Abusive employer Marquez Brothers gets the OK from Walmart

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

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

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

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YEMEN:

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

YEMEN:

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

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water retention

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

water retention

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

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The Journey Continues

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

The Journey Continues

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

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

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

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

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

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7 Healthy Seafood Choices

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">7 Healthy Seafood Choices:</span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"> </br><center> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-5028478688240504"; /* LargeInPost_waysforweightloss_300-600 */ google_ad_slot = "6695176472"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 600; //--></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"></script> </center></br> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSCTihACboW2duUc_oFvROHv4MH0L1n478hJz-DaexpdJPyBccy8WSHTYTGg7paYHbi8tGODwJtNBHZqVEWIMDN57Jp2rrJLysSxtL0n1OpEvXosjFy0kAjmTCBaXsA9UGPJYYQ2CnVU/s1600/7+Healthy+Seafood+Choices.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Salmon:</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you're looking for a satisfying meal choose Salmon, This delicious fish is packed with the most protein of any seafood, and it's also a great source of these significant nutrients: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Riboflavin and Phosphorus.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Rainbow Trout:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and the farmed variety doesn't contain much mercury. it has high levels of selenium, niacin, phosphorus and vitamin B12.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Alaskan King Crab:</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alaskan king crab is good source of these important nutrients: Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Phosphorus, Protein, and Vitamin C & B12. But regrettably, king crab does have sodium and cholesterol levels are high.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Oysters:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oysters are your best bet If you're concerned about the mercury levels in fish, as they have just 0.01 parts per million. Oysters is good source of protein and it's also zinc levels are extremely high! Which improves your performance in the bedroom!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Scallops:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Has low calories, a relatively low amount of cholesterol.. Contain a balanced portion of minerals and are a good source for protein. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sardines:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can get high levels of these beneficial nutrients in Sardines: Iron, Calcium, Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin D. Sardines contain very small amounts of mercury and is good sources for protein.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Advice: buy sardines packaged in tomato juice.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Eel meat:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eel meat is very healthy and also contains small amounts of mercury. Eel meat  contains the highest levels of any seafood for vitamin D, and it's also a great source for vitamin A, vitamin B12 and protein.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> </br><center> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-5028478688240504"; /* inPost_waysforweightloss_336-280 */ google_ad_slot = "6975892477"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280; //--></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"></script> </center></br> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>

Healthy Weight Loss 7 Healthy Seafood Choices

7 Healthy Seafood Choices: Salmon: If you're looking for a satisfying meal choose Salmon, This delicious fish is packed with the mos...

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Nokia Works on 6-Inch Phablet With 20 MP Camera: Report

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">After launching its biggest ever smartphone, <a href="http://www.pc-gadgetworld.com/2013/07/nokia-lumia-625-will-get-in-market-in.html" target="_blank">Lumia 625</a>, Nokia is ready to make entry in Phablet section with 6-inch wide screen. The smartphone Lumia 625 with 4.7- inch screen (biggest in Nokia smartphones) may be replaced by this phablet in future. The size of this device will be 6-inch, rumors says.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zeml5Vw5Vy8/UhTmL8_GzeI/AAAAAAAAANA/93Xp-lcumTU/s1600/1-nokia-lumia-625-230713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zeml5Vw5Vy8/UhTmL8_GzeI/AAAAAAAAANA/93Xp-lcumTU/s1600/1-nokia-lumia-625-230713.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lumia 625</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The way of phablet section is not easy for Nokia because other major companies like Sony, Samsung and Huawei is already present there with their products. The news came from the tech news site "The verge, source of news site reported that Nokia is working on phablet with 6-inch display". The photo of this phablet is also leaked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwjU-fg6HRE/UhTlsKJ-OwI/AAAAAAAAAM4/ly-GlVR-D2s/s1600/21363404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nokia works on 6-inch phablet with 20 MP camera" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwjU-fg6HRE/UhTlsKJ-OwI/AAAAAAAAAM4/ly-GlVR-D2s/s1600/21363404.jpg" title="nokia's phablet" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">timesofindia.com</td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tech Specification</span>:</h4><div style="text-align: justify;">Nokia’s new phablet will run on quad-core Snapdragon processor with full HD display. A 20 megapixel camera will be present in phablet to capture you movements. The OS will be windows 8, as usual. The report says "Bandit will be the first of many planned 1080p Windows Phone devices".<br /><br />Currently windows 8 smart phone does not support full HD display, but this one came with GDR3 update that will be also realize with same device. This update will also support quad-core processor which will running on Windows OS.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Other phablets like Sony Xperia Z Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Note III and Huawei Ascent Mate are available in the market with same features except Android OS, so it is not a path of flower for Nokia, and will get good compete from the other company.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nokia will introduce the device in fourth quarter of this year. The price of Nokia Phablet will be approx. $620 to $780.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/100638775997274345522" rel="author">Anil Swami</a></div></div>

HD Nokia phablet processor.OS Nokia Works on 6-Inch Phablet With 20 MP Camera: Report

After launching its biggest ever smartphone,  Lumia 625 , Nokia is ready to make entry in Phablet section with 6-inch wide screen. The smart...

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Quickly Lose Weight Following These Simple Steps

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Mark Shayn</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Chew your meals slowly to ensure you don't overeat at mealtimes. This promotes weight loss by taking advantage of the natural timing of the digestive process. It takes several minutes for your brain to catch up to your stomach, making it easy to unintentionally eat past the point of fullness.<br /> <br /> Sneak in your much needed exercise. By sneaking in little exercises here and there, you will burn additional calories without the effort of an extra workout. For example, do calf raises or squats for two minutes while you brush your teeth or do crunches and push-ups during commercial breaks of your favorite TV show.<br /> <br /> Simply turning down the temperature on your thermostat can have a big impact on your overall weight loss. Studies have shown that people who go to sleep in a cooler environment (not exceeding 70 degrees) burn an extra 100 to 200 calories per day. This is due to a process called non-shivering thermogenesis.<br /> <br /> A great way to help you lose weight is to invest in a blender. It can be difficult trying to eat all of the food items that dieting requires sometimes. With a blender you can toss everything in and get all of your nutrition in one drink.<br /> <br /> Splurge once a week. That's right, order that pizza and eat that ice cream at least one time a week. Why? For two reasons: first, your body's metabolism will kick into high gear when it realizes that there will be fluctuations in what you're eating; and secondly, you'll discover that it doesn't taste as good to you as it once did, and you can't eat as much as you used to. You'll see how far you've come.<br /> <br /> If you are just starting to exercise, you should start by walking. You can actually burn a lot of calories by walking, and it is a good way to workout the muscles in your legs. This is a good choice if you want to start really losing weight, as this is an easy transition to running.<br /> <br /> In order to maintain your weight loss it is important to keep the new habits you learned while losing weight. If you increased your fruits and vegetables, stopped drinking soda, and started exercising, you will still need to do that. You cannot work hard to reach your goal and then expect to stay there without effort.<br /> <br /> Weighing yourself on a regular basis and keeping track of your progress will help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. When you weigh yourself every morning, you will know instantly if you are doing the right thing, or if you need to change what you are doing a little bit.<br /> <br /> Reduce the fat and calories that you consume. A single gram of fat contains twice as many calories as a gram of carbohydrate or fat. Avoid foods high in fat and reduce your dairy intake. Watch out for overusing oils, too. When you add fiber from vegetables and fruits to your diet, you are going to always feel full, even if you cut high calorie fats.<br /> <br /> One of the best and most effective ways to keep yourself motivated is to regularly document your progress, even if it is slower than you'd like. Once or twice per month, jot down the results of your body measurements, BMI, or bench press and compare them against your end goal. This holds you accountable and provides the motivation needed to reach your goal.<br /> <br /> You should bring your own lunch to work instead of trying to buy one from a restaurant or the work cafeteria. Not only will this save you money, but it will give you the opportunity to be in control of your fat and caloric intake.<br /> <br /> Whenever possible, cut calories in areas where you won't notice them. Make substitutions like low-fat cheese, sherbet instead of ice cream and turkey bacon instead of pork. Learn to read food labels and look for low-calorie alternatives. If you can consume fewer calories without noticing the reductions, you'll have an easier time sticking to the diet without feeling deprived.<br /> <br /> Swimming is a great way for you to lose excess weight because it burns off many calories. Go to your local gym and sign up for a gym class even if you have a pool at home. Feeling self conscious in a bathing suit might be the boost you need to lose more weight.<br /> <br /> Psyching yourself up for your weight loss journey can be the hardest thing you do. Many people get feelings of dread and panic when they think they will be depriving themselves. This can lead to failing at dieting. Thinking positive and planning ahead can make you very successful at weight loss of any amount.<br /> <br /> Drink all the water you can to aid in weight loss. Most drinks contain fat or sugar, so hydrating with water is the best way to keep your body healthy and slim. Milk is okay to have one glass of per day, but make sure it's skim so the fat content is low.<br /> <br /> When you are sitting in your chair in class or at your job, make sure that you practice good posture at all times. Sitting upright can help to strengthen your core and reduce the stress level that you have. Proper posture can yield great benefits towards your weight loss success.<br /> <br /> To clear up confusion and maintain focus within your weight loss goals, use the advice within this article. There is a lot of misinformation within weight loss conversations that may throw you off track. Pay attention to the basics and take time to enact the tips you have read here.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Those extreme <a href="http://goarticles.com/article/Weight-Loss-Diet-Lose-Weight-And-Keep-It-Off-With-These-Great-Tips/7768339">Weight Loss Diet</a> goals are well within your reach. Go to <a href="http://weightlossdietcoaching.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/weight-loss-diet-drop-some-pounds-effectively-with-these-tips-and-tricks/">Weight Loss Diet blog</a> to see why you Probably DON'T want weight loss and why your weight loss goals are more than likely completely screwed up.</div><br /> </div><br />

Quickly Lose Weight Following These Simple Steps

By Mark Shayn Chew your meals slowly to ensure you don't overeat at mealtimes. This promotes weight loss by taking advantage of the ...

Read more »