Wait For It

A little more emphatic warning next time eh?<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NUgugbz3D8g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I can laugh, I've seen my feet fly up in front of my face as I went over backwards firing a .308 that I couldn't even hold up straight once. I had no idea the thing was going to kick like that but the jerk who owned it did. Should have shot the damn thing from a rest, but no.<br /><br /><br />I had the sling wrapped around my left wrist and was doing little figure eights with the front sight the damn thing was so heavy.<br /><br /><br />When the sight got in the middle I pulled the trigger.<br /><br /><br />I weighed all of a hundred twenty five pounds and it knocked me on my ass five feet backwards.<br /><br />I hit what I was aiming at though.<br /><br />I was aiming at the lock cylinder on the drivers door of a junked out 71 Chrysler, about twenty five feet away.<br />It cut it right in half, top to bottom.<br />The top half just disappeared.<br />It went clear through the car and blew a hole out the other side as big as a half dollar.

Wait For It

A little more emphatic warning next time eh? I can laugh, I've seen my feet fly up in front of my face as I went over backwards firing a...

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Life Was Good For The Former President Of Ukraine

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrHvmb_hLtRJzBCt-ysEXvLp6Ym-HqOOs3Swbacler6qpMawElqbg1byw2XLfxVqVkQ9rPlplvaGIdkNnlg1i6Rc4nYjhSPpsWG3z4DRwdkY26htGn6rtVjmtVTfyxlj3LALsPRBWynl3/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrHvmb_hLtRJzBCt-ysEXvLp6Ym-HqOOs3Swbacler6qpMawElqbg1byw2XLfxVqVkQ9rPlplvaGIdkNnlg1i6Rc4nYjhSPpsWG3z4DRwdkY26htGn6rtVjmtVTfyxlj3LALsPRBWynl3/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One visitor takes in the view of the house from across the artificial lake. Hundreds of people entered the grounds but not one has entered the building itself</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>House Fit For A Tyrant: Protestors Storm The Sprawling, Luxury Estate Of Ukraine's Fugitive President Which Has Its Own Private Zoo, Golf Course And Is Half The Size Of Monaco -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* Protestors took full control of the residence after the security detail charged with protecting the compound fled<br />* Property is around an hour's drive from Kiev and stands as a symbol of the folly of the country's ousted president<br />* Visitors rubbed their eyes in disbelief as they entered the compound and saw the scale of opulence<br />* 140-hectare estate has a garage full of luxury sports cars below the house in Mezhyhirya, an hours drive from Kiev<br />* Anti-government demonstrators stormed the house on the day President Viktor Yanukovich fled the capital<br />* His arch-nemesis Yulia Tymoshenko was released from prison and made a speech at Independence Square<br />* Congratulated protestors for freeing the 'cancer' from Ukraine and called victims of the violence 'heroes'<br />* The root of the problems in Ukraine stem from a political divide between the east and west <br /><br />A beautiful forested estate of graceful waterways, summer houses and exotic gardens.<br /><br />This is the home of Ukraine's fugitive president, who was dramatically ousted from power after one of the worst periods of violence in the country's history.<br /><br />Ukraniains streamed to see Viktor Yanukovich's luxury estate, which has been closed off to the world for nearly a decade, and rubbed their eyes in disbelief when they were confronted by the scale of the opulence he built around him.<br /><br />The property in Mezhyhirya, an hours drive from Kiev, has a golf course, helicopter pad and is situated in a country where the average salary is less than £300 a month.<br /><br />Below the house, a garage is filled with classic sports cars worth millions, while in the exotic gardens Australian and African ostriches stretch their legs.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2565697/House-fit-tyrant-Protestors-storm-sprawling-luxury-estate-Ukraines-fugitive-president-private-zoo-golf-course-half-size-Monaco.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: Viktor Yanukovich sure knew how to stretch his salary to (cough cough) to afford all of this stuff. My grandparents home (and now my cousin's country home) is not far from this place. And while it is a very poor region .... it is also an incredibly beautiful area of the country.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> This is not a surprise ....<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/23/us-ukraine-crisis-estate-idUSBREA1M0B920140223"> Ukraine parliament strips Yanukovich of his luxury estate</a></b> -- Reuters

Life Was Good For The Former President Of Ukraine

One visitor takes in the view of the house from across the artificial lake. Hundreds of people entered the grounds but not one has entered t...

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Where Is The Ukrainian President?

<div style="text-align: center;"><object data="http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=281682011&edition=BETAUS" height="259" id="rcomVideo_281682011" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="460"> <param name='movie' value='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=281682011&edition=BETAUS'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><embed src='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=281682011&edition=BETAUS' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowfullscreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' width='460' height='259' wmode='transparent'></embed> </object></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine Unrest: President Viktor Yanukovych's Whereabouts A Mystery As Opposition Calls For Him To Take Responsibility -- ABC News (Australia)</b></span></div><br />A day after fleeing Kiev and being stripped of his powers by a vote in the Ukrainian parliament, the whereabouts of embattled president Viktor Yanukovych remains a mystery.<br /><br />Legislators on Saturday passed a resolution to remove Mr Yanukovych from office after three months of street protests, while his arch-rival Yulia Tymoshenko hailed opposition demonstrators as "heroes" in an emotional speech in the capital after she was released from jail.<br /><br />On Sunday, parliament voted to transfer presidential duties to speaker, Oleksander Turchinov, who ordered a new government be formed by Tuesday. An early election has been set for May 25.<br /><br />Mr Yanukovych abandoned the capital to the opposition on Saturday and denounced what he described as a coup after several days of bloodshed this week that claimed 82 lives.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-23/ukraine-president-viktor-yanukovychs-whereabouts-a-mystery/5278250">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update</b>: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2565933/Where-Ukrainian-president-Fugitive-Viktor-Yanukovychs-plane-denied-permission-fly-Russia-spokesman-does-not-know-is.html">Where is the Ukrainian president? Ousted Viktor Yanukovych's private jet denied permission to fly to Russia... and even his spokesman does not know where he is</a> -- Daily Mail<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> (Former) Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych is in his home in Donetsk. I am not surprised that the Russians denied him permission to enter the country. He is toxic right now .... and the Russian authorities know that by fleeing into Russia he will only inflame the situation more.

Where Is The Ukrainian President?

Ukraine Unrest: President Viktor Yanukovych's Whereabouts A Mystery As Opposition Calls For Him To Take Responsibility -- ABC News (Au...

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Lenin Is Toppled In My Father's Home Town

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp17408viR459EQiC52ydvykCNKCXucl3EYNSszuBEPpfj2vBCllIxR-WDjvo_Xo3Igv-TXY36Puf6jpPchRGNMS1VkpHQQRc-F6nGvViu88xf04xPjwClxRbuP2jZpTZqWUFf0W68Q2-A/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp17408viR459EQiC52ydvykCNKCXucl3EYNSszuBEPpfj2vBCllIxR-WDjvo_Xo3Igv-TXY36Puf6jpPchRGNMS1VkpHQQRc-F6nGvViu88xf04xPjwClxRbuP2jZpTZqWUFf0W68Q2-A/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWywx4LDQ5PtBB8Fuev8QAzKcsdN5jGRnlHUEUgDgpN2WXBb5bWOcMcxUn35lt80dbDmYKgeMdiArjtSxwOrpX4jnE_lYnG77_834fyf5zuJugKABM2AbqIOcV95JCMXCdZX7VaoZINapS/s1600/27979823_371919_ED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWywx4LDQ5PtBB8Fuev8QAzKcsdN5jGRnlHUEUgDgpN2WXBb5bWOcMcxUn35lt80dbDmYKgeMdiArjtSxwOrpX4jnE_lYnG77_834fyf5zuJugKABM2AbqIOcV95JCMXCdZX7VaoZINapS/s1600/27979823_371919_ED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The toppling of the Lenin statue in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2565961/As-Ukrainian-parliament-names-new-acting-president-country-finally-pulled-apart-bitter-divide-20-years-making.html">Daily Mail</a></span></div><br /><b>My Comment: </b>I was stunned to see these images in <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2565961/As-Ukrainian-parliament-names-new-acting-president-country-finally-pulled-apart-bitter-divide-20-years-making.html">The Daily Mail.</a></b> Bila Tserkva is my father's home town, and it is the burial site on my father's side of the family. I have visited this city a number of times, and I always found the Lenin statue to be out of place in modern day Ukraine. It is a shame that my father is not alive to see this .... he hated that statue and all that it represented.

Lenin Is Toppled In My Father's Home Town

The toppling of the Lenin statue in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine. Daily Mail My Comment: I was stunned to see these images in The Daily Mail. Bila...

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What Is Ukraine's Future

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs7jQpdWc5XLxMYruokY9PdBzfZmB-t1JrUjEtIlVPHM709Lv1EeVGFRH_wHaRgNdts5Ju1yWWvbJVJqKQxcb9BPo_IjqMUG5rs0FNJ7RE1EgH8uFTgMR1Yy8tNJs3AJGWwSDjrRzCc3i/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs7jQpdWc5XLxMYruokY9PdBzfZmB-t1JrUjEtIlVPHM709Lv1EeVGFRH_wHaRgNdts5Ju1yWWvbJVJqKQxcb9BPo_IjqMUG5rs0FNJ7RE1EgH8uFTgMR1Yy8tNJs3AJGWwSDjrRzCc3i/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The map shows the political divide that has developed since the country gained independence in 1991. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2565961/As-Ukrainian-parliament-names-new-acting-president-country-finally-pulled-apart-bitter-divide-20-years-making.html">Daily Mail</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>With President’s Departure, Ukraine Looks Toward a Murky Future -- New York Times</b></span></div><br />KIEV, Ukraine — As ranks of riot police officers, Interior Ministry troops and even the president vanished Saturday from the capital, Ukraine slipped, with often-eerie calm after months of tumultuous protests and a week of bloody mayhem, into the hands of revolution.<br /><br />Gone along with President Viktor F. Yanukovych, who had fled to eastern Ukraine, was any trace of a Friday peace deal that had sought to freeze the country’s tumult by trimming the powers of the president while allowing him to stay in office until the end of the year.<br /><br />At the president’s mist-shrouded residential compound just outside the capital in Mezhgorye, Sergey Belaus, a major in Ukraine’s State Protection service, said he had handed over control of Mr. Yanukovych’s living quarters and his tennis court to the head of a small band of antigovernment militants at 9 a.m.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/world/europe/with-presidents-departure-ukraine-looks-toward-a-murky-future.html?_r=0">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> So .... a corrupt but democratically elected President with one year left in his mandate is overthrown by the mob. To say that I feel very uncomfortable with what is happening in Ukraine is an understatement. After the political fallout .... I expect the economic one to be even more severe. Ukraine is broke .... and is facing default on it's debt obligations. Runs on the banks by depositors grabbing their money in the fear that they may <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/panic-ukraine-shops-banks-069/">lose their deposits have been reported</a></b>. Businesses are at a standstill. And everyone is now wondering if they will get paid (from work, pensions, government salaries, etc.). I do not expect any help from the EU (they are also broke) .... and as for the U.S. .... the White House and the State Department are completely out to lunch on what is happening there. The only country that can help is Russia .... but I know that they are not going to give one cent to this interim (and in Moscow's eyes illegitimate) government. <br /><br />But what is more worrisome to me is the seizure of power by Ukrainian nationalists. Ukraine is a deeply divided country along ethnic and political lines ....and if the more radical Ukrainian nationalists get their way (purging the government of Russians, laws limiting the use of the Russian language, discriminatory laws, targeting assets owned by Russians, etc.) .... I can all but guarantee that the Russian part of Ukraine will rebel with votes of succession from Ukraine. Will Ukrainian nationalists accept the division of the country .... I doubt it .... and like Yugoslavia in the 1990s .... a civil war is possible. Peter Hitchens is spot on in his analysis <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2565762/PETER-HITCHENS-Beware-nation-steeped-blood-carpeted-graves.html">on what may happen. </a></b>

What Is Ukraine's Future

The map shows the political divide that has developed since the country gained independence in 1991. Daily Mail With President’s Departure, ...

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The Kremlin’s Worst Nightmare Is Coming True In Ukraine

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QXtvScorDFp8rZA1z6N9bXVR4LckJyF-3iQ4WO6gYXD74jLpp1kMuDn3dQfjX3JeX80j_3fbEi9PBUON33bPutSyUSsm7twDEIIk6y35FZR6buswvETDCxrv6iRcIYgb_wEIwot8sN4U/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QXtvScorDFp8rZA1z6N9bXVR4LckJyF-3iQ4WO6gYXD74jLpp1kMuDn3dQfjX3JeX80j_3fbEi9PBUON33bPutSyUSsm7twDEIIk6y35FZR6buswvETDCxrv6iRcIYgb_wEIwot8sN4U/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why A New Ukraine Is The Kremlin's Worst Nightmare -- Andrew Wilson, The Independent</b></span></div><br />The domino effect of democracy on Russia's border threatens the entire system Putin has built since 2000 - and he will not let it go lightly<br /><br />The details still need to be decided, but the revolutionaries have won in Ukraine. Some elements of the old regime may survive, but that is precisely why the protesters on the “Maidan” (Kiev’s main square) don’t trust the mainstream politicians who claim to be negotiating on their behalf.<br /><br />The politicians in suits can do the donkey work – writing a new constitution to improve on the old one they have just restored, and trying to save the collapsing economy. But the Maidan leaders in the fatigues and helmets will set the agenda on justice – dismantling the militia and reworking the corrupt legal system, so that the many guilty end up behind bars. And there are credible reports that the snipers who killed more than 70 on Thursday were based in the government buildings that are already being occupied by protesters combing for evidence. Once the world knows who gave the deadly orders, justice will decapitate the old regime. And the “official” opposition will be radicalised by the need to compete with the moral authority of the Maidan.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/why-a-new-ukraine-is-the-kremlins-worst-nightmare-9146751.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> For the moment .... Russia will stay out of Ukrainian politics. But once the situation stabilizes .... and if Ukrainian nationalists pursue their agenda .... expect no favors from Russia but do expect the following .... higher gas prices, no debt relief, stricter visa enforcement, and ridiculous tariffs on Ukrainian goods. And if violence and civil war becomes a reality in Ukraine .... all bets are off.

The Kremlin’s Worst Nightmare Is Coming True In Ukraine

Why A New Ukraine Is The Kremlin's Worst Nightmare -- Andrew Wilson, The Independent The domino effect of democracy on Russia's bord...

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Editor's Note

I will be stuck with family obligations this Sunday. Blogging will return Monday morning.

Editor's Note

I will be stuck with family obligations this Sunday. Blogging will return Monday morning.

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Sometimes I Feel Like An Ass

Or two.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerOmq6yBBXlcKgbPAoStKfq9DirP7_00ECvs7Uts-oIL6wop65nTLgcehI_WNQBfs_9vJzhxbHKo_EC7qWibUhMgqR2m9Ye77yKw_qZBvALKR0-zfioTC5n_1A1zxUsc_YZ6sTf1yFm1g/s1600/cute-butt-ass-gifs-shake.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerOmq6yBBXlcKgbPAoStKfq9DirP7_00ECvs7Uts-oIL6wop65nTLgcehI_WNQBfs_9vJzhxbHKo_EC7qWibUhMgqR2m9Ye77yKw_qZBvALKR0-zfioTC5n_1A1zxUsc_YZ6sTf1yFm1g/s640/cute-butt-ass-gifs-shake.gif" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcetg4YVZFnd4m_jMOYMKgnGaNMnLYY8oMlAK2Asu6BozSMNKGIzLY1E6POTxCtelGA-_u457rRB-CbkBWycGeHCAmmafAKDsSs08YmaisV62b7LQmdqKrRIPMEMEro4h4x_me0C8Jdyg/s1600/bgPn9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcetg4YVZFnd4m_jMOYMKgnGaNMnLYY8oMlAK2Asu6BozSMNKGIzLY1E6POTxCtelGA-_u457rRB-CbkBWycGeHCAmmafAKDsSs08YmaisV62b7LQmdqKrRIPMEMEro4h4x_me0C8Jdyg/s640/bgPn9.gif" /></a></div><br />

Sometimes I Feel Like An Ass

Or two.

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Gehry Atop Wright

While looking at <a href="http://curbed.com/archives/2014/02/20/here-now-a-short-history-of-destructive-museum-expansions.php">an article on Curbed</a> earlier today, I was intrigued by a photo of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Specifically, what was the undulating canopy atop the cylinder in the foreground, mounted in front of the <a href="http://www.gwathmey-siegel.com/solomon-r-guggenheim-museum-2/">Gwathmey Siegel-designed slab addition</a>?<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpiFixWFLe4TZV2_UaVf6b_qwDxTEm4Sj7oR2DQhcQu1b99gg5NhCv22AeOhRj_tLidG4iPoM3NcO20LqU0IaA97-gDolCRD1JN151g8BfWwA9aA0sO1NZpDKo8XBQhvhnCptc9B5sovl/s1600/guggenheim-2001.jpg" /><br /><br />The rippling metal looked undeniably Frank Gehry, so my first thought was an exhibition on the architect who is responsible for the Guggenheim in Bibao, Spain.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeleKDchRvS-3q4sDAoaODAMb_erGqc2OcR-xgQ0DZSXh7E5DLHCa5gv_nGa7d4dAkJc7CbOydqnuWOmiMmcHkvlyIbWgYjgCA9IDSay6HL58OFPhFz01KIAxPU6DTPcr1ZaRnUJyDC6w-/s1600/guggenheim-2001crop.jpg" /><br /><br />Turns out <a href="http://pastexhibitions.guggenheim.org/gehry/"><i>Frank Gehry, Architect</i></a> was on display from May 14 until September 14, 2001, an exhibition I did not attend but whose <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810969297/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0810969297&linkCode=as2&tag=aweeklydoseof-20">catalog I have seen</a>. As part of the major retrospective:<br /><blockquote>A second site-specific architectural element [in addition to one in the rotunda] is a titanium-clad canopy above the sculpture terrace off Tower 5. The canopy extends over an outdoor café, which has been created especially for this exhibition. The undulating forms of this structure recall those used to create the façade of a hotel at Marques de Riscal (1998–present), a winery in Elciego, Spain, and dramatically mediate between the robust curves of the Frank Lloyd Wright building and the rectilinear vocabulary of the Gwathmey Siegel tower. This special installation provides a first-hand opportunity for visitors to experience Gehry's designs on a built scale. [<a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/press-room/releases/press-release-archive/2001/682-may-15-frank-gehry-architect">Source</a>]</blockquote>A. Zahner Company was listed as a supporter of the exhibition on a press release for the exhibition, and not surprisingly they <a href="http://www.azahner.com/portfolio/guggenheim-canopy">fabricated the aluminum and titanium canopy</a>, first in Kansas City:<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcx9OKvywLiI2jbeyWQTWc8r2gm2prHJXf84O62rQ8VprAC05yN7XGUssvHfD8-QL2AXDu0HPaT1Gl-Qiv2J-XoCtc-vvpr5_T71-LVJfaiFmd6p5Veb4s9LR1tvCzyvZT7j-JivGfOFL/s1600/guggenheim-fabrication.jpg" /><br />[Photo from <a href="http://www.azahner.com/portfolio/guggenheim-canopy">A. Zahner website</a>]<br /><br />Then on the Fifth Avenue site:<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGXCINNI-6n-H6eIkQ6kWZ0n3gnj_RC-mBC2j462YiKs-4qu87wIHukJKlBDngNlPRRs6JIr79r0nxueIPApWXqcMsk-fQObD9zCPAj0syhg-OKHQgpgYRVeQnOi4d-o5FTpPPGOq7ff1/s1600/gugenheim-canopy-install.jpg" /><br />[Photo from <a href="http://www.azahner.com/portfolio/guggenheim-canopy">A. Zahner website</a>]<br /><br />A couple of A. Zahner elevations conveyed the scale of the canopy relative to the Wright museum:<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PudrIUu96G-JJ_PTZLMZgz4NNpQ4ftweC0I67LBhwwKvnJa6PfXP56jTIWxBrtxusIKfmt1f4xzKq_p15tzBV3_HN6_AXG1zE6aY-DvIOOwTGTAKpS5bxbpuQ4zQu9zERhEs7xbPImji/s1600/guggenheim-north-elevation.jpg" /><br />[North elevation from <a href="http://www.azahner.com/portfolio/guggenheim-canopy">A. Zahner website</a>]<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjj6PekWY2dthyQK-0qXF1-qUbrMVdCKxraThDQz8cWLrsoyIBwaPB_myb8_GyMnSxl0Up0aVvvasDuef5k7RyEFGQFvGgVCezWEmKQ9ljL90yPHNz4XqhfFV7wHeFftaxv7rcAWDkZt7/s1600/guggenheim-retrospective-west-elevation.jpg" /><br />[West elevation from <a href="http://www.azahner.com/portfolio/guggenheim-canopy">A. Zahner website</a>]<br /><br />And I think their photo from above captured how the canopy "mediate[d] between the robust curves of the Frank Lloyd Wright building and the rectilinear vocabulary of the Gwathmey Siegel tower":<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wj5OBwRnjf2fN442jYAZScoyoCBGgXYaB7aeSuwoE5I6DSd36mCEUCsEDHMcuFVwp4OcJOVGwZDDThpm62nYzriUvv62LtdJyFlgtl4NwwjHEP8RYwuP7gHBa1niXj9cbBVpqkR0F4iI/s1600/guggenheim-installation.jpg" /><br />[Photo from <a href="http://www.azahner.com/portfolio/guggenheim-canopy">A. Zahner website</a>]<br /><br />Lastly, what I thought to be a now-forgotten element from a major exhibition about the world's most famous living architect (even then, four years after the Guggenheim Bilbao was completed), was embraced by at least one artist, <a href="http://www.rachaelcozad.com/contemporary-art/frank-gehry/">Rachel Cozad</a>, who moved the canopy and cafe to an otherwise empty field:<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuRIpO0lbUMv61N1dyc7frniGY2HahMfGNgi1IJd0dO-93JWEpIKV2ELbT4MZ_ywjB9-B3AX6HviNoXBa9NxXJ4Wr2DTg4peBBugKiajKXGQVam-YGHS0tWKJWw920pU7a_wJfYBw_s0s/s1600/Gehry-Canopy-1024x662.jpg" /><br /><br />According to both Zahner and Cozad, the canopy was considered for permanent installation. It's kind of a shame that didn't happen, as Gehry's canopy seems to fit well atop the Wright building...better than in a field or a Kansas City parking lot, at least.

Gehry Atop Wright

While looking at an article on Curbed earlier today, I was intrigued by a photo of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum in New...

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Caturday V2.0 Damn Cats Edition

I dunno WTF has gotten into my cat Baby lately but she is looking to get some fucking flying lessons again here real quick.<br /><br />About a week ago the clingy brain damaged little shit decided that my laptop keyboard looked like a good place to start taking naps on while Daddy is out having a smoke.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WzFSvV7VY3VrBi0yOPGNW61I8Hz10dwndVV1-WpmKHSNPfstjLpVpq6vRD0yasYdEvEBKYEU_csib8YSSiq_T7pi4TjHCOCY7PF6biNp_kImWqW9Axdc8lLPuapf9tQbbhXTaQHOFc-q/s1600/Cat+key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WzFSvV7VY3VrBi0yOPGNW61I8Hz10dwndVV1-WpmKHSNPfstjLpVpq6vRD0yasYdEvEBKYEU_csib8YSSiq_T7pi4TjHCOCY7PF6biNp_kImWqW9Axdc8lLPuapf9tQbbhXTaQHOFc-q/s640/Cat+key.jpg" /></a></div><br />( A remarkable resemblance, looks almost exactly like her)<br /><br />I usually set the damn thing down on the floor, still open, when I go have a smoke because of all the damn wires and shit hooked to it and it goes to sleep when I shut the lid.<br /><br />Last week I came back in to sit down and the little shit is laying on the keyboard and rubbing her chin all over the edge of the monitor.<br />Happy as a clam at high tide.<br /><br />I shooed her off and picked it up.<br /><br />Sure as shit, there were about 200 new Firefox windows opened up.<br />The entire screen was a cascade of open tiles.<br /><br />It took me a while to clean that up.<br /><br />She has done this a few times now, it just started out of the blue. <br />Just completely fucks things up.<br /><br />I thought I got smart and would set it down with the mouse inside and close the lid so she couldn't get to the damn keyboard.<br /><br />I would still catch her rubbing her chin all over it, she gets into it so much she starts drooling.<br /><br />Ick.<br /><br />Sick bitch.<br /><br />So today I set it down again without thinking, right in the middle of a Blog post.<br /><br />Damnit.<br /><br />I come back and this thing is so fucked up I had to restart it.<br />The blog post screen was one long string of characters and locked clear the hell up.<br /><br />Then I can't get online.<br />It took me twenty minutes to figure out she somehow managed to turn the wireless off.<br />The little icon was good but nothing would connect.<br />It said it was connected to an unknown WIFI but wouldn't let me connect to the house WIFI.<br /><br />She is one stubborn cat, has been since she was tiny.<br />I started to walk away and she went right to it to start her little game. I stopped and told her NO!<br /><br />She looked all butt hurt and sat there for at least three whole seconds before she starts in again.<br />I yelled NO again and got the same results.<br /><br />My wife hates it but I trained this fucking cat years ago the hard way.<br /><br />She would get into the garbage and up on the counters all the time.<br />Used to piss me clear off.<br /><br />It didn't matter what I did, she would just do it again.<br /><br /><br />Until I started throwing my hat at her, Goldfinger style.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7AZlapRJn4RRm9SMdr2zxh3R6kMym1fbOHZyWNP9IlnmEGE_vvfz5E2hLEOc9HXd4WEULLBToe1xpj6S2tDZYp0mhWOI3Lkz-BmEKUYJDTGUCxiCZre4qZVazdIXHxdwKiPcL7frjfyD/s1600/goldfinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7AZlapRJn4RRm9SMdr2zxh3R6kMym1fbOHZyWNP9IlnmEGE_vvfz5E2hLEOc9HXd4WEULLBToe1xpj6S2tDZYp0mhWOI3Lkz-BmEKUYJDTGUCxiCZre4qZVazdIXHxdwKiPcL7frjfyD/s640/goldfinger.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Grab it by the bill and spin it while throwing. It takes a while but I got good at it.<br /><br />I have drilled the little bitch from across the room from my recliner while she is at a dead run before. A little lead time and calculate the curve because it is spinning.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt the cat,just scares 'em.<br /><br /><br />Like I said, she is stubborn so this took repeating.<br /><br /><br />About fifty times.<br /><br /><br />Now she is deathly afraid of the thing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Good.</i><br /><br /><br /><br />All I have to do now is reach my hand to my forehead, hat on or not, and she is outta here looking for cover.<br /><br />Tell me you can't train a fucking cat.<br /><br /><br /><br />Next time she goes to fuck with my lap top and I see her, I will tell her NO one more time. then the hat is coming off.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUAqxRFXARaGdx4urmlqTTA7_kstxF7vjE7zSaobGGokCkzw4S5YTAXWvc_OgFrE244xp7FaeOUeKtZ1I-7_r2nGC5bveygCQK7kWatThyNZmRVJ0F1tRaw53Mnb8ONAKvgQ7YNk4WnOI/s1600/theend.bmp" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUAqxRFXARaGdx4urmlqTTA7_kstxF7vjE7zSaobGGokCkzw4S5YTAXWvc_OgFrE244xp7FaeOUeKtZ1I-7_r2nGC5bveygCQK7kWatThyNZmRVJ0F1tRaw53Mnb8ONAKvgQ7YNk4WnOI/s320/theend.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />

Caturday V2.0 Damn Cats Edition

I dunno WTF has gotten into my cat Baby lately but she is looking to get some fucking flying lessons again here real quick. About a week ago...

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The News UNIT's GOLD and SILVER analysis proves reasonable accuracy

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>GOLD up 2%</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>  SILVER up 7%</b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkuMznGT3EctRGwjf43mfNKyyG2pJZpb-qFfb7d48rQ-e6tRfZAy4oLClwGRyd0HbqF562JuZU-I9Hs7BVeBjdqEAFYLC_xFBpsI6lcWzPAWxalqv6LVyzulhzvvAD8XHNAQJxc15et4/s1600/AmericanZombuffPIC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkuMznGT3EctRGwjf43mfNKyyG2pJZpb-qFfb7d48rQ-e6tRfZAy4oLClwGRyd0HbqF562JuZU-I9Hs7BVeBjdqEAFYLC_xFBpsI6lcWzPAWxalqv6LVyzulhzvvAD8XHNAQJxc15et4/s1600/AmericanZombuffPIC.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Since The News UNIT's February 13, 2014 trend analysis on GOLD and SILVER and related expectations, GOLD has moved 2% HIGHER and SILVER has moved 7% higher.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-news-units-gold-and-silver-analysis.html" style="color: red;">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-news-units-gold-and-silver-analysis.html</a> </b><br /><br /><b>Keep stacking Zombucks! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>...developing...</b></div>

The News UNIT's GOLD and SILVER analysis proves reasonable accuracy

GOLD up 2%   SILVER up 7% Since The News UNIT's February 13, 2014 trend analysis on GOLD and SILVER and related expectations, GOLD has ...

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A Closer Look at Retail Employment

The following chart compares the growth in the number of retail production and nonsupervisory employees (in black) to the growth in the aggregate weekly hours worked by retail production and nonsupervisory employees (in blue).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqL6ePBH0b8fSYJh1feiR6w8fPcqjD0_r1Aq7IFijVhP07sOq0L_ifc7SPgZg6n5_gSM9XpJ_62sSLEMMQbxIQ2xsrVG8vYi3VxGeUQ3vDI4elPmY0QTAwl4cQRGgwg3uUoJ69hMyjmo/s1600/Retail+-+Employees+vs.+Hours.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqL6ePBH0b8fSYJh1feiR6w8fPcqjD0_r1Aq7IFijVhP07sOq0L_ifc7SPgZg6n5_gSM9XpJ_62sSLEMMQbxIQ2xsrVG8vYi3VxGeUQ3vDI4elPmY0QTAwl4cQRGgwg3uUoJ69hMyjmo/s320/Retail+-+Employees+vs.+Hours.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />We have "successfully" transitioned to a "weaker than appears" retail employment economy. Get out the party hats.<br /><br /><b>See Also:</b><br /><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2010/06/sarcasm-disclaimer.html">Sarcasm Disclaimer</a><br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=sn2">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

A Closer Look at Retail Employment

The following chart compares the growth in the number of retail production and nonsupervisory employees (in black) to the growth in the aggr...

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A closer look at FEDERAL RESERVE NOTES

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Think GOLD and SILVER</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/n7TgtmrWBTU?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1K1OKivxbPg?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div>

A closer look at FEDERAL RESERVE NOTES

Think GOLD and SILVER

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U.S. Military Purge Revealed

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Obama Government reinventing the U.S. Military</span> </b></div><br /><b>Not only INFOWARS but World Net Daily can confirm this...</b><br /><br /><b>When you express a positive belief in God, do not embrace the LGBT culture and community,  and have any inclination toward upholding the U.S. Constitution and Bill Of Rights and so forth it is now proven to be DETRIMENTAL TO CAREER ENHANCEMENT.   The phrase "EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER" only applies to the growing new cultural agendas and ideologies that are being promulgated by those who are the children of the Devil and Satan.</b><br /><br /><b>This is why the U.S. Government is removing people from their positions in Federal service and replacing them with a workforce of those who are ready to cooperate with the New World Order.  Even the private sector is doing this: </b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kY60CZ5eQf4?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><b><br /></b><b>FULL SHOW...</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lg9dFQ2BS5I?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

U.S. Military Purge Revealed

Obama Government reinventing the U.S. Military Not only INFOWARS but World Net Daily can confirm this... When you express a positive belief...

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1885-O Morgan Silver Dollar worth $1,000?

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Really?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1889 Morgan Silver Dollar:</b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b> </b><b>Mintage 21,726,000 </b></li><li><b> .7734 oz. SILVER </b></li><li><b> Grade EF-40 or AU-50</b></li><li><b> Worth about $25 to $30</b></li><li><b> Selling on EBAY for $25 to $40 depending on condition</b></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1885-O  Morgan Silver Dollar:</b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>  Mintage 9,185,000</b></li><li><b>  .7734 oz. SILVER</b></li><li><b>  Maximum value at MS-65 about $175</b></li><li>  <b>Selling on EBAY for $35 to $45</b></li></ul><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IWNCPPANrWI?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The 2018 American Silver Zombuff</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxafn2qHpWpcHh57pnDsanLXguXRQbonzY-3zR8OgR9unMNeQ6FnyH6_cQ8SVFlOKQ6auLqBwAD7JvllP2JCy_U5NXtnJ1acP-72FcOx_8CNKuYrtpwxszyMaKRKLohszBRb87T9qd9ac/s1600/AmericanZombuffPIC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxafn2qHpWpcHh57pnDsanLXguXRQbonzY-3zR8OgR9unMNeQ6FnyH6_cQ8SVFlOKQ6auLqBwAD7JvllP2JCy_U5NXtnJ1acP-72FcOx_8CNKuYrtpwxszyMaKRKLohszBRb87T9qd9ac/s1600/AmericanZombuffPIC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Zombucks Currency of the Apocalypse </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><ul><li><b>Mintage to be announced (ends April 1, 2014)</b></li><li><b>1 oz. of 999 FINE SILVER (99.9% FINE SILVER)</b></li><li><b>known as a quasi-numismatic round</b></li><li><b>Selling on EBAY at $29 to $33</b></li><li><b>Condition: New/Brilliant Uncirculated</b></li></ul><b>Got Zombies?</b><br /><br /><b>...developing... </b>

1885-O Morgan Silver Dollar worth $1,000?

Really? 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar:   Mintage 21,726,000   .7734 oz. SILVER  Grade EF-40 or AU-50  Worth about $25 to $30  Selling on EBAY fo...

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Silver Guru and Consultant David Morgan

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>David Morgan's 2014 Precious Metals Outlook</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dg3TMgnDTXg?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HsMHIBvUTnY?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Silver Guru and Consultant David Morgan

David Morgan's 2014 Precious Metals Outlook

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LEAD BULLION SHORTAGES again at Walmart

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Is the AMMUNITION SUPPLY running low again?</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/AVvXsEjFPt9t22PrsiclGibl_4Te-pdGgjfnoT7UOx8YRNk-0u5TeB_pbwEQ00a_c5fimqGYAg-2Lip7gC0n8IA9mka33JSbJCCcZa_M2pmfr2o-d_WcgCE8818-xRSeITC3PniDiWp3e4hB5O8/s1600/AmmunitionBOXESpic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPt9t22PrsiclGibl_4Te-pdGgjfnoT7UOx8YRNk-0u5TeB_pbwEQ00a_c5fimqGYAg-2Lip7gC0n8IA9mka33JSbJCCcZa_M2pmfr2o-d_WcgCE8818-xRSeITC3PniDiWp3e4hB5O8/s1600/AmmunitionBOXESpic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>We just went to get some AMMUNITION and again the shelves are empty of .22LR and various other common gun calibers with the notice posted of rationing of ammunition purchases due to hoarding.  What is going on here?  Is the U.S. POSTAL SERVICE purchase starting to corner the market?  Who's really doing the hoarding?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Anyone with information LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW... </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mlm7bz5JuH0?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe> <br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

LEAD BULLION SHORTAGES again at Walmart

Is the AMMUNITION SUPPLY running low again? We just went to get some AMMUNITION and again the shelves are empty of .22LR and various other c...

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DEADLY FLU VIRUS and WATER BACTERIA reports

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is America heading for PANDEMICS?</b></span></div><br /><b>Our own WATER SUPPLIES and WATER FAUCETS are testing positive with BACTERIA that causes LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE: </b><br /><b><a href="http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/02/21/study-nearly-half-of-water-taps-may-contain-bacteria-that-causes-legionnaires-disease/" style="color: red;">http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/02/21/study-nearly-half-of-water-taps-may-contain-bacteria-that-causes-legionnaires-disease/</a></b><br /><br /><b>And now a DEADLY FLU VIRUS PATTERN is being monitored:</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/f2gs3YZ-7hA?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe> <b><br /></b><b> </b><br /><b>I wouldn't get too concerned about all of this however because the Obama Government will certainly take care of us and our children... </b><br /><br /><b>...developing...</b>

DEADLY FLU VIRUS and WATER BACTERIA reports

Is America heading for PANDEMICS? Our own WATER SUPPLIES and WATER FAUCETS are testing positive with BACTERIA that causes LEGIONNAIRES DISEA...

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Tech Force Pen

Josh Wilson of Chicago is looking to manufacturer the Tech Force Pen, a "minimalist pen and ruler sleeve, precision machined from aircraft aluminum." Like many people <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1572999363/tech-force-pen">he is using Kickstarter to fund his undertaking</a>, and as of today he's a few dollars short of his $10,000 goal.<br /><br />I get a fair number of inquiries from people asking me to push their Kickstarter campaigns, most of which I don't post about. But Mr. Wilson's design happens to align with the fact I carry around a separate pen and ruler in my pencil case, the former a Pixma Micron and the latter an orange plastic scale made from Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Central Park Gates, no less. So I like the idea of combining the two into one, especially in metal.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1572999363/tech-force-pen/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe>

Tech Force Pen

Josh Wilson of Chicago is looking to manufacturer the Tech Force Pen, a "minimalist pen and ruler sleeve, precision machined from aircr...

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Rising Economic Concerns, Food Shortages, Money, Gold, and Silver

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is SHTF coming soon?</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Many PREPPERS are already prepared </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>We now have the MAJOR DROUGHT and WATER SHORTAGE in California and area western states leading to FRUIT and VEGETABLE shortages.  Also cattle and hogs will have to be slaughtered because they cannot be fed and maintained and the price of CATTLE is rising along with BEEF and PORK prices.  All manner of FISH concerns still exist as questions on the Fukushima fallout still are ignored by government officials.  What about POULTRY?  Is it time to grow a garden this year?  These are the type of problems that quantitative easing and tapering cannot easily solve:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/severe-california-drought-leads-to-food.html" style="color: red;">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/severe-california-drought-leads-to-food.html</a> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CORN, SUGAR, OATS, SOYBEANS, WHEAT and so forth are all rising and projected to rise even further.   </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Right now a number of people I know are planning to grow their own food this year as they are expecting extreme price increases on products:</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about financial survival?</b></span></div><br /><b>Perhaps the economic concerns that were seemingly far fetched and treated as conspiracy theories and fear mongering will really come to pass.   We are already seeing GOLD and SILVER rising but with FOOD and WATER shortages you cannot eat GOLD and SILVER.  However there is increasing evidence that the world is moving toward a major financial upheaval:</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8nYCmA_T5eU?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe> <br /><b>...developing... </b><br /><br /></div>

Rising Economic Concerns, Food Shortages, Money, Gold, and Silver

Is SHTF coming soon? Many PREPPERS are already prepared We now have the MAJOR DROUGHT and WATER SHORTAGE in California and area western stat...

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BARS and RESTAURANTS becoming TELEVISION CENTERS

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The growing number of TV's in SPORTS BARS and RESTAURANTS</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__2MDrh_cDZumcdLuUs9IvDeZZ1FsPlQOIXKFHQ14a4m_KndjwhKXOyxWfyV3sGA-PqEkfuuAbOzgVqnwmft7bDjOVSTmX6GBOsY6E_mZC_1GledWkfkz0IpiG10yo1v8VW0ES8xq3hs/s1600/TVsONWALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__2MDrh_cDZumcdLuUs9IvDeZZ1FsPlQOIXKFHQ14a4m_KndjwhKXOyxWfyV3sGA-PqEkfuuAbOzgVqnwmft7bDjOVSTmX6GBOsY6E_mZC_1GledWkfkz0IpiG10yo1v8VW0ES8xq3hs/s1600/TVsONWALL.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Has anyone been around some of these bars and restaurants that have loads of television screens playing loads of channels simultaneously?  In America we have become a society of anti-social people now while technology expands to keep us CONTINUALLY MULTITASKING all day long between TV's, SMART PHONES, TABLETS, and COMPUTER TERMINALS while we are being convinced through SOCIAL MEDIA, TWEETING and TEXTING that we are all becoming CONNECTED and no one even talks to each other anymore:</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-TzMh7UHDk4?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

BARS and RESTAURANTS becoming TELEVISION CENTERS

The growing number of TV's in SPORTS BARS and RESTAURANTS Has anyone been around some of these bars and restaurants that have loads of t...

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New Banking Task Force to Study Digital Currencies

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="single-title"><h1><br /></h1><div class="single-info"> <span class="single-author"><a href="http://www.coindesk.com/author/jon-southurst/" rel="author" title="Posts by Jon Southurst">Jon Southurst</a> (<a class="authortwitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/southtopia" target="_newwindow">@southtopia)</a> | </span> <span class="single-date">Published on February 22, 2014 at 10:40 GMT | </span> <span class="single-category"><strong><em><a href="http://www.coindesk.com/news/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in News">News</a>, <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/regulation/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Regulation">Regulation</a>, <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/regulation/us-canada/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in US & Canada">US & Canada</a></em></strong></span></div></div><div class="picture featured"><img alt="shutterstock_78415156" class=" wp-post-image" height="185" src="http://media.coindesk.com/2014/02/shutterstock_78415156-300x185.jpg" width="300" /></div><span class="wpsr_floatbts_anchor" data-offset="31"></span>The Chairman of the US Senate’s Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) which investigated digital currencies <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-foundation-silk-road-senate-homeland-security-hearing/">in November</a> has responded positively to the creation of a new state bankers’ task force to perform its own study into what sort of regulation is necessary.<br />The new “Emerging Payments Task Force” comes from the <a href="http://www.csbs.org/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Conference of State Bank Supervisors</a> (CSBS), a national meeting group of <a href="http://www.csbs.org/about/what/Pages/StateBankingDepartmentLinks.aspx" target="_blank">regulators</a> from all states “dedicated to advancing the state banking system” in the US at a federal level. It aims to study the impacts and potential consumer protection issues arising from new payment method technologies, including bitcoin, among several others.<br />HSGAC Chairman <a href="http://www.carper.senate.gov/public/" target="_blank">Senator Tom Carper</a> (D-Del) issued a press statement earlier approving the move, saying he wanted to ensure governments “are adequately protecting consumers and addressing lawbreakers without hindering innovation”.<br /><blockquote>“That’s why I am encouraged that the Conference of State Bank Supervisors is paying attention to this evolving technology and looking for ways to better coordinate oversight to protect consumers and local communities.<br />While there is still more work to be done, this is an important step. I encourage federal and state agencies and local entities, including banks, to further their collaboration so consumers and businesses can understand the rules of the road and be well served by them.”</blockquote><h2>Digital currency stakeholders</h2>The Task Force will speak to a “broad range of stakeholders” in the virtual currency and payments sphere, including state and federal regulators, people in the industry, and other experts. It too believes there must be enough regulation to protect participants but not at the expense of progress.<br />“State regulators welcome a robust and focused dialogue about the benefits and risks of innovations to payment systems,” said CSBS Chairman and Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Charles A. Vice. “We seek an environment where technological innovation can be developed, but also regulated in a clear manner.”<br />The Task Force will include <a href="http://www.csbs.org/news/press-releases/pr2014/Pages/pr-022014.aspx" target="_blank">state regulators from nine states</a>, including Superintendent of New York State Department of Financial Services <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/ben-lawsky-friend-foe/">Benjamin Lawsky</a>, who oversaw that Department’s <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-hearings-day-1-bitcoin-hits-tipping-point-new-york-regulators/">recent hearings</a> into digital currencies and who also promotes special ‘BitLicence’ money transmitter regulations specific to such systems.<br />On its website, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors introduces itself thus:<br /><blockquote>“Our regulator membership sets us apart from other Washington organizations. Our strength lies in bringing all state banking departments together to present a unified voice in Washington. Through CSBS, state bank regulatory agencies continue to champion a system that offers competitive chartering options and efficient and effective – and local – supervision.”</blockquote><em><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-150571p1.html" target="_blank">US Law</a> image via Shutterstock</em></div>

New Banking Task Force to Study Digital Currencies

Jon Southurst ( @southtopia) | Published on February 22, 2014 at 10:40 GMT | News , Regulation , US & Canada The Chairman of the U...

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FLOODING in MIDWEST a GROWING CONCERN

<b>America is under a DROUGHT DISASTER in the west and increased FLOODING CONCERNS in the SNOW and ICE COVERED REGIONS:</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zMHhZWKtaL4?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

FLOODING in MIDWEST a GROWING CONCERN

America is under a DROUGHT DISASTER in the west and increased FLOODING CONCERNS in the SNOW and ICE COVERED REGIONS:

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Ukraine President Flees Kiev: Obama and Putin in talks

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The New National Unity Government</span> </b></div><br /><b>The situation in Ukraine may be the dawn of a NEW BEGINNING...</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AXbskWtFeuI?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Obama and Putin work on COORDINATED EFFORT...</b></span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JlfjhNC9M4Q?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/y_V3MugVYQc?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/57EiqyN3-gM?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Ukraine President Flees Kiev: Obama and Putin in talks

The New National Unity Government The situation in Ukraine may be the dawn of a NEW BEGINNING...   Obama and Putin work on COORDINATED EFF...

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Severe California Drought leads to FOOD and WATER SHORTAGES

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">*****<u>ALERT:</u>  FOOD and <span style="color: blue;">WATER SHORTAGE</span>***** </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FRESH FRUIT and VEGETABLE PRICES TO DOUBLE</b></span></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/AVvXsEjvApQyWCLXEdE9xi4aiQdUb4ZByDjfoGR76kelYK00XGSC0_VDy-q2fTHDO9SOgHtTIj2zVV9Qg3L1PzmY2YeB4pnNUVSCUWfUdD0lSnqxbXViozn6TQxxE7-QRwPqFegIM-xa95VKiwo/s1600/fruit_vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvApQyWCLXEdE9xi4aiQdUb4ZByDjfoGR76kelYK00XGSC0_VDy-q2fTHDO9SOgHtTIj2zVV9Qg3L1PzmY2YeB4pnNUVSCUWfUdD0lSnqxbXViozn6TQxxE7-QRwPqFegIM-xa95VKiwo/s1600/fruit_vegetables.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Federal Government denies DROUGHT AID</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The nation's supply of FRESH FRUIT and VEGETABLES will now be reduced.  Also PRICES WILL easily double. </b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xaTGX1HMLQY?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Severe California Drought leads to FOOD and WATER SHORTAGES

***** ALERT:   FOOD and WATER SHORTAGE ***** FRESH FRUIT and VEGETABLE PRICES TO DOUBLE   The Federal Government denies DROUGHT AID The nat...

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America's TWO CLASS SYSTEM is growing

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Growing INCOME INEQUALITY</b></span></div><br /><b>The economy just keeps getting better in America...</b><br /><b><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-federal-reserve-is-creating-two.html" style="color: red;">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-federal-reserve-is-creating-two.html</a></b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/saIQ0I1Tzao?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

America's TWO CLASS SYSTEM is growing

Growing INCOME INEQUALITY The economy just keeps getting better in America... http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-federal-reserv...

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BREAKING NEWS: Ukraine's President Has Fled Kiev. The Government Has Collapsed. Mob Rule On The Streets

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qFSYBXZSOqk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine’s Leader Flees Palace as Protesters Widen Control -- New York Times</b></span></div><br />KIEV, Ukraine — An opposition unit took control of the presidential palace outside Kiev on Saturday, as leaders in Parliament said Ukraine’s president, Viktor F. Yanukovych, had fled the capital a day after a deal was reached aimed at ending the country’s spiral of violence.<br /><br />Members of an opposition group from Lviv called the 31st Hundred — carrying clubs and some of them wearing masks — were in control of the entryways to the palace Saturday morning. And Vitali Klitschko, one of three opposition leaders who signed the deal to end the violence, said that Mr. Yanukovych had “left the capital” but his whereabouts were unknown, with members of the opposition speculating that he had gone to Kharkiv, in the northeast part of Ukraine.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=0">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Crisis In Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26302572">Live Coverage</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/ukraine-crisis-uncertainty-after-yanukovych-signs-deal-live-updates">Tymoshenko freed as Ukrainian president denounces coup - live updates</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://live.reuters.com/event/world_news">Live Updates: Ukraine</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Ukraine_liveblog">Ukraine Live Blog Live</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26304842">Ukrainian MPs vote to oust President Yanukovych</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/22/world/europe/ukraine-protests/">Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych has quit Kiev, opposition leader says</a> -- CNN<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579398561953855036?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579398561953855036.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories">Protesters Take Control of Kiev</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-kiev-opposition-20140222,0,2157062.story#axzz2tseORMfW">Ukraine protesters take Kiev without a shot</a> -- L.A. Times<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/22/ukrainian-protesters-claim-control-over-capital/">Ukrainian parliament sets early election as president flees capital </a>-- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ukraine-protest-20140221,0,1284200.story">Parliament expels Ukraine president, protestors seize his compound </a>-- Chicago Tribune<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/22/ukraine-protests-kiev-president/5723135/">Ukraine parliament votes to remove president</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/interfax-ukraines-yanukovych-says-he-will-not-resign/1857091.html">Ukraine Parliament Votes to Oust Yanukovich, Sets May Election </a>-- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-22/ukrainian-protesters-take-control-as-yanukovych-abandons-capital">Ukrainian Lawmakers Oust President as Yanukovych Stays Defiant </a>-- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/22/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140222">Ukraine parliament removes Yanukovich, who flees Kiev in 'coup'</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ukraines-president-open-to-early-vote-polish-leader-says-scores-reported-killed-in-clashes/2014/02/21/05d3de46-9a82-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">Ukraine’s Yanukovych missing as protesters take control of presidential residence in Kiev</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraine-agreement-reached-but-the-street-resists/2014/02/21/daf33ecc-9b55-11e3-8112-52fdf646027b_story.html">Ukraine protesters take Kiev; president says coup</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10655398/Ukraine-crisis-Opposition-demands-Viktor-Yanukovych-resign.html">Ukraine president refuses to resign and compares 'coup' to rise of Nazis</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/ukraine-president-accuses-opponents-coup-2014222144357586889.html">Ukraine president accuses opponents of coup</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10655335/Ukraine-crisis-Viktor-Yanukovych-leaves-Kiev-for-support-base.html">Viktor Yanukovych leaves Kiev for eastern support base</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/22/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c1">Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych says he's not leaving</a> -- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2565394/Ukrainian-protesters-claim-control-capital.html">Moment suspected Ukrainian SNIPER was dragged by the hair and beaten by anti-government protesters as president reportedly flees capital</a> -- Daily Mail<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/ukraine-protests-viktor-yanukovych-election">End nears for Yanukovych despite concessions</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/22/world/europe/ukraine-profiles/">Who's who in Ukraine unrest</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/feb/22/ukraine-protesters-remain-streets-in-pictures">Ukraine protesters remain on streets as president leaves Kiev - in pictures</a> -- The Guardian<br /><br /><b>Update</b>: <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/2014/02/22/aide-ukraine-tymoshenko-released-from-prison/DfLyCMhW09BxBUmmmKnHEJ/story.html">Aide: Ukraine's Tymoshenko released from prison</a> -- AP<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: The situation is incredibly fluid in Ukraine. The mob has taken over and even the opposition politicians cannot control the anger. I am having trouble contacting my relatives in Kiev .... I guess the communication networks are overwhelmed.<br /><br />It is clear that the government of President Yanukovych has collapsed .... his allies have deserted him and he no longer controls the instruments of state. The security forces have also stood down .... they do not want to be involved in this crisis .... and almost all of them do not want to shoot their brothers and sisters on the street.<br /><br />I suspect that ex-President Yanukovych has fled to the eastern part of the country .... probably near a Russian border crossing. He knows that his time is up .... the question that is probably on his mind is .... can I escape alive and/or not be arrested and put in jail. With pictures of his opulent homes and wealth now being broadcast throughout Ukraine .... I would advise him to flee to Russia.<br /><br />The Russian - Ukrainian community is facing the jitters right now .... talk of splitting the country is now spreading.<br /><br />Reaction from the Russian government has been limited. This is not surprising .... they are focused on the Sochi Olympics and tomorrow's closing ceremonies. But I expect a very robust reaction from Moscow after the closing ceremonies. As to what they are going to say .... that is easy to predict .... they are going to condemn the Ukrainian opposition and the EU who made this all possible (in their view).<br /><br />The economy has collapsed ....the Russian government is not going to provide aid .... and as a result Ukraine will in all probability default on it's debts. Being one who saw what happened to Russia when the Soviet Union collapsed .... I know with 100% certainty that hard times (no money, 70% unemployment, a breakdown in government services) are coming to Ukraine.<br /><br /><b>Update #2:</b> Because of prior commitments (family commitments that I cannot cancel) .... I will only be able to blog late tonight. Sighhh .... a revolution is now happening .... and I must take a 12 hour recess.

BREAKING NEWS: Ukraine's President Has Fled Kiev. The Government Has Collapsed. Mob Rule On The Streets

Ukraine’s Leader Flees Palace as Protesters Widen Control -- New York Times KIEV, Ukraine — An opposition unit took control of the president...

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How 'Bunny Wabbits' Can Become Weapons Of Mass Destruction

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PH37hLieGuoZwZyJsvh-0utabNEo4Oa-qtpyJCdP6_I3oo0D5iuloOMWsgs93-6XZA5iHey_3Tk7B2nR8-YNQ9ZnA8nasCiDFJmyG-mgw2xbkdvClEmx_XJKReW68b79n8jdqu5Rb3UO/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PH37hLieGuoZwZyJsvh-0utabNEo4Oa-qtpyJCdP6_I3oo0D5iuloOMWsgs93-6XZA5iHey_3Tk7B2nR8-YNQ9ZnA8nasCiDFJmyG-mgw2xbkdvClEmx_XJKReW68b79n8jdqu5Rb3UO/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How Do You Weaponize A Rabbit? -- Jason Bittel, The Week</b></span></div><br />A bacteria found in rabbits could be turned into a potent bioweapon by terrorists. In fact, it's been done before. <br /><br />There are four major infectious agents that officials fear terrorists will turn into potent bioweapons. The first three you know — smallpox, anthrax, and the plague. The fourth? An itty bitty bacterium that wikes to wive in bunny wabbits.<br /><br />Don't let its host of choice fool you — tularemia is a serious disease. Humans can contract the nastiness through the bites of ticks and flies or handling the corpses of infected bunnies. Failure to cook said bunnies thoroughly will also make you sick. And that's not all. Back in 2000, 15 residents of Martha's Vineyard came down with "rabbit fever" in a single season — an outbreak thought to have started when someone ran over an infected rabbit with a lawnmower.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://theweek.com/article/index/256780/how-do-you-weaponize-a-rabbit">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br />My Comment: When I first read the title .... I could not help but guffaw and have a good laugh. But .... here is the surprise .... there is a lot of truth in this story.

How 'Bunny Wabbits' Can Become Weapons Of Mass Destruction

How Do You Weaponize A Rabbit? -- Jason Bittel, The Week A bacteria found in rabbits could be turned into a potent bioweapon by terrorists. ...

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Caturday, I Thought Rocky Was A Flying Squirrel Edition

OK, I'll compromise, Rocky is a squirrelly cat.<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rMaZ4WAmc1c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I'll give it an 8.9 for style but he didn't stick the landing.<br /><br />After seeing that, I want to ask a question.<br /><br />Have you <i>EVER</i> seen a cat skeleton up in a tree?<br /><br />Me neither.

Caturday, I Thought Rocky Was A Flying Squirrel Edition

OK, I'll compromise, Rocky is a squirrelly cat. I'll give it an 8.9 for style but he didn't stick the landing. After seeing that...

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America's Global Retreat (Commentary)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDY_SLMRUm2YX3lDfXAgcdQcInzJs4AQsb79WwoY7KjnkFlJvCW1Bg4CAqpPoLoBqCfNtQ9YkfDWs665E_amBtS5xFlnkqgCkG_aU9dShCM46HWNimIKXCY0V2fTg1wKv2X8n_xtp4jJR/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/AVvXsEibDY_SLMRUm2YX3lDfXAgcdQcInzJs4AQsb79WwoY7KjnkFlJvCW1Bg4CAqpPoLoBqCfNtQ9YkfDWs665E_amBtS5xFlnkqgCkG_aU9dShCM46HWNimIKXCY0V2fTg1wKv2X8n_xtp4jJR/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">President Barack Obama meets in the Situation Room with his national security advisors to discuss strategy in Syria, Saturday, August 31, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>America's Global Retreat -- Niall Ferguson, Wall Street Journal</b></span></div><br />Never mind the Fed's taper, it's the U.S. geopolitical taper that is stirring world anxiety. From Ukraine to Syria to the Pacific, a hands-off foreign policy invites more trouble.<br /><br />Since former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke uttered the word "taper" in June 2013, emerging-market stocks and currencies have taken a beating. It is not clear why talk of (thus far) modest reductions in the Fed's large-scale asset-purchase program should have had such big repercussions outside the United States. The best economic explanation is that capital has been flowing out of emerging markets in anticipation of future rises in U.S. interest rates, of which the taper is a harbinger. While plausible, that cannot be the whole story.<br /><br />For it is not only U.S. monetary policy that is being tapered. Even more significant is the "geopolitical taper." By this I mean the fundamental shift we are witnessing in the national-security strategy of the U.S.—and like the Fed's tapering, this one also means big repercussions for the world. To see the geopolitical taper at work, consider President Obama's comment Wednesday on the horrific killings of protesters in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. The president said: "There will be consequences if people step over the line."<br /><br /><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303945704579391492993958448?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303945704579391492993958448.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_Opinion_LEADTop">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I know that Niall Ferguson has his critics .... but I have always enjoyed his writings, and he does not disappoint in this post.

America's Global Retreat (Commentary)

President Barack Obama meets in the Situation Room with his national security advisors to discuss strategy in Syria, Saturday, August 31, 20...

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The Future Of Security Is Robots

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAXWdFdoPOvIqI1Hyw4q6Moz-ByKfqm2bW-Q4ZvJZIUkWf4FfuB_T1VZ5EU_JGYGDBIFfPqZFq3o8i1Ni9RrrboMtnjQHYVdHm6rEWHUgCmEEFIump-lAi6IXb24x5_lNd_cY8byLs_f1/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAXWdFdoPOvIqI1Hyw4q6Moz-ByKfqm2bW-Q4ZvJZIUkWf4FfuB_T1VZ5EU_JGYGDBIFfPqZFq3o8i1Ni9RrrboMtnjQHYVdHm6rEWHUgCmEEFIump-lAi6IXb24x5_lNd_cY8byLs_f1/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from <a href="http://robohub.org/packbot-serving-the-military-and-world-cup-football/">Robohub</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Brazil Will Use Robots To Police The 2014 World Cup -- Daily Caller</b></span></div><br />Brazil is adopting the security of the future after securing a deal with a robot manufacturer to deploy robots programmed to police the 2014 FIFA World Cup games.<br /><br />The Brazilian government has agreed to pay $7.2 million to Massachusetts-based iRobot for 30 of its PackBot robots, according to a Robohub report. The robots will be programmed to analyze suspicious-looking objects in 12 cities hosting World Cup match-ups across Brazil beginning in June.<br /><br />PackBots can travel at speeds up to 9 mph and have an extremely versatile mobility system, able to traverse rough terrain and even stairs. iRobot’s models include a host of sensors including GPS, video, thermal detection, electronic compass and system diagnostics. The robots weigh about 40 pounds and can be folded to fit into a backpack, making them ideal for quick deployment.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2014/02/21/brazil-will-use-robots-to-police-the-2014-world-cup/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://robohub.org/packbot-serving-the-military-and-world-cup-football/">Packbot: Serving the Military and World Cup Football</a> -- Robohub<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: I can easily foresee the day when this will be the security standard for protecting critical infrastructure, events, government buildings, military installations, etc., and security guards will only serve as back-up.

The Future Of Security Is Robots

Photo from Robohub Brazil Will Use Robots To Police The 2014 World Cup -- Daily Caller Brazil is adopting the security of the future after s...

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Réunion d'information sur le dispositif de couveuse le 26 février 2014

</BR>La <b><a href="http://www.couveuseentreprises-pes45.fr/">Couveuse d’entreprises PES 45</a></b> organise une réunion d’information collective le 26 février 2014. </BR></BR>Pour mémoire, la couveuse d’entreprises est un outil qui aide un porteur de projet à créer son entreprise en testant son projet en grandeur réelle. Le passage en couveuse est l’étape qui lui permet de sécuriser son parcours de création d’entreprise. Cette réunion a pour objet de fournir une information complète sur le dispositif de couveuse d’entreprises (fonctionnement, éligibilité des activités et conditions d’admission). </BR></BR><b>Date</b> : mardi 26 février 2014 de 9h30 à 12h00 </BR></BR><b>Lieu </b>: Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - 2 avenue Montesquieu - Orléans La Source </BR></BR><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.fr/maps?hl=fr&safe=off&ie=UTF8&q=maison+de+l%27emploi+orleans&fb=1&gl=fr&hq=maison+de+l%27emploi&hnear=Orl%C3%A9ans&cid=0,0,16374211102988293771&iwloc=A&ll=47.836154,1.932756&spn=0.006295,0.006295&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.fr/maps?hl=fr&safe=off&ie=UTF8&q=maison+de+l%27emploi+orleans&fb=1&gl=fr&hq=maison+de+l%27emploi&hnear=Orl%C3%A9ans&cid=0,0,16374211102988293771&iwloc=A&ll=47.836154,1.932756&spn=0.006295,0.006295&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Agrandir le plan</a></small></BR></BR><b>Pour en savoir plus</b>, consulter le site de la <a href="http://couveuseentreprises-pes45.fr/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=299&cntnt01detailtemplate=detail_actus&cntnt01returnid=51">Couveuse d'entreprises PES 45</a>. </BR></BR><b>Inscription et renseignements</b> auprès d’<a href="mailto:enoisier@couveuseentreprises-pes45.fr">Elodie NOISIER</a>. </BR></BR>

Réunion d'information sur le dispositif de couveuse le 26 février 2014

La Couveuse d’entreprises PES 45 organise une réunion d’information collective le 26 février 2014. Pour mémoire, la couveuse d’entreprises...

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The Growing Iranian Hacker Threat

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt7Hc3Qe61YbDwraqwfEa3C6xLpwsoj244B07ITmB6fyhm757CwbrlbQe36eQ3B_Msti6fiidUADePwBg5BaJMeB1x-ZhhQpi1PhvKsnMnvmsKdR2VWDeX7n9IpO8bSrbgzGjJOKgaMDq/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt7Hc3Qe61YbDwraqwfEa3C6xLpwsoj244B07ITmB6fyhm757CwbrlbQe36eQ3B_Msti6fiidUADePwBg5BaJMeB1x-ZhhQpi1PhvKsnMnvmsKdR2VWDeX7n9IpO8bSrbgzGjJOKgaMDq/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Forget China: Iran's Hackers Are America's Newest Cyber Threat -- Shane Harris, Foreign Policy/Stars and Stripes</b></span></div><br />WASHINGTON — In March 2012, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, publicly announced the creation a new Supreme Council of Cyberspace to oversee the defense of the Islamic republic's computer networks and develop new ways of infiltrating or attacking the computer networks of its enemies. Less than two years later, security experts and U.S. intelligence officials are alarmed by how quickly Iran has managed to develop its cyber warfare capabilities — and by how much it's willing to use them.<br /><br />For several years, Iran was believed to possess the ambition to launch disruptive attacks on Western, Israeli or Arab computer networks, but not necessarily the technological capability of actually doing so. Those doubts have largely evaporated.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/us/forget-china-iran-s-hackers-are-america-s-newest-cyber-threat-1.268630">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The Iranians may not have the standard military weapons to counter what the U.S. and it's allies have in the region .... but cyber warfare gives them the ability to bring a certain level of warfare to America itself .... and to hurt us where it will hurt us the most .... our banks, news outlets, and communication networks.

The Growing Iranian Hacker Threat

Forget China: Iran's Hackers Are America's Newest Cyber Threat -- Shane Harris, Foreign Policy/Stars and Stripes WASHINGTON — In Mar...

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A Look Inside The U.S. Army's Incredible Treasure Room Of Ancient U.S. Weapons, Artifacts, And Paintings

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhyLLEt67IuZ6ad2cAknhai3AKARfRxYxn4LVOnSRMP5IHoyb-QAlrBLumGofHo4yuIq9fPTYfdN6j2AMUR5R_LFFz87r0TdXc_t-Ue4gH_XCZ0wKpwaP62Ql2f19naZAyVpLTFkTIT6n/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/AVvXsEhXhyLLEt67IuZ6ad2cAknhai3AKARfRxYxn4LVOnSRMP5IHoyb-QAlrBLumGofHo4yuIq9fPTYfdN6j2AMUR5R_LFFz87r0TdXc_t-Ue4gH_XCZ0wKpwaP62Ql2f19naZAyVpLTFkTIT6n/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Inside The Army’s Spectacular, Hidden Treasure Room -- Buzz Feed </b></span></div><br />You will not believe this…<br /><br />Remember that ending scene out of Indiana Jones where the Ark of the Covenant is boxed up and wheeled through an endless government warehouse?<br /><br />Did you know that that place actually exists?<br /><br />It is located 30 minutes outside Washington, D.C., at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The building itself is very nondescript…<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/inside-the-armys-spectacular-hidden-treasure-room">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I was completely floored after reading this story and realizing what is actually stored in this U.S. military museum/storage depot. Rows and rows of ancient guns in pristine and mint condition. Uniforms worn by famous U.S. soldiers. Paintings by Rockwell, Adolf Hitler!!!!, and numerous others. I love visiting museums .... but this is a museum that I can spend days just browsing .... and probably only seeing a small portion of it. This collection is clearly beyond priceless.

A Look Inside The U.S. Army's Incredible Treasure Room Of Ancient U.S. Weapons, Artifacts, And Paintings

Inside The Army’s Spectacular, Hidden Treasure Room -- Buzz Feed You will not believe this… Remember that ending scene out of Indiana Jones ...

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