Will Russia Annex Crimea?

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jwAeqHyvyIU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Ukraine Leader Pleads For Unity As Protesters In Crimea Shout 'Russia, Russia' And Experts Say Moscow Might ANNEX Territory To Protect Its Naval Bases -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* Olexander Turchynov has warned of the dangers of separatism<br />* It comes as pro-Russian crowds gather in southern region of Crimea<br />* Opposition leader Vitaly Klitschko also reveals he will stand in election<br />* Former Kremlin advisor warns annexation could happen within a week<br />* Move would be similar to Nazi Germany's takeover of Austria, he said<br />* Vladimir Putin 'sweeping aside Western warnings and preparing troops'<br />* Dmitry Medvedev said he did recognise new authorities in Kiev<br /><br />Ukraine's new leader has made a desperate plea for unity as experts warn Russia might annex the increasingly tense region of Crimea.<br /><br />Interim President Olexander Turchynov warned of the dangers of separatism following the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych.<br /><br />Addressing parliament, Mr Turchynov said he would meet law enforcement agencies to discuss the risk of separatism in regions with large ethnic Russian populations.<br /><br />Separatism was a 'serious threat', he said.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2567060/Is-Russia-plotting-send-army-annex-Crimea-Former-Kremlin-adviser-warns-Ukrainian-port-Sebastopol-targeted-week.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Crimea is 99% Russian .... and it has always been Russian. If a poll for independence (or unification with Russia) was to be done today .... it would garner an overwhelming percentage of the vote. The fact that it now belongs to Ukraine was a decision made by the Communist leadership in the 1950s as a sign of "friendship". My prediction .... if the Ukrainian nationalists who have taken over Kiev pursue an aggressive anti-Russian agenda (banning the language, discriminatory laws, etc.) .... that vote and push for independence or reunification with Russia is all but guarantee.

Will Russia Annex Crimea?

New Ukraine Leader Pleads For Unity As Protesters In Crimea Shout 'Russia, Russia' And Experts Say Moscow Might ANNEX Territory To P...

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With The Olympic Games Over, Will Putin Pursue A More Aggressive Domestic And Foreign Policy?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflC05KHKhTzdCdGUwSylTFZP8BzPQI8rJ8wKi38rYpf6_EwRqbSaoS8Am9k_soVVg9ylKhBQiiBlqTfht9DcPjKIBbo57WNIHVbEBFa3MiS05k13VB0uqzbKShpHGQMz8zipX8P7ByNzE/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/AVvXsEiflC05KHKhTzdCdGUwSylTFZP8BzPQI8rJ8wKi38rYpf6_EwRqbSaoS8Am9k_soVVg9ylKhBQiiBlqTfht9DcPjKIBbo57WNIHVbEBFa3MiS05k13VB0uqzbKShpHGQMz8zipX8P7ByNzE/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Russian President Vladimir Putin walks out from the presidential lounge to take his seat as he is introduced during the closing ceremony for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 23, 2014. REUTERS/David Goldman/Pool</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sochi Games Over, Will Putin Take The Gloves Off? -- Timothy Heritage, Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - For more than two weeks while Russia hosted the Winter Olympics, President Vladimir Putin did his best to show the world that he and his country have a soft side.<br /><br />Now the Sochi Games are over, Western governments are concerned the smile will disappear and the gloves come off in Russia's tug-of-war with Europe over the fate of Ukraine.<br /><br />The circus artists, dancers and flag bearers hardly had time to leave the stadium after the closing ceremony in Sochi before Russia announced it had recalled its ambassador from Ukraine for consultations in Moscow.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/putin-sochi-athletes-mission-accomplished-113650068--oly.html;_ylt=AwrSyCR_cQtTxSkABKTQtDMD">Read more </a></b>....<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: All eyes are now on Ukraine .... and on what Russian President Putin may do there. But my prediction is that there is going to be no changes in how he conducts policy .... both domestic and international. He may permit a small crackdown on dissidents, and no financial aid to Ukraine .... but as to issues like Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, EU and U.S. relations .... I see nothing changing. Where he may react is if Ukraine becomes a failed state and the Russian community is under threat .... in that event it would not surprise me if he sends the military to protect the Russian dominated part of Ukraine .... such a move would be supported in Russia, and definitely by Ukrainian Russians.

With The Olympic Games Over, Will Putin Pursue A More Aggressive Domestic And Foreign Policy?

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks out from the presidential lounge to take his seat as he is introduced during the closing ceremony for...

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Picture Of The Day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=350&w=0&img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2014-02/hires_140217-M-VH365-080a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=350&w=0&img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2014-02/hires_140217-M-VH365-080a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">U.S. Marines travel in mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles while conducting a patrol in the Now Zad district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, Feb. 17, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean Searfus </span></div>

Picture Of The Day

U.S. Marines travel in mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles while conducting a patrol in the Now Zad district of Afghanistan's Helm...

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Another Scandal Rocks The Turkish Government

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OnAsOI6HUi4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Another Sensational Scandal Rocks Turkey -- Al-Monitor</b></span></div><br />Since the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power over a decade ago, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has relentlessly argued that single-party government is what this country needs to assure political stability and economic welfare. This approach has been more or less accepted as a reference to a February 2001 incident where then-President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, at a National Security Council meeting, threw the booklet of the Constitution in the face of Bulent Ecevit, the head of the coalition government. That incident caused severe economic turbulence and led Turks to oust the mainstream political parties from powerhouse positions while giving the Erdogan government — which was new and untested — a chance to prove itself. Time, however, has shown that the threat to Turkey's economic and political stability is not one-party or multiparty government — or the secular or Islamist camp — but rather a weak democratic system characterized by the absence of true checks and balances.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/02/another-turkish-scandal-wiretapping.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Another Scandal Rocking The Turkish Government</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26332860">Turkey prosecutors 'tapped thousands of phones'</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-24/erdogan-resignation-demanded-by-turkish-opposition-over-tape">Erdogan Resignation Demanded by Turkish Opposition Over Tape</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.skynews.com.au/world/article.aspx?id=953193">Turkey says PM among thousands bugged</a> -- SKY news<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkish-pms-office-denies-corruption-tapes/2014/02/24/ae2f5b84-9da1-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html">Turkish PM’s office denies corruption tapes </a>-- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/turkey-erdogan-idINL6N0LT48U20140225">Turkish PM's office says Erdogan recordings are faked</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/world/turkish-pms-office-says-erdogan-recordings-faked-20140225-hvdqc.html">Turkish PM's office says Erdogan recordings faked</a> -- Sydney Morning Herald

Another Scandal Rocks The Turkish Government

Another Sensational Scandal Rocks Turkey -- Al-Monitor Since the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power over a decade ag...

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Israel Launches Air Strikes On The Lebanese - Syrian Border

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjJkSGSIlLy5P85SWjI_1tqKmbybGlAFClwiYUpAjxDtvLrLp5dlVw69AxGGJO9IDSFlnOCj0rQwonp8oyVuMG-3q75Dg_fLJ3AXOS1dY7stBseEaaaQFSqARvfyrVyZtDB4DkJDp7QDL/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjJkSGSIlLy5P85SWjI_1tqKmbybGlAFClwiYUpAjxDtvLrLp5dlVw69AxGGJO9IDSFlnOCj0rQwonp8oyVuMG-3q75Dg_fLJ3AXOS1dY7stBseEaaaQFSqARvfyrVyZtDB4DkJDp7QDL/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An Israeli F-16I fighter plane takes off from Ramon Air Base in southern Israel. (File photo: Reuters) </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Israeli Warplanes 'Strike Eastern Lebanon' -- BBC</b></span></div><br />Israeli jets have carried out air strikes in eastern Lebanon near the border with Syria, Lebanon's state news agency says.<br /><br />Israel's military has not commented although an Israeli security source quoted by Reuters said there had been "air force activity in the north".<br /><br />Lebanon's national news agency said the air raids took place near the village of Nabi Sheet in the Bekaa Valley.<br /><br />The Lebanese militant Hezbollah group has a strong presence in the valley.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26332089">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Israel Launching Air Strikes On The Lebanese - Syrian Border</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0224/Israeli-airstrikes-near-Lebanon-Syria-border">Israeli airstrikes near Lebanon-Syria border </a>-- Christian Science Monitor/AP<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gUdIRsOP3vMIv2eIjhkAkteAbTWA?docId=c4197844-115d-442b-9e33-a94ee953c53d">Israel bombs Hezbollah target on Lebanon-Syria border</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/25/Israel-strikes-reputed-arms-shipment-for-Hezbollah/UPI-22601393304460/">Israel strikes reputed arms shipment for Hezbollah</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.576210">Reports: Israeli planes attack Hezbollah targets on Lebanon-Syria border</a> -- Haaretz<br /><a href="http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/164050/israel-strikes-lebanon-near-syrian-border">Israel Strikes Lebanon Near Syrian Border</a> -- Tablet<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/world/middleeast/israeli-warplanes-strike-near-the-border-of-syria-and-lebanon.html?_r=0&gwh=5EF239CA73B250D6605B305D423B2CC8&gwt=pay">Israeli Warplanes Strike Near the Border of Syria and Lebanon </a>-- New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Feb-25/248405-israel-hits-hezbollah-on-syria-border.ashx#axzz2uJ9LTtYn">Israel hits Hezbollah on Syria border</a> -- Daily Star<br /><a href="http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2014/02/25/Reports-Israeli-airstrikes-target-Hezbollah-sites.html">Sources: Israeli raids target Hezbollah site</a> -- Al Arabiya

Israel Launches Air Strikes On The Lebanese - Syrian Border

An Israeli F-16I fighter plane takes off from Ramon Air Base in southern Israel. (File photo: Reuters) Israeli Warplanes 'Strike Eastern...

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What Do the World's Armies Eat?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrDURQGH-WnQ4Fz2zZf33V6LlxuxJPozMh7dKh57UWjMqFb6IrdfT_216OGlwNiMuw7a0lVh3dx-FAp7dPt-V_LWU22okSPCTWmgfUKWs-ITLpycP7cez6HynG5gOe28182DlEWHWb8nz/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrDURQGH-WnQ4Fz2zZf33V6LlxuxJPozMh7dKh57UWjMqFb6IrdfT_216OGlwNiMuw7a0lVh3dx-FAp7dPt-V_LWU22okSPCTWmgfUKWs-ITLpycP7cez6HynG5gOe28182DlEWHWb8nz/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Eat Of Battle – How The World's Armies Get Fed -- The Guardian</b></span></div><br />An army marches on its stomach but what do different countries feed their troops? Who gets smoked sprats or tinned cheddar – and who wants 'three-year pizza'?<br /><br />The Taliban might be just a few hundred metres away, but in the mess halls of the US bases in southern Afghanistan, there are more pressing dangers lurking: undercooked eggs. Signs placed above the breakfast fry-up station warn against asking for an egg sunny side up: it's available over-easy only. The reason, as explained by patient cooks to bemused visitors, is that diseases might lurk in a runny yolk. Feeding soldiers in a warzone is one of the biggest challenges for any army. Generals want to keep their soldiers healthy, and food done well, both in the "d-facs" (dining faciliites) and MREs ("meals ready to eat", in US army speak – or "ration packs") can be a morale booster, a reminder of home in a hostile, alien place.<br /><br />So for soldiers on the ground, one of the most important recent breakthroughs in military technology may be the "three-year pizza", described by its scientist creators as the "holy grail" of ration-pack food.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/18/eat-of-battle-worlds-armies-fed">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2566893/Tabasco-British-40-proof-shot-cordiale-Italians-Can-guess-armys-nationality-ration-pack.html">Tabasco for the British, 40% proof shot of cordiale for the Italians: Can you guess the army's nationality by its ration pack?</a> -- Daily Mail<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>The Chinese rations look the most "boring" .... and they are written in Chinese and (surprise surprise) ENGLISH!

What Do the World's Armies Eat?

The Eat Of Battle – How The World's Armies Get Fed -- The Guardian An army marches on its stomach but what do different countries feed t...

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Bloomberg Does A Comprehensive Look At The Pentagon's Budget And Programs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpi9NVEJzSbkHHB8Bp__yqRE-DakxaSsZPgzNSrAYRYdOkseI2mHnv-z5gZLLTCXmFdvucF25ghbV7i6-hlfrBhLgSvh9MHg49xJE3546IMjJ7L5o5bVwBvNI4_HJ16OoUKXdF_iaRSPQ/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" 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/AVvXsEiNpi9NVEJzSbkHHB8Bp__yqRE-DakxaSsZPgzNSrAYRYdOkseI2mHnv-z5gZLLTCXmFdvucF25ghbV7i6-hlfrBhLgSvh9MHg49xJE3546IMjJ7L5o5bVwBvNI4_HJ16OoUKXdF_iaRSPQ/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pentagon Budget Stuck in Last Century as Warfare Changes -- Bloomberg</b></span></div><br />The Obama administration foresees 21st century wars fought with fewer boots on the ground and more drones in the air, while the Pentagon continues buying weapons from the last century.<br /><br />In his Feb. 12 State of the Union address, President Barack Obama said America no longer needs to deploy tens of thousands of troops to occupy nations or meet the evolving threat from new extremist groups. Cyber-attacks are the “rapidly growing threat,” he said. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-19/pentagon-budget-stuck-in-last-century-as-warfare-changes.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The above Bloomberg analysis was done before <a href="http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.ca/2014/02/pentagon-proposes-massive-cuts-in-us.html">today's Pentagon announcement</a> on what the US defense department is requesting for next year's defense budget. But it is still a good read.

Bloomberg Does A Comprehensive Look At The Pentagon's Budget And Programs

Pentagon Budget Stuck in Last Century as Warfare Changes -- Bloomberg The Obama administration foresees 21st century wars fought with fewer ...

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Japan Will Not Unilaterally Defend Its Allies And Friendly Nations If They Are Under Attack (Unless Japan Is Threatened Or They Are Asked)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zxD7D5f5Jom5G8EPBDOgNHvitq05zIvYwxFSpe-TfDSPyjcJ2K6jvdEZ3T5lLHBhkM39z47uzQEhR53HToI0nSwEWlbsleiphEtenEj7vfpmMWMAjux_pRr7YvsOkbUYIDRMs-fCuGsL/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/AVvXsEj6zxD7D5f5Jom5G8EPBDOgNHvitq05zIvYwxFSpe-TfDSPyjcJ2K6jvdEZ3T5lLHBhkM39z47uzQEhR53HToI0nSwEWlbsleiphEtenEj7vfpmMWMAjux_pRr7YvsOkbUYIDRMs-fCuGsL/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bayonets attached to rifles used by Japanese Self-Defense Forces are seen in front of Japan's rising sun flag, which is used by the forces, during the annual troop review ceremony at Asaka Base in Asaka, near Tokyo October 27, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Issei Kato</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Report Says Allies Under Attack Must Request Japan's Assistance -- Stars and Stripes/Japan Times</b></span></div><br />TOKYO — Japan can defend its allies and friendly nations under attack but only at their request, a prominent member of a government panel mulling collective security said Friday in an apparent attempt to ease concern that the government may act at its own initiative.<br /><br />Shinichi Kitaoka, a professor at International University of Japan who sits on the panel, said Japan can only defend its allies and friendly nations if the attack they may be under severely harms Japan’s interests or when those nations officially request assistance.<br /><br />The government still has to seek Diet approval and gain permission from other nations for the Self-Defense Forces to traverse other territories, he said at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/report-says-allies-under-attack-must-request-japan-s-assistance-1.269440">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Japan is clarifying this policy with an eye on North Korea and China.

Japan Will Not Unilaterally Defend Its Allies And Friendly Nations If They Are Under Attack (Unless Japan Is Threatened Or They Are Asked)

Bayonets attached to rifles used by Japanese Self-Defense Forces are seen in front of Japan's rising sun flag, which is used by the forc...

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Is Argentina Preparing For Another War Against Britain?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg66-1-SfcqmNWA7UCwJ_1k2ASEEho59xtmOsGxp-zBWQbSY8xeoce5cUnD8FNoihl9nhJ46e2MfO1Gba-QXT2-f6DPUTZ8TdSPkB7x6-rlj3Zh8_vEmDlfKCT5L2Zxo1G_44ihHwZ7qsj/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg66-1-SfcqmNWA7UCwJ_1k2ASEEho59xtmOsGxp-zBWQbSY8xeoce5cUnD8FNoihl9nhJ46e2MfO1Gba-QXT2-f6DPUTZ8TdSPkB7x6-rlj3Zh8_vEmDlfKCT5L2Zxo1G_44ihHwZ7qsj/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cristina ­Fernandez de ­Kirchner recently created a new Cabinet post of Secretary for the Malvinas [REUTERS]</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Arms Threat: Argentina's £3Billion Boost To Military -- Express</b></span></div><br />BRITISH military chiefs were last night “carefully monitoring” developments after Argentina announced a £3billion revamp of its armed forces.<br /><br />Buenos Aires will acquire military hardware including fighter aircraft, ­anti-aircraft weapons and specialised radar, as well as beefing up its special forces.<br /><br />The news comes months before drilling for oil ­begins in earnest off the Falkland Islands, provoking ­Argentina’s struggling President Cristina ­Fernandez de ­Kirchner.<br /><br />Last month she created a new cabinet post of Secretary for the Malvinas, her country’s name for the Falklands.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has refused to confirm that Britain would retake the Falklands if they were overrun by enemy forces.<br /><br />The extra cash means Argentina will ­increase defence spending by 33.4 per cent this year, the biggest rise in its history. It will include £750million for 32 ­procurement and modernisation programmes.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/461327/New-arms-threat-Argentina-s-3billion-boost-to-military">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Argentina Increasing It's Defense Budget</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.economicvoice.com/argentina-beefs-up-its-military/">Argentina Beefs up its Military</a> -- Economic Voice<br /><a href="http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/152905/british-%E2%80%98monitor-argentine-military-revamp%E2%80%99">British ‘monitor Argentine military revamp’</a> -- Buenos Aires Herald<br /><a href="http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2412211&Itemid=1">Argentina Rejects UK Reports of Arms Buildup</a> -- Prensa Latina<br /><a href="http://guardianlv.com/2014/02/argentina-prepares-to-go-to-war-against-britain-or-argentines/">Argentina Prepares to Go to War Against Britain or Argentines</a> -- Liberty Voice<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>The Argentine economy is imploding .... but they have enough money to increase military spending by 33.4 per cent this year. Something is cooking.

Is Argentina Preparing For Another War Against Britain?

Cristina ­Fernandez de ­Kirchner recently created a new Cabinet post of Secretary for the Malvinas [REUTERS] New Arms Threat: Argentina'...

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Iraq Agrees To A Major Arms Deal With Iran Thereby Violating The UN Arms Embargo On Iran

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypsk5Mnf8amBaRVZBH_VNWToenDfvv3lnaye3aozcDvJGfDCMUj7gnFjeGi22vhu6bJRJBtlkoti10MglLkcaDhzAnrFsIbphNhuUm-kL2VAZzFfVx3lDvEtNMgcFCFu3d_h9e3k5uEVg/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypsk5Mnf8amBaRVZBH_VNWToenDfvv3lnaye3aozcDvJGfDCMUj7gnFjeGi22vhu6bJRJBtlkoti10MglLkcaDhzAnrFsIbphNhuUm-kL2VAZzFfVx3lDvEtNMgcFCFu3d_h9e3k5uEVg/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Masked Sunni Muslim gunmen take up position with their weapons during clashes with Iraqi security forces outside the city of Falluja, 70 km (44 miles) west of Baghdad, February 23, 2014. (REUTERS/STRINGER )</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Exclusive: Iraq Signs Deal To Buy Arms, Ammunition From Iran - Document -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Iran has signed a deal to sell Iraq arms and ammunition worth $195 million, according to documents seen by Reuters - a move that would break a U.N. embargo on weapons sales by Tehran.<br /><br />The agreement was reached at the end of November, the documents showed, just weeks after Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki returned from Washington, where he lobbied the Obama administration for extra weapons to fight al Qaeda-linked militants.<br /><br />Some in Washington are nervous about providing sensitive U.S. military equipment to a country they worry is becoming too close to Iran. Several Iraqi lawmakers said Maliki had made the deal because he was fed up with delays to U.S. arms deliveries.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-iraq-iran-arms-idUSBREA1N10D20140224">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Iraq Signing A Deal To Buy Arms And Ammunition From Iran</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/reports-iraq-signs-arms-deal-with-iran-2014224203431264275.html">Reports: Iraq signs arms deal with Iran</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/iran-sell-iraq-arms-fight-war-against-terrorism-1437728">Iran to Sell Iraq Arms to Fight 'War Against Terrorism'</a> -- IBTimes<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/report-iran-iraq-sign-arms-deal/1858377.html">Report: Iran, Iraq Sign Arms Deal </a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/24/state-department-pressing-iraq-for-answers-after-report-arms-deal-with-iran/">State Department pressing Iraq for answers after report of arms deal with Iran</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/us-presses-iraq-on/1011696.html">US presses Iraq on reports of arms deal with Iran</a> -- Channel News Asia/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/iran-iraq-sign-secret-195-million-arms-deal-causing-alarm-washington-1557517">Iran, Iraq Sign Secret $195 Million Arms Deal, Causing Alarm In Washington</a> -- IBTimes<br /><a href="http://www.thewire.com/global/2014/02/iran-may-be-breaking-embargo-selling-arms-iraq/358455/">Iran May Be Breaking a U.S. Embargo by Selling Arms to Iraq </a>-- The Wire<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> So much for U.S. embargoes and UN sanctions on Iran

Iraq Agrees To A Major Arms Deal With Iran Thereby Violating The UN Arms Embargo On Iran

Masked Sunni Muslim gunmen take up position with their weapons during clashes with Iraqi security forces outside the city of Falluja, 70 km ...

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Pentagon Proposes Massive Cuts In The U.S. Military Budget

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-gjwAcQi18U" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hagel Outlines Budget Reducing Troop Strength, Force Structure -- US Department of Defense</b></span></div><br />WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has proposed cuts in military spending that include further reductions in troop strength and force structure in every military service in the coming year as part of an effort to prioritize U.S. strategic interests in the face of reduced resources after more than a decade of war.<br /><br />At a Pentagon news conference today detailing President Barack Obama’s proposed Pentagon budget for fiscal year 2015, Hagel called the reductions -- including shrinking the Army to its smallest size since before World War II and eliminating an entire fleet of Air Force fighter planes -- “difficult choices” that will change defense institutions for years to come, but designed to leave the military capable of fulfilling U.S. defense strategy and defending the homeland against strategic threats.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121703">Read more </a></b>....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Pentagon Proposing Massive Cuts In The U.S. Military Budget</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/">Secretary of Defense Speech Outlining Budget Reducing Troop Strength, Force Structure</a> -- US Department of Defense<br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/24/hagel-to-propose-big-cuts-in-army-in-2015-budget/">Hagel says US military must shrink to face new era </a>-- Washington Times<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-usa-defense-budget-weapons-factbox-idUSBREA1N1P120140225">Factbox: How Pentagon's 2015 budget affects key weapons programs</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/02/24/winners-and-losers-in-the-2015-budget/">Winners and Losers in the 2015 Budget</a> -- DoD Buzz<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/military-spending-cuts/winners-losers-pentagons-new-budget-n37626">Winners, Losers in Pentagon's New Budget</a> -- NBC<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j1E4GZD-3YYRKxC6etxYbguQw0eg?docId=3cc2a2ce-9cff-4354-9579-7e77d29c124f">Pentagon budget looks to leaner, more hi-tech force</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://mashable.com/2014/02/24/proposed-u-s-military-budget-cuts/">Defense Secretary Proposes Big Cuts to U.S. Military Spending </a>-- Mashable<br /><a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/pentagon-about-undergo-these-major-budget-cuts-1557630">The Pentagon Is About To Undergo These Major Budget Cuts</a> -- IBTimes<br /><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101441175">The Pentagon's new budget: Who wins and who loses</a> -- CNBC<br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/24/proposed-budget-cuts-benefits-end-stength-ships.html?comp=7000024213943&rank=1">Proposed Budget Cuts Benefits, End Strength, Ships</a> -- Military.com<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26326969">Pentagon's Chuck Hagel plans to downsize US military </a>-- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/pentagon-blueprint-would-cut-army-size-as-military-adjusts-to-leaner-budgets/2014/02/24/c029e2b4-9d8d-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html">Pentagon blueprint would cut Army size as military adjusts to leaner budgets</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/usa-budget-defense-idINL1N0LT1IC20140225">Budget cuts to slash U.S. Army to smallest since before World War Two</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iqSLM097v9zSy_mekFYs5om9LQbg?docId=4c68e3c6-ab69-4bd4-980f-f192b2892c87">Pentagon plans to shrink US Army to pre-WWII level</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/report-us-army-to-shrink-to-preworld-war-two-levels/1857855.html">US Army to Shrink to Pre-World War II Levels</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/24/pentagon-budget-sequestration-army-size/5775291/">New Pentagon budget calls for smaller Army, pay changes</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/02/pentagon-proposes-cutting-the-army-to-pre-wwii-level/">Pentagon Proposes Cutting the Army to Pre-WWII Level </a>-- ABC News<br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/24/hagel-budgets-for-smallest-army-since-world-war-ii.html?comp=700001075741&rank=2">Hagel Budgets for Smallest Army Since World War II</a> -- Military.com<br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/24/washington-plans-to-shrink-us-army-to-smallest-size-since-pearl-harbor/">Washington plans to shrink US Army to smallest size since Pearl Harbor </a>-- Euronews<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-24/hagel-to-propose-big-cuts-in-army-in-2015-budget">Hagel to propose big cuts in Army in 2015 budget</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/feb/24/defense-budget-2015-preview/">DOD budget: Smaller army, more drones </a>-- UT Sand Diego<br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0224/Pentagon-plan-to-downsize-Army-a-sign-of-US-reluctance-to-nation-build">Pentagon plan to downsize Army: a sign of US reluctance to nation-build</a> -- Christian Science Monitor<br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/24/defense-budget-would-cut-troop-pay-and-benefits.html?comp=700001075741&rank=1">Defense Budget Would Cut Troop Pay and Benefits</a> -- Military.com<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2014/02/24/pentagon-budget-would-cut-military-medical-benefits-and-commissary-funding/">Pentagon budget would cut military health benefits and commissary funds </a>-- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/24/3957934/proposed-defense-cuts-would-hit.html">Proposed defense cuts would hit some bases, spare others</a> -- Miami Herald/McClatchy News<br /><a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140224/NEWS05/302240038/Hagel-Ground-forces-can-fight-one-theater-support-air-sea-forces-another">Hagel: Ground forces can fight in one theater, support air, sea forces in another </a>-- Army Times<br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/pentagon-budget-reflects-changing-conflicts">Pentagon budget confronts sequestration, end of Afghanistan war</a> -- MSNBC<br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/management/2014/02/pentagons-post-war-budget-marks-end-war-era/79288/?oref=d-channelriver">Pentagon’s Post-War Budget Marks End of War Era</a> -- Stephanie Gaskell, Defense One <br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/management/2014/02/winner-and-losers-obamas-defense-spending-request/79273/?oref=d-channelriver">The Winners and Losers in Obama’s Defense Spending Request</a> -- Sara Sorcher and Jordain Carney, Defense One/National Journal<br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2014/02/pentagon-picking-unnecessary-fight-congress/79279/?oref=d-channelriver">The Pentagon Is Picking an Unnecessary Fight With Congress</a> -- James Joyner, Defense One<br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/02/24/chuck_hagel_proposes_military_cuts_the_latest_from_ukraine_and_more_from.html?wpisrc=burger_bar">The New American Way of War</a> -- Josh Voorhees, Slate <br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The push-back is now stating .... <b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG02/302240030/US-Lawmakers-Push-Back-Against-DoD-Budget-Plans?odyssey=nav|head">US Lawmakers Push Back Against DoD Budget Plans</a></b> -- Defense News<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> More push-back <b><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/military-spending-cuts/mckeon-dont-solve-problems-backs-our-military-n37526">is here.</a></b>

Pentagon Proposes Massive Cuts In The U.S. Military Budget

Hagel Outlines Budget Reducing Troop Strength, Force Structure -- US Department of Defense WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chu...

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American Military Dominance Can No Longer Be Taken For Granted

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/auvKenCUhvw" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hagel: American Military Dominance ‘Can No Longer Be Taken For Granted’ -- Mediate</b></span></div><br />Announcing cuts to the Pentagon on Monday and the reduction of the U.S. Army to pre-World War II troop levels, Defense Sec. Chuck Hagel said that the Pentagon was forced to make a series of difficult decisions in response to budget cuts. He added that U.S. service personnel will face “addition risks” and that U.S. global military dominance can “no longer be taken for granted.”<br /><br />“This defense strategy is focused on defending the homeland against all strategic threats, building security globally projecting aggression, and remaining to be prepared against any adversary,” Hagel said. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.mediaite.com/tv/hagel-american-military-dominance-can-no-longer-be-taken-for-granted/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> This is a shocking admission from a senior U.S. official .... that U.S. military dominance will now be a thing of the past. This is also a message that I can guarantee that everyone .... from U.S. allies to U.S. enemies .... are now taking note.

American Military Dominance Can No Longer Be Taken For Granted

Hagel: American Military Dominance ‘Can No Longer Be Taken For Granted’ -- Mediate Announcing cuts to the Pentagon on Monday and the reducti...

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Is President Obama Respected Abroad?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMu2hfcAj0PTaMjvSL3koRnS46TRRiQ3gW9p1j0qSxQejUbgk1etFU7RdGce72_kf3xVHpUnhH9imYdMZAcqHegj0AEhiOnT3VwGXEGxdbGjbOakGlVfAkhqZj0Y8tZ-5EOpdBY5SDIYR/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMu2hfcAj0PTaMjvSL3koRnS46TRRiQ3gW9p1j0qSxQejUbgk1etFU7RdGce72_kf3xVHpUnhH9imYdMZAcqHegj0AEhiOnT3VwGXEGxdbGjbOakGlVfAkhqZj0Y8tZ-5EOpdBY5SDIYR/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fewer Americans Think Obama Respected on World Stage -- Gallop</b></span></div><br />Slim majority still think world views U.S. favorably<br /><br />PRINCETON, NJ -- For the first time, more Americans think President Barack Obama is not respected by other world leaders than believe he is. Americans' opinions have shifted dramatically in the past year, after being relatively stable from 2010 to 2013.<br /><br />The results are based on Gallup's annual World Affairs poll, conducted Feb. 6-9. Although opinions about a president's perceived world standing often track with his job approval rating, a majority of Americans still thought world leaders respected Obama in 2010 and 2011, when his job approval was similar to what it is now. Thus, the recent decline may be more tied to specific international matters from the past year, such as the revelation the U.S. was listening in on foreign leaders' phone calls, the situation in Syria, increased tensions with Russia, and an uneasy relationship between Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/167534/fewer-americans-think-obama-respected-world-stage.aspx">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On President Obama's Standing On The International Stage</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/02/24/americans-obama-not-respected-around-the-world/">Americans: Obama not respected around the world </a>-- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2014/02/24/Americans-think-Obama-is-not-respected-by-world-leaders/UPI-35511393255957/?spt=rln&or=3">Americans think Obama is not respected by world leaders </a>-- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2014/02/24/obama-gallup-poll-world-affairs-respected-by-other-countries/5773331/">Poll: Most Americans say Obama not respected globally</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.rttnews.com/2274737/most-americans-say-obama-is-not-respected-by-other-world-leaders.aspx?type=ts">Most Americans Say Obama Is Not Respected By Other World Leaders </a>-- RTT<br /><a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/02/24/poll_most_say_obama_not_respected_by_other_leaders_121689.html">Poll: Most Say Obama Not Respected by Other Leaders </a>-- Real Clear World<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Because of this blog (as well as having the freedom to travel abroad) .... I get most of my information from international sources. The contrast between what the international media reports and what the U.S. media reports .... especially on President Obama .... are night and day. In short .... the U.S. media is still in their "honeymoon phase" with President Obama .... while the international media have already signed the divorce papers and walked away. But if this Gallop poll is accurate .... the U.S. public is finally catching up to this reality, and I predict that next year this gulf will be even greater.

Is President Obama Respected Abroad?

Fewer Americans Think Obama Respected on World Stage -- Gallop Slim majority still think world views U.S. favorably PRINCETON, NJ -- For the...

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Poll: China, Not Iran, Now America's No. 1 Enemy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI1T3e3zbzlWXguvB-nIdwDxke9AOhYlrUO9ZmDHOBoQjdd_gkcJyFmetBVYmL6_mcSlviUZmHcpUM9tAeXeylSgA_ihG_uzMlDrcf4iqUfabp0v8GrrmeCh3a4Hm-Q0p345SQnsAbijI/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI1T3e3zbzlWXguvB-nIdwDxke9AOhYlrUO9ZmDHOBoQjdd_gkcJyFmetBVYmL6_mcSlviUZmHcpUM9tAeXeylSgA_ihG_uzMlDrcf4iqUfabp0v8GrrmeCh3a4Hm-Q0p345SQnsAbijI/s1600/200px-US-DefenseIntelligenceAgency-Seal.svg.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Americans View China Mostly Unfavorably -- Gallop</b></span></div><br />A majority again rate China as world's leading economic power<br /><br />WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Despite the announcement of historic reforms late last year that would shift China's economy to a more consumer-driven model, Americans still see China in the same, mostly unfavorable, way they did in early 2013. Forty-three percent of U.S. adults say they have a very or mostly favorable opinion of China, while 53% see it very or mostly unfavorably.<br /><br />These results come from the Feb. 6-9 Gallup World Affairs poll.<br /><br />Most analysts expect China to be the United States' foremost strategic and economic rival in the decades to come. That is a dramatic shift from 1979, the first year Gallup asked this question, when China's GDP was not even one-tenth of U.S. GDP. That year, 64% of Americans saw China favorably.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/167498/americans-view-china-mostly-unfavorably.aspx">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update: </b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/us/gallup-poll-china-not-iran-now-us-s-top-enemy-1.269182">Gallup Poll: China, not Iran, now US's top enemy </a>-- Stars and Stripes/USA Today<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>China's unfavorables have actually been constant since the 1989 Tienanmen massacre. But I am still surprised that it is not higher.

Poll: China, Not Iran, Now America's No. 1 Enemy

Americans View China Mostly Unfavorably -- Gallop A majority again rate China as world's leading economic power WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Desp...

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Bitcoin Quote of the Day

<b>February 24, 2014</b><br /><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/pony-botnet-steals-bitcoins-digital-193830503.html">'Pony' botnet steals bitcoins, digital currencies - Trustwave</a><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>A representative for the Bitcoin Foundation, a trade group that promotes adoption of the virtual currency, <span style="color: red;">advised bitcoin users to store their currency offline in a secure location</span> to prevent cyber criminals from stealing them.</i></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fDMv9gwWjCbVIyLu58-Hz3bpELZSr-GRnd8Dm_sBBwuJb77UWFSFQg-SYF5uy47JMMIuSvecj48iQ1N5C7Agk0av4j4owZooKQnqirBw4eBQQcDhRoI6zEqwqreJwsTf6OR8x6XYwVQ/s1600/Bitcoin+Safe.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fDMv9gwWjCbVIyLu58-Hz3bpELZSr-GRnd8Dm_sBBwuJb77UWFSFQg-SYF5uy47JMMIuSvecj48iQ1N5C7Agk0av4j4owZooKQnqirBw4eBQQcDhRoI6zEqwqreJwsTf6OR8x6XYwVQ/s320/Bitcoin+Safe.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />I have taken the liberty of modifying a real M1A2 TUSK Abrams tank to safely store one's virtual currency. The bitcoin access hatch (as can be seen on the front of the tank) can be camouflaged before delivery. This bitcoin safe's design emphasizes ease of use combined with TUSK (Tank Urban Survival Kit).<br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Abrams-transparent.png">File:Abrams-transparent.png (United States Army and User:ZStoler)</a>

Bitcoin Quote of the Day

February 24, 2014 'Pony' botnet steals bitcoins, digital currencies - Trustwave A representative for the Bitcoin Foundation, a trade...

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SILVER and GOLD videos on the increase

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The SILVER and GOLD rush is quietly beginning</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/m5HxMMeswtQ?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-9TvLgs1PJU?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hrlCrva3-FY?feature=player_profilepage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/olzw_rzzkcQ?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yEc_cb6y0yA?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/X1k6oAGMSW0?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uu0bQCq-Fug?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_2M_imWjpjc?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/apPTMYuqovs?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Wu6bYAHTsbU?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kAPl9ENBQh0?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WRNg27hhEuY?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JoIZ2kb2fz8?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

SILVER and GOLD videos on the increase

The SILVER and GOLD rush is quietly beginning

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Photos: Funke , Desmond elliot, Uche Jumbo and others at the AMVCA

<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><br /></h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2651646851132407281"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeo8QLUbUNWYSR9GI4NH5MCVxwBsaY2eSQM9gml2PKlnylU-MlPmC2bZBmtvMfSf2tDk8a2St-71dLmpQzaDLt6skmzLIUTRyDLcETJTHZUeUEMwN3OwPZmIW_gBTPp5QX9tN8ZWQgUw/s1600/c.jpg" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIklvfl3cg7Aikf59ICDYArfk_W3z4jjYOSwHqyn3pSgP2bIEfmZ3olVNNWw5KhuBm71xs_GaMppuxwP7q3Lp5wemqE68c4pLRky2DbhFAKLK2VoKcYw98JUQRkcFCy_SizaVWMH53Qo/s1600/d.jpg" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kvx5Wr7gIUZYQ9jhoqE7k4__nijZnOPnJdGrCkBC6wIn2YyCcS_ta1DiYjCw3sI77-tcLZ5WE4vfPCUrZ-4kauIHbkufPxgPufnidSQCPiEj6PBCLT_o2Xc2v51dFZPaCJjfQt3DsS8/s1600/e.jpg" /></div><span style="font-size: small;">A<span>frica Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) is less than a month away and Nigeria's favourite malt drink, Amstel Malta, will once again sponsor this event.</span> <br /><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br />Nominees of the prestigious and well-celebrated awards have since been announced to the delight of fans, who still have the opportunity to vote for their favourites.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The first edition, held last year, had the likes of O.C Ukeje, Mercy Johnson, Tunde Kelani and other notable movie stars as winners of different award categories. </span></span></span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Continue...</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span> </span></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>This year promises to be even more exciting with Amstel Malta’s relentless commitment to bringing out the Best in everyone.<br /><br />Fans have become elated about the AMVCA as its conversation spreads like wildfire with many eagerly casting their votes for their favourite acts.<br /><br />So who wins this year? It's a tight race and all bets are on! </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Below are some of the voting categories and everyone is encouraged to follow the trend #AmstelMaltaAMVCA2014 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.</span><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #626262;"><br /><br /></span><span lang="EN-US"><b>BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA</b><br /><br />Stephanie Wilson – Living Funeral (3A)<br />Veronica Waceke – Higher Learning (3B)<br />Nse Ikpe-Etim – Journey To Self (3C)<br />Nkiru Sylvanus – Kiss And The Brides (3D)<br />Ivie Okujaye – The Volunteers (3E)</span><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /><b>BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA</b><br /><br />Juma Rajab Rashid - Siri Ya Mtungi (2A)<br />Majid Michel - Somewhere in Africa (2B)<br />Hlomla Dandala – Contract (2C)<br />Majid Michel – House of Gold (2D)<br />Tope Tedela – A Mile from Home (2E)<br /><br /><b>BEST MOVIE (DRAMA)</b><br /><br />Obi Emelonye – Last Flight to Abuja (6A)<br />Edwin Maina Kariuki – Nairobi Half Life (6B)<br />Udoka Oyeka & Orode Ryan – Living Funeral (6C)<br />Frank Rajah Arase – The Price (6D)<br />Frank Rajah Arase – Groom's Bride (6E)<br />Chris Eneaji &  Jumafor Ajogwu – Murder at Prime Suites (6F)<br /><br /><b>BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY</b><br /><br />Hlomla Dandala – Contract (7A)<br />John Okafor – Return of Sheri Koko (7B)<br />Osita Iheme – The Hero (7C)<br />Osita Iheme – The Fighter (7D)<br />Chinedu Ikedieze – The Hero (7E)<br /><br /><b>BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY</b><br /><br />Funke Akindele – The Fighter (8A)<br />Funke Akindele – The Hero (8B)<br />Funke Akindele – The Return Of Sheri Koko (8C)<br />Mary Ogbonna – Clinic Matters (8D)<br />Jackie Appiah – Cheaters (8E)<br />Yvonne Okoro – Contract (8F)<br /><br /><b>BEST MOVIE (COMEDY)</b><br /><br />Uche Jumbo – Lies Men Tell (9A)<br />Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro & Ken Attoh – Contract (9B)<br />Elvis Chucks – A Wish (9C)<br />Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Fighter (9D)<br />Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Hero (9E)</span><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">For more information on voting categories and how to vote, kindly follow the link: </span><span lang="EN-US"><u><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://amvcaawards.dstv.com/" target="_blank">http://amvcaawards.dstv.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></span></u></span><span lang="EN-US">. Also visit </span><span lang="EN-US"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1155cc;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.amstel-nigeria.com/" target="_blank">www.amstel-nigeria.com</a></span></span></u></span><span style="color: #1155cc;"> </span><span>for more information on Amstel Malta and its involvement in the entertainment industry. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal"></div></div>

Photos: Funke , Desmond elliot, Uche Jumbo and others at the AMVCA

A frica Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) is less than a month away and Nigeria's favourite malt drink, Amstel Malta, will once again ...

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 24, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nzb6yTs25ZI" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sochi Games Over, Will Putin Take The Gloves Off? -- Timothy Heritage, Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - For more than two weeks while Russia hosted the Winter Olympics, President Vladimir Putin did his best to show the world that he and his country have a soft side.<br /><br />Now the Sochi Games are over, Western governments are concerned the smile will disappear and the gloves come off in Russia's tug-of-war with Europe over the fate of Ukraine.<br /><br />The circus artists, dancers and flag bearers hardly had time to leave the stadium after the closing ceremony in Sochi before Russia announced it had recalled its ambassador from Ukraine for consultations in Moscow.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/putin-sochi-athletes-mission-accomplished-113650068--oly.html;_ylt=AwrSyCR_cQtTxSkABKTQtDMD">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.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-24/how-to-win-ukraine-s-revolution.html">How to Win Ukraine's Revolution</a> -- Bloomberg editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://www.worldcrunch.com/world-affairs/along-syrian-border-lebanese-militias-are-forming/syria-assad-hezbollah-rebels-jihadists-al-qaeda/c1s15065/#.Uwvvv4XPz1p">Along Syrian Border, Lebanese Militias Are Forming</a> -- Laure Stephan, World Crunch<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mr-kerrys-futile-syria-initiative/2014/02/22/e9a02506-9999-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html">Mr. Kerry’s futile Syria initiative </a>-- Washington Post editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/opinion/commentary/la-oe-0223-mcmanus-syria-obama-options-20140223,0,3257107.column#axzz2u9H0D8IS">Leading from behind in Syria</a> -- Doyle McManus, L.A. Times<br /><br /><a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/collapse-sanctions-iran_782753.html">The Collapse of Sanctions on Iran</a> -- Lee Smith, Weekly Satndard<br /><br /><a href="http://mag.newsweek.com/2014/02/21/china-taiwan.html">China Forgives and Forgets Its Old Enemy (Taiwan)</a> -- Benny Avni, Newsweek<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/how-the-west-can-help-steer-chinas-power/article17033228/">Don't believe the China hype: Time to engage with Beijing</a> -- Konrad Yakabuski, The Globe and Mail<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/slaughter-of-the-elephants/article17036947/">In Africa, agony and ivory</a> -- Margaret Wente, The Globe and Mail<br /><br /><a href="http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/only-way-out-exile">The Only Way Out is Exile </a>-- Michael J. Totten, World Affairs<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/24/venezuela-s-useful-idiots.html">Venezuela's Useful Idiots</a> -- Michael Moynihan, The Daily Beast<br /><br /><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/22/3952120/venezuela-on-the-brink.html">Venezuela on the brink</a> -- Miami Herald editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/venezuela-crisis/whats-next-strife-torn-venezuela-n37371">What's Next for Strife-Torn Venezuela?</a> -- Sandra Lilley, NBC<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/amid-the-coverage-of-ukraine-is-a-crisis-in-venezuela-being-ignored/?tid=hpModule_04941f10-8a79-11e2-98d9-3012c1cd8d1e">Amid the coverage of Ukraine, is a crisis in Venezuela being ignored?</a> -- Adam Taylor, Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2014/02/23/as_allies_fell_noose_closed_on_el_chapo_guzman.html">As Allies Fell, Noose Closed on 'El Chapo' Guzman</a> -- Martin Duran, Elliot Spagat & Michael Weissenstein, Real Clear World<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/Will%20the%20capture%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20most%20powerful%20drug%20trafficker%20change%20anything?%20By%20Tim%20Fernholz">Will the capture of the world’s most powerful drug trafficker change anything?</a> -- Tim Fernholz, Quartz<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/breakingviews/2014/02/24/facebook-stock-is-not-so-different-from-bitcoin/">Facebook stock is not so different from bitcoin</a> -- Rob Cox, Reuters

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 24, 2014

Sochi Games Over, Will Putin Take The Gloves Off? -- Timothy Heritage, Reuters (Reuters) - For more than two weeks while Russia hosted the W...

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World News Briefs -- February 24, 2014 (Evening Edition)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lfX4JsqZ1DM" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fugitive Ukraine Leader Wanted For Murder, Russia Sounds Alarm -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Ukraine's fugitive president was indicted for "mass murder" on Monday over the shooting of demonstrators as new leaders in Kiev sought urgent Western aid to make up for a loss of funding from Russia, which is angry at the overthrow of its ally.<br /><br />Moscow said it would not deal with those who led an "armed mutiny" against Viktor Yanukovich, who was elected in 2010, and said it now feared for the lives of its citizens, notably in the Russian-speaking east and Crimea on the Black Sea.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140224">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Air raids in central Syria <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-syria-crisis-raids-idUSBREA1N17T20140224">kill 26: activists</a></b>.<br /><br />Top military body against Syria’s Assad Is in chaos,<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/world/middleeast/top-military-body-against-syrias-assad-is-in-chaos-undermining-fight.html?ref=world"> undermining fight.</a></b><br /><br />Syria rebel leader Abu Khaled al-Suri <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26318646">killed in Aleppo</a></b>.<br /><br />Netanyahu tells Merkel Iran is greatest threat <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-israel-germany-idUSBREA1N1OU20140224">to world security</a></b>.<br /><br />Israel bombs Hezbollah target <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/israel-bombs-hezbollah-target-lebanon-syria-border-215342690.html">on Lebanon-Syria border</a></b>.<br /><br />Senior US official briefs Israel<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/senior-us-official-briefs-israel-on-iran-nuclear-talks/1857505.html"> on Iran nuclear talks.</a></b><br /><br />Exclusive: Iraq signs deal to buy <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-iraq-iran-arms-idUSBREA1N10D20140224">arms, ammunition from Iran </a></b>- document.<br /><br />Palestinian 'BDS' threat hangs<b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG04/302240014/Palestinian-BDS-Threat-Hangs-Above-Negotiations"> above negotiations</a></b>.<br /><br />Istanbul police fire tear gas on protest <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/istanbul-police-fire-tear-gas-protest-over-internet-181926638.html;_ylt=AwrBJSDq7AhTZngA2GvQtDMD">over Internet curbs.</a></b><br /><br />Merkel and entire German cabinet to arrive in<b><a href="http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Merkel-and-entire-German-cabinet-to-arrive-today-for-talks-342350"> Israel today for talks</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />Kerry ups ante in struggle to crack <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-asean-china-code-idUSBREA1N1RR20140224">South China Sea rules</a></b>.<br /><br />U.S. examines Afghanistan option that would <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-examines-afghanistan-option-that-would-leave-3000-troops-in-kabul/2014/02/23/a0870034-9b32-11e3-ad71-e03637a299c0_story.html">leave behind 3,000 troops</a></b>.<br /><br />China increases focus <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/china-increases-focus-on-afghanistan/1857937.html">on Afghanistan</a></b>.<br /><br />18 militants dead after <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/18-militants-dead-after-pakistani-air-strikes/1857368.html">Pakistani air strikes</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai PM rules out resigning as bombs, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-thailand-protest-idUSBREA1M02H20140224">gunfire punctuate unrest</a></b>.<br /><br />South Korea begins military drills with US <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/south-korea-military-drills-us-north-korea">despite North Korean opposition</a></b>.<br /><br />Top Pakistan Taliban commander<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26323200"> Asmatullah Shaheen 'shot dead'</a></b>.<br /><br />Two killed in suicide attack outside <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-pakistan-iran-attack-idUSBREA1N12120140224">Iranian consulate in Pakistan</a></b>.<br /><br />China fires security vice minister<b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/24/china-fires-security-vice-minister-because-of-corr/"> because of corruption</a></b>.<br /><br />Australia 'may undermine' moves for <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/australia-may-undermine-moves-for-sri-lanka-war-crimes-inquiry">Sri Lanka war crimes inquiry</a></b>.<br /><br />Kim Jong-un 'expecting a second child' as his wife is spotted in public wearing a maternity dress <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2566574/Kim-Jong-expecting-second-child-wife-spotted-public-wearing-maternity-dress-finally-cigarettes.html">(so will he finally have to give up the cigarettes?</a></b>).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />Seven Egyptian Christians found shot <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-libya-egyptians-idUSBREA1N1G220140224">execution-style on Libyan beach</a></b>.<br /><br />Egypt government resigns, paving way for Sisi <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-egypt-politics-idUSBREA1N0KO20140224">to seek presidency.</a></b><br /><br />U.S. surprised by resignation <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-egypt-politics-usa-idUSBREA1N1PR20140224">of Egyptian government.</a></b><br /><br />UN: 400,000 displaced by <b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/400000-displaced-southeast-congo-attacks-22649694">southeast Congo attacks.</a></b><br /><br />Nigeria Boko Haram crisis: Anger <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26322224">over second Izghe raid</a></b>.<br /><br />Nigeria seals state border<b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/nigeria-seals-state-border-with-cameroon-2014223154723696322.html"> with Cameroon</a></b>.<br /><br />Witnesses: 70 Muslims killed in massacre in <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/24/witnesses-70-muslims-killed-in-massacre-in-rural-central-african-republic/">rural Central African Republic</a></b>.<br /><br />Egypt's Morsi urges 'revolution' <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-court-acquits-police-morsi-goes-back-trial-112543866.html;_ylt=AwrSyCRhWglTmzQA60PQtDMD">as officer killed</a></b>. Mohamed Morsi accused of passing <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/mohamed-morsi-secrets-iran-egypt">state secrets to Iran</a></b>.<br /><br />Analysts debate way <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/analysts-debate-way-forward-for-south-sudan/1858058.html">forward For South Sudan</a></b>.<br /><br />Somalia's al-Shabab vows<b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/somalia-al-shabab-group-vows-comeback-20142248557425260.html"> to make comeback.</a></b><br /><br />Zimbabwe's Mugabe warns <b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/10654809/Mugabe-warns-would-be-successors-that-hes-still-in-charge.html">would-be successors</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Ukraine calls for urgent Western aid<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-ukraine-aid-idUSBREA1N0EG20140224"> after Yanukovich ousted</a></b>.<br /><br />U.S. ready to give financial support to Ukraine to <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-ukraine-crisis-usa-aid-idUSBREA1N1KL20140224">complement IMF aid: White House</a></b>.<br /><br />Yanukovich wanted over mass killings in Ukraine,<b><a href="http://rt.com/news/yanukovich-ukraine-president-warrant-417/"> whereabouts unknown</a></b>.<br /><br />Western nations scramble to contain fallout <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/ukraine-crisis-western-nations-eu-russia">from Ukraine crisis</a></b>.<br /><br />Now Putin gets tough in Moscow: Riot police seize Pussy Riot stars as 100 arrested in first Russian protest <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2566514/Police-Russia-detain-100-crack-mass-rally-outside-courthouse-anti-Putin-protesters-jailed.html">since fall of the Ukrainian president</a></b>.<br /><br />Russian and NATO generals agree to<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-ukraine-crisis-russia-nato-idUSBREA1N1L220140224"> keep in touch over Ukraine.</a></b><br /><br />Estonian Prime Minister to resign <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/23/world/europe/ap-eu-estonia-prime-minister.html?ref=world">after 9 years.</a></b><br /><br />Hard-line Serb wins race <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/23/world/europe/ap-eu-kosovo-elections.html?ref=world">for Kosovo town</a></b>.<br /><br />Merkel calls for Britain to remain<b><a href="http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/4f6cb6ce-9b20-11e3-b0d0-00144feab7de.html#axzz2uFekzOZp"> at heart of Europe</a></b>.<br /><br />US eavesdropping on hundreds<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/us-eavesdropping-hundreds-key-german-figures-185340926.html;_ylt=AwrTWf3zfQpTrHQATEfQtDMD"> of key German figures</a></b>.<br /><br />Eta monitors 'working for peace' <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26318697">in Spain's Basque region.</a></b><br /><br />UK's North Sea oil industry at stake in vote <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/north-sea-scottish-independence-426/">for Scottish independence.</a></b><br /><br />Vatican: Pope creates new department<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26326501"> to oversee finances</a></b>.<br /><br />Scandal of Europe's <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/23/europe-11m-empty-properties-enough-house-homeless-continent-twice">11m empty homes</a></b>.<br /><br />Cyprus weathers a financial hurricane –<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/cyprus-weathers-financial-hurricane-one-year-on"> one year on</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />Seafaring drug smugglers challenging <b><a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_DRUGS_ON_HIGH_SEAS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-02-24-12-20-06">U.S. Coast Guard</a></b>.<br /><br />Colombia blames ELN rebels for attack <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/colombia-blames-eln-rebels-attack-presidential-candidate-215001889.html">on presidential candidate</a></b>. Attackers fire at convoy of <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-colombia-attack-idUSBREA1N02C20140224">Colombia presidential candidate</a></b>.<br /><br />Report: US Army to shrink to <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/report-us-army-to-shrink-to-preworld-war-two-levels/1857855.html">pre-World War II levels</a></b>.<br /><br />US prosecutors to seek <b><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i_iRqntlgkiFbHgT5FfURDIfp13g?docId=2c5f0244-719b-4b68-ba9f-2887c1fa0a16">Mexican drug lord's extradition</a></b>. Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán: US to seek cartel leader's<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/joaquin-chapo-guzman-us-extradition-mexico-drugs"> extradition from Mexico.</a></b><br /><br />Venezuelan police and opposition activists<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26309917"> clash in Caracas</a></b>. Maduro calls crisis talks <b><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/maduro-calls-crisis-talks-after-caracas-riots/story-e6frg6so-1226836335109#">after Caracas riots</a></b>. Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro to meet opposition leader in attempt <b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/venezuela/10657305/Venezuela-Nicolas-Maduro-to-meet-opposition-leader-in-attempt-to-calm-protests.html">to calm protests</a></b>.<br /><br />Hundreds arrested in Brazil as protest against <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/brazil-world-cup-protest-348/">World Cup spending grows violent</a></b>.<br /><br />Brazil, Europe plan undersea cable <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/brazil-presses-eu-undersea-cable-skirt-u-links-115123537--finance.html">to skirt U.S. spying</a></b>.<br /><br />New arms threat: Argentina's £3billion <b><a href="http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/461327/New-arms-threat-Argentina-s-3billion-boost-to-military">boost to military</a></b>.<br /><br />USDA: Americans waste nearly one-third of their food; <b><a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/report-americans-waste-nearly-one-third-of-their-food-worth-161-billion/article/2544486">worth $161 billion</a></b>.<br /><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>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />European Hezbollah combat recruits<b><a href="http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/European-Hezbollah-combat-recruits-depart-for-Syria-342342"> depart for Syria</a></b>.<br /><b><br /></b> Head al Qaeda representative in Syria killed, <b><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/head-al-qaeda-representative-in-syria-killed-rebels-say/">rebels say.</a></b><br /><br />Guantanamo court holds secret hearing <b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/us/guantanamo-court-holds-secret-hearing-on-cia-black-sites-1.269520">on CIA black sites</a></b>.<br /><br />The Balkanization <b><a href="http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/the-balkanization-al-qaeda-9912">of Al Qaeda</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Mark Zuckerberg: $19 billion for <b><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/mark-zuckerberg-19-billion-whatsapp-cheap-n37401">WhatsApp is cheap!</a></b><br /><br />Global dividends pass $1 trillion,<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26321338"> says Henderson</a></b>.<br /><br />Deutsche Bank to cut US unit’s assets by quarter <b><a href="http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/f47b2214-9b1f-11e3-b0d0-00144feab7de.html#axzz2uFekzOZp">to meet Fed rules.</a></b><br /><br />S&P 500 ends just shy of record close; <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-markets-stocks-idUSBREA080LL20140224">insurers climb.</a></b>

World News Briefs -- February 24, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Fugitive Ukraine Leader Wanted For Murder, Russia Sounds Alarm -- Reuters (Reuters) - Ukraine's fugitive president was indicted for &quo...

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Uganda is NOT Sodomite Friendly

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Escape to Uganda  </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps we the Christian terrorists will need to escape to Uganda?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>There's not many of us left so it won't really be a MASS EXODUS:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>This is simply more proof that The United States Of America is not only on the road to destruction but is already destroyed.   Destruction and misery are in her ways while the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" means absolutely nothing at all.</b><br /><br /><b>Notice in the report below that "The West" criticizes this action by the president of Uganda.   The West which is largely influenced by The United States of America advocates UNNATURAL AFFECTION.  This really is a serious problem.  It is beyond a mental disorder and is classified as a sin disorder.  Although that would also be met with opposition.  </b><br /><br /><b>We shall see the day when these activists take their case to God the judge of all the earth.  Will he give them a hearing? </b></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nK1FWeLsPZM?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><b> </b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jjnrLt3VuSM?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Uganda is NOT Sodomite Friendly

Escape to Uganda  Perhaps we the Christian terrorists will need to escape to Uganda? There's not many of us left so it won't really ...

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Meet a Duke University Porn Star Professional

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PORN STARS and ESCORTS </b></span></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>A College Career Equal Opportunity Employer</b></span></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>These professionals are just doing their job</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Good for her! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>In this report a mental health professional claims that in our society there is so much slut shaming going on.  The psychiatrists and psychologists approve of this.  This is certainly not classified as any disorder.  Perhaps our nation should have workshops on porn and raising a society of bitches and hoes?  Anything else would be considered discrimination.   Maybe those rappers are right on to sing about niggas, bitches, and hoes.  This indeed is the new American culture.  The nation shall be destroyed!</b><br /><b><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/24/duke-university-porn-star_n_4848006.html?utm_hp_ref=college" style="color: red;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/24/duke-university-porn-star_n_4848006.html?utm_hp_ref=college</a> </b></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_JqbiklfgAc?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><b> </b><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Meet a Duke University Porn Star Professional

PORN STARS and ESCORTS A College Career Equal Opportunity Employer These professionals are just doing their job Good for her! In this report...

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Ron Paul warns of MEDDLING in the Ukraine Conflict

<br/><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HtvQwT-z-sg?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Ron Paul warns of MEDDLING in the Ukraine Conflict

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America's Governors at odds with President Obama

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Governors are at odds with Obama and each other: </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can't we just all get along?</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our nation is on the road to destruction... </b></span></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UeXIaF_khtg?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

America's Governors at odds with President Obama

Governors are at odds with Obama and each other: Can't we just all get along? Our nation is on the road to destruction...

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U.S. Army practicing URBAN WARFARE

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coming soon to your neighborhood</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/mkKadK4d5A4?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div>

U.S. Army practicing URBAN WARFARE

Coming soon to your neighborhood

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Religious Freedom leads to DISCRIMINATION?

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do we end all DISCRIMINATION in America?</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ANSWER:  We create a NATIONAL RELIGION</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b> And it's coming... </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/_4me9ilTT3Q?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/INK6k9YG2bQ?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div>

Religious Freedom leads to DISCRIMINATION?

How do we end all DISCRIMINATION in America? ANSWER:  We create a NATIONAL RELIGION  And it's coming...

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Syrian Rebel Movement Is In Disarray

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/z8exk14alRY" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Top Military Body Against Syria’s Assad Is in Chaos, Undermining Fight -- New York Times</b></span></div><br />ANTAKYA, Turkey — It appeared to be a huge step forward for the scattered rebel groups fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad of Syria: the creation of a central body of top insurgent commanders who would coordinate military campaigns, direct foreign support and serve as a unifying force for their diverse movement.<br /><br />But 14 months after its creation, the body, known as the Supreme Military Council, is in disarray. Islamist groups have seized its weapons storerooms, its members have stolen or sold its supplies, and one prominent commander it armed and equipped has publicly joined an offshoot of Al Qaeda.<br /><br />The council’s full dysfunction spilled into public view recently when a group of its members decided at a secret meeting to oust its chief of staff, Gen. Salim Idris, and put another man in his place.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/world/middleeast/top-military-body-against-syrias-assad-is-in-chaos-undermining-fight.html?ref=world">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: The Syrian rebel movement needs a "George Washington" .... But I do not see one in the horizon.

Syrian Rebel Movement Is In Disarray

Top Military Body Against Syria’s Assad Is in Chaos, Undermining Fight -- New York Times ANTAKYA, Turkey — It appeared to be a huge step for...

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Bad News for BITCOIN EXCHANGES

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">*****BITCOIN TRADERS BEWARE*****</span> </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">People are having trouble getting their money</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;">Is this the end for BITCOIN?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX_q9FC2sJdcBHt1gBLHrDtjJqunRsK6Ys0FLz7ddKnET-dn_o37XSJMRNINHP_5xMEqGRjJoffYsMzj7NooqwOvdN8NEiLHM-2YtoqwoESOulhAI4VgWfAWERUCBWzlLxyn9bU2SpyU/s1600/BITCOINpics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX_q9FC2sJdcBHt1gBLHrDtjJqunRsK6Ys0FLz7ddKnET-dn_o37XSJMRNINHP_5xMEqGRjJoffYsMzj7NooqwOvdN8NEiLHM-2YtoqwoESOulhAI4VgWfAWERUCBWzlLxyn9bU2SpyU/s1600/BITCOINpics.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIron8vGo_mem2TjN6vePU5meNP5gEm9CejlFPAafTh1DrOMmfKL9dWsf08gv5T-R3b8hB9neWhwOjKqJHTBrq8eXKN6fU-oXgvD3xvP4QD5xlhsz1AypAzzCmF00ug48-zEqMJdXvpCE/s1600/BITCOINpic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIron8vGo_mem2TjN6vePU5meNP5gEm9CejlFPAafTh1DrOMmfKL9dWsf08gv5T-R3b8hB9neWhwOjKqJHTBrq8eXKN6fU-oXgvD3xvP4QD5xlhsz1AypAzzCmF00ug48-zEqMJdXvpCE/s1600/BITCOINpic.jpeg" /></a></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;">Mt. Gox BITCOIN EXCHANGE may be shut down</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It sounds to me like this is a very shady operation.  Are we better off with the banksters after all?</b><br /><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304834704579404101502619422?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304834704579404101502619422.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection" style="color: red;">http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304834704579404101502619422?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304834704579404101502619422.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection</a> </b><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/regulator-to-sound-alarm-on-bitcoin-2014-02-24?dist=afterbell" style="color: red;">http://www.marketwatch.com/story/regulator-to-sound-alarm-on-bitcoin-2014-02-24?dist=afterbell</a> </b><br /><br /><b>YOU TUBE CHANNEL "BrotherJohnF" and his website are a big proponent of BITCOIN.  Is this some deeper type SCAM OPERATION? </b><br /><br /><b>More information on BITCOIN and BITCOIN EXCHANGES:</b><br /><br /><b>How to buy BITCOIN:</b><br /><b><a href="https://coinbase.com/buy-bitcoin" style="color: red;">https://coinbase.com/buy-bitcoin</a> </b><br /><br /><b>BITCOIN EXCHANGES:</b><br /><b><a href="http://bitcoinwisdom.com/markets/mtgox/btcusd" style="color: red;">http://bitcoinwisdom.com/markets/mtgox/btcusd</a> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Bad News for BITCOIN EXCHANGES

*****BITCOIN TRADERS BEWARE***** People are having trouble getting their money Is this the end for BITCOIN? Mt. Gox BITCOIN EXCHANGE may be...

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When 0.9997 Correlations Fail

The following chart shows the 20 year moving average of annual miles traveled per capita. A trend line in red has been added.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYqRsTp86fmD4vpHwVBACeuPlpJwSUcLN2vfPK7_Cg7fx-g7u718bCiHIopBJ7avtZstzV2vAHSfASXOAqlEX9AZMjdWREKXIp1fNsyOIotx-vty8mF0NyA8KXlI040nxCj8fSi0bYpA/s1600/Annual+Vehicle+Miles+Traveled+per+Capita.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYqRsTp86fmD4vpHwVBACeuPlpJwSUcLN2vfPK7_Cg7fx-g7u718bCiHIopBJ7avtZstzV2vAHSfASXOAqlEX9AZMjdWREKXIp1fNsyOIotx-vty8mF0NyA8KXlI040nxCj8fSi0bYpA/s320/Annual+Vehicle+Miles+Traveled+per+Capita.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />This is definitely the most impressive "sure thing" failure yet. 0.9997! Sis boom bah!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/76wzA2A2T1Q" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>Sis boom bah.<br />Describe the sound made when a sheep explodes.</i></div><br /><b>January 12, 2014</b><br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2014/01/12/toyota-sees-auto-industry-growth-slowing-in-2014/">Toyota Sees Auto Industry Growth Slowing in 2014</a><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>Continued sales growth will be more a result of economic gains rather than pent-up demand, he said. “That’s good, because <span style="color: red;">pent-up demand can carry you just so far</span>.”</i></div><br />You think?<br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=sr5">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

When 0.9997 Correlations Fail

The following chart shows the 20 year moving average of annual miles traveled per capita. A trend line in red has been added. Click to enlar...

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“If Nigerians allowed me remove subsidy, $20billion won’t be missing” – Jonathan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dailypost.com.ng/2014/02/13/missing-20bn-cbn-okonjo-iweala-calls-forensic-audit/allison-madueke-jonathan-okonjo-iweala/" rel="attachment wp-att-133569" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Allison-Madueke- Jonathan-Okonjo-Iweala" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-133569" height="413" src="http://cdn.dailypost.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Allison-Madueke-Jonathan-Okonjo-Iweala-300x194.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>During the presidential media chat on Monday, President Goodluck Jonathan insisted that if Nigerians had allowed him to remove oil subsidy, all the stories of missing money in the NNPC wouldn’t have come up.<br /> <div style="float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0;"> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1390474335980-0"> </div></div>Nigerians took to the streets in January 2012, to protest government decision to end billions of dollars in fuel subsidies that saw the price of fuel double overnight. A compromise was later reached between the striking parties and the government.<br /> “I was involved in kerosene subsidy as Vice President to Yar’Adua. Kerosene subsidy was never removed,” he said.<br /> “If I had been allowed to remove oil subsidy all the stories of money missing won’t be coming up.”<br /> On Sanusi’s whistle-blowing, Jonathan said: “Sanusi said its $49billion, then $1 2billion and now $20billion, I don’t know which to believe, we must look into it, even if its $1.”

“If Nigerians allowed me remove subsidy, $20billion won’t be missing” – Jonathan

During the presidential media chat on Monday, President Goodluck Jonathan insisted that if Nigerians had allowed him to remove oil subsidy...

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Protests Return To Venezuela

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uZq94MLChn0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Venezuela Death Toll Rises To 13 As Protests Flare -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Anti-government demonstrators put up barricades and set fire to trash in Caracas on Monday despite calls from within the opposition to rein in protests that have led to 13 deaths in Venezuela's worst unrest for a decade.<br /><br />Traffic in the capital slowed to a crawl and many people stayed home as protesters burned trash and piled debris along main avenues a day after opposition leader Henrique Capriles called on them to keep demonstrations peaceful.<br /><br />"We know we're bothering people but we have to wake up Venezuela!" student Pablo Herrera, 23, said next to a barricade in the affluent Los Palos Grandes district of Caracas.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1N14E20140224">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Unrest In Venezuela</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/24/venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-announces-dialogue-to-end-unrest/">Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro announces dialogue to end unrest</a> -- Euronews<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/opposition-blocks-roads-venezuelan-capital-22646562">Venezuelan Opposition Shuns Proposed Peace Talks </a>-- ABC News/AP<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/venezuelan-unrest-continues-amid-student-protests-and-rising-death-total">Venezuelan unrest continues amid student protests and rising death total </a>-- Examiner<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/24/ex-venezuelan-general-standoff/5772237/?AID=10709313&PID=6151680&SID=16fpn5qdeibtc">Protesters back in streets in Venezuela </a>-- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26320187">Venezuelans stop traffic in anti-government protests </a>-- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/24/Venezuela-Protesters-barricade-Caracas-entry-points/UPI-29821393221600/">Venezuela: Protesters barricade Caracas entry points</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/antigovernment-demonstrators-block-streets-in-venezuelan-cities/1858129.html">Protesters Block Venezuelan City Streets </a>-- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.latintimes.com/how-many-protesters-have-died-venezuela-government-says-death-toll-13-154764">How Many Protesters Have Died In Venezuela? Government Says Death Toll At 13</a> -- Latin Times<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304610404579403330772149034">Venezuela's Maduro Faces Internal Criticism </a>-- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://mashable.com/2014/02/24/report-venezuela-tortured-18-arrested-protesters/">Human Rights Group Accuses Venezuela of Torturing 18 Protesters</a> -- Mashable<br /><a href="http://mashable.com/2014/02/24/retired-venezuelan-general-resists-arrest/">Venezuelan General's Tweet Leads to Armed Standoff</a> -- Mashable<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/venezuela-crisis/whats-next-strife-torn-venezuela-n37371">What's Next for Strife-Torn Venezuela?</a> -- Sandra Lilley, NBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/amid-the-coverage-of-ukraine-is-a-crisis-in-venezuela-being-ignored/?tid=hpModule_04941f10-8a79-11e2-98d9-3012c1cd8d1e">Amid the coverage of Ukraine, is a crisis in Venezuela being ignored?</a> -- Adam Taylor, Washington Post<br /><a href="http://rt.com/op-edge/protests-in-venezuela-euromaidan-ukraine-477/">Venezuelan opposition takes cue from Euromaidan?</a> -- Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya, RT

Protests Return To Venezuela

Venezuela Death Toll Rises To 13 As Protests Flare -- Reuters (Reuters) - Anti-government demonstrators put up barricades and set fire to tr...

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Jacked Up Bean Stocks

<b>February 24, 2014</b><br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-24/coffee-extends-rally-as-brazil-crop-may-tip-market-into-shortage.html">Coffee Reaches 16-Month High as Sugar Gains on Brazil Drought</a><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>Prices rallied 59 percent this year, the best performer in the Standard & Poor’s GSCI Spot Index of 24 commodities. </i></div><br />But what can wake the sleeping giant?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtyuP0ZbYfFTN6qViP_bfUQcscEyAL9a8WDcKRhBaeQ71cCj1cYnZpwWAWQrcC0wf_dSetoL34RqN2aZA5h80fefLDgOUlynwAaHv28uTFlHah76z-J13gGr7AIwnZLV2Rfa-hVbydy8/s1600/The+Sleeping+Giant.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtyuP0ZbYfFTN6qViP_bfUQcscEyAL9a8WDcKRhBaeQ71cCj1cYnZpwWAWQrcC0wf_dSetoL34RqN2aZA5h80fefLDgOUlynwAaHv28uTFlHah76z-J13gGr7AIwnZLV2Rfa-hVbydy8/s320/The+Sleeping+Giant.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />The chart shows the 10 year moving average of the Chicago Fed National Activity Index.<br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>A zero value for the index indicates that the national economy is expanding at its historical trend rate of growth; negative values indicate below-average growth; and positive values indicate above-average growth.</i></div><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/CFNAI">St. Louis Fed: Chicago Fed National Activity Index</a>

Jacked Up Bean Stocks

February 24, 2014 Coffee Reaches 16-Month High as Sugar Gains on Brazil Drought Prices rallied 59 percent this year, the best performer in t...

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Video: See what the Limpopo Crooner Kcee did

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hsbu2hPwL88?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsbu2hPwL88">Click to watch</a><br /><br />Kcee Limpopo is certainly on fire

Video: See what the Limpopo Crooner Kcee did

Click to watch Kcee Limpopo is certainly on fire

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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Crisis In Ukraine

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ktJavdlqje8" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Next For Ukraine? -- BBC</b></span></div><br />Ukraine is in uncharted waters after President Viktor Yanukovych fled the capital Kiev and parliament voted to oust him.<br /><br />A power vacuum opened up on 22 February when police suddenly abandoned their posts around government buildings and Mr Yanukovych's palatial residence, and huge crowds continued to throng the streets.<br /><br />The stakes for Ukraine and its 45 million people are enormous, with the country's fate now part of a wider strategic battle between the West and Russia.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26312733">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Crisis In Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.dw.de/opinion-only-national-reconciliation-can-prevent-ukraines-division/a-17451698">Opinion: Only national reconciliation can prevent Ukraine's division</a> -- Deutsche Welle<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/world/europe/deeply-bound-to-ukraine-putin-watches-and-waits-for-next-move.html?hpw&rref=world">Deeply Bound to Ukraine, Putin Watches and Waits for Next Move</a> -- Steven Lee Myers, New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/ukraine-tymoshenko-president-protests">Ukraine: 'The dictatorship has fallen.' But what will take its place? </a>-- Shaun Walker and Harriet Salem, The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/23/ukraine-deal-russia-double-crossed-vladimir-putin">Russia feels double-crossed over Ukraine – but what will Putin do?</a> -- Simon Tisdall, The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2014/02/will-ukraine-break-apart.html">Will Ukraine Break Apart?</a> -- Masha Lipman, The New Yorker<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/opinion/what-the-west-must-do-for-ukraine.html?ref=opinion">What the West Must Do for Ukraine</a> -- Ulrich Speck, New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/world/europe/as-his-fortunes-fell-in-ukraine-a-president-clung-to-illusions.html?ref=world">As His Fortunes Fell in Ukraine, a President Clung to Illusions</a> -- Andrew Higgins, Andrew E. Kramer and Steven Erlanger, New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/forget-kiev-the-real-fight-will-be-for-crimea/495145.html">Forget Kiev. The Real Fight Will Be for Crimea </a>-- Andrei Malgin, Moscow Times<br /><a href="http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/ukraine%E2%80%99s-oligarchs-need-step-9926">Ukraine’s Oligarchs Need to Step Up</a> -- Matthew Rojansky, National Interest<br /><a href="http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/specter-of-money-haunts-ukraines-turmoil/495037.html">Specter of Money Haunts Ukraine's Turmoil</a> -- Ben Aris, Moscow Times<br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/war_stories/2014/02/ukraine_s_crisis_is_a_struggle_between_russia_and_the_west_vladimir_putin.html">The Collapse of Ukraine’s Brief Hope for Peace?</a> -- Fred Kaplan, Slate<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26321790">Nervous uncertainty across Ukraine</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraines-yulia-tymoshenko-back-on-stage-but-this-revolution-happened-without-her/2014/02/24/030d14bc-9d42-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html">Ukraine’s Yulia Tymoshenko back on stage, but this revolution happened without her</a> -- Will Englund, Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/24/ap-interview-former-soviet-leader-gorbachev-says-ukraine-must-hold-together/">Former Soviet leader Gorbachev says Ukraine must hold together through crisis</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/02/21/how-ukraine-lost-control-over-its-destiny/">How Ukraine lost control over its own destiny</a> -- K.T. McFarland, FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/how-crimea-differs-from-the-rest-of-ukraine/2014/02/24/4848ed74-9d76-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html">How Crimea differs from the rest of Ukraine</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10657067/US-tells-Russia-to-keep-troops-out-of-Ukraine-as-Crimea-flashpoint-looms.html">Ukraine revolution: fears Crimea could become next flashpoint</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26318058">Ukrainian society: Fractured and fearing for the future</a> -- David Stern, BBC News<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/opinion/why-russia-wont-interfere.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0">Why Russia Won't Interfere </a>-- Dmitri Treninf, New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26321329">Crimea: Next flashpoint in Ukraine's crisis?</a> -- Yaroslav Lukov BBC News

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Crisis In Ukraine

What Next For Ukraine? -- BBC Ukraine is in uncharted waters after President Viktor Yanukovych fled the capital Kiev and parliament voted to...

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NCC Sanctions MTN, Glo, Airtel N647.5 Million Over Poor Service, Etisalat Scales Through

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2FEugene-Juwah-The-Trent-e1393240202253.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NCC Sanctions MTN, Glo, Airtel N647.5 Million Over Poor Service, Etisalat Scales Through" border="0" class="aligncenter full-media nomargin" height="359" src="http://thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2FEugene-Juwah-The-Trent-e1393240202253.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" title="NCC Sanctions MTN, Glo, Airtel N647.5 Million Over Poor Service, Etisalat Scales Through" width="640" /></a></div><div class="fb-social-plugin fb-like fb_iframe_widget" data-href="http://thetrentonline.com/poor-service-quality-ncc-sanctions-mtn-glo-airtel-n647-5m-etisalat-scales/" data-ref="above-post" data-width="450"><span style="height: 25px; vertical-align: bottom; width: 450px;"></span></div><div id="ssba"><a class="ssba_tooptip" href="http://www.simplesharebuttons.com/" id="ssba_tooptip" target="_blank"></a><span class="ssba_sharecount"><br /></span></div>The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sanctioned three out of the four major network operators in the country – MTN Nigeria, Globacom and Airtel – the sum of N647.5 million for breach of key performance indicators (KPIs) and poor quality of service for the month of January 2014. It however gave Etisalat a clean bill as it met all the set KPIs.<br /> The telecoms regulator, in letters dated February 19, 2014, addressed to each of the affected companies, said after collating statistics from the network operating centres of the operators in the month of January, discovered that the services provided by MTN, Airtel and Globacom fell below the KPI published by it in 2013.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /> The letters, which were obtained exclusively by THISDAY from a source in the Ministry of Communications Technology, will be delivered to the three network operators today.<br /> A breakdown of the sanctions indicate that Globacom was penalised, N277.5 million for three breaches, while MTN and Airtel got sanctioned N185 million each for two breaches.<br /> According to the letters conveying the breaches and sanctions, the NCC set four critical KPIs – Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Traffic Channel Congestion (TCHCONG) and Stand Alone Dedicated Control Channel Congestion (SDCONG).<br /> With a target of 98 per cent for CSSR, MTN, Airtel, and Globacom failed to meet the target in January. They scored 96.85 per cent, 96.99 per cent and 96.89 per cent respectively.<br /> In the DCR category, NCC set a target of 1 per cent. The audit report referred to by NCC in its letter stated that for the month of January, MTN and Globacom failed to meet the target, while Airtel exceeded the target with a score of 0.84 per cent.<br /> For the SDCONG KPI, with a target of 0.20 per cent, Airtel and Globacom failed to meet the target, scoring 0.40 per cent and 0.58 per cent respectively, while MTN exceeded the target with a score of 0.17 per cent.<br /> For the last KPI, TCHCONG, with a target of 2 per cent, all the three networks exceeded the target, as MTN scored 0.55 per cent; Globacom – 0.79 per cent; and Airtel – 0.79 per cent.<br />In summary, MTN failed to meet the targets set in the Quality of Service Regulations for the CSSR and DCR computations; Globacom failed to meet the targets set for CSSR, DCR and SDCONG computations; while Airtel failed to meet the targets for CSSR and SDCONG computations.<br /> The operators are expected to pay the sanctions on or before March 7, 2014.<br />Should they fail to pay the sanctions within the stipulated deadline, each of them will be liable to pay N2.5 million daily, as long as the contravention persists.<br /> Apart from the monetary sanctions, all the three operators were barred by NCC from selling new SIM cards throughout the month of March 2014, with effect from March 1 to March 31; barred from churning or deleting from their networks inactive (or non-revenue generating SIMs) during the period March 1 to March 31; barred from supplying new SIM cards from their warehouses to dealers or third parties during the same period; and stopped from all promotions until the identified KPIs considered are positively addressed.<br /> The letters further stated: “NCC shall carry out an audit of MTN, Globacom and Airtel on March 1 and also on March 31to ensure no sale of SIM cards or churning of non-revenue generating SIMs occurred during the period, either using their network provisioning systems or directly on the HLR.<br /> “Any deviation or alteration of patterns (in terms of average daily number of provisioning) in the remaining days of February 2014, compared to your regular provisioning rate, shall be construed a breach of this direction.”<br /> From this audit of the performance of the telecoms operators, the Ministry of Communications Technology source confirmed that Etisalat met all KPIs for the month of January and was therefore not sanctioned by NCC.<br /> NCC had in a letter last December issued a notice of intention to sanction the telecoms firms, if their quality of service did not improve by December 31, 2013.<br /> It had warned: “If the quality of service does not improve by 31st of December 2013, the commission will be compelled to direct operators to, amongst others, suspend the activation of new SIMs and subscribers until such an operator can prove that it has met the key performance indicators specified in the regulations.”<br /> <a href="http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ncc-sanctions-mtn-glo-airtel-n647-5m-for-poor-service-quality/172293/" target="_blank"><em>Read More</em></a>

NCC Sanctions MTN, Glo, Airtel N647.5 Million Over Poor Service, Etisalat Scales Through

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sanctioned three out of the four major network operators in the country – MTN Nigeria, Gl...

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