New Banking Task Force to Study Digital Currencies

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

New Banking Task Force to Study Digital Currencies

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

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FLOODING in MIDWEST a GROWING CONCERN

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

FLOODING in MIDWEST a GROWING CONCERN

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

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Ukraine President Flees Kiev: Obama and Putin in talks

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

Ukraine President Flees Kiev: Obama and Putin in talks

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

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Severe California Drought leads to FOOD and WATER SHORTAGES

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

Severe California Drought leads to FOOD and WATER SHORTAGES

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

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America's TWO CLASS SYSTEM is growing

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

America's TWO CLASS SYSTEM is growing

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

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

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

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

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

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How 'Bunny Wabbits' Can Become Weapons Of Mass Destruction

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

How 'Bunny Wabbits' Can Become Weapons Of Mass Destruction

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

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Caturday, I Thought Rocky Was A Flying Squirrel Edition

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

Caturday, I Thought Rocky Was A Flying Squirrel Edition

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

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America's Global Retreat (Commentary)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDY_SLMRUm2YX3lDfXAgcdQcInzJs4AQsb79WwoY7KjnkFlJvCW1Bg4CAqpPoLoBqCfNtQ9YkfDWs665E_amBtS5xFlnkqgCkG_aU9dShCM46HWNimIKXCY0V2fTg1wKv2X8n_xtp4jJR/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDY_SLMRUm2YX3lDfXAgcdQcInzJs4AQsb79WwoY7KjnkFlJvCW1Bg4CAqpPoLoBqCfNtQ9YkfDWs665E_amBtS5xFlnkqgCkG_aU9dShCM46HWNimIKXCY0V2fTg1wKv2X8n_xtp4jJR/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">President Barack Obama meets in the Situation Room with his national security advisors to discuss strategy in Syria, Saturday, August 31, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>America's Global Retreat -- Niall Ferguson, Wall Street Journal</b></span></div><br />Never mind the Fed's taper, it's the U.S. geopolitical taper that is stirring world anxiety. From Ukraine to Syria to the Pacific, a hands-off foreign policy invites more trouble.<br /><br />Since former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke uttered the word "taper" in June 2013, emerging-market stocks and currencies have taken a beating. It is not clear why talk of (thus far) modest reductions in the Fed's large-scale asset-purchase program should have had such big repercussions outside the United States. The best economic explanation is that capital has been flowing out of emerging markets in anticipation of future rises in U.S. interest rates, of which the taper is a harbinger. While plausible, that cannot be the whole story.<br /><br />For it is not only U.S. monetary policy that is being tapered. Even more significant is the "geopolitical taper." By this I mean the fundamental shift we are witnessing in the national-security strategy of the U.S.—and like the Fed's tapering, this one also means big repercussions for the world. To see the geopolitical taper at work, consider President Obama's comment Wednesday on the horrific killings of protesters in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. The president said: "There will be consequences if people step over the line."<br /><br /><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303945704579391492993958448?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303945704579391492993958448.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_Opinion_LEADTop">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I know that Niall Ferguson has his critics .... but I have always enjoyed his writings, and he does not disappoint in this post.

America's Global Retreat (Commentary)

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

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The Future Of Security Is Robots

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

The Future Of Security Is Robots

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

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

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

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

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

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The Growing Iranian Hacker Threat

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

The Growing Iranian Hacker Threat

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

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

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhyLLEt67IuZ6ad2cAknhai3AKARfRxYxn4LVOnSRMP5IHoyb-QAlrBLumGofHo4yuIq9fPTYfdN6j2AMUR5R_LFFz87r0TdXc_t-Ue4gH_XCZ0wKpwaP62Ql2f19naZAyVpLTFkTIT6n/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhyLLEt67IuZ6ad2cAknhai3AKARfRxYxn4LVOnSRMP5IHoyb-QAlrBLumGofHo4yuIq9fPTYfdN6j2AMUR5R_LFFz87r0TdXc_t-Ue4gH_XCZ0wKpwaP62Ql2f19naZAyVpLTFkTIT6n/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Inside The Army’s Spectacular, Hidden Treasure Room -- Buzz Feed </b></span></div><br />You will not believe this…<br /><br />Remember that ending scene out of Indiana Jones where the Ark of the Covenant is boxed up and wheeled through an endless government warehouse?<br /><br />Did you know that that place actually exists?<br /><br />It is located 30 minutes outside Washington, D.C., at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The building itself is very nondescript…<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/inside-the-armys-spectacular-hidden-treasure-room">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I was completely floored after reading this story and realizing what is actually stored in this U.S. military museum/storage depot. Rows and rows of ancient guns in pristine and mint condition. Uniforms worn by famous U.S. soldiers. Paintings by Rockwell, Adolf Hitler!!!!, and numerous others. I love visiting museums .... but this is a museum that I can spend days just browsing .... and probably only seeing a small portion of it. This collection is clearly beyond priceless.

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

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

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U.S. Senator: Cellphone ‘Kill Switch’ Fears Are Baseless

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6K1oSHEJJeA" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mikulski Says Cellphone ‘Kill Switch’ Fears Baseless, ‘Conspiratorial’ -- US News and World Report</b></span></div><br />‘Reasons are being invented’ to stop new technology mandate, senator says.<br /><br />Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., tells U.S. News there’s no reason to fear legislation that would force cellphone makers to incorporate a “kill switch” in devices, allowing stolen or lost phones to be remotely disabled and wiped of personal information.<br /><br />Mikulski and three Senate colleagues, all Democrats, introduced The Smartphone Theft Prevention Act on Feb. 12, proposing that the technology be mandatory for new smartphones. The senators, led by Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, cited the Federal Communications Commission’s estimate that phone theft costs consumers $30 billion annually.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/21/mikulski-says-cellphone-kill-switch-fears-baseless-conspiratorial">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>I cannot help it .... but when it comes to government promises .... especially from this White House and Congress .... I am always skeptical.

U.S. Senator: Cellphone ‘Kill Switch’ Fears Are Baseless

Mikulski Says Cellphone ‘Kill Switch’ Fears Baseless, ‘Conspiratorial’ -- US News and World Report ‘Reasons are being invented’ to stop new ...

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Why milk prices will rise 50¢ per gallon soon

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>50¢ MILK INFLATION</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprWsGy7gctLtQJq9Iz24xorgAbrv9xYGR_YIe5cAfSP605cBk-_StnM4phcohzjeT7PLQ9AtXVkjT4hcEHOqEAc92ULJnf3qoiJmphlVddF25TDC9zCeIbTCn-QAahnaT2mE6TOkuXQM/s1600/MilkgallonsPIC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprWsGy7gctLtQJq9Iz24xorgAbrv9xYGR_YIe5cAfSP605cBk-_StnM4phcohzjeT7PLQ9AtXVkjT4hcEHOqEAc92ULJnf3qoiJmphlVddF25TDC9zCeIbTCn-QAahnaT2mE6TOkuXQM/s1600/MilkgallonsPIC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>REASON:  Consumers have too much money</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2014/02/milk-prices-dairy-agriculture-103749.html" style="color: red;">http://www.politico.com/story/2014/02/milk-prices-dairy-agriculture-103749.html</a></b><br /><br /><span id="goog_1532637485"></span><span id="goog_1532637486"></span><b><a href="http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2014/02/20/budget-spoiler-milk-prices-could-jump/" style="color: red;">http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2014/02/20/budget-spoiler-milk-prices-could-jump/</a></b><br /><br /><b>...developing... </b></div>

Why milk prices will rise 50¢ per gallon soon

50¢ MILK INFLATION REASON:  Consumers have too much money http://www.politico.com/story/2014/02/milk-prices-dairy-agriculture-103749.html ht...

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Japan Joins The Global Arms Trade

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyoRutRrzV8B1m-HQ1zdSf98deEogJRRXcrRtNo6ERpCpqdYF8zfFsNlltuysrZWheOwBW7r-c_rDPY43V_kt-B8AiPZAa7QXPwRiQQFEZL4z2OYfGDAzfbIYObboImOVAAgn5nvK12QG/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyoRutRrzV8B1m-HQ1zdSf98deEogJRRXcrRtNo6ERpCpqdYF8zfFsNlltuysrZWheOwBW7r-c_rDPY43V_kt-B8AiPZAa7QXPwRiQQFEZL4z2OYfGDAzfbIYObboImOVAAgn5nvK12QG/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25475418">BBC</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>After 70 Years, Japan FINALLY Joins the Global Arms Trade -- Kyle Mizokami, War is Boring</b></span></div><br />Meet the world’s next big weapons exporter.<br /><br />The fifth most expensive army in the world is one many people don’t even realize exists. Japan has a reputation for being a pacifist and even unarmed country because its post-World War II constitution technically forbids it from having a military.<br /><br />The reputation is wrong. In addition to possessing its own powerful armed forces, Tokyo is finally becoming an arms exporter … seven decades after the constitution discouraged but did not outright ban weapons sales.<br /><br />Instead of an official military, Japan has what it calls “self defense forces”—an army, navy and air force trained and equipped for defense.<br /><br />But “defense” is a fig leaf. In reality, Japan has one of the largest and most powerful—albeit mostly unproven—militaries in the world, with more ships than the French navy, an army larger than Germany’s and more jet fighters than the British Royal Air Force.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://medium.com/war-is-boring/f1902345c833">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The Japanese are like everyone else .... they want the money. My prediction .... the Japanese are going to be major players in the arms trade.

Japan Joins The Global Arms Trade

BBC After 70 Years, Japan FINALLY Joins the Global Arms Trade -- Kyle Mizokami, War is Boring Meet the world’s next big weapons exporter. Th...

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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=318&w=478&img=/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2014-02/hires_140212-N-ZG705-304c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=318&w=478&img=/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2014-02/hires_140212-N-ZG705-304c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">MH-60S Seahawk helicopters move cargo from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during a replenishment in the Gulf of Oman, Feb. 12, 2014. The Truman is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, supporting theater security cooperation efforts and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The Seahawk is assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Karl Anderson</span></div>

Picture Of The Day

MH-60S Seahawk helicopters move cargo from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during a replenishment in the Gulf of Oman, Feb. 12, 201...

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According To the Viking Calendar, The World Will End Today

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC9WP-ptTkBHZBTRt-rYF99Sjma6W1RfukLTd8r3jheFDtuPxJH9dLEoeF_BcOHvTfATydq_v49wHB90SuqiTlzk6FOJaZhJEKH4YTAIW3Fk0ippJ7bQ_HHyvo8LWZZrgmpwqaiC9gRVi/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC9WP-ptTkBHZBTRt-rYF99Sjma6W1RfukLTd8r3jheFDtuPxJH9dLEoeF_BcOHvTfATydq_v49wHB90SuqiTlzk6FOJaZhJEKH4YTAIW3Fk0ippJ7bQ_HHyvo8LWZZrgmpwqaiC9gRVi/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Photo</b>: Ancient Viking Runic Lunar Calendar 1000 AD (<a href="http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ANCIENT-VIKING-RUNIC-LUNAR-CALENDAR-1000-AD-Norway-ancient-replica-/221305766439">Ebay</a>)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Viking Calendar Predicts The World Will End Saturday -- USA Today</b></span></div><br />The ragnar will be röking on Saturday when, according to some, the Viking calendar predicts the end of the world.<br /><br />Nordic folklore has it that after three freezing winters, when there have been no summers in between, the world will come to an end.<br /><br />The past two summers have been cold and wet, so declaring that Ragnarök (otherwise known as the Twilight of the Gods) is upon us is a subjective call.<br /><br />But it's one some folks in York, England, are willing to make. There, the Jorvik Viking Center is holding its annual Viking Festival. And wouldn't you know it, the world's going to end the last day of the festival.<br /><br />There's even a countdown on its website, so you'll know how much more time there is to pillage and destroy civilization before we all die.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/20/viking-apocalypse-end-of-the-world-saturday/5643717/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> It is Saturday 12:20 AM where I am right now .... and I am still here. I guess the Viking Gods are not going to make their presence felt today. But if they do .... according to <a href="http://www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk/2013/11/the-world-will-end-in-100-days-ragnarok-the-viking-apocalypse-predicted-for-22-february-2014/">their clock</a> .... the world will end at 8:45 AM.

According To the Viking Calendar, The World Will End Today

Photo : Ancient Viking Runic Lunar Calendar 1000 AD ( Ebay ) Viking Calendar Predicts The World Will End Saturday -- USA Today The ragnar wi...

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Russia Is Building Up It's Naval Forces In The Mediterranean

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fzMnpaamGDYDpa3foDXbHUvi3vhdtzqWe63fd_xJ6AYtPrpHVxx5FDE0YTHYsuDYeyuGA7cm8eDMkyp-V_j_R3OIpqoVvsdkJOWN13i7F5wZimMn5Ptsu0OnwZmiaHV17KkDT4G_rG7q/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fzMnpaamGDYDpa3foDXbHUvi3vhdtzqWe63fd_xJ6AYtPrpHVxx5FDE0YTHYsuDYeyuGA7cm8eDMkyp-V_j_R3OIpqoVvsdkJOWN13i7F5wZimMn5Ptsu0OnwZmiaHV17KkDT4G_rG7q/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Varshavyanka. © RIA Novosti. Vitaly Ankov</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Russia To Strengthen Mediterranean Force With ‘Stealth’ Subs -- RIA Novosti</span></b></div><br />MOSCOW, February 20 (RIA Novosti) – The combat capability of Russia’s naval task force in the Mediterranean will increase significantly following the first deliveries of Varshavyanka-class submarines to the Black Sea Fleet in 2015, Navy Commander Adm. Viktor Chirkov said Thursday.<br /><br />Russia formed a permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean last year to defend its interests in the region. The move was widely seen, however, as a response to calls for international intervention in the worsening civil war in Syria, Russia’s longtime ally.<br /><br />The task force currently consists of 12 warships and auxiliary vessels, including the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliky and aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140220/187722092/Russia-to-Strengthen-Mediterranean-Force-With-Stealth-Subs.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://english.pravda.ru/russia/kremlin/20-02-2014/126886-russian_navy_submarine-0/">Russian Navy to enhance potential with new stealth and noiseless submarines</a> -- Pravda<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> This buildup makes one wonder if Moscow is now determined to make the Mediterranean a Russians lake.

Russia Is Building Up It's Naval Forces In The Mediterranean

Varshavyanka. © RIA Novosti. Vitaly Ankov Russia To Strengthen Mediterranean Force With ‘Stealth’ Subs -- RIA Novosti MOSCOW, February 20 (R...

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Venezuela Is Stepping Up It's Efforts To Shut Down The Internet

<iframe frameborder="0" height="288" scrolling="no" src="http://live.wsj.com/public/page/embed-5FC8E2C3_FFD7_4DCC_B95E_C4C08E1103F4.html" width="512"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Twitter, Other Apps Disrupted in Venezuela Amid Protests -- Wall Street Journal</b></span></div><br />The Venezuelan government, besieged by nationwide protests, appears to have stepped up its censorship of Internet services used by demonstrators and sites that have criticized the government response to the unrest, technology firms and researchers said.<br /><br />Dozens of websites including Pastebin.com, which protesters used to share photos, have been blocked in Venezuela, according to Herdict, an initiative under Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet & Society that collects data on Internet filtering. Such blocks are usually carried out by local Internet service providers, which interrupt the connections between users' computers and the servers that host the websites or services they are using.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303775504579397430033153284?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_world&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303775504579397430033153284.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_hpp_sections_world">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Videos and photos of young students protesting by the thousands is deeply embarrassing to the Venezuelan government .... especially since they are always trying their best to project an image that they are there for the young. Do not be surprise if even more web and social media sites become blocked in the coming days.

Venezuela Is Stepping Up It's Efforts To Shut Down The Internet

Twitter, Other Apps Disrupted in Venezuela Amid Protests -- Wall Street Journal The Venezuelan government, besieged by nationwide protests, ...

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