Ernie Varitimos to go LIVE on GOOGLE HANGOUTS

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Dude in the Wilderness"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Learn about the markets and trading with Ernie Varitimos "The Apple Trader."</span></b></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uYLWT6kjzhM?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Ernie Varitimos to go LIVE on GOOGLE HANGOUTS

"Dude in the Wilderness" Learn about the markets and trading with Ernie Varitimos "The Apple Trader."

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Milan Fashion Week

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The growing talent of fashion and modeling</b></span></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JBh39NLP0tU?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Milan Fashion Week

The growing talent of fashion and modeling

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News of California to split into SIX STATES

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News of California to split into SIX STATES

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Jim Comiskey on the Metals and Markets

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WATCH:   The US DOLLAR, Russia, Ukraine, Natural Gas, Oil,  GOLD and SILVER....</b></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XLotLsxlEgA?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Jim Comiskey on the Metals and Markets

WATCH:   The US DOLLAR, Russia, Ukraine, Natural Gas, Oil,  GOLD and SILVER.... ...developing...

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Deflation: Making Sure "It" Happens Here?

The following chart shows the natural log of annual change in the CPI less food and energy. When using logs, exponential growth (or in this case, decay) is seen as a straight line.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRRU_UIX_1FlzZiyUy3OhBExIirTWl3cXJZBYyGh5iDMzPgNDhCqGzpElegx5Azn9Q769MfC9mx3fjRziVMWorAVSRHGQd17JvZuO5-MOTCOKZJMJ4ob3zaaKORxpEKRX65oG8jGT5GY/s1600/Deflation+-+Making+Sure+It+Happens+Here.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRRU_UIX_1FlzZiyUy3OhBExIirTWl3cXJZBYyGh5iDMzPgNDhCqGzpElegx5Azn9Q769MfC9mx3fjRziVMWorAVSRHGQd17JvZuO5-MOTCOKZJMJ4ob3zaaKORxpEKRX65oG8jGT5GY/s320/Deflation+-+Making+Sure+It+Happens+Here.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />No matter how hard the Fed tries, it cannot seem to break through the top of the decaying trend channel. So what's the latest tactic? Taper! Good luck on that. Maybe it works. Maybe it doesn't.<br /><br />As seen in the following chart, the Fed has had substantially more "success" with energy though. The chart shows the annual change in the CPI for energy (not the natural log).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhNzV6HgwiGCalVZPB8jZuWK-PVGZciRPMcfU3ByLaPMrtll99oUVgpRicR_A3aQNzb8UfQyVyLJf3da-ldmpKX5E5OuzD82-hkfhyphenhyphenA_ZCzvdpI-SVCHV9URbKc9ixck30LexL2dhKgg/s1600/The+Cone+of+Chaos.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhNzV6HgwiGCalVZPB8jZuWK-PVGZciRPMcfU3ByLaPMrtll99oUVgpRicR_A3aQNzb8UfQyVyLJf3da-ldmpKX5E5OuzD82-hkfhyphenhyphenA_ZCzvdpI-SVCHV9URbKc9ixck30LexL2dhKgg/s320/The+Cone+of+Chaos.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />And when I say "success", I really mean "confidence building" chaos. Note that ZIRP has actually helped to calm things down a bit in recent years. Nothing stops chaos like nothing apparently. So here oil is, <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=ski">chugging along at the $100 level</a> looking for forward guidance. Perhaps it wants to believe that the global economy is robust, but it just isn't all that sure. Or perhaps that's just me talking as a permabear? (Hint: Oil can't actually believe anything. It's just a liquid. I may be a permabear, but I'm not entirely crazy, lol. Sigh.)<br /><br /><b>November 22, 2002</b><br /><a href="http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/speeches/2002/20021121/">Deflation: Making Sure "It" Doesn't Happen Here</a><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>What has this got to do with monetary policy? Like gold, U.S. dollars have value only to the extent that they are strictly limited in supply. But the U.S. government has a technology, called a printing press (or, today, its electronic equivalent), that allows it to produce as many U.S. dollars as it wishes at essentially no cost. By increasing the number of U.S. dollars in circulation, or even by credibly threatening to do so,<span style="color: red;"> the U.S. government can also reduce the value of a dollar in terms of goods and services</span>, which is equivalent to raising the prices in dollars of those goods and services. We conclude that, under a paper-money system, <span style="color: red;">a determined government can always generate higher spending and hence positive inflation</span>.</i></div><br />You will note that Bernanke did not mention wages or salaries in that paragraph, nor anywhere else in his speech for that matter. Perhaps the Fed's ability to decrease the value of a dollar is at best like a blunt hammer, and not a surgical instrument.<br /><br />It would also seem that our government is not all that determined to generate higher spending at a level that could guarantee positive inflation (much like Japan since their housing bust in the early 1990s). Perhaps $100 oil, <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=skk">massive debt relative to disposable personal income</a>, and <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/167375/congressional-job-approval-february.aspx">a congressional approval rating of just 12%</a> has something to do with it. Go figure.<br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i><span style="color: red;">First, as you know, Japan's economy faces some significant barriers to growth besides deflation, including massive financial problems in the banking and corporate sectors and a large overhang of government debt.</span> Plausibly, private-sector financial problems have muted the effects of the monetary policies that have been tried in Japan, even as <span style="color: red;">the heavy overhang of government debt has made Japanese policymakers more reluctant to use aggressive fiscal policies</span> (for evidence see, for example, Posen, 1998). <span style="color: red;">Fortunately, the U.S. economy does not share these problems,</span> at least not to anything like the same degree, suggesting that anti-deflationary monetary and fiscal policies would be more potent here than they have been in Japan.</i></div><br />That was then, this is now.<br /><br />I know not with what weapons Great Recession III will be fought, but Great Recession IV will be fought with sticks and stones. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/14977-i-know-not-with-what-weapons-world-war-iii-will">Sigh.</a><br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=skg">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart #1</a><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=skh">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart #2</a>

Deflation: Making Sure "It" Happens Here?

The following chart shows the natural log of annual change in the CPI less food and energy. When using logs, exponential growth (or in this ...

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Photos from Rihanna's 26th birthday party

<h3 class="post-title entry-title"></h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxfrgog3GzQJ8cHTawSC3ObUDaQxzdD0cDU9mVfU3Gg1oPjmXnQwVrm-d5zhL0EAt40FejbpRmadfpcxZqXKrxFkFi0tDXnvXNMy_zxi-IIgniwinctEZ6dNlZW2jl95EBMpS8FgJXKY/s1600/25ad86b69a7011e3a47812f9925f2146_8.jpg" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR7QBLobAGyoRb1uWkM-P8_piYmavKTiy2qHECZ2N6lzeUeZOgDWFu_w4iejWnW9YNjH4BITBc4HK_tygDI7CGGUT3xNqFEmmKv7U69oUG9pojj5rXlStOqnWSxFBycVRAy5kf_y54bM/s1600/f7c06d869a6f11e3bb781213dc211ba7_8.jpg" /></div>Rihanna turned 26 today February 20th and had an intimate private birthday celebration with friends in Aspen, Colorado. She posted some photos on her instagram page. Check on them after the cut...<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFRAzAEyMc-CpOYFfMCfY4VfSUxnsGZSa6xJus4KelWrMhMQ1QJr8PlfMsabrdrvU6wG9y2E9lsj3LSaCfOHj4jtrxgZPyMXtk5DnLlupdgiSmRVLT6aeBqnzfVMaC-UDRNlLDJio8C0/s1600/7a5143329a7611e3915612c9c4c5bed5_8.jpg" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QUdA2hvUWKegbnrEbRHVw_-_tw_ynrMVX9xbi_oCBr3e7ek_S1c6Zv3GoGZYve9SVBDs_t_810TLS9tHrUMzJnHt8D98JXgYS1rdo4A5tfkdSqLqLUbftfm7ulp319aR5YBcoO4ZDr0/s1600/660258973278326109_25945306.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzkyzBuDWfBNIapHbpB0vXcscxkViV7A_pUreSLuDJc4aisgoY6z9RzhunJ_OU2TR4tBftw9bvRVl_TQShs3_cRJJ_d63SgqjWQboV81lEiCwoGgj1QFUlFTIRLyPsPJB6IIQ_IoRd0s/s1600/48a830ea9a6f11e39a0512fb41973d49_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzkyzBuDWfBNIapHbpB0vXcscxkViV7A_pUreSLuDJc4aisgoY6z9RzhunJ_OU2TR4tBftw9bvRVl_TQShs3_cRJJ_d63SgqjWQboV81lEiCwoGgj1QFUlFTIRLyPsPJB6IIQ_IoRd0s/s1600/48a830ea9a6f11e39a0512fb41973d49_8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_k8CxwTmzuWNau_iujO0qn7tsboYu3m6Ulc58iCtOPhjidT8CfcZrKt8ayosdJmfRIQ8-pX_-k9QK2VabXIRmE6U-ZdEhY-79ygBuJreNgTVxAHHHL93Dh-jpEQLKhyphenhyphenmuF-D6taWH-M/s1600/85d752de988011e382bb120918532a2a_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_k8CxwTmzuWNau_iujO0qn7tsboYu3m6Ulc58iCtOPhjidT8CfcZrKt8ayosdJmfRIQ8-pX_-k9QK2VabXIRmE6U-ZdEhY-79ygBuJreNgTVxAHHHL93Dh-jpEQLKhyphenhyphenmuF-D6taWH-M/s1600/85d752de988011e382bb120918532a2a_8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRIKNPrvHpYey-1DK7MFY6ahgXllaAJ5sLCubxw9RTq0NxkTTcBlaQrER1C11-aY2YcIx7BGNi7879DvvwdzCwcIM6bxnKnwI49ZToCOf0iZY65DLr73CZj8Lz0-klGt_pM60v6IstaI/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRIKNPrvHpYey-1DK7MFY6ahgXllaAJ5sLCubxw9RTq0NxkTTcBlaQrER1C11-aY2YcIx7BGNi7879DvvwdzCwcIM6bxnKnwI49ZToCOf0iZY65DLr73CZj8Lz0-klGt_pM60v6IstaI/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a></div>

Photos from Rihanna's 26th birthday party

Rihanna turned 26 today February 20th and had an intimate private birthday celebration with friends in Aspen, Colorado. She posted some p...

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 20, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QDkiRrh1erc" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Violence in Ukraine Creates Deepening Clash Between East and West -- Steven Lee Myers, New York Times</span></b></div><br />MOSCOW — The two sides in what is developing into an East-West clash over Ukraine hardened their positions on Wednesday, with Russian officials denouncing what they called a coup by right-wing extremists, even as the United States and Europe threatened to impose sanctions on those responsible for the violence that has erupted in the capital, Kiev, and spread to other cities.<br /><br />The starkly divergent reactions underscored the deepening confrontation between Russia and the West over Ukraine’s fate, with each side accusing the other of interference and disputing even the facts of what was happening.<br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/world/europe/violence-in-ukraine-creates-deepening-clash-between-east-and-west.html"><br />Read more </a></b>....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/dark-days-in-kiev-9142042.html">Dark days in Kiev</a> -- Independent editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/roots-consequences-ukraine-39-violence-154736768.html">Roots and consequences of Ukraine's violence</a> -- Vladimir Isachenkov and Maria Danilova, AP<br /><br /><a href="http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/20/zakaria-very-little-the-u-s-can-do-on-ukraine/?hpt=hp_bn2">Very little the U.S. can do on Ukraine</a> -- Fareed Zakaria, CNN<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2014/02/20/are-the-us-and-eu-right-to-impose-sanctions-on-ukraine">Are the U.S. and EU Right to Impose Sanctions on Ukraine?</a> -- Teresa Welsh, US News and World Report<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/02/20/218846/amid-unrest-ukraine-also-a-winter.html">Amid unrest, Ukraine also a Winter Games bidder</a> -- William Douglas, McClatchy Foreign Staff<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26277562">Syria conflict: Nothing is ever easy at the UN</a> -- Nick Bryant, BBC<br /><br /><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/obama-administration-is-botching-iran-nuke-talks/">Obama Administration is Botching Iran Nuke Talks</a> -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat<br /><br /><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/19/3946931/the-thugs-in-n-korea.html">The thugs in N. Korea</a> -- Miami Herald editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/troubled-waters-indonesias-growing-maritime-disputes/">Troubled Waters: Indonesia’s Growing Maritime Disputes</a> -- Scott Cheney-Peters, The Diplomat<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2014/02/20/brazil_looks_outward_cautiously.html">Brazil Looks Outward, Cautiously </a>-- Tim Ridout, Real Clear World<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/americas/venezuela-qa/">Venezuela: What's the crisis about?</a> -- Faith Karimi and Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN <br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2014/0220/Will-Venezuela-s-protests-fizzle-out">Will Venezuela's protests fizzle out?</a> -- Andrew Rosati, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/venezuelas-neighbors-have-to-work-to-stem-the-chaos/2014/02/18/f0fedae0-98cc-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">Venezuela’s neighbors have to work to stem the chaos</a> -- Washington Post editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/02/19/from-kabul-to-kiev/">From Kabul to Kiev </a>-- Seth Mandel, Commentary

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 20, 2014

Violence in Ukraine Creates Deepening Clash Between East and West -- Steven Lee Myers, New York Times MOSCOW — The two sides in what is deve...

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World News Briefs -- February 20, 2014 (Evening Edition)

<div style="text-align: center;"><object data="http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280447334&edition=BETAUS" height="259" id="rcomVideo_280447334" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="460"> <param name='movie' value='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280447334&edition=BETAUS'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><embed src='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280447334&edition=BETAUS' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowfullscreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' width='460' height='259' wmode='transparent'></embed> </object></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Harrowing Footage Emerges Of UNARMED Protesters Being Cut Down By Sniper Fire On A Day Of Violence In Kiev That Has Brought Today's Death Toll To At Least 70 -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* Ukrainian Health Ministry said 88 police, six journalists and four foreigners were among those hospitalised<br />* Ukraine's Interior ministry says 67 police troops have been captured by protesters in Kiev<br />* At least 50 people have died in clashes in Kiev that came just days after the crisis in the Ukraine seemed to be over<br />* President Barack Obama condemned violence, warning 'there will be consequences' for Ukraine if it continues<br />* Several thousand protesters remained on Independence Square in Kiev and clashed with police on Thursday<br />* Ukrainian skier Bogdana Matsotska will not take part in Friday's women's slalom in protest at Ukraine government<br /><br />Tossing firebombs, protesters advanced upon police lines Thursday in Ukraine's embattled capital. Government snipers shot back, killing at least 70 people and wounding hundreds of others, according to a protest doctor.<br /><br />Video footage on Ukrainian television showed shocking scenes today of protesters being cut down by gunfire, lying on the pavement as comrades rushed to their aid. Trying to protect themselves with shields, teams of protesters carried bodies away on sheets of plastic or planks of wood.<br /><br />One of the wounded, volunteer medic Olesya Zhukovskaya, sent out a brief Twitter message - 'I'm dying' - after being shot in the neck. Dr Oleh Musiy, the medical coordinator for the protesters, said she was in serious condition after being operated on.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2563609/Truce-Kiev-collapses-hours-official-day-mourning-28-people-killed-protests-erupts-violence.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Rebels' grip on border region weakens <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/rebels-39-grip-border-region-weakens-under-syrian-110005647.html">under Syrian Army assault</a></b>.<br /><br />U.N. Syria aid vote likely Friday, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-syria-crisis-russia-aid-idUSBREA1J08420140220">Russia or China support unclear</a></b>.<br /><br />Mortar attack on crowded market <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/mortar-attack-crowded-market-iraqi-town-kills-20-174017965.html">in Iraqi town kills 20.</a></b><br /><br />World powers and Iran make 'good start' <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-iran-nuclear-idUSBREA1H0S620140220">towards nuclear accord</a></b>. EU: Next Iran nuclear talks <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-agreement-reached-on-further-nuclear-talks/1855289.html">to be held March 17</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia FM talks weapons, Syria <b><a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-20/247940-russias-lavrov-says-us-syria-policy-aids-terrorism.ashx#axzz2tsM7fGXR">during Iraq visit</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry 'determined' to get<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/kerry-39-determined-39-middle-east-peace-deal-193120492.html"> Middle East peace deal</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry to meet Abbas again <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-to-meet-abbas-again-in-peace-talk-push/1855326.html">in peace talk push</a></b>.<br /><br />Turkey's embattled Erdogan seeks <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-turkey-government-idUSBREA1J0S820140220">wider powers for spy agency</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />New highly radioactive leak at <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/highly-radioactive-leak-japan-39-fukushima-plant-045324842--finance.html">Japan's Fukushima plant</a></b>.<br /><br />NATO head: Afghan security pact <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nato-head-afghan-security-pact-elections-205133498.html">after elections.</a></b><br /><br />Afghanistan troop cuts will likely lead to Taliban surge,<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/afghanistan-troop-cuts-taliban-surge-pentagon-study"> study warns</a></b>.<br /><br />Afghan Taliban repudiates hoped-for <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-afghanistan-taliban-idUSBREA1I1CS20140219">olive branch to government</a></b>.<br /><br />Pakistani military airstrikes<b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/asia/pakistan-violence/"> targeting militants kill 15</a></b>. Pakistan bombs<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/pakistan-army-bombs-militant-targets/1855431.html"> militant targets</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai protesters take to Facebook to <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-thailand-protest-idUSBREA1J0BM20140220">target businesses linked to PM</a></b>.<br /><br />Indian government clashes with southern state <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-india-gandhi-idUSBREA1J0Z520140220">over Gandhi killers</a></b>. Rajiv Gandhi murder: India court <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26269476">suspends plotters' release.</a></b><br /><br />Nationalistic remarks from Japan lead <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/world/asia/nationalistic-remarks-from-japan-lead-to-warnings-of-chill-with-us.html?ref=world">to warnings of chill with U.S.</a></b>.<br /><br />China aims for Nanjing's history <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-china-japan-nanjing-idUSBREA1J0SZ20140220">to speak loudly on Japan</a></b>.<br /><br />North and South Koreans <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26252563">hold rare family reunions</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />UN chief urges deployment of <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/un-chief-urges-deployment-3-000-extra-troops-204539636.html">3,000 extra troops to CAR.</a></b><br /><br />Congo security forces scatter <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/congo-security-forces-scatter-attempted-rally-kabila-rival-183254666.html">attempted rally by Kabila rival</a></b>.<br /><br />Feeble turnout by Libyan voters points<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/feeble-turnout-libyan-voters-points-deep-disillusionment-210413158.html"> to deep disillusionment</a></b>.<br /><br />115 killed, 1,500 buildings razed <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/115-killed-1-500-buildings-razed-nigerian-town-214848296.html">in Nigerian town.</a></b><br /><br />South Sudan oil state capital divided,<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-southsudan-unrest-idUSBREA1J15S20140220"> crude output down</a></b>. South Sudan denies losing <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-denies-losing-malakal-town-to-rebels/1855063.html">‘Malakal Town’ to rebels.</a></b><br /><br />Ethiopia accused of using spyware <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/ethiopia-accused-of-using-spyware-against-citizens-living-abroad/1855312.html">against citizens living abroad</a></b>.<br /><br />France, Germany to send parts of<b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140219/DEFREG01/302190033/France-Germany-Send-Parts-Joint-Brigade-Mali"> joint brigade To Mali.</a></b><br /><br />The Muslims of the Central African Republic<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/muslims-central-african-republic-face-deadly-purge-080003782.html"> face a deadly purge.</a></b><br /><br />Blasts shake five polling stations in Libya,<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-libya-vote-blasts-idUSBREA1J0W020140220"> no one hurt</a></b>. Libyans vote for constitution body <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-libya-vote-idUSBREA1J0ZP20140220">amid bombs, tensions.</a></b><br /><br />Nigeria central bank head <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26270561">Lamido Sanusi ousted</a></b>.<br /><br />Women bear brunt of South Sudan conflict,<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-un-women-rape-unrest-violence/1855125.html"> UN official says</a></b>.<br /><br />184 million Africans <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/malaria-risk-20feb14/1855382.html">at risk for malaria</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Ukraine <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26269221">truce collapses: Live</a></b><br /><br />EU hits Ukraine with sanctions, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-eu-idUSBREA1J1WW20140220">threatens more</a></b>.<br /><br />EU seeks peace as <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140220">Ukraine death toll hits 75</a></b>. Medic: 70 protesters killed, <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/medic-70-protesters-killed-500-wounded-kiev-173145105.html">500 wounded in Kiev</a></b>.<br /><br />Deadly violence <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/clone.of.deadly-violence-shatters-ukraine-truce-20.html">shatters Ukraine truce</a></b>.<br /><br />Kiev mayor quits ruling party <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140220/187724983/Kiev-Mayor-Quits-Ruling-Party-Amid-Deadly-Clashes.html">amid deadly clashes</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia calls Western sanctions against <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-russia-sanctions-idUSBREA1J0T820140220">Ukraine officials 'blackmail'</a></b>.'Don't be doormat' <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-russia-signal-idUSBREA1J0Y820140220">Russia warns cash-starved Kiev</a></b>.<br /><br />Basque separatists Eta set to take historic step<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/basque-separatist-eta-historic-weapons-mariano-rajoy"> by handing over weapons</a></b>.<br /><br />Less than a third of Scots plan to <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2014/02/19/world/europe/19reuters-scotland-independence-poll.html?ref=world">vote for independence: Poll</a></b>.<br /><br />Russians split on <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140218/187653530/Russians-Split-on-Military-Draft--Survey.html">military draft – survey</a></b>.<br /><br />Pope tells cardinals to tackle divisive <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-pope-family-debate-idUSBREA1J0VD20140220">family issues with courage</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />White House considers sanctions on Ukraine <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/rferl-ukraine-protesters-police-in-tense-standoff-after-deadly-clashes/1854693.html">as EU talks continue</a></b>. Obama under pressure to wield more <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/20/obama-under-pressure-to-bring-more-than-rhetoric-to-ukraine-crisis/">than 'rhetoric' in Ukraine crisis</a></b>.<br /><br />Number of US farms declines,<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/number-us-farms-declines-farmers-getting-older-182609347--politics.html;_ylt=AwrBJR9tSgZTHlsAuEHQtDMD"> farmers getting older.</a></b><br /><br />Obama, Canadian and Mexican leaders wrap up one day summit,<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-canadian-and-mexican-leaders-wrap-up-one-day-summit-discuss-ukraine/1855288.html"> discuss Ukraine</a></b>.<br /><br />Murder charges against Venezuela <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/americas/venezuela-protests/">opposition leader dropped</a></b>. Jailed leader channels <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/jailed-leader-channels-venezuelans-ire/2014/02/19/d4eb20ee-997f-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Venezuelans’ ire.</a></b> Venezuelan opposition leader Lopez <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26263274">'to stay in custody'</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela's violent crime<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-39-violent-crime-fuels-death-business-100517869.html"> fuels the death business</a></b>.<br /><br />Colombia's 'zero tolerance' for corruption <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/colombia-39-39-zero-tolerance-39-corruption-spurs-182852506.html">spurs major Army shakeup</a></b>.<br /><br />Panama Canal expansion work to resume <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-spain-panama-idUSBREA1J18020140220">after deal with consortium</a></b>.<br /><br />Argentina tries to delay <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26225135">$1.3bn repayment to creditors</a></b>.<br /><br />Mexico’s drug cartels are standing in the way <b><a href="http://qz.com/178986/mexicos-drug-cartels-are-standing-in-the-way-of-a-fracking-bonanza/">of a fracking bonanza</a></b>.<br /><br />Record U.S. gun production as <b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-20/record-u-s-gun-production-as-obama-demonized-on-issue.html">Obama ‘demonized’ on issue</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Report demands US probe<b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/new-report-urges-us-probe-yemen-drone-strike-2014219222512481454.html"> Yemen drone strike</a></b>.<br /><br />US warns airlines of <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/us-warns-airlines-of-possible-shoe-bomb-threat/1855223.html">possible shoe bomb threat</a></b>.<br /><br />Bulgaria says identified third suspect <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-bulgaria-bombing-suspect-idUSBREA1J0NJ20140220">in Burgas bus bombing</a></b>.<br /><br />Guantanamo prisoner <b><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-20/guantanamo-prisoner-goes-before-military-tribunal">pleads guilty in bombing</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />G20 has failed to fulfil its promise of <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/g20-economy-promise-failure-crisis">collaboration amid hostility.</a></b><br /><br />Apple Contractor Foxconn seeks wider reach<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/apple-contractor-foxconn-seeks-wider-reach-after-china-flaps/1855273.html"> after China flaps</a></b>.<br /><br />Facebook to pay <b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579393452029288302?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579393452029288302.html">$19 billion for WhatsApp</a></b>.<br /><br />Wal-Mart reports fall <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26274055">in quarterly profits</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 20, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Harrowing Footage Emerges Of UNARMED Protesters Being Cut Down By Sniper Fire On A Day Of Violence In Kiev That Has Brought Today's De...

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Free Advice for Fed: Raise Rates When Furniture Sales Fully Recover

The Fed isn't quite sure what threshold it should be using to determine when to raise interest rates. Can't say I blame them. I therefore thought I'd offer some free (deflationary) advice.<br /><br />Furniture sales and new home sales go hand in hand. Right? So simply raise rates when furniture store sales (as a percentage of disposable personal income) reach "normal" levels again. What could be easier? Transparent. Clean. Consistent.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6taFX965j0GqBuR89H3VZSpkO19DSqkMmNQPWUw6IxpQSQtuSAEr8QN3_BQScdhNLUZPCeki5d6D2O8QTAigWAZzlEuGOOUDxl4q-SHWzrhXUFq6s06x0wZ-7eydYgXdNJwGINLgbrA/s1600/Furniture+vs.+Income+-+Long-Term.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6taFX965j0GqBuR89H3VZSpkO19DSqkMmNQPWUw6IxpQSQtuSAEr8QN3_BQScdhNLUZPCeki5d6D2O8QTAigWAZzlEuGOOUDxl4q-SHWzrhXUFq6s06x0wZ-7eydYgXdNJwGINLgbrA/s320/Furniture+vs.+Income+-+Long-Term.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />Let's zoom in on that recent trend in red and try to estimate how long it will take to get back to normal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEbjXrO-pmLxwpg2ATVMXDwQlZfel0wtn9AEwGH2FXmdHgzPZX_8QF9UeJ0Ndpngpvzo803hScMRjYd4C8tr45Wh2cz5g_nq9T8Qj6yKa37CRf42jterXRKCXpank4QUexL_5dIqdfM8/s1600/Furniture+vs.+Income+-+Short-Term.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEbjXrO-pmLxwpg2ATVMXDwQlZfel0wtn9AEwGH2FXmdHgzPZX_8QF9UeJ0Ndpngpvzo803hScMRjYd4C8tr45Wh2cz5g_nq9T8Qj6yKa37CRf42jterXRKCXpank4QUexL_5dIqdfM8/s320/Furniture+vs.+Income+-+Short-Term.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />The solution is clear. Raise rates just this side of never. Be just like Japan!<br /><br /><b>See Also:</b><br /><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/09/trend-line-disclaimer-time.html">Trend Line Disclaimer</a><br /><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2010/06/sarcasm-disclaimer.html">Sarcasm Disclaimer</a><br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=sjS">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

Free Advice for Fed: Raise Rates When Furniture Sales Fully Recover

The Fed isn't quite sure what threshold it should be using to determine when to raise interest rates. Can't say I blame them. I ther...

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Sanctions Have Been Imposed On Ukraine

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fgHihCxJE1A" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine Sanctions Imposed Amid Kiev Clashes -- BBC</b></span></div><br /><i>European Union foreign ministers have agreed to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials "responsible for violence and excessive force".</i><br /><br />In a statement, they said targeted sanctions including asset freezes and visa bans would be introduced "as a matter of urgency".<br /><br />At least 21 anti-government protesters died in clashes in Kiev on Thursday.<br /><br />Officials said that one policeman had also died and that 67 police had been captured by protesters.<br /><br />"No circumstances can justify the repression we are currently witnessing," the statement from EU foreign ministers said.<br /><br />EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the "prime responsibility" to get talks between the two sides under way lay with President Viktor Yanukovych.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26280710">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The EU Imposing Sanctions On Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/eu-ministers-impose-sanctions-against-ukrainian-officials-responsible-for-violence-1.1696032">EU ministers impose sanctions against Ukrainian officials responsible for violence </a>-- AP<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140220/eu-sanctions-ukrainians-blood-their-hands">EU sanctions Ukrainians with 'blood on their hands'</a> -- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579394461852462306?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579394461852462306.html">EU Approves Sanctions on Ukraine</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/ukraine-eu-idINDEEA1J0FT20140220">EU hits Ukraine with sanctions, threatens more over bloodshed</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/europe/Ukraine-Crisis-Diplomacy.html?hpw&rref=world&_r=0">European Union Imposes Sanctions in Ukraine Crisis</a> -- New York Times<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20140220-715703.html">EU Ministers Approve Sanctions on Ukraine</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/ukraine-eu-foreign-ministers-agree-sanctions-officials">EU foreign ministers agree sanctions against Ukrainian officials </a>-- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/eu-acts-over-ukraine-as-deaths-rise-30027610.html">EU acts over Ukraine as deaths rise</a> -- Belfast Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/united-states-bans-visa-issuance-to-about-20-senior-ukrainian-government-officials-337188.html">United States bans visa issuance to about 20 senior Ukrainian government officials</a> -- Kyiv Post

Sanctions Have Been Imposed On Ukraine

Ukraine Sanctions Imposed Amid Kiev Clashes -- BBC European Union foreign ministers have agreed to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials &...

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Unrest And Violence Escalates In Venezuela

<div style="text-align: center;"><object data="http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280337763&edition=BETAUS" height="259" id="rcomVideo_280337763" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="460"> <param name='movie' value='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280337763&edition=BETAUS'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><embed src='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280337763&edition=BETAUS' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowfullscreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' width='460' height='259' wmode='transparent'></embed> </object></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Violence Escalates In Divided Venezuela -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Venezuelan security forces and demonstrators faced off in streets blocked by burning barricades in several cities on Thursday in an escalation of protests against President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government, witnesses said.<br /><br />At least five people have died since the unrest turned violent last week, with scores of injuries and arrests.<br /><br />The demonstrators, mainly students, blame the government for violent crime, high inflation, product shortages and alleged repression of opponents.<br /><br />In affluent east Caracas overnight, security forces fired teargas and bullets, chasing youths who threw Molotov cocktails and blocked streets with burning trash, witnesses said.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1J1BX20140220">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="363" scrolling="no" src="http://english.share.voanews.eu/flashembed.aspx?t=vid&id=1855176&w=640&h=363&skin=embeded" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Unrest In Venezuela</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/president-nicolas-maduro-sends-army-venezuelan-state-amid-crackdown-1556969">President Nicolás Maduro Sends Army To Venezuelan State Amid Crackdown</a> -- IBTimes<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2014/02/violent-protests-escalate-venezuela-201422020613529913.html">Violent protests escalate in Venezuela </a>-- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/latin-america/2014/02/20/tense-venezuela-awaits-ruling-opposition-leader/3N3htG7CeTHSoVyE8wGpaP/story.html">Venezuela opposition denounces 'brutal repression'</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/protests-grip-venezuela-/1855178.html">Protests Grip Venezuela</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/americas/venezuela-protests/">Murder charges against Venezuela opposition leader dropped</a> -- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-19/venezuelan-protests-turn-violent-as-lopez-faces-arraignment">Venezuela to Keep Opposition Leader Jailed Amid Protests </a>-- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765648084/Opposition-leader-faces-charges-in-tense-Venezuela.html">Opposition leader faces charges in tense Venezuela; violence heats up</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/jailed-leader-channels-venezuelans-ire/2014/02/19/d4eb20ee-997f-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Jailed leader channels Venezuelans’ ire</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/venezuelan-beauty-quee-fatally-shot-head-protest-article-1.1620304">Venezuelan beauty queen Genesis Carmona, 22, fatally shot in head during protest </a>-- New York Daily News<br /><a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/20/280019048/in-venezuela-another-beauty-queens-death-adds-to-anger">In Venezuela, Another Beauty Queen's Death Adds To Anger</a> -- NPR<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-20/leopoldo-lopez-the-venezuela-oppositions-new-hero">Leopoldo López, the Charismatic Face of Venezuela's Opposition</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21596945-after-opposition-leader-arrested-violence-continues-unabated-tale-two-prisoners">Protests in Venezuela: A tale of two prisoners</a> -- Economist<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/americas/venezuela-qa/">Venezuela: What's the crisis about?</a> -- Faith Karimi and Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN <br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2014/02/nicolas_maduro_s_venezuela_erupts_in_violence_the_venezuelan_president_appears.html">Venezuela Erupts</a> -- William J. Dobson, Slate

Unrest And Violence Escalates In Venezuela

Violence Escalates In Divided Venezuela -- Reuters (Reuters) - Venezuelan security forces and demonstrators faced off in streets blocked b...

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Incoming!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZoMJYjOhVG7v_mTjMpV0qTbdr87hzNQgzAKXTN0TVKrF-T1AZMq-kIjin2saQfcRY8dxAW_7NZjHQ9cn7fm_34SY6GeVqR4m9QZSup1F1IOmELCSv28UffdvRFuOet2HLDVxxubKdwlq/s1600/incoming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZoMJYjOhVG7v_mTjMpV0qTbdr87hzNQgzAKXTN0TVKrF-T1AZMq-kIjin2saQfcRY8dxAW_7NZjHQ9cn7fm_34SY6GeVqR4m9QZSup1F1IOmELCSv28UffdvRFuOet2HLDVxxubKdwlq/s640/incoming.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDDgbIZ4joSZ3-7Px5yNiHceYGt9VpWeReoLy36sql4L6h6Q9e7SD_5WMGQ-idpG5Sqank9kGobq-gZ9h-cGRQuFqIKebgZHRWNfAzw3jZg0xTladyBUkMq8nGgrS7awlsfzC_C_4RInk/s1600/more-boobs-since-thats-all-anyone-wants_o_863943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDDgbIZ4joSZ3-7Px5yNiHceYGt9VpWeReoLy36sql4L6h6Q9e7SD_5WMGQ-idpG5Sqank9kGobq-gZ9h-cGRQuFqIKebgZHRWNfAzw3jZg0xTladyBUkMq8nGgrS7awlsfzC_C_4RInk/s640/more-boobs-since-thats-all-anyone-wants_o_863943.jpg" /></a></div>

Incoming!!

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Photo: Iyanya looking good in Ankara suit. You like?

<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Osq8r_knWhE/UwUDisUjK6I/AAAAAAAAaaI/7KRcKgKqEKk/s640/f894b538978011e38efa12921969ad50_8.jpg" width="640" />

Photo: Iyanya looking good in Ankara suit. You like?

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Lagos State Govt Bans Mini Skirts, Other Attires!

<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"></h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatki0WnuDhyphenhyphenW3xmX7EmJPuBjA1ioIilsx48qclxXRZHRDQK-624l-xbXv1rxJKHliFfFtM0EJlFfjdjzNaHfq2wqStq-dgcmnBGmCxTjXmZ_slK2jCXwKNSLbePkBe1gsCgBXph0h4Mc/s640/Raji-Fashola.jpg" width="512" /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration has banned indecent dressing among female public servants. All forms of dresses that expose breasts, contours and other sensitive female body parts have been outlawed.<br /><br />The decision was taken as a result of worsening cases of indecent dressing among female public servants at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, southwest Nigeria.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />P.M.NEWS has observed that all forms of skimpy dresses or mini skirts, tight trousers revealing the contours, sleeveless dresses and blouses and body clinging dresses are worn by some female public servants as they walk about the secretariat.<br /><br />Worried by this despicable act, the state government had to introduce new dress code among public servants, especially the female folk.<br /><br />A circular issued by the Head of Service, Mrs. Josephine Williams dated 7 February, 2014 has been sent to all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs calling on all Directors of Finance and Administration, DFAs, to immediately move against indecent dressing in Alausa.<br /><br />The circular, with the reference number CIR/HOS/14/Vol.1/022, said similar directive was issued through the HOS in 2005 in a circular number 113 mandating public servants to dress properly and decently to the office and official functions portray the good image of the state government.<br /><br />The government warned that it would begin to take drastic and punitive measures against recalcitrant public servants who flout the directive.<br /><br />“It has however been observed with grave concern that some officers have not been complying with this directive. The noticeable non-compliance of some officers to this directive should henceforth stop as the extant civil service rules and regulation on proper and indecent dressing still subsist and will be applied accordingly on flouters,” the HOS said.<br /><br />Williams listed what is contained in the new dress code for female civil servants, saying that skirts above the knee should not be worn by public servants, saying that dresses allowed are skirts which are of knee level, moderate slit and not body clinging skirts.<br /><br />According to the HOS, if female public servants must wear trousers, such trousers should neither be tight nor revealing and must be worn with a jacket.<br /><br />Also, gowns to be worn by female public servants must be of knee level, moderate slit, not sleeveless and not body clinging.<br /><br />Williams added that if native attires must be worn, they must be worn completely.<br /><br />The government also reeled out dress code for male public servants. In the dress code for men, administrative officers must wear suit and tie as professionals and other officers could wear wear suit and tie or French suit.<br /><br />Junior and clerical staff are allowed to wear shirts and trousers and French suit while complete native wear is allowed for all cadres of public servants.<br /><br />“As a matter of necessity, all Directors of Finance and Administration are hereby enjoined to ensure that officers within their purview adhere strictly to moderate and decent dressing,” said the HOS.<br /><br />Already, the Directors of Finance and Administration of various ministries have been having urgent meeting with their staff to intimate them about the new dress code.<br /><br />The development has become a subject of discourse among public servants at Alausa. </span><br />

Lagos State Govt Bans Mini Skirts, Other Attires!

Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration has banned indecent dressing among female public servants. All forms of dresses that expose b...

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Iranian Nuclear Talks Progressing?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6yo7_m3U-A8M2QROiIHIThIH198MH2V-fWczzxHK1PMLsWJL-HvSYtDOe23pImQQiortBV4gL3MVZK93SpECIP-OXsWd0R_dxrsynX48sK2J6htHjR3IK3Rse8twXO3hXYGWVJkfYNhz/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6yo7_m3U-A8M2QROiIHIThIH198MH2V-fWczzxHK1PMLsWJL-HvSYtDOe23pImQQiortBV4gL3MVZK93SpECIP-OXsWd0R_dxrsynX48sK2J6htHjR3IK3Rse8twXO3hXYGWVJkfYNhz/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton (L) and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif pose before the start of a conference in Vienna Feb. 18, 2014. Photo by <a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.575202">Reuters</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Iran <span style="color: #0000ee;">A</span>nd World Powers Agree On Framework For Nuclear Talks -- New York Times</b></span></div><br />VIENNA — In what officials described as a serious, workmanlike and conversational atmosphere, Iran and six world powers have agreed on a timetable and framework for negotiating a comprehensive agreement to end the confrontation over Iran’s nuclear program, the European Union’s foreign policy chief and Iran’s foreign minister said on Thursday.<br /><br />While details were vague and the two delegation leaders declined to take any questions at a closing news conference, they said that groups of experts would meet early in March and that the full delegations would meet here again on March 17, with the expectation that they will meet monthly.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/middleeast/iran.html?hpw&rref=world">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Iranian Nuclear Talks</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/europe/iran-nuclear-talks/">P5+1 and Iran agree on nuclear negotiation framework in Vienna</a> -- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26269092">Iran nuclear deal framework 'agreed' in Vienna </a>-- BBC<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579394430835276744?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579394430835276744.html">Iran Agrees on Agenda for Nuclear Talks</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-iran-nuclear-idUSBREA1H0S620140220">World powers and Iran make 'good start' towards nuclear accord</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.575202">Framework for nuke talks agreed upon, Iranian official says</a> -- Haaretz<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-iran-nuclear-talks-20140220,0,3206753.story#axzz2tseORMfW">Iran, world powers off to 'good start' in nuclear talks </a>-- L.A. Times<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140220/iran-world-powers-agree-nuclear-talks-timetable">Iran, world powers agree nuclear talks timetable </a>-- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iran-nuke-talks-enter-last-day/2014/02/20/e11d048c-9a0a-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Iran nuke talks end, next round March 17</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-agreement-reached-on-further-nuclear-talks/1855289.html">EU: Next Round of Iran Nuclear Talks Set to Begin March 17 </a>-- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-20/powers-set-iran-atomic-agenda-with-lots-to-do-before-deadline">Iran Talks Set Five-Month Plan for Race to Final Nuclear Accord</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/20/p5-1-talks-drill-down-on-the-future-of-iran-s-nukes.html">P5+1 Talks Drill Down On The Future Of Iran’s Nukes</a> -- Michael Adler, Daily Beast<br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0220/Negotiators-put-acrimony-aside-to-pursue-final-Iranian-nuclear-agreement">Negotiators put acrimony aside to pursue final Iranian nuclear agreement</a> -- Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/iran-nuclear-usa-mideast-idUSL2N0LP0U020140220">U.S. negotiator at Iran talks heads to Israel, Saudi Arabia</a> -- Reuters

Iranian Nuclear Talks Progressing?

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton (L) and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif pose before the start of a conference in V...

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Video: Omg hear what Gandoki said on AYlive Lagos

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gez5_rMcBnU?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br />AY LIVE is an Annual Worldwide Event organised by Ace Comedian Ayo makun AY. Year in Year out, It is being held in different states around Nigeria and so far has been recognised with numerous Awards worldwide as a mark of Excellence. Here is a short Clip of Comedian Gandoki thrilling the audience to spellbound jokes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gez5_rMcBnU">CLICK TO WATCH</a>

Video: Omg hear what Gandoki said on AYlive Lagos

AY LIVE is an Annual Worldwide Event organised by Ace Comedian Ayo makun AY. Year in Year out, It is being held in different states around N...

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Russia Wades In On The Crisis In Ukraine

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T4iCpXvttH4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Russia Warns West Against 'Illegitimate' Sanctions On Ukraine -- L.A. Times</b></span></div><br />MOSCOW -- Russian officials and Kremlin-influenced media stepped up their accusations Thursday that Western countries were fomenting the violence in Ukraine and warned that sanctions imposed by the United States and under consideration by the European Union were tantamount to “blackmail.”<br /><br />A truce between the Ukrainian government and opposition protest leaders fell apart hours after it was reached late Wednesday. Renewed fighting between police and protesters took at least 22 lives Thursday, bringing the death toll from three days of fiery clashes in Kiev to about 50 and possibly more, opposition sources reported. The Ukrainian Health Ministry said 35 were killed Thursday.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-ukraine-russia-warns-west-20140220,0,1129094.story#axzz2tseORMfW">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Russian Reaction To The Ukraine Crisis</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/europe/Ukraine-Crisis-Diplomacy.html">Russia Denounces West’s Sanction Threats to Ukraine</a> -- New York Times/Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-russia-sanctions-idUSBREA1J0T820140220">Russia calls Western sanctions against Ukraine officials 'blackmail'</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579394641654222958?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579394641654222958.html">Russia Denounces Call for Early Ukraine Elections</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/ukraine-russia-signal-idINL6N0LP21420140220">"Don't be doormat" Russia warns cash-starved Kiev</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2014/Feb-20/247959-putin-sending-mediator-to-ukraine-at-yanukovichs-request-russian-agencies.ashx#axzz2tsM7fGXR">Putin sending mediator to Ukraine at Yanukovich's request: Russian agencies</a> -- Daily Star/Reuters<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20140220-710406.html">Russia Dispatched Rights Ombudsman to Negotiate End to Ukraine Violence</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://stream.wsj.com/story/latest-headlines/SS-2-63399/SS-2-460843/">Russia Warns Ukraine on Further Financial Aid</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2014/02/20/playing-the-ukrainian-card/">For Moscow, Ukraine is always ‘Little Russia’</a> -- Nina Khrushcheva, reuters<br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0220/Is-Ukraine-president-losing-the-Kremlin-s-confidence">Is Ukraine president losing the Kremlin's confidence?</a> -- Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>I have trouble believing this news report .... <b><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/putin-has-no-time-watch-coverage-ukraine-turmoil-aide-n34651">Putin 'Has No Time' to Watch Coverage of Ukraine Turmoil: Aide</a></b> -- NBC

Russia Wades In On The Crisis In Ukraine

Russia Warns West Against 'Illegitimate' Sanctions On Ukraine -- L.A. Times MOSCOW -- Russian officials and Kremlin-influenced media...

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Ukraine WAR and CHAOS escalates

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">*****UKRAINE CONFLICT ALERT*****</span> </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Government snipers shooting civilians...</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">100+ DEAD 500+ INJURED</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kO_vT_4BoZY?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Zk7Whf1-fbw?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>INTERMITTENT LIVE COVERAGE...</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H3n28jfWoDE?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ron Paul on U.S.A. involvement in Ukraine...</b></span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zzEyInvXi8k?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BWB8UwEEyJ4?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Ukraine WAR and CHAOS escalates

*****UKRAINE CONFLICT ALERT***** Government snipers shooting civilians... 100+ DEAD 500+ INJURED INTERMITTENT LIVE COVERAGE... Ron Paul on ...

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Ukraine's Olympians Denied Permission To Wear Black Arm Bands

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QxSII50lFOo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine's Olympians Refused Permission To Wear Black Arm Bands -- ITV</b></span></div><br />Ukraine's athletes were denied permission to wear black arm bands in memory of the 26 people that have been killed in violent clashes by the International Olympic Committee today.<br /><br />The country's athletes admitted the ongoing unrest was proving to be a distraction.<br /><br />"Yes it's a distraction, everyone's talking about it - even just now at the start, at the finish, people are saying 'what's happened in your country, what's happened?'" Dmytro Mytsak, a Ukrainian giant slalom skier, said.<br /><br />The 18-year-old revealed that the team were grateful to receive support from the Russian spectators.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-02-19/ukraines-olympians-refused-permission-to-wear-black-arm-bands/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140219/olympics-ioc-rejects-grieving-ukraines-black-band-request">Olympics: IOC rejects grieving Ukraine's black band request-</a>- Global Post/AFP<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: The Olympic Committee does not want to take away attention from the Games and they do not want to embarrass Russian President Putin who wants the Sochi Olympics to be all about Russia. Here is a hint to the Olympic committee .... it is not working.

Ukraine's Olympians Denied Permission To Wear Black Arm Bands

Ukraine's Olympians Refused Permission To Wear Black Arm Bands -- ITV Ukraine's athletes were denied permission to wear black arm ba...

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J Martins shares new photos of his adorable son

<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"></h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS_qpE_LXBQhTaSvYxGWJP_0fo6zgaSTe5UIXT3trF_dplQf2uMhosmsXEM3g-_8aMX2eidynmzX_S3eYPpvlSNfzBjJS95G_VHineT_me-GyC5ycH0Ev74OEVbCxdQ-ba6XR33FQusc/s1600/jmartins+babylindaikejiblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS_qpE_LXBQhTaSvYxGWJP_0fo6zgaSTe5UIXT3trF_dplQf2uMhosmsXEM3g-_8aMX2eidynmzX_S3eYPpvlSNfzBjJS95G_VHineT_me-GyC5ycH0Ev74OEVbCxdQ-ba6XR33FQusc/s640/jmartins+babylindaikejiblog.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="st">On Tuesday 4th of February, Singer J Martins and wife Nnezi Mbila welcomed a son 'Jason'. </span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="st">More photos of him and his baby after the cut</span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnLPQgv3uwOibRI9FOkst7h662WdLvzhHsdqeAid9KFDHTLSTNzidRCCnd4yUyZvRzlruuXMbsw5_MU274V-HHkRk7dIHomGl_ZHMBpKuIQm_SCXuznzBjt8rtbf1GxUGIevknLl8eHI/s1600/jmartins+babylindaikejiblog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnLPQgv3uwOibRI9FOkst7h662WdLvzhHsdqeAid9KFDHTLSTNzidRCCnd4yUyZvRzlruuXMbsw5_MU274V-HHkRk7dIHomGl_ZHMBpKuIQm_SCXuznzBjt8rtbf1GxUGIevknLl8eHI/s640/jmartins+babylindaikejiblog2.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>

J Martins shares new photos of his adorable son

On Tuesday 4th of February, Singer J Martins and wife Nnezi Mbila welcomed a son 'Jason'. More photos of him and his baby after the...

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