/Two-car-bomb-blasts-kill-eight-near-Iranian-Cultural-Center-in-Beirut/UPI-13171392815282/?spt=rln&or=1">Two car-bomb blasts kill eight near Iranian Cultural Center in Beirut</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/explosion-southern-beirut/1854448.html">Sunni Militants Claim Beirut Blast</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26254300">'Twin suicide attack' in Beirut kills four</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/21568553/suicide-bombings-target-iran-cultural-centre-in-beirut/">Suicide bombings target Iran cultural centre in Beirut</a> -- 7News/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/terrorism-security/2014/0219/Suicide-bombers-in-Beirut-target-Iranian-cultural-center">Suicide bombers in Beirut target Iranian cultural center </a>-- Christian Science Monitor<br /><a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Feb-19/247832-army-releases-photo-of-suspected-suicide-bomber.ashx#axzz2thKlsXWL">Army releases photo of suspected suicide bomber</a> -- Daily Star

Two Suicide Car Bomb Attacks In Beirut Kill Six

Twin Suicide Car Bombs Strike Lebanon's Capital, Kill At Least Six -- L.A. Times BEIRUT -- Twin suicide car bombs ripped through a resid...

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials On The Crisis In Ukraine

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i-BbAoFJLMA" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Explainer: What And Who Are Behind Ukraine's Political Crisis? -- Greg Botelho and Marie-Louise Gumuchian, CNN</b></span></div><br />(CNN) -- For three months, they've staked their claim to Kiev's Maidan, or Independence Square, and to Ukraine itself. We will leave only when you pull closer to the European Union, when you change the constitution, when you alter the government's power structure, they have loudly insisted.<br /><br />But why?<br /><br />Why have thousands of protesters staked their lives, seemingly, on their desire for political change? And why has the government resisted their calls so vehemently?<br /><br />Questions that relate to human nature, of people with strong interests or passions refusing to budge, can't be answered easily. But a look at Ukraine's distant and more recent history, as well as the players involved, can shed light on what's going on and what might happen next:<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/world/europe/ukraine-protests-explainer/index.html?hpt=hp_t1">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials On Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://world.time.com/2014/02/18/kiev-protests-maidan-europe-yanukovych/">The Maidan’s Last Stand: Ukraine’s Protesters Resist Police Crackdown</a> -- Simon Shuster, Time<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/19/ukraine-revolutionary-situation-east-west-violence">Ukraine is now in a potentially revolutionary situation</a> -- Mary Dejevsky, The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/02/18/losing-ukraine/">Losing Ukraine</a> -- Max Boot, Commentary<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10649072/Ukraine-protests-Both-sides-have-decided-this-is-the-showdown.html">Ukraine protests: 'Both sides have decided this is the showdown'</a> -- Roland Oliphant, The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26256304">Media shock and despair over Ukraine assault</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/violence-in-ukraine-shows-need-for-negotiated-settlement/2014/02/18/05722e2c-98e2-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">Violence in Ukraine shows need for negotiated settlement</a> -- Washington Post editorial<br /><a href="http://gulfnews.com/opinions/editorials/ukraine-needs-emergency-talks-cooler-heads-1.1293088">Ukraine needs emergency talks, cooler heads</a> -- Gulf News editorial<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-eu-ukraine-usa-analysis-idUSBREA1G08G20140217">Neither U.S. nor EU has strategy for Ukraine</a> -- Paul Taylor, Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/is-ukraine-entering-civil-war-or-deeper-authoritarianism/article16966410/">Is Ukraine entering civil war, or deeper authoritarianism? </a>-- Doug Sanders, The Globe and Mail<br /><a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/371385/kiev-spirals-out-control-john-osullivan">Kiev Spirals Out of Control</a> -- John O’Sullivan -- NRO<br /><a href="http://www.talkradionews.com/top-stories/2014/02/19/analysis-happened-ukraine-yesterday.html#.UwTr84WJJuQ">Analysis: What Happened In Ukraine Yesterday?</a> -- TRNS <br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/19/ukraine-violence-protests-explained/5601995/">Why Ukraine is erupting in violence right now </a>-- Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2014/02/proxy-war-being-waged-ukraine-201427135514521736.html">Is a proxy war being waged in Ukraine? </a>-- Inside Story/Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.neweasterneurope.eu/articles-and-commentary/1101-bridges-burnt-in-ukraine">Bridges Burnt in Ukraine</a> -- Jakub Parusinski, New Eastern Europe<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25182823">Why is Ukraine in turmoil?</a> -- BBC

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials On The Crisis In Ukraine

Explainer: What And Who Are Behind Ukraine's Political Crisis? -- Greg Botelho and Marie-Louise Gumuchian, CNN (CNN) -- For three months...

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A Drone's View Of The Riots In Kiev

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mgRKpW8jaBw" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Smoke And Fire On Kiev’s Independence Square (AERIAL VIDEO) -- RT</b></span></div><br />Black smoke, houses ablaze, and thousands of protesters in Kiev’s central square have been caught on tape by an aerial drone amid ongoing violent anti-government riots in Ukraine, which have claimed over 25 lives.<br /><br />The drone footage by the Ruptly international news agency gives a bird’s eye view of the protest camp on Independence Square in the Ukrainian capital – the main site of the bloody confrontation between the government and the opposition. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://rt.com/news/ruptly-ukraine-drones-protest-730/">Read more</a></b> ....

A Drone's View Of The Riots In Kiev

Smoke And Fire On Kiev’s Independence Square (AERIAL VIDEO) -- RT Black smoke, houses ablaze, and thousands of protesters in Kiev’s central ...

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Mob Wives: Sneak Peek "Alicia's Sentencing" Finale Ep 412

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFdjDVMUohLOQpq89XZ3LE1YttMhyvIeGO3vPnNbD9tSztcUSo19bnVKVxduDT0YvBa6rgPSpo5p1AV5qnN0Pw1Ur10zSqOCXXbw5HckUCbwaiOvEzrRfkTyPx6aFHFIYA2ixZ0-GUhE/s1600/leaving+court.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFdjDVMUohLOQpq89XZ3LE1YttMhyvIeGO3vPnNbD9tSztcUSo19bnVKVxduDT0YvBa6rgPSpo5p1AV5qnN0Pw1Ur10zSqOCXXbw5HckUCbwaiOvEzrRfkTyPx6aFHFIYA2ixZ0-GUhE/s1600/leaving+court.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alicia leaves court...was anything accomplished?</b></span></div><br />I found this sneak peek of the finale. The girls are all reacting to "Alicia's Sentencing." She could get 5 years, she could have to pay a million dollars...really? This doesn't seem to jive with the truth that we already know. For one thing the Feds were looking to take the $96,000 Alicia made on Mob Wives for fines and $20,000 for restitution for the pension funds she pocketed...not one million dollars. Second of all, Alicia did go to court to be sentenced a few weeks ago. You may remember that she tweeted nothing was resolved, they are still trying to work out the restitution and fines. The sentencing was postponed till March...that's the last thing I read. So what is all this much ado about nothing? You decide. To me is just more scripted drama for the camera. It would be nice if something had the ring of truth to it once in a while.<br /><br />Alicia has been crying all season about Eddie the love of her life, right? Well I cam across this interview where she states she left him four years ago and has now filed for divorce. Why all the fake tears? Everyone is writing about her long time boyfriend, Rob Lascala, who allegedly pays her bills and gave her a Cartier bracelet to wear over her tattoo of Eddie's name. Is anything about Alicia real, except for her pleading guilty to cooking the books? Here is the link to the article: <a href="http://haveaseatblog.com/2014/02/13/mob-wives-alicia-filing-for-divorce/">Alicia Files for divorce</a><br /><br />Meanwhile, the news was just released that there will be a season 5 of Mob Wives New Blood. Congratulations to Jennifer Graziano! However, the way the <a href="http://blog.vh1.com/2014-02-19/mob-wives-new-blood-picked-up-for-season-5/?flv=1">article reads to me</a>, it sounds like all the same women will be back. I will have my work cut out for me. Enough said. Here is the video...<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: black; width: 520px;"><div style="padding: 4px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="288" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/embed/mgid:uma:video:vh1.com:1004538/cp~channelId%3D3%26id%3D1722493%26vid%3D1004538%26instance%3Dvh1%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Avh1.com%3A1004538" width="512"></iframe></div></div></div>

Mob Wives: Sneak Peek "Alicia's Sentencing" Finale Ep 412

Alicia leaves court...was anything accomplished? I found this sneak peek of the finale. The girls are all reacting to "Alicia's Sen...

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Parabolic Growth: Not Sustainable (Musical Tribute)

The following chart shows the annual growth in the S&P 500 Index divided by the annual growth in retail sales (excluding food services). I offer two data sets. One starts at 2004:Q1 (in black) and the other starts at 2010:Q2 (in blue). A parabolic trend line has been added for each series.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59LjLeEFX5dLOac7ZZ4ZBfDiOlWSYYrap3RtgvTdfgeC6MqsD373_kMvAo1NiZaQPYZxLT2ehAUzxpRuUjdhXxrXBDE6cPjc6qac4_mpUbRxd0KZRJ-jXuR5S7GVrUnaenRij-brZTPs/s1600/S&P+500+Index+Growth+vs.+Retail+Sales+Growth.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59LjLeEFX5dLOac7ZZ4ZBfDiOlWSYYrap3RtgvTdfgeC6MqsD373_kMvAo1NiZaQPYZxLT2ehAUzxpRuUjdhXxrXBDE6cPjc6qac4_mpUbRxd0KZRJ-jXuR5S7GVrUnaenRij-brZTPs/s320/S&P+500+Index+Growth+vs.+Retail+Sales+Growth.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />Note that both parabolic trends are nearly identical. So much for the "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" theory to investing.<br /><br />We are currently seeing each 1% of retail sales growth turn into 6% in S&P 500 Index growth (a 6-1 leverage ratio), just like we were heading into the Great Recession. That is not the most disturbing part though. It's how we got here and where investors seem to think we're headed.<br /><br /><div style="color: red;"><b>Parabolic Growth: Not Sustainable</b></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GtnfWyI3nlg" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>Extreme ways are back again<br />Extreme places I didn't know<br />I broke everything new again<br />Everything that I'd owned</i></div><br />The future's so bright I gotta <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_hunt">snipe hunt</a>.<br /><br />This is not investment advice.<br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=sgW">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

Parabolic Growth: Not Sustainable (Musical Tribute)

The following chart shows the annual growth in the S&P 500 Index divided by the annual growth in retail sales (excluding food services)....

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World Reaction To The Crisis In Ukraine

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iHV6TKuvDyg" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>European Leaders Threaten Sanctions Over Kiev Bloodshed -- New York Times</b></span></div><br />BRUSSELS — Expressing alarm at the dramatic escalation of violence in Ukraine, the European Union scrabbled for a quick response Wednesday, preparing for the likely imposition of sanctions against senior figures in the Ukrainian government.<br /><br />Diplomats and senior officials began working Wednesday on the logistics of imposing sanctions, in preparation for an emergency meeting of European Union foreign ministers called for Thursday.<br /><br />In Paris, President François Hollande of France, speaking at a joint news conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, said, “There are unspeakable, unacceptable, intolerable acts being carried out in Ukraine.”<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/world/europe/ukraine-reaction.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On the World's Reaction To the Crisis In Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10648589/Ukraine-protests-the-world-reacts-to-deadly-violence.html">Ukraine protests: the world reacts to deadly violence </a>-- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/international/europe/2014/02/world_worried_over_deteriorating_situation_in_kiev">World worried over deteriorating situation in Kiev </a>-- AP<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304275304579392511600412056?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304275304579392511600412056.html">EU Ministers to Decide on Ukraine Sanctions Thursday </a>-- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.dw.de/ukraine-violence-prompts-special-meeting-of-eu-foreign-ministers/a-17442461">Ukraine violence prompts special meeting of EU foreign ministers</a> -- Deutsche Welle<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-eu-idUSBREA1I0QT20140219">EU to seek targeted sanctions</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0219/After-deadly-night-in-Ukraine-Europe-weighs-response">After deadly night in Ukraine, Europe weighs response</a> -- Christian Science Monitor<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26258998">Ukraine crisis: EU sanctions push over Kiev bloodshed</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/EU-to-discuss-sanctions-after-Ukraines-bloodiest-day/articleshow/30686022.cms">EU to discuss sanctions after Ukraine’s bloodiest day</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/19/ukraine-protests/5600807/">Renewed Ukraine clashes as EU weighs sanctions</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10648414/Ukraine-protests-EU-calls-for-sanctions-as-25-die-in-latest-violence.html">EU calls for Ukraine sanctions as 25 die in latest violence</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/emergingeurope/2014/02/19/polish-pm-says-ukraine-violence-may-escalate-blames-yanukovych/">Polish Prime Minister Says Ukraine Violence May Escalate, Blames Viktor Yanukovych</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/yanukovychs-refusal-to-talk-a-big-mistake-germany">Germany: Yanukovych’s refusal to talk a ‘big mistake’</a> -- Malay Mail<br /><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2014/02/biden-kerry-ukraine-violent-protests">Biden, Kerry Tell Ukraine’s President to Back Down After Violent Crackdown on Protests </a>-- Vanity Fair<br /><a href="http://www.rttnews.com/2271835/us-issues-travel-alert-for-ukraine-as-clashes-continue.aspx?type=gn&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=sitemap">US Issues Travel Alert For Ukraine As Clashes Continue </a>-- RTT News<br /><a href="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47171&Cr=Ukraine&Cr1=#.UwTWaIWJJuQ">Ukraine: top UN officials urge peaceful resolution of crisis after deadly clashes in Kiev</a> -- UN News Centr<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Russian Reaction To The Crisis In Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-deadly-clashes-reactions-652/">Moscow blames radicals for deadly clashes in Ukraine, EU leaders ponder sanctions against government</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140219/russia-condemns-ukraine-protests-coup-attempt">Russia condemns Ukraine protests as 'coup attempt'</a> -- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/ukraine-russia-kremlin-idINDEEA1I08820140219">Russia sticks to non-intervention policy in Ukraine - Kremlin</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/ukraine-russia-demands-idUSL6N0LO1RJ20140219">Russia urges Ukrainian opposition to stop bloodshed </a>-- Reuters

World Reaction To The Crisis In Ukraine

European Leaders Threaten Sanctions Over Kiev Bloodshed -- New York Times BRUSSELS — Expressing alarm at the dramatic escalation of violence...

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Ukraine In Chaos: Photo Galleries

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibduBgKy-dFsjfj5A4vjTPKmbcMuynWEQmSinn6L3Wd3gKy6biS0pYgsfYCLlnc42eqZWrTBStD1IkqQdcc7D7NiX6c1s2cJRC4eSVemNo4dK_Y9QY89xjBiGWMKAPXetgWwdZWzIjSjCn/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibduBgKy-dFsjfj5A4vjTPKmbcMuynWEQmSinn6L3Wd3gKy6biS0pYgsfYCLlnc42eqZWrTBStD1IkqQdcc7D7NiX6c1s2cJRC4eSVemNo4dK_Y9QY89xjBiGWMKAPXetgWwdZWzIjSjCn/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>(Click on Image to Enlarge)</b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Big Picture: Close-Up Of Kiev's Independence Square -- BBC</b></span></div><br />Security forces had given a deadline of 18:00 on Tuesday (16:00 GMT) for protesters to leave.<br /><br />The result was violent clashes between protesters and police, which began on Tuesday afternoon and continued through the night.<br /><br />Independence Square, which for weeks was the setting for a mostly peaceful protest camp, now more closely resembles a siege, as the remaining protesters attempt to hold their ground.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26257542">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More Photo Galleries On The Crisis In Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/at-least-9-killed-in-ukraine-violence/2014/02/18/2c971bc6-98c3-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_gallery.html#photo=1">Ukraine protests: Photo gallery</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/1.575125">Chaos In Kiev: 9 photos of the revolution</a> -- Haaretz<br /><a href="http://mashable.com/2014/02/19/photos-kiev-ukraine-eu/">Photos: This Is Kiev Right Now </a>-- Mashable<br /><a href="http://www.therepublic.com/view/photos/2fef2434344a42e8be9a4a232a30738c/516776116141">AP PHOTOS: Clashes set Kiev square aflame</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentMulti/94644/Multimedia.aspx">Ukraine's bloodiest day as police and protesters clash: Photo Gallery</a> -- Ahram Online<br /><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2014/02/slide-show-protests-in-ukraine.html#slide_ss_0=1">Slide Show: Protests in Ukraine</a> -- New Yorker<br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/deadly-protests-continue-ukraine-gallery-1.1618591">Death toll climbs as violent protests continue in Ukraine (Photo Gallery)</a> -- New York Daily News<br /><a href="http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/19/gallery-numerous-dead-and-injured-as-anti-government-demonstrators-clash-with-riot-police-at-independence-square-in-kiev-ukraine-4309647/?ITO=news-sitemap">Gallery: Numerous dead and injured as anti-government demonstrators clash with riot police at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine</a> -- Metro

Ukraine In Chaos: Photo Galleries

(Click on Image to Enlarge) Big Picture: Close-Up Of Kiev's Independence Square -- BBC Security forces had given a deadline of 18:00 on ...

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Ukraine In Chaos -- Live Updates And News Roundup - February 19, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YFXaMyFgK0M" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine On Brink Of Civil War As Thousands Of Anti-Government Protesters Mass In Central Kiev To Confront Police Again After A Night Of Violence That Left 26 Dead -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* 20,000 protesters on Kiev's Independence Square fought with police using petrol bombs, fireworks and stones<br />* At least 150 demonstrators were injured and it was claimed that 13 police officers suffered gunshot wounds<br />* Officers used tear gas and stun grenades during the confrontation with protesters, according to reports<br />* Independence Square resembled a battle zone with black smoke and flames belching from a trade union building<br />* President Viktor Yanukovych blames opposition for increase in violence and urges its leaders to 'stop the conflict'<br />* William Hague said security forces must be held accountable for the violence they used against protesters<br />* Yanukovich claims that he had refrained from violence since unrest began - but warned that he could 'deploy force'<br />* Troops sent to Kiev to guard arms depots, according to acting Ukraine Defence Minister Pavlo Lebedyev<br /><br />Thick, dark smoke rose above the centre of the Ukrainian capital amid the boom of police stun grenades on Wednesday, as officers in riot gear sought to push demonstrators away from the city's main square following deadly clashes between police and protesters that left at least 25 people dead and hundreds injured and raised fears of a civil war.<br /><br />After several hours of relative calm, confrontation flared up again Wednesday afternoon, with hundreds of police amassing on the edges of Independence Square, known as the Maidan, throwing stun grenades and using water cannons in a bid to disperse protesters.<br /><br />Thousands of activists armed with fire bombs and rocks held their ground, defending the square which has been a bastion and symbol for the demonstrators.<br /><br />British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Wednesday the Ukrainian government must be held accountable for violence security forces had used during protests.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562781/Battle-zone-Thousands-anti-government-protesters-mass-central-Kiev-confront-police-night-violence-left-25-dead-200-needing-hospital-treatment.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y_LFrMcoEm4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Live Updates On The Ukrainian Crisis</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26244542">Ukrainian police storm Kiev protest camp: Live</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/kiev-clashes-rioters-police-571/">Fierce clashes in Kiev as new wave of unrest grips Ukraine: Live</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://live.reuters.com/event/world_news">World Coverage: Live</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/ukraine-police-storm-kiev-protest-camp-live-updates">Ukraine police storm Kiev protest camp – live updates</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/18/live-updates-ukraine-protesters-clash-with-police-near-parliament/">Ukraine: high tension in Kyiv as government deadline expires [Live updates</a>] -- Euronews<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10646265/Ukraine-protests-demonstrators-dig-in-for-last-stand-watch-live.html">Live: Ukraine protests</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/ukraine-protests-live-updates-armoured-3159677">Ukraine protests live updates</a> -- Mirror<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Crisis In Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140219/187693534/Ukrainian-Security-Service-Launches-Anti-Terrorism-Operation.html">Ukrainian Security Service Launches 'Anti-Terrorism Operation'</a> -- RIA Novosti<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-25-killed-241-injured-kiev-clashes-22576532">Ukraine Protesters Seize Kiev Central Post Office</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-protests-police-launch-fresh-attack-on-antigovernment-demonstrators-as-death-toll-continues-to-rise-9137793.html">Ukraine protests: Police launch fresh attack on anti-government demonstrators</a> -- The Independent<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/ukraine-begins-anti-terrorist-operation-2014219143954719257.html">Ukraine begins 'anti-terrorist' operation </a>-- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-death-toll-rises-as-clashes-continue/">Police, protesters prepare for more violence in Ukraine</a> -- CBS/AP<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579392321222351150?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579392321222351150.html">Ukraine Girds for Further Clashes </a>-- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/ukraine-braces-more-violence-after-deadly-clashes-n33396">Ukraine Braces for More Violence After Deadly Clashes</a> -- NBC<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1">After 25 die, Ukrainian protesters dig in </a>-- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/19/protesters-clash-with-police-in-ukraine-capital-as-opposition/">At least 26 killed in Ukraine protests, while pressure mounts on government to end violence</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kiev-explodes-into-chaos-at-least-25-reported-dead-in-ukraine-protests/2014/02/19/aacecc60-9967-11e3-b88d-f36c07223d88_story.html">Kiev explodes into chaos; at least 25 reported dead in Ukraine protests</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/25-dead-in-escalation-of-clashes-in-ukraine/1854523.html">25 Dead in Escalation of Clashes in Ukraine </a>-- Voice of America<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/yanukovich-says-opposition-crossed-limits-201421943854745891.html">Yanukovich says opposition 'crossed limits'</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140219">Ukraine leader denounces coup bid, West readies sanctions</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10648066/Ukraine-crisis-Viktor-Yanukovych-blames-protesters-for-violence.html">Ukraine crisis: Yanukovych blames protesters for violence</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/yanukovych-declares-day-of-mourning-as-eu-prepares-to-discuss-sanctions/494912.html">Yanukovych Declares Day of Mourning as EU Prepares to Discuss Sanctions</a> -- Voice of Russia<br /><a href="http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_02_19/Yanukovich-is-ready-to-continue-a-dialogue-with-the-opposition-1838/">Yanukovych is ready to continue a dialogue with the opposition</a> -- Voice of Russia<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/world/europe/ukraine.html?hpw&rref=world">Ukraine Security Authorities Report Weapons Thefts and Pillaging Around the Country</a> -- New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraines-security-agency-says-protesters-seized-over-1500-firearms-amid-street-clashes/2014/02/19/3e754216-9970-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Ukraine’s security agency says protesters seized over 1,500 firearms amid street clashes</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/ukraine-security-idINL6N0LO2MT20140219">Ukraine's security forces probe attempts by politicians "to seize power"</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.10news.com/news/ukraine-protest-leader-we-will-not-give-in-021914">Ukraine protest leader: ‘We will not give in'</a> -- 10News<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275">Ukraine protests timeline</a> -- BBC

Ukraine In Chaos -- Live Updates And News Roundup - February 19, 2014

Ukraine On Brink Of Civil War As Thousands Of Anti-Government Protesters Mass In Central Kiev To Confront Police Again After A Night Of Viol...

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President Richard Nixon and Rev. Billy Graham TELEPHONE CALL

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 1973</b></span></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RiTA3o-ouuE?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nixon and Graham discuss the media and communism...</b></span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sqCKx4tWk6w?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

President Richard Nixon and Rev. Billy Graham TELEPHONE CALL

April 1973 Nixon and Graham discuss the media and communism...

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World News Briefs -- February 19, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sJAr4pKuwH4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine Girds for Further Clashes -- Wall Street Journal</b></span></div><br /><i>Death Toll From Violence Rises to 25</i><br /><br />KIEV, Ukraine—Kiev braced for further violence on Wednesday as thousands of protesters faced off with riot police across burning barricades, after the government halted its attempt to clear a square that has been the center of unrest for the past three months.<br /><br />Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych blamed opposition leaders for the violence, which at last count had killed 25 and injured 241, according to the Health Ministry. Opposition leaders said Mr. Yanukovych was responsible for the deaths. But riot police stopped short of completely storming Independence Square, which has been the symbol of resistance to his government.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579392321222351150?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579392321222351150.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Assad escalates firepower using <b><a href="http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Assad-escalates-firepower-using-missiles-against-rebels-341885">missiles against rebels</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia says U.N. Syria aid resolution<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-u-n-aid-resolution-possible-coming-112138759.html"> possible in days: agency</a></b>.<br /><br />'Twin suicide attack' <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26254300">in Beirut kills four</a></b>. Suicide bombers target <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-lebanon-blast-casualties-idUSBREA1I0PQ20140219">Iranian center in Beirut</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry, Abbas to discuss <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-abbas-to-discuss-mideast-peace-in-paris/1854414.html">Mideast peace in Paris</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran, six world powers tackle agenda<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-powers-hold-39-substantive-39-nuclear-talks-001157852.html"> for final nuclear accord</a></b>.<br /><br />Washington critics sound alarm <b><a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/dc-critics-sound-alarms-as-talks-with-iran-resume/">as Iran talks resume</a></b>.<br /><br />BAE Systems agrees Eurofighter pricing <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26254561">with Saudi Arabia</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />Afghan ethnic tensions rise in<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/world/asia/afghan-ethnic-tensions-rise-in-media-and-politics.html?ref=world&_r=0"> media and politics</a></b>.<br /><br />No 'active negotiations' <b><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/198628-wh-no-active-negotiations-with-taliban">with Taliban</a></b>.<br /><br />White House mum on <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/white-house-mum-damning-north-korea-report/">damning North Korea report</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai court warns against using emergency powers <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/thai-protesters-rally-against-pm-deadly-bangkok-clashes-031559648--sector.html">to disperse protests</a></b>.<br /><br />India’s 29th state born <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/indias-29th-state-born-amid-protest-pepper-spray/2014/02/18/8318e8ba-98ac-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html">amid protest, pepper spray</a></b>.<br /><br />Filipino Muslim rebels <b><a href="http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/A/AS_PHILIPPINES_MUSLIM_REBELS?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-02-18-07-26-27">expel leader for beheading</a></b>.<br /><br />China respects Taiwan system,<b><a href="http://www.sinodaily.com/reports/China_respects_Taiwan_system_Xi_tells_Taipei_ex-VP_Lien_999.html"> Xi tells Taipei ex-VP Lien</a></b>.<br /><br />Raid on Kim Dotcom’s mansion <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/court-dotcom-warrant-legal-646/">ruled legal by NZ court</a></b>.<br /><br />North Korea detains <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26252483">Australian missionary</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />South Sudan rebels say capture <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-southsudan-unrest-idUSBREA1H15U20140218">oil-producing state capital</a></b>.<br /><br />Libyan militias keep up <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-envoy-in-libya-urges-talks-in-parliament-crisis/2014/02/19/5db4f09c-994b-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">pressure on parliament</a></b>.<br /><br />Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26254480">Bama attack mars victory claims</a></b>.<br /><br />Peacekeepers clash with <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/gunfire-blasts-near-airport-c-african-capital-104338101.html">anti-balaka fighters in C.Africa</a></b>.<br /><br />MSF: CAR aid efforts <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/car-msf-18feb14/1854091.html">have failed</a></b>. Heavy fighting in CAR <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-heavy-fighting-in-central-african-republic-capital-disrupts-un-aid-visit/1854536.html">disrupts UN aid visit</a></b>.<br /><br />UN protest at Liberia-Ivory Coast <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26248723">'forced extraditions'</a></b>.<br /><br />Egypt taking 'ultimatum <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248702">against tourists' seriously.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Embattled Ukraine: Kiev’s vicious cycle of violence rages on <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/kiev-clashes-rioters-police-571/">- Live Updates</a></b><br /><br />Moscow blames radicals for deadly clashes in Ukraine, EU leaders ponder <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-deadly-clashes-reactions-652/">sanctions against government</a></b>.<br /><br />Yanukovich says opposition <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/yanukovich-says-opposition-crossed-limits-201421943854745891.html">'crossed limits'</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine leader denounces coup bid, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140219">West weighs sanctions</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine: 25 killed, 241 injured <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/19/ukraine-25-killed-241-injured-kiev-clashes/">in Kiev clashes</a></b>.<br /><br />Britain to protest over Spanish incursion<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-britain-spain-gibraltar-idUSBREA1I15G20140219"> into Gibraltar's waters</a></b>. Spanish warship disrupts Royal Navy <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/19/spanish-warship-gibraltar-royal-navy-exercise">Gibraltar training exercise</a></b>.<br /><br />Italy's Renzi says expects government<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-italy-politics-idUSBREA1I12E20140219"> in place by Monday</a></b>.<br /><br />French police question <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26254615">industrialist Serge Dassault</a></b>.<br /><br />Siberian shale find fuels <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/siberian-shale-find-fuels-russias-fracking-future/">Russia’s fracking future</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />Politics to shadow Obama’s<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/world/americas/politics-shadow-obamas-trade-talks-with-mexico.html?ref=world"> trade talks in Mexico</a></b>.<br /><br />U.S., Mexico mull relaxing border for <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/us-mexico-relax-border-trusted-business-travelers/#ixzz2tiLi9lWH">‘trusted’ business travelers</a></b>.<br /><br />Everyone is optimistic about Mexico, <b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/19/mexico-obama-economy-summit/5604065/">except for Mexicans</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuelan opposition leader Lopez due to appear in court <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/americas/venezuela-protests/">after surrendering.</a></b> Jailed Venezuela protest leader <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1I15M20140219">urges Maduro's 'exit'</a></b>.<br /><br />Colombia fires army chief <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2014/02/colombia-fires-army-chief-over-scandal-201421924548335298.html">over scandal</a></b>.<br /><br />Argentina asks U.S. Supreme Court <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-usa-court-argentina-idUSBREA1I03N20140219">to hear bonds case</a></b>.<br /><br />Brazil's worst nightmare:<b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/brazils-worst-nightmare-argentina-wins-world-cup-22551314"> Argentina wins World Cup</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Split within Al Qaeda over <b><a href="http://freebeacon.com/split-within-al-qaeda-over-syrian-rebels-grows/">Syrian rebels grows</a></b>. Smuggled video testimony documents harsh rule of <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/19/smuggled-video-testimony-harsh-rule-of-syrian-islamista-raqqa">Syrian Islamist group.</a></b><br /><br />Obama administration 'to offer Taliban 5 Gitmo prisoners in exchange for last Afghanistan POW Bowe Bergdahl <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562211/Obama-administration-offer-Taliban-5-Gitmo-prisoners-exchange-Afghanistan-POW-Bowe-Bergdahl-spent-four-years-captive.html#ixzz2thXQCpRd">who has spent four years captive'</a></b>.<br /><br />FBI documents raise additional questions about Saudi and al-Aulaqi <b><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/02/18/FBI-Documents-Raise-Additional-Questions">connections to 9/11 attacks</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Thai rice to flood global markets<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-thai-rice-to-flood-global-markets-as-subsidy-ends/1854297.html"> as subsidy ends</a></b>.<br /><br />Microsoft OneDrive launches worldwide; free cloud storage service provides one place <b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140219-903256.html">for everything in your life</a></b>.<br /><br />Google fund invests in education start-up <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-google-investment-idUSBREA1I0XJ20140219">Renaissance Learning</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 19, 2014

Ukraine Girds for Further Clashes -- Wall Street Journal Death Toll From Violence Rises to 25 KIEV, Ukraine—Kiev braced for further violence...

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