The Weekly Watch
Seeking Serenity and Sanity in this Crazy World
Is there a path toward peace and prosperity in this time of oligarchs? It is difficult to imagine when you consider our actions. It is disheartening to learn of Canada's nationalization of Tar Sands pipelines this week. The Dakota Access pipeline leaked at least five times in 2017 and it is sure to leak more despite assurances to the contrary. It always amazes me how we pursue ever more fossil fuels which we know are less economical than green energy sources. Like a crack or meth addict we seek more of the poison which spells our demise. We must get off of fossil fuels not only to stabilize our climate but to stop all these insane wars aimed at procuring more oil and corporate profits. There is a path. Let's look at some approaches that hold promise, and then we'll tackle the week's news.
Over the past few month's there has been some discussion of our best path forward here at c99. Some suggest political solutions, others economic approaches, even social movements have been lauded as a way forward. There is no one road...one silver bullet. We all must find a personal approach to dealing with the mess in which we find ourselves.
As many of you know, I'm a homesteader interested in producing much of my own food. I'm not suggesting this is everyone's path. However, fresh local food is a first step toward better health. It is easier to be happy when you're healthy, and it is easier to grow food than you might think. There are some interesting new techniques.
Geothermal Citrus production in Nebraska...http://greenhouseinthesnow.com/index.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZghkt5m1uY (2 min)
Solar powered vertical urban farms are another approach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbBLrRsEsMc (6.5 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCbSNCxS-Tg (2.5 min)
Another interesting system is aquaponics which produces fish and vegetables in a balanced system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud-tF9fCXFk (3 min)
Then there's the old timey way of a simple gardens using a sustainable approach known as permaculture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT_2VVXA7SY (8 min)
It doesn't take large acreages. Here's a small successful urban farm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IbODJiEM5A (15 min)
There are new technologies emerging for energy production and storage. One promising development is salt water batteries...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL2O4AgsMNY (3 min)
https://www.solarelectricsupply.com/solar-batteries/aquion-energy-aspen-...
(hopefully these will return to the market this year)
Despite the 30% tariff on solar panels http://time.com/5113472/donald-trump-solar-panel-tariff/ they continue to offer bang for your buck https://news.energysage.com/how-much-does-the-average-solar-panel-instal...
Coupling panels with an electric car provides benefits for powering both your home and vehicle.
https://news.energysage.com/solar-panels-and-electric-cars-can-i-use-sol...
This dual system also provides benefits to the grid itself
http://time.com/2981460/electric-cars-home-solar/
Using solar power to generate cryptocurrency? It is an interesting idea.
Photon to electron to digital currency https://thesunexchange.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCdOl8kqX_Y (2 min intro)
Max interviews Abraham Cambridge of TheSunExchange.com about their pilot program with the UN Development Program to bring buy to lease solar cells to Moldova. Through The Sun Exchange, anyone can go solar and start building wealth powered by sunlight and this is what the UN is seeking to trial at the University of Moldova. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZeLJXsiJKU (last 15 min)
Solar lighting has gotten really simple, inexpensive, and easy. We use these Luci lights when camping and other situations where we have no grid power. They work great, and lasted all night over the four nights of the Florida Folk Festival last weekend. https://mpowerd.com/pages/about
There's also a home biogas generator on the market. What a great idea. Make compost, cooking gas, and liquid fertilizer from your organic wastes. https://homebiogas.com/
I continue to pursue more ways to live in harmony with our planet. I'm working toward a solar array and electric car. We do have an electric golf cart. I plan to buy an electric power assist bicycle this summer with a little windfall money which came my way. Here in the NE corner of Alabama I generate much of my heat with solar hot water panels and radiant floor heat with a system similar to this cartoon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbjRPNpRwXI (1 min)
There are social strategies. Some people take part in intentional communities. I spent a teen-aged year living on a small collective, and learned a great deal from the experience. Not too far away from my home is a commune begun in the 1940's https://www.koinoniafarm.org/ This community created habitat for humanity. There are many other interesting approaches and you can search by location and intention here: https://www.ic.org/directory/
There's also economic enterprises that change the normal profit narrative.
...cooperatives are more likely to create stable fair-paying jobs, adopt environmentally sustainable business practices and invest in the local community. Because they often evaluate success based on a variety of metrics in addition to profit, such as worker health and happiness, sustainability, and community benefit, worker cooperatives are often said to have “multiple bottom lines.
http://www.co-oplaw.org/co-op-basics/types/worker-cooperatives/
There are many worker owned businesses in the US and efforts to grow more. Here's a manual
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_rgt0QdXUbycnprd3hhYzdWNnc/view
Even business types like the stability of worker owned enterprises -
https://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2013/11/07/wh...
Like the saying goes...it takes a village... to create a community or worker owned enterprise. However we can do more than we think as individuals and families. Maximizing our food production and minimizing fuel consumption is something real we can do. This year I've taken on the challenge to minimize plastics. That is more difficult than you think. Just look around the grocery store and you'll see what I mean. It is more than just the bags, it is now jars, containers, wrappings... I have no illusions that I'm saving the the world, but I'm doing what I can to walk that path toward peace and prosperity.
Speaking of which, the Poor People's Campaign is marching tomorrow for a cleaner environment and better health in over 30 state capitals around the country. https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/events/
https://therealnews.com/stories/the-poor-peoples-campaign-speaks-out-aga...
https://www.truthdig.com/photo-essays/the-poor-peoples-campaign-a-countr...
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/29/hundreds-arrested-nationwid...
As a retired teacher, I see schools as a way to organize communities. However the way schools are being organized are not in sync with my vision...
http://educationopportunitynetwork.org/new-charter-school-plan-should-al...
Here's an example of the issues from OK
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/may/26/us-school-funding-what...
And an example of the answer fails to inspire me
http://progressive.org/public-school-shakedown/state-takeover-jackson-sc...
So how about the weeks news? Not so good uh? Are you still hearing about Russia hacking our election? I am. Last night at the picking. I called bullshit, and was answered with Clapper said so. Yeah the same lying basturd that said there were WMD's in Iraq and they were not spying on US citizens. When will we ever learn. I think if the news would repeat “black is really white” enough times Americans would believe it and we would adopt reverse racism.
In the big picture, my general observation is that the US empire continues to decline as China's rises. China builds roads, rails, and trade deals. They are moving more rapidly on green energy than any other country. https://www.truthdig.com/articles/chinas-green-shift-is-positioning-it-t... The US imposes tariffs and provokes wasteful destructive wars. We're down in the S. China Sea trying to stir up troubles. Larry Wilkerson explains (video or text – 2 parts)
https://therealnews.com/series/tensions-rise-in-dangerous-u-s-china-spat...
The EU seems to be unsteady....
Economist Bill Black and Mark Weisbrot discuss the political dynamics and the economic crisis in Italy https://therealnews.com/stories/unemployment-at-the-heart-of-italys-econ...
Max and Stacey weigh in on Itaexit or Quitaly (1st 15 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZeLJXsiJKU
Spain's new Prime Minister Sanchez, the leader of Spain’s Socialist Party is facing the succession of Catalonia. https://www.truthdig.com/articles/sworn-in-as-spains-leader-sanchez-face...
Then there's Greece, Hungary,and...Brexit. Bitcoin might be a better bet than the euro.
We continue to grow our military presence around the world. Poland has agreed to establish a US base on Russia's border.
The Middle East -
Our blind support of Israel is disappointing as we watch them murder and bomb Palestinians in their open-air prison. https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-military-prevents-palestinian-at... Then there's the cruelty we help impose on Yemen in our support of the Saudi repressive monarchy. I've not heard much about the misguided IFUKUS (that's Israel, France, UK and US) bombing of Syria last month on false pretenses. Chris Hedge discusses the Middle East and ISIS with Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou (25 min)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sym3fkPAVho
Our actions in our own hemisphere are equally sad. https://therealnews.com/stories/exposing-the-oas-anti-venezuela-pro-us-b... We dismiss the fair elections in Venezuela, but accept bogus results in Honduras. We engage in disruption of any government which does not allow US global corporations to misuse its resources and people. In our own country we promote poverty, prisons, and pollution. So is it all hopeless? I think there is a path forward, but it is one we must walk on our own as we work toward the common good.
Corporate spying, data collection, and election manipulation – more Mercer family connections. Another episode from tale of the oligarchs.
https://therealnews.com/stories/max-blumenthal-reveals-surveillance-prog...
https://grayzoneproject.com/2018/05/23/scl-group-yemen-surveillance-camb...
https://grayzoneproject.com/2018/05/30/internal-cambridge-analytica-docu...
After that we may as well rip some children from their parents. Here's Fiore's cartoon version
https://www.truthdig.com/cartoons/the-abcs-of-zero-tolerance-video/ (1 min)
Interesting wide ranging conversation with Thomas Drake, a former Senior Executive at the National Security Agency, says he was targeted by the NSA because he exposed that the agency had intel that could have prevented the 9/11 attacks and because he blew the whistle on a massive secret surveillance program aimed at Americans. (video or text in 5 parts)
https://therealnews.com/series/reality-asserts-itself-thomas-drake
And Chris Hedges spoke with John Kiriakou, CIA whistleblower (25 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrfZcMECJEk
The global issues and political issues are beyond me, but what, my friends, keeps us from producing and eating local grown food? What keeps us from producing our own energy and minimizing our consumption? What keeps us from creating communities in which we want to live? What keeps us from organizing our own businesses with shared profit and responsibility? Aren't these the things we wish for our young folks? I don't know, seems there's a lot of reasons and excuses why we can't achieve sensible common goals. Where the people lead the leaders will follow. There are examples we can follow down the path of peace and prosperity. Let's do what we can, as we can. What more can we do?
Comments
How about a solar powered still?
Distilling spirits could be another use for this clever device, if one were to be creative.
https://www.zeromasswater.com/?mc_cid=76eef34e4f&mc_eid=120f16b746
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
fresh water might be a better use....
for that high tech device.
There are simple ways to use solar energy to make alcohol..like this approach in India
http://www.nariphaltan.org/ethanoldist.pdf
...or this one in MN
https://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/making-alcohol-fuel-sol...
Pulling water out of air is a bit trickier. And really fresh water is more important than alcohol production.
Alcohol as a fuel source is better than extracting fossil fuels, but it problematic on several levels...pollution and efficiency among them.
Interesting device the solar water generator...and could be a game changer if it scales up.
Always good to see you, you old goat!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Yeah, that was sorta snarky
the bit about the still, but the water product does have potential. Thanks for the threads!
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
snark on friend
There's a digital tuner called a Snark. As people bought them the joke was...oh you've gone to the snark side.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
i did some research on this when ZMW was mentioned in
another post earlier this week. other than vague claims about the special materials engineered by the company's founder, the only thing that really sets the ZMW system apart from others is that it is a self-contained unit (solar cells and water extraction combined). this makes it great for certain applications, but not all -- and it is REALLY expensive.
many similar systems exist -- most of them are ordinary compressor-based dehumidifiers with two specific modifications:
A. They use food-grade materials in the condensation surfaces (this prevents contamination of the condensate with, for example, metals from solder).
B. They have built-in filtration systems that purify and condition the condensate, ensuring that you don't get mold and bacteria growing in the reservoir where the condensed water is collected. (you want to condition the condensate because pure distilled water isn't ideal as a drinking water -- it lacks minerals we normally gain from drinking water, and its pH isn't necessarily best for taste or for other chemical considerations.)
ZMW claims that their high-tech materials give them significantly higher efficiencies, which may be true (I had trouble locating exact numbers), but even if so, the average homeowner would be much better off if ZMW would sell them the water-extraction unit separate from the solar system, allowing the homeowner to power the water extraction using a general-purpose solar (or wind) electric array.
Notably, the ZMW system apparently uses a "heat-based" process, rather than a "cooling-based" process. If what you want is efficiency, you'd be a lot better off storying solar-generated electricity in batteries and extracting the moisture from the air at night when temps are cooler and the water is practically falling out of the air anyway.
More generally, for a lot of people the ideal solution would be one that applied to the two modifications I described above so as to render air-conditioner condensate drinkable.
Anyway, for your edification here's a link to a competing system (that uses electricity, but that doesn't come bundled with a solar power system): https://ecoloblue.com
The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.
Thanks!
That is an interesting product. Seems to be humidity dependent? The one QMS mentioned, ZMW, claims to be able to extract water from desert air.
As these things scale up they become less expensive. There is no doubt clean water is an issue. About 700 million people lack access...
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/201...
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
yes, one of the plusses of the ZMW system is that
it is a turnkey, one-component system, which makes it ideal for situations where there's no grid, and there's not ever going to be a grid, and people need water first and foremost, without setting up and maintaining a separate solar-cell installation.
as to taking water out of desert air, i don't doubt the ZMW can do it, and possibly with much more effiency than a compressor-based dehumidifier, though the classic compressor system WILL pull water out of pretty dry air. most americans, however, don't live in the desert -- and those that do often have air conditioning, so again, the ideal system for them is one designed to provide potable water from the condensation produced when the air is cooled.
The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.
absolutely...
makes great sense to clean up and use the water condensed from air conditioners.
I have a catch and drip pan on mine that feed the house plants which live outdoors in the summer.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
good info Mr. Ripped
I think your idea of taking the guts out of the condensation process, breaking it down and making it applicable to other sources of power is a good one. Once the mechanical process of capturing moisture from the air is worked out, the rest is fairly straight forward. Thanks.
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
Sweet stuff lookout
start a commune I'll sign up.
but on another note, 2 parties working
for their masters
https://ghionjournal.com/mission-was-accomplished/
I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish
"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"
Heard from Margaret Kimberley
As Chris Hedges often says...
The system isn't broken....everything is going as planned.
The endless wars speak louder than words! Thanks for the link and article.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Co-ops would be great for people with disabilities.
However, to my knowledge, they're non-existent here in Flawer'Duh's Dead Space Coast.
Modern education is little more than toeing the line for the capitalist pigs.
Guerrilla Liberalism won't liberate the US or the world from the iron fist of capital.
There are some around...
...but I don't see any in FL.
This one in PA sounds interesting.
http://www.camphill.org/communities/
You might do some home work and consider relocation?
Wishing you the best...
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Amazing amount of work!
This is like a magazine where All the articles are interesting and worth reading.
Thing about China is that it now has the capacity and enough wealth to take advantage of it's own domestic market. Like we used to do. And it's going to throw it's weight around and show it's arrogance, same as we still do. As amazing as the transformation China accomplished in so short of time, I don't think we can do the same. We have impoverished ourselves so much there's no pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. Some Americans are more than willing to sell out the country for a couple of bucks.
I think it is all in how we use our national resources
If we would stop our militarization and aggression around the world we would have more than enough to take care of our citizens. Sadly we are not on that path. That is why I'm suggesting that we as individuals and communities just start the change to a better way of life.
Glad you dropped by and delighted you found some things of interest! Makes the effort worthwhile.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Yes, I agree
but what is so obvious to us has become almost impossible to change. It's seems as if the ability of individuals to band together has been deliberately made weak.
I was serious about what you write. I have felt there was a need for some kind of a poor peoples weekly, monthly on how to get by, from young to old and all in between. Sort of a "club" periodical on how to get by on less, like A girl Called Jack, car fixes, hacks, information, whatever, with what your legislator is doing for or against you. Kind of like that AARP magazine but for everybody, to regain some control of their life. A lot of periodicals in the 30's had all these hints to stretch your resources and DIY fixes. Survivalist take it to the extreme. It seems like we're conditioned to always connect with corporate America to find solutions to our problems.
At one time we had a resilience group at c99
I sure that could be revived if you are interested. It was focused on life skills.
Here's a link of how it worked...
https://caucus99percent.com/content/resilience-resource-library
I personally like a weekly article approach. I would contribute if you want to initiate some sort of life skills discussion.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Thanks
I need to explore this, never knew about it, i don't think.
Thanks for making that important point!
The last thing TPTB want is solidarity; they've invested a lot into fragmenting not only the American public, but 'leftists' round the world. Anyone or group who stands for/promotes a public good can be far more easily taken down when small - before the message spreads too far and becomes unstoppable through sheer numbers.
Psychopathy is not a political position, whether labeled 'conservatism', 'centrism' or 'left'.
A tin labeled 'coffee' may be a can of worms or pathology identified by a lack of empathy/willingness to harm others to achieve personal desires.
amen sister
divided they fall...
Hey thanks for the Bonamassa piece too!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Industrial Revolution once they dumped Communism
Mussolini and Hitler did much the same.
China also had US companies come and build the factories and train the managers and technical staff.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
True
but it used to be China would build the factories, and in return the US companies had to make available all the processes and machinery they used in production. And we came running, couldn't wait to OK Chinas Most Favored Nation status.
Absolutely
Instead of "build the factories" I should have said "layed out the factories and designed the process".
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
At times, in past, when i dream beyond my one-room apt,
i've contemplated and researched aquaponics producing fish and vegetables in a balanced system
on a covered backporch with a stream and a view.
A solid concept in practice from what i know.
Good and interesting topic this morning and as usual a whole diet of watching to chew upon.
Enjoyed your description of forest growth in a season of heavy rain, it's womb-like isn't it?
Cheers.
years ago in Boone
I went to someones place that had built a poly cover yard and stream to hangout around in winter. You might be channeling their project for some future venture. Best of luck. Dreams are the first step to creating a better world!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
China
China has the rare earths required for efficient solar cells and limits export. We have to buy finished solar cells from China and pay them with what? More real estate?
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
That isn't necessarily the case...
Sorry duplicate post
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
That isn't necessarily the case TVitW...
There are new technologies coming on, and reserves we have not tapped.
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/2012/august/ne...
http://www.bakersfield.com/kern-business-journal/rare-earth-elements-and...
http://www.bakersfield.com/kern-business-journal/rare-earth-elements-and...
It isn't just solar cells. Have you tried to buy a pair of shoes made in the US?
Good point however!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Good morning ...
Here's a pretty good documentary from RT, Stephen Kinzer on US history. I read Kinzer's book about the Dulles bros. I thought it was a good, maybe essential, read. Looks like he's a better writer than he is a pool player though, but that's just me.
Coups R US: American regime changes and their aftermaths, from Hawaii to Libya (RT Doc, 50 min.)
We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.
That looks interesting...
Thanks for the link. I'll look forward to it.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Good morning, Lookout!
Hope the two of you continue fine.
I agree with you, as you know.
"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha
"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver
We're doing well
Hot and steamy with the sun drying us out. I've got to mow this afternoon. We are between blooms so it is time. Hope all is well with you and yours.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Finding a community when disabled takes more effort
but this document discusses some helpful solutions and techniques.
Disability requirements are the same for each state, but how they are processed vary from state to state. Support services and infrastructure ratings in various communities.
Thanks for the Weekly Watch. One of my favorite weekly reads.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
Thanks for that information
I hope aspie sees it.
This weeks edition does dwell on our common pursuit. We have to be who and what we are.
All the best!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
nice piece on saving seeds and monopolization
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-and-why-be-seed-savior
with a link at the bottom for more examples of today's small farms
Saving seed is fun, and a good way to help maintain a little biodiversity (and food security).
Today's foods are produced by just a few corporations
http://community.corpwatch.org/adm/pages/food_industry.php
Robert Reich does a good job explaining how corporations control farmers and our diets
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLfO-2t1qPQ]
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Happened to come across this,
thought it might be inspirational.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sPti6uhTCs
Psychopathy is not a political position, whether labeled 'conservatism', 'centrism' or 'left'.
A tin labeled 'coffee' may be a can of worms or pathology identified by a lack of empathy/willingness to harm others to achieve personal desires.
Trying to do what I can.
I am in that horrible situation where I want to do much, but am severely limited by by ability to interact with large groups of people.
Yes, I'd LOVE to be part of a commune or shared living space. Yes, I'd love to help out, do what I can to make the place self-sufficient, and to HELL with the government.
Course, then I would live in the constant fear that the government would decide to crack down for guns, or child abuse, or some other manufactured charge that they always pull whenever a group fully cuts ties with the system. (The right wing does have a point about how the government attacks those that don't trust them. The left trusts in the inherent goodness of government, but feels that it's been corrupted by evil individuals. The Right believes in the goodness of individuals, but feel that they've been corrupted by evil government.)
Ah well, I just have to remember that I'm part of an international community now. Yes, Traditional Judo IS an international community, based off mutual respect. And honestly, if Putin feels the need to fake it, (I've read a few criticisms that Putin doesn't spar with anybody outside of his inner circle. Totally against the spirit of Judo.) then it's a sign that the art is one with considerable international respect. Don't listen to what the media says... watch what the leaders DO.
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
the paris commune...
...did not fare well. 2.5 min with text https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffShsnhoRMc
Community is where we build it...including this fine group. So glad judo is providing a physical community. Great your kids are a part too. We do what we can do...
All the best.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
It's what I look forward to every week.
I am actually tempted to start taking the Saturday Morning competition class as soon as I'm able. (I've already paid for it, after all...)
Funny thing, the class seems to be full of Folks from Puerto Rico, Japan, and Ethnic Scots. No, I'm not kidding on that last part. There's at least 4 other folks of Scots descent in the class, and there's been talk about a group trip to the Highland Games this year. (Backhold isn't THAT different from Judo, after all...)
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
Great comment, and a very perceptive point
about the different perspectives of 'right' and 'left'!
Would like just to mention, though, that in Putin's case, personally, I'd also consider what would happen to Russia (and the rest of the world) if their heavily-targeted leader takes foolish risks and had his neck 'accidentally' broken in a hold or fall by someone not known to be trustworthy, in order to be replaced by US or other corporate-friendly interests, having walked into this on the grounds that the spirit of one of his personal activities called for it.
I suspect it's a bit different in this case than it might be for most judoka, for someone with the responsibilities Putin carries and the number of powerful self-interests wishing to dispose of him. And, if Putin was the foolhardy type, this sort of opening could conceivably provide an 'in' for an 'accidental' assassination. Not that he'd have lived this long, if he was.
He puts too much emphasis on improving the living standards and retaining the sovereignty of his people - and even (horror!) is known to have aided other populations which have been corporate interest/billionaire-targeted-into-humanitarian-crises-point - to suit the taste of the various PTB, and they consider this sort of thing to be a very Bad Example To The Disposables Of The World. Not to mention being too powerful to easily take out via the usual war-crimes.
Putin's a monkey-wrench in the evil works of TPTB, and I hope he grinds their nuts.
Psychopathy is not a political position, whether labeled 'conservatism', 'centrism' or 'left'.
A tin labeled 'coffee' may be a can of worms or pathology identified by a lack of empathy/willingness to harm others to achieve personal desires.
Yeah, I do understand that issue.
Considering the US is very keen to assassinate anyone they can. As I said, it's a criticism I've heard, and he has trained at the Kodokan in Tokyo, admittedly with heavy security.
Of course, such an assassination would also be TOTALLY against the spirit of the art, but that never stopped the US, I know. Problem with being community minded is that those that wish to destroy community are willing to pretend they will follow the rules until they can cause the most damage.
Honestly, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, and assume that his ranking was earned honestly. It's not like it hurts anyone to have a world leader interested in an international and working class sport instead of GOLF... Which of course Americans mistake for being a "Tough Guy" who won't defend his claims.
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
WTH--Off Duty FBI Agent Loses Control of Gun
Shoots person in crowd (not sure how to embed--hope this works):
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7er8Jb7Bko]
Not sure what to say. Even when relaxing, our law enforcement acting like irresponsible asshats.
That's about right...
The other week some school resource officer in Atlanta accidentally fired his gun. Luckily no one was hit. There in Denver, the agent may have smoked him a sweetie - he sure was dancing like he felt good.
Now explain how putting guns in schools would make kids safer.
Thanks for the clip!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Shoots somebody in the leg and walks off
hands raised on a seemingly dismissive fashion... too bad the gun hadn't waited to go off until he was tucking it into his pants, to shoot himself in the butt and perhaps scare his head out of there. Or, assuming that the gun had a safety, he might have put have put that on before carrying it for an evening out in a crowd... seems all too typical of the Frantically Brutal Idiots forming too much of the agency.
Psychopathy is not a political position, whether labeled 'conservatism', 'centrism' or 'left'.
A tin labeled 'coffee' may be a can of worms or pathology identified by a lack of empathy/willingness to harm others to achieve personal desires.
Interesting the paths we observe
some seem like psycho paths. It's no wonder they carry guns.
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
Lol, all too terribly true,
even if it did give me a giggle.
Psychopathy is not a political position, whether labeled 'conservatism', 'centrism' or 'left'.
A tin labeled 'coffee' may be a can of worms or pathology identified by a lack of empathy/willingness to harm others to achieve personal desires.
Is God a Racist? - No, I am not drunk -
It's already Monday here and I just started to read the headlines of the collected articles. Definitely lookout's weekly collections and the daily EBs provide this community "a home to come back to again and again". Thanks to all the authors, who keep this site alive. I honestly respect the work of all of you.
If I just had an idea of how to read everything within a couple of minutes and make some reasonable comments to what I really couldn't read in a whole day.
Magic, where are you when I need you. Should I say something to something I just scanned the headlines of to decide which article to read in full? It takes a lot of nerves to make decisions which ones to choose, as they are all relevant and good. (I know this now from experience... ha, something great has happened to me around here, I learned to magically know which articles are good and which one are not).
Sigh. What to do, what to do?
So, I make my silly comment now, because that's all my mind can muster.
The whole time since JtC wrote his "I am pissed now" essay I had a thought in my head. It was an outrageous thought and I dared not to think about my thought seriously, but then this damn thought didn't go away. So ... here it goes:
Don't you think that our Creator (also known as God by some, not Jesus, jeebus, not that guy I mean the real one ...) is a racist?
What do you think. It's pretty clear that most folks get more irritated if you break the habit of relating in love only to one of your own race and/or ethnicity. Crossing religious or ideological lines is peanuts. Crossing racial lines is 'a serious mental offense in many people's minds'.
Don't tell me it ain't so. It would be a lie. So I was wondering, why that is.
And I had the "Geistesblitz" (flash of genius)
because clearly, yes, clearly, it's because God is a racist.
First of all, God made us to feel guilty to 'sin' crossing the racial lines, then after we have sinned, he shows his love to us with his Godly present to give us those "non-white-non-black" super cute kiddos, tricking us into believing that the way we think to overcome the racial lines is the right thing to do and he supports us and gives us for that reason that special gift of cutie "Mulatto-Metizos".
So, those non-white-non-black kiddos fall in love with each other and what comes out of it? More 'black' and more 'white kiddos. God just says "heh, I bamboozled (spoofed?, hoodwinnked? you," I want you to stay black or white and not non-black-non-white. So I make it so in my ways... sez God.
In other words, are the Mendelian Inheritance Laws a sign of God's racism? Isn't it 'telling' that within the Mendelian Inheritance Laws are three laws that are called:
Law of segregation
Law of independent assortment ... and
Law of dominance.
Reminds my of something, something ...
Dear Lookout, don't expect me to read all your fantastic links, when I still have the deep desire to find out, whether God is a racist or not. Please.
(PS: Put this comment under the category of "unacceptable reading material").
(PS PS: I like to work on a webpage, that would accumulate all book recommendations made by members of this site. Together with a short paragraph of why said member recommends reading that chosen book. What do you think? I always regret that I didn't do that for the last 13 years I read at dailykos and now here.)
Good Night, it's beyond my bedtime now. Thanks for all the fish. And yes, "nichts für Ungut".
https://www.euronews.com/live
Sleep well dear friend
I'm from Alabama and the God worshiped here is definitely racist.
I live in a bed of snake handlers... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_handling
I taught their children. I recommend the book "Salvation on Sand Mountain" to get the gist of what I'm saying. (another to add to your list...which is a really good idea).
As to reading or watching everything I post, do you order everything on the menu at restaurants? Please feel free to pick and choose what interests you. Obviously this is all the things I've seen all week. I try to bring you all what I find stimulating and important. Please just grab what strikes you as interesting.
Hope all is well in your corner of the world!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Finally getting a chance to read . . .
the text of the OT and the comments. Really great as always!
Thanks and have a fabulous week!
Marilyn
"Make dirt, not war." eyo
good to "see" you
I hope your gardening season is going well. Thanks for reading!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
somewhere in the novel Z, a fictional account of life
under the military junta in Greece back in the '67-'74 era, is a sentence that goes something like this:
i cannot improve on that argument.
The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.
Eisenhower made this really good speech
In '53 I think (3 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on3KFBXQI2E
Yes 53 I found the text-
Eisenhower's "The Chance for Peace" speech after Stalin's death in 1953 which he took as an opportunity to "nip the Cold War in the bud".
Short excerpt from the speech:
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.
This world in arms is not spending money alone.
It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.
The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities.
It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population. It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals. It is some fifty miles of concrete pavement.
We pay for a single fighter plane with a half million bushels of wheat.
We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people".
Dwight D. Eisenhower
http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/speeches/ike_chance_for_peace.html
He did however continue to build our military. One week after this speech Dullas made a pro-war policy speech. Seems the CIA has been running the show for awhile and refused to extinguish the very profitable cold war.
I like the bullet bottle of milk analogy too. Thanks.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
This may be a repeat, but I love it. Wilding....
How returning a British estate back to nature, letting it run its course can work.
Wilding
Severe thunderstorms all week, unusual for our place in the world, knocked out our internet and with it TV and phone. Missed some emails and news, but survived otherwise. Catching up now.
Every afternoon a low off the Atlantic sends counter clockwise big mass air over the Mediterranean, picking up warm and wet air. Then sends it straight north. Let the storms commence. Drying clothes outdoors is a real challenge. But watering everyday isn't needed.
You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again you did not know. ~ William Wiberforce
If you can donate, please! POP Money is available for bank-to-bank transfers. Email JtC to make a monthly donation.
Thanks for the UK wilding link
I love projects like this in Ecuador (4.5 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXeVuu7UsV4
We COULD live in harmony with each other and the planet.
Glad you're back online. We have internet issues here in remote Alabama too.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”