News for today's 2018

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

11:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6K1oSHEJJeA" width="560"></iframe> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Mikulski Says Cellphone ‘Kill Switch’ Fears Baseless, ‘Conspiratorial’ -- US News and World Report</div> ‘Reasons are being invented’ to stop new technology mandate, senator says. 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. 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. <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/21/mikulski-says-cellphone-kill-switch-fears-baseless-conspiratorial">Read more</a> .... My Comment: 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 ...

Why milk prices will rise 50¢ per gallon soon

10:24 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">50¢ MILK INFLATION</div> <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;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">REASON:  Consumers have too much money</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><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> <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> ...developing... </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...

Japan Joins The Global Arms Trade

10:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25475418">BBC</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">After 70 Years, Japan FINALLY Joins the Global Arms Trade -- Kyle Mizokami, War is Boring</div> Meet the world’s next big weapons exporter. 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. 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. Instead of an official military, Japan has what it calls “self defense forces”—an army, navy and air force trained and equipped for defense. 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. <a href="https://medium.com/war-is-boring/f1902345c833">Read more</a> .... My Comment: 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...

Picture Of The Day

9:45 PM Tukiyooo 0

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...

According To the Viking Calendar, The World Will End Today

9:30 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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>Photo: 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>) <div style="text-align: center;">Viking Calendar Predicts The World Will End Saturday -- USA Today</div> The ragnar will be röking on Saturday when, according to some, the Viking calendar predicts the end of the world. Nordic folklore has it that after three freezing winters, when there have been no summers in between, the world will come to an end. 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. 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. 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. <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/20/viking-apocalypse-end-of-the-world-saturday/5643717/">Read more</a> .... My Comment: 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...

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

9:25 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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;">Varshavyanka. © RIA Novosti. Vitaly Ankov</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Russia To Strengthen Mediterranean Force With ‘Stealth’ Subs -- RIA Novosti</div> 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. 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. The task force currently consists of 12 warships and auxiliary vessels, including the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliky and aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. <a href="http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140220/187722092/Russia-to-Strengthen-Mediterranean-Force-With-Stealth-Subs.html">Read more</a> .... Update: <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 My Comment: 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...

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

9:20 PM Tukiyooo 0

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, ...

The War Profiteering Continues In Afghanistan

9:15 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ow754mDrX9qmGYukzKgYJ2DS5juqq_GSzdg-093pZ5GKXtkDCB5g76K0H2iqqWdDF-P2HN0WDiJRHgAEQVuC7e0iOCcjSwDmD-9mTj9W4XPXreb1e2H4zYJiFA6wBmReFEw_7hubygVW/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ow754mDrX9qmGYukzKgYJ2DS5juqq_GSzdg-093pZ5GKXtkDCB5g76K0H2iqqWdDF-P2HN0WDiJRHgAEQVuC7e0iOCcjSwDmD-9mTj9W4XPXreb1e2H4zYJiFA6wBmReFEw_7hubygVW/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Windfalls Of War': Companies With Spotty Records Making Billions Off Afghanistan -- FOX News</div> The United States government has paid a company based in Switzerland more than $5 billion to feed the troops in Afghanistan, and thanks to a succession of no-bid contract extensions, the company, Supreme Foodservice, overcharged American taxpayers as much as $757 million, officials say. The U.S. has appropriated more than $100 billion for Afghan reconstruction, which includes not only building and development, but training and arming the Afghan security forces -- and the dispute over the massive payments to this single company is just one example of how, more than 12 years into the war, America is struggling to account for how its money has been spent. So who's getting rich off the war? <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/20/windfalls-war-contractors-with-spotty-records-made-billions-off-afghanistan/?intcmp=latestnews">Read more</a> .... My Comment: Stories like this one always makes my blood boil. One more reason to get out of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan The War Profiteering Continues In Afghanistan

'Windfalls Of War': Companies With Spotty Records Making Billions Off Afghanistan -- FOX News The United States government has paid ...

The Start Of The U.S. - China Cold War

9:10 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvHVQZDOCqNpVSy9gdL8JaE-5dRnJGJPowxtN-KD1E1LWmeKaO8QJF67oXcuhGIlgt9Xm82zIXT3KEf47x5_wRLAkSeI7BrxtGDVw4fzuMLMHFXM0n-lOfLHPCK0nLEJn6vr6IGBy-Tab/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvHVQZDOCqNpVSy9gdL8JaE-5dRnJGJPowxtN-KD1E1LWmeKaO8QJF67oXcuhGIlgt9Xm82zIXT3KEf47x5_wRLAkSeI7BrxtGDVw4fzuMLMHFXM0n-lOfLHPCK0nLEJn6vr6IGBy-Tab/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The People's Republic of China flag and the U.S. Stars and Stripes fly along Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol in Washington during Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit, January 18, 2011. Credit: Reuters/Hyungwon Kang</div> WNU Editor: The Financial Times has a must read article on the growing tensions between China and the U.S.. As China's relations with most of it's neighbors become strained over border disputes .... they are beginning to learn that many of these countries are actually U.S. allies bounded by political and national security treaties and agreements. By pushing these countries it is only natural that the U.S. will get involved .... not only to save face, but also because of if they do not ..... U.S. credibility and reliability will be completely discredited. The link to this Financial Times article <a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/78920b2e-99ba-11e3-91cd-00144feab7de.html#axzz2u1UBSTWn">is here.</a>

The Start Of The U.S. - China Cold War

The People's Republic of China flag and the U.S. Stars and Stripes fly along Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol in Washington dur...

Pentagon Downplays Their Own Intelligence Assessment On China

9:05 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHrKV7lZJa0vF7GYeIW0LfqzsVWIEOKrUgEDXv6Bb-T_9QSSiHWKj9O1VHHgS13kyYRjpfPRwxMrS01Un_e5jZDFQxL20de2azaM_LG7gsHNdahjH-TNnLsxIf3CByNm_xO8l3WzAwXdG/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHrKV7lZJa0vF7GYeIW0LfqzsVWIEOKrUgEDXv6Bb-T_9QSSiHWKj9O1VHHgS13kyYRjpfPRwxMrS01Un_e5jZDFQxL20de2azaM_LG7gsHNdahjH-TNnLsxIf3CByNm_xO8l3WzAwXdG/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vessels from the China Maritime Surveillance and the Japan Coast Guard are seen near disputed islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea, in this photo taken by Kyodo on Sept. 10, 2013. <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/china-preparing-short-sharp-war-japan-over-disputed-east-china-sea-islands-us-officer-1556687">Reuters </a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Pentagon Plays Down Intelligence Officer's Provocative China Assessment -- Reuters</div> (Reuters) - The Pentagon on Thursday played down remarks by a senior Navy intelligence officer who told a public forum that he believed China was training its forces to be capable of carrying out a "short, sharp" war with Japan in the East China Sea. The comments by Captain James Fanell, director of intelligence and information operations at the U.S. Pacific Fleet, were little noticed when he made them last week at a conference on maritime strategy called "West 2014" in San Diego. They can be seen here: link.reuters.com/qyq96v Fanell also predicted China, which declared an air defense zone last year in the East China Sea where it is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan over a string of small islands, would declare another air defense zone by the end of 2015, this time in the South China Sea. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-usa-china-pentagon-idUSBREA1K04B20140221">Read more</a> .... Previous Post: <a href="http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.ca/2014/02/china-prepares-for-war-against-japan.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+WarNewsUpdates+%28War+News+Updates%29">China Prepares For War Against Japan (Updated)</a> <div style="text-align: center;">More News On The Pentagon Downplaying It's Own Intelligence Assessment On China</div> <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/pentagon-distances-itself-from-china-warning/1856054.html">Pentagon Distances Itself from China Warning</a> -- Voice of America <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/21/280698489/u-s-official-beijing-preparing-for-short-sharp-war-with-japan">U.S. Official: Beijing Preparing For 'Short, Sharp' War With Japan</a> -- NPR <a href="http://japandailypress.com/pentagon-shrugs-off-navy-intel-officers-controversial-china-assessment-2144698/">Pentagon shrugs off navy intel officer’s controversial China assessment </a>-- Japan Daily Press <a href="http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/02/21/351623/us-downplays-provocative-words-on-china/">US downplays officer's provocative China remarks</a> -- Press TV My Comment: There is nothing provocative on Captain James Fanell's assessment of Chinese intentions .... he is reporting what he is seeing. But the Pentagon has moved fast on this one .... and I suspect that it's opposition to this assessment is driven more by political considerations rather than on intelligence assessments.

Pentagon Downplays Their Own Intelligence Assessment On China

Vessels from the China Maritime Surveillance and the Japan Coast Guard are seen near disputed islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in...

Top US Army General Meets China Officials

9:01 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtdUkS6Mc1UxTHaQd_iVCtJgRon_fZS1ZQd1UgOiRaXZ5jdkA-0bhyphenhyphenMalOffl1DwNRvBwCPTHxqOuAVmGbCkvfduzEiaNimVGWGutzUz9ER_LrkuiISnXsplxRPaBXxKED7aAlbopsnf0/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtdUkS6Mc1UxTHaQd_iVCtJgRon_fZS1ZQd1UgOiRaXZ5jdkA-0bhyphenhyphenMalOffl1DwNRvBwCPTHxqOuAVmGbCkvfduzEiaNimVGWGutzUz9ER_LrkuiISnXsplxRPaBXxKED7aAlbopsnf0/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fang Fenghui (R), Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and also a member of China's Central Military Commission, shakes hands with U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 21, 2014. (<a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-02/22/c_133134343.htm">Xinhua/Li Tao</a>)</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Top US Army Officer: We Have 'Common Objectives' With China -- Voice of America</div> The U.S. Army's top officer pledged more dialogue on "common objectives" as he met Chinese generals in Beijing. Army Chief of Staff Ray Odierno was greeted Friday with full military honors at China's Defense Ministry. His visit comes amid U.S. criticism of China's policies toward its neighbors over territorial claims in the East and South China Seas. However, before holding closed-door meetings, Odierno said he would focus on concerns that both sides share. <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/top-us-army-officer-we-have-common-objectives-with-china/1856136.html">Read more</a> .... <div style="text-align: center;">More News On America's Top Army General Meeting Chinese Officials</div> <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/2014/02/20/army-chief-staff-meets-top-chinese-generals/hcQxwFwW7GtGNxprZ9VttL/story.html">US Army chief of staff meets top Chinese generals </a>-- AP <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-21/u-dot-s-dot-army-chief-in-china-for-talks-with-top-military-officials">U.S. Army General Meets China Officials Amid Regional Tensions</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/us-army-chief-of-staff-meets-top-chinese-generals/2014/02/20/9cb7d270-9aa2-11e3-9900-dd917233cf9c_story.html">China and US establish dialogue between armies</a> -- Washington Post/AP <a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140221/NEWS08/302210001/Odierno-meets-top-Chinese-generals">Odierno meets top Chinese generals</a> -- Army Times <a href="http://english.cri.cn/7146/2014/02/21/2702s814126.htm">Chinese Generals Meet with US Army Chief to Deepen Trust</a> -- CRI English <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-02/22/c_133134343.htm">Senior military officials meet U.S. army chief</a> -- Xinhuanet

Top US Army General Meets China Officials

Fang Fenghui (R), Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and also a member of China's Central Military...

President Obama To Award The Medal of Honor To 24 Veterans That Includes 19 Who Were Previously Overlooked Because Of Their Racial Or Ethnic Backgrounds.

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8wzLlqzAq-Y4Hdsf0CdRId81Vt2EGFq6ghvtd8M4ViiQ2F8RqPrd_vjVLH0dsErXDwcoN-1VaxCbXKVdKP3uly-M9e4P_Tzj-1WEnztEw77vfs5ddgXVpLIs-ooGDv-_4kDo9zOzbZ4y/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8wzLlqzAq-Y4Hdsf0CdRId81Vt2EGFq6ghvtd8M4ViiQ2F8RqPrd_vjVLH0dsErXDwcoN-1VaxCbXKVdKP3uly-M9e4P_Tzj-1WEnztEw77vfs5ddgXVpLIs-ooGDv-_4kDo9zOzbZ4y/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Medals of Honor awarded by each of the three branches of the U.S. military, and are, from left to right, the Army, Coast Guard/Navy/Marine Corps and Air Force. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medalsofhonor2.jpg">Wikipedia</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Obama To Award Medal Of Honor To 19 Overlooked Minority Service Members -- Washington Post</div> President Obama will correct a historical act of discrimination next month when he awards the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest commendation for combat valor, to 19 Hispanic, Jewish and African-American veterans overlooked previously because of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. The unusual presentation will culminate a 12-year Pentagon review ordered by Congress into past discrimination in the ranks, and will hold a particular poignancy hosted by the nation’s first African-American president. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-to-ward-medal-of-honor-to-19-soldiers-who-were-overlooked-because-of-their-ethnicity/2014/02/21/209594e8-9b10-11e3-975d-107dfef7b668_story.html">Read more</a> .... <div style="text-align: center;">More News On President Obama Will Be Awarding The Medal of Honor To 24 Veterans</div> <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/02/21/full-list-of-overlooked-minority-medal-of-honor-winners/">Full list of overlooked minority Medal of Honor recipients</a> -- Washington Post <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/overlooked-medal-of-honor-recipients/2014/02/21/2d778dfe-9b2b-11e3-ad71-e03637a299c0_gallery.html#photo=1">Overlooked Medal of Honor recipients</a> -- Washington Post <a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/us/obama-to-award-24-medals-of-honor-1.269228">Obama to award 24 Medals of Honor</a> -- Stars and Stripes <a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140221/NEWS/302210025/White-House-24-soldiers-receive-Medal-Honor">White House: 24 soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor</a> -- Army Times <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/obama-to-award-medal-of-honor-to-24-army-veterans/2014/02/21/38101e3a-9b39-11e3-8112-52fdf646027b_story.html">Obama to award Medal of Honor to 24 Army veterans</a> -- Washington post/AP My Comment: That is going to be one awesome ceremony.

President Obama To Award The Medal of Honor To 24 Veterans That Includes 19 Who Were Previously Overlooked Because Of Their Racial Or Ethnic Backgrounds.

The Medals of Honor awarded by each of the three branches of the U.S. military, and are, from left to right, the Army, Coast Guard/Navy/Mari...

Ukraine Burning: A Video Recap Of The Ukraine Uprising

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

Ukraine Burning: A Video Recap Of The Ukraine Uprising

My Comment : This is an "on the ground report" of the Ukraine uprising .... from start to finish.

Is Turkey Now Financing The World's Top Terror Groups?

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBh-yYET8mD2XL3zZjo2gcyqrmV3FxHQSMsFB4NMkoUL6giElMuTXOOTtHqS-ZDqbc1_dTawp3-f6tuFnlb5_VibAiX6CFfEKQKSBVEa2KYP0fyVEzUW6bsjc-2jLMVHRRoWQZNyQi2_10/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBh-yYET8mD2XL3zZjo2gcyqrmV3FxHQSMsFB4NMkoUL6giElMuTXOOTtHqS-ZDqbc1_dTawp3-f6tuFnlb5_VibAiX6CFfEKQKSBVEa2KYP0fyVEzUW6bsjc-2jLMVHRRoWQZNyQi2_10/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (R) meets with Khalid Mashaal, the Hamas chief in exile (C), and Gaza’s prime minister Ismail Haniyeh in Ankara. </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Report: Turkey Financing Top Global Terror Groups --Washington Free Beacon</div> Turkey becoming world’s leading terrorism finance hub Turkey has become a principal financial hub for terrorists under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government has helped Iran skirt sanctions, supported jihadi groups in Syria, and provided financial backing to Hamas, according to a new report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Turkey, a key U.S. ally, “has turned a blind eye” to terror financing and is potentially on the verge of crossing the line to becoming an official state sponsor of terrorism, according to the Friday report, which cites the Erdogan government’s close ties to some of the world’s top terror organizations and operatives. <a href="http://freebeacon.com/report-turkey-financing-top-global-terror-groups/">Read more </a>.... My Comment: You are the company that you keep .... and Turkey has made the decision to be with some unsavory characters.

Is Turkey Now Financing The World's Top Terror Groups?

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (R) meets with Khalid Mashaal, the Hamas chief in exile (C), and Gaza’s prime minister Ismail Ha...

Is The U.S. Military Hiding It's Weapon Equipment Failures?

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

Is The U.S. Military Hiding It's Weapon Equipment Failures?

Cover-Up? Army Historian Says Report On Deadly Afghan Battle Was Altered To Absolve Faulty Gun -- Washington Times Survivors of bloody battl...

A Look AT Honeywell's Military Drone RQ-16A T-Hawk

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

A Look AT Honeywell's Military Drone RQ-16A T-Hawk

WNU Editor: For more info on this drone .... go here .

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 21, 2014

4:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9frArQeIWzQ" width="560"></iframe> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">At Stake In Ukraine's Drama Is The Future Of Putin, Russia And Europe -- Timothy Garton Ash, The Guardian</div> Ukraine may yet show us that the default model of revolution has changed to one of negotiated transition Beyond the burning barricades and the corpses in the streets, here are five big things that are at stake in Ukraine's insurrectionary drama. They mean that what happens in Ukraine will affect not just the Ukrainians, but also Russia, Europe and our sense of what makes a revolution. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/21/ukraine-putin-russia-europe-independence-disintegration">Read more</a> .... <div style="text-align: center;">Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials</div> <a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/02/21/a-good-deal-for-the-ukrainian-opposition/">A Good Deal for the Ukrainian Opposition</a> -- Max Boot, Commentary <a href="http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2014/mar/20/fascism-russia-and-ukraine/?insrc=hpss">Fascism, Russia, and Ukraine</a> -- Timothy Snyder, New York Review Of Books <a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-ukraine-crisis-russia-role-20140221,0,2074173.story#axzz2tseORMfW">Kremlin aggravated Ukraine crisis but won't intervene, analysts say</a> -- Carol J. Williams, LA Times <a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-maidan-protest-developments-982/">From sea of flags to rivers of blood: How Kiev peaceful protest turned into Maidan mayhem </a>-- RT <a href="http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/rubin-in-ukraine-and-syria-vladimir-putin-wants-to-work-with-dictators-1.7161240">Rubin: In Ukraine and Syria, Vladimir Putin wants to work with dictators </a>-- Trudy Rubin, National Iinterest <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-21/seven-reasons-putin-wont-give-up-ukraine">Seven Reasons Putin Won't Give Up Ukraine</a> -- Peter Coy, Bloomberg Businessweek <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/02/20/putin-olympics-sochi-corruption-russia-column/5655815/">Putin's Olympic corruption</a> -- Ilan Berman, USA Today <a href="http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/20/why-u-s-should-care-about-syria-crisis/">Why U.S. should care about Syria crisis </a>-- Nader Hashemi, Special to CNN <a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/robcrilly/100260197/the-grinning-generals-who-highlight-flaws-in-our-afghanistan-exit/">The grinning generals who highlight flaws in our Afghanistan exit strategy</a> -- Rob Crilly, Daily Telegraph <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2014/0221/Chinese-fume-over-Obama-Dalai-Lama-meeting.-Will-there-be-blowback-video">Chinese fume over Obama-Dalai Lama meeting. Will there be blowback?</a> -- Peter Ford, Christian Science Monitor <a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/singapores-foreigner-problem/">Singapore’s Foreigner Problem </a>-- Mark Fenn, The Diplomat <a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100260605/venezuela-the-lefts-favourite-socialist-paradise-is-sliding-into-poverty-and-dictatorship/">Venezuela: the Left´s favorite´socialist paradise´ is sliding into poverty and dictatorship </a>-- Tim Stanley, The Telegraph <a href="http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116703/venezuela-protests-started-sexual-assault-san-cristobal">The College-Town Sexual Assault That Sparked the Venezuelan Violence</a> -- Emiliana Duarte, New Republic <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/Latin-America-Monitor/2014/0221/Venezuela-s-protests-The-who-what-and-why">Venezuela's protests: The who, what, and why </a>-- David Smilde, Christian Science Monitor <a href="http://www.cato.org/blog/understanding-protests-ukraine-venezuela">Understanding the Protests in Ukraine and Venezuela</a> -- Dalibor Rohac and Juan Carlos Hidalgo, CATO

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 21, 2014

At Stake In Ukraine's Drama Is The Future Of Putin, Russia And Europe -- Timothy Garton Ash, The Guardian Ukraine may yet show us that t...

World News Briefs -- February 21, 2014 (Evening Edition)

3:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XEJSbhQf40g" width="560"></iframe> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Ukraine President, Opposition Sign EU-Brokered Agreement On Ending Crisis -- RT</div> Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovich and opposition leaders have signed an EU brokered agreement on ending the political crisis in the country. The Ukrainian opposition representatives included the leader of the UDAR political party, Vitaly Klitschko, the head of the Batkivshchyna opposition party, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and the leader of the nationalist Svoboda opposition party, Oleg Tyagnibok. <a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-president-opposition-sign-agreement-114/">Read more</a> .... <div style="text-align: center;">MIDDLE EAST</div> Clashes rage in <a href="http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/02/22/07/09/clashes-rage-in-syrian-capital-s-northeast">Syrian capital's northeast</a>. U.S., allies agree on aid <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-allies-agree-on-standards-for-which-opposition-groups-in-syria-will-receive-aid/2014/02/20/7b5b8b02-9a53-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">for Syrian rebels</a>. Dozens killed as mortars <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/dozens-killed-as-mortars-hit-town-iraq-201422135331552974.html">hit town in Iraq</a>. UN alarmed at spike<a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/un-alarmed-at-spike-in-executions-in-iran/1856635.html"> in executions in Iran</a>. Iran’s most sensitive <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/irans-most-sensitive-uranium-stockpile-shrinks-after-nuclear-deal/2014/02/20/82230d14-9a64-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">uranium stockpile shrinks</a>. Fears of Syria militancy expand <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-saudi-princemohammed-insight-idUSBREA1K0MW20140221">influence of Saudi prince</a>. Injuries reported in <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/injuries-reported-israel-palestine-clashes-201422116590836192.html">Israel-Palestine clashes</a>. Gaza's fragile ceasefire threatened by<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/gaza-ceasefire-threatened-border-clashes-hamas-weak-palestinian"> border clashes as Hamas weakens</a>. Lebanon detains top suspect <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/lebanon-detains-top-suspect-in-car-bomb-campaign/1856271.html">in car bomb campaign</a>. One killed in south Yemen <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-yemen-south-protests-idUSBREA1K18C20140221">pro-independence protests: sources</a>. Iran, Britain officially resume <a href="http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921202000308">diplomatic relations</a>. Turkey scraps coup plot courts<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-turkey-courts-idUSBREA1K0WE20140221"> in battle over judiciary</a>. <div style="text-align: center;">ASIA</div> North Korea rejects <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/02/north-korea-rejects-un-report-atrocities-201422119632432387.html">UN report on atrocities</a>. Suicide attack kills, wounds several <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/21/suicide-attack-kills-wounds-several-afghan-police-/">at Afghan police complex</a>. Afghan women <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-women-campaign-for-peace/1856204.html">campaign for peace</a>. Thai Prime Minister denies corruption allegations <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/asia/thailand-protests/">over rice program</a>. Thai rice farmers give government <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/thai-rice-farmers-give-government-a-week-to-make-payments/1856234.html">a week to make payments</a>. Nepal to deploy security on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26285028">Everest after brawls</a>. Musharraf will not be tried <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/musharraf-not-to-be-tried-in-military-court/1856178.html">in military court</a>. South Korea to develop <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26287527">Stuxnet-like cyberweapons</a>. Japan to review testimony of women <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-japan-history-idUSBREA1K0SU20140221">who served in wartime brothels</a>. China denounces Barack Obama's<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/china-us-barack-obama-dalai-lama"> meeting with Dalai Lama</a>. <div style="text-align: center;">AFRICA</div> 200,000 remain <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/mali-displaced-21feb14/1856590.html">displaced in Mali.</a> Former Madagascar President rules <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-former-madagascar-president-rules-himself-out-of-prime-minister-job/1856826.html">himself out of PM job.</a> Somali presidential HQ a<a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/somali-presidential-hq-attacked-al-shabab-201422112586270319.html">ttacked by al-Shabab</a>. 11 die in attack by militants <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-somalia-blast-idUSBREA1K0KF20140221">on Somali president's compound</a>. Somalia's Shebab launch suicide attack<a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5imP6own5YjAFfzB22AFB8wrgBktg?docId=1d8db902-321b-4d20-9ff0-515ee97a6ddf"> on presidential palace</a>. UN chief urges rapid <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/un-chief-urges-rapid-reinforcements-car-2014220215313877691.html">reinforcements for CAR</a>. Poor turnout in Libyan vote for <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-poor-voter-turnout-for-libyas-constitution-drafting-body/1855978.html">constitution-drafting body</a>. With hundreds jailed, Egypt's Islamists <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/hundreds-jailed-egypt-39-islamists-demand-protest-strategy-120003334.html">demand new protest strategy</a>. Robert Mugabe celebrates 90th birthday as <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/mugabe-celebrates-90th-birthday-zimbabwe-international-pariah">Zimbabwe's international pariah</a>. Zimbabwe court orders deportation <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-zimbabwe-court-orders-deportation-of-former-us-congressman/1856275.html">of former US congressman</a>. <div style="text-align: center;">EUROPE</div> <a href="http://winter-games.reuters.com/">Sochi 2014: Live</a> Deal signed <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/europe/ukraine-protests/">to end Ukraine crisis</a>. Ukrainian president and opposition<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26289318"> sign early poll deal</a>. Ukraine peace deal signed, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140221">opens way for early election</a>. Ukraine credit rating cut by S&P<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26285792"> as violence continues</a>. Ukrainian parliament votes to free <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/ukrainian-parliament-votes-free-jailed-opposition-figure-n35526">jailed opposition figure.</a> Ukraine’s Yulia Tymoshenko may be freed: A look at the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ukraines-yulia-tymoshenko-may-be-freed-a-look-at-the-jailed-opposition-leader/2014/02/21/b89d57b0-9b30-11e3-975d-107dfef7b668_story.html">jailed opposition leader</a>. Tears for tragic 'heroes': Funerals for victims of Ukraine's bloodshed held in Independence Square on day fragile peace deal is reached after Polish minister warns protestors: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2564573/Is-end-bloodshed-sight-Deal-reached-Ukraine-crisis-week-violence-thats-left-75-people-dead.html">'You'll die if you don't sign'.</a> Wounded medic whose fate gripped <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/wounded-medic-whose-fate-gripped-ukraine-tweets-im-alive/1856689.html">Ukraine tweets 'I'm alive'</a>. Anti-Kremlin protesters found guilty amid scenes <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/anti-kremlin-putin-protesters-guilty-verdict-court">of violence outside court</a>. Basque separatists Eta set to take historic step <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/basque-separatist-eta-historic-weapons-mariano-rajoy">by handing over weapons</a>. Italy's Renzi set to<a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/italy-politics-idINL6N0LQ1SA20140221"> unveil new cabinet</a>. Germany arrests three suspected Auschwitz guards — aged 88, 92 and 94 — <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/02/21/germany-arrests-three-suspected-auschwitz-guards-aged-88-92-and-94-and-uncovers-nazi-documents/">and uncovers Nazi documents</a>. <div style="text-align: center;">AMERICAS</div> White House stresses Ukraine conflict <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/21/24-soldiers-receive-medal-honor-white-house/">is not “proxy” war</a>. 24 soldiers to receive Medal of Honor <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-stresses-ukraine-conflict-is-not-proxy-war/">from White House.</a> Ignoring China's protest, <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/obama-host-dalai-lama-friday-white-house-22610446">Obama hosts Dalai Lama.</a> With 2015 budget request, Obama will call <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/with-2015-budget-request-obama-will-call-for-an-end-to-era-of-austerity/2014/02/20/332808c2-9a6e-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html?hpid=z1">for an end to era of austerity</a>. Venezuela's President Maduro accuses Obama <a href="http://rt.com/news/maduro-accuses-obama-venezuela-988/">of inciting violence</a>. From jail, Venezuela protest leader<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1K17A20140221"> urges resistance</a>. Venezuela threatens to cut off fuel<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-threatens-cut-off-fuel-protest-areas-205822959.html;_ylt=AwrBEiQUvwdTszwANQPQtDMD"> to protest areas</a>. Venezuela sends troops to border region <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/venezuela-troops-border-protests-police">as violence escalates</a>. UPDATE: Venezuela revokes <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-revokes-cnn-press-credentials-184711546.html;_ylt=AwrBJR5woAdTSmwArCLQtDMD">CNN press credentials</a>. Venezuela’s President Maduro threatens <a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/21/venezuela-s-president-maduro-threatens-to-expel-cnn-over-its-coverage/">to expel CNN over its coverage</a>. Exclusive: Argentina, Repsol to sign <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-repsol-argentina-idUSBREA1K00E20140221">$5 billion YPF deal - source.</a> Thousands of extra security agents <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26283966">for World Cup 2014</a>. Venture capitalist in bid to<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-usa-california-split-idUSBREA1J22W20140220"> split California into six states.</a> <div style="text-align: center;">TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</div> Lithuania opens probe into <a href="http://rt.com/news/cia-rendition-prisons-terrorism-976/">‘secret CIA rendition prisons’</a>. Report: U.S. drone may have <a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140220/NEWS/302200002/Report-U-S-drone-may-killed-Yemeni-civilians">killed Yemeni civilians</a>. Sources: Airlines warned to beware <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/us/airline-security-threats/index.html">of possible shoe bombs</a>. In Yemen, a woman's life entangled <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/yemen-woman-39-life-entangled-al-qaida-070459824.html">with al-Qaida</a>. <div style="text-align: center;">ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</div> Global growth under scrutiny at <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/global-growth-under-scrutiny-at-sydney-g20-finance-meeting/1856170.html">Sydney G20 finance meeting</a>. U.S. leads pushback against <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-g20-australia-oecd-idUSBREA1K05K20140221">emerging market angst at G20</a>. Mexico to trump Japan as<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/mexico-trump-japan-no-2-car-exporter-us-053738480--finance.html"> No. 2 car exporter to US</a>.

World News Briefs -- February 21, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Ukraine President, Opposition Sign EU-Brokered Agreement On Ending Crisis -- RT Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovich and opposition lea...

The Optimist's Guide to Western Housing Certainty (Musical Tribute)

1:28 PM Tukiyooo 0

The following chart shows the annual change in the semiannual average of new one family homes sold in the West Census Region. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu2vQpu42lXNBB1NKkV9vkY96mDt3jVwJ86WY4-VNdyCuhMMrKuWa83-XHRkC5Bh6R04Jj9p6h6F6Su43rGxvlAR391zE2G-4XK4k6DtPwDkJh4jh4lKr7iCtKkRM9Z0cd8XMcE7cnOU/s1600/The+Cone+of+Western+Housing+Certainty.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu2vQpu42lXNBB1NKkV9vkY96mDt3jVwJ86WY4-VNdyCuhMMrKuWa83-XHRkC5Bh6R04Jj9p6h6F6Su43rGxvlAR391zE2G-4XK4k6DtPwDkJh4jh4lKr7iCtKkRM9Z0cd8XMcE7cnOU/s320/The+Cone+of+Western+Housing+Certainty.jpg" /></a> Click to enlarge. What's the worst that could happen from here? Okay, sure. The growth rate is currently negative and has been falling for 18 months. That's just this winter's East Coast's polar vortex temporarily rippling back through space and time though. Any rational optimist can see that. Further, we already knew that the East Coast's weather would <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=slJ">carry over to existing home sales in the West</a>. To think otherwise is just crazy talk! In all seriousness, the housing optimists better hope we not only stay in the channel but move back above 0% soon, or <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2013/08/15/report-half-of-all-homes-are-being-purchased-with-cash/?mod=e2tw">speculators may someday wish that they had embraced their fistfuls of dollars</a> instead. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I8vFO9Bl5co" width="420"></iframe> Source Data: <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=slI">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

The Optimist's Guide to Western Housing Certainty (Musical Tribute)

The following chart shows the annual change in the semiannual average of new one family homes sold in the West Census Region. Click to enlar...

U.S. And Allies Agree On Who Will Receive Aid In The Syrian Rebel Movement

1:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm2-ybLBnzZpgV_i4i5lNBOOD0L7tgdsbedY51OGdfiBa9VG97Of8_7Pdacq-A_my5alo83I15zM4l2CpD6686qkjkcaankU5wZ_Di9LYOrBa14aJtZNiCIv5fZF7adyUvdt2ZEWkvGd7/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm2-ybLBnzZpgV_i4i5lNBOOD0L7tgdsbedY51OGdfiBa9VG97Of8_7Pdacq-A_my5alo83I15zM4l2CpD6686qkjkcaankU5wZ_Di9LYOrBa14aJtZNiCIv5fZF7adyUvdt2ZEWkvGd7/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">U.S., Allies Agree On Standards For Which Opposition Groups In Syria Will Receive Aid -- Washington Post</div> The United States and its principal European and Arab allies have agreed on a unified way of providing Syrian rebel groups with aid, classifying them into those who should receive arms supplies and other assistance, those who are ineligible because of clear extremist ties, and those whose eligibility requires further discussion, according to U.S. and allied officials. Along with new initiatives by the United States and others to increase weapons shipments, rebel training, intelligence and other support, the plan — set during a U.S.-led meeting of intelligence chiefs here last week — is designed to overcome divisions among governments that have been deeply split over which opposition groups to aid and what to supply. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-allies-agree-on-standards-for-which-opposition-groups-in-syria-will-receive-aid/2014/02/20/7b5b8b02-9a53-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">Read more</a> .... My Comment: While the U.S. and its allies are debating among themselves on what aid will the Syrian opposition groups receive .... the Iranians are<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-syria-crisis-iran-insight-idUSBREA1K0TV20140221"> stepping up their military shipments</a> to the Syrian regime. It does not take an expert to figure out who will win in the end if this dithering on the part of the West continues.