The Weekly Watch

The Ukrainians are Not Zs

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The Russian troops had a Z displayed on their equipment and uniforms. Ukraine therefore canceled the letter Z, so that makes them not Zs.

The most popular theory used by military experts to explain the letters is that they were written according to the respective areas where the Russian troops are usually stationed, with Z potentially standing for Zapad (west).

Others believe the letters were drawn in an attempt to avoid friendly fire, while some pro-Kremlin Russian military experts have speculated that the letter Z stands for the name of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and the letter V for Vladimir Putin.

The Russian defense ministry itself has not commented on any of the theories, and instead posted on its Instagram channel that Z meant Za pobedu (“for victory”) and V stood for “power of truth”.

The Germans are not Zs too. German States Outlaw Display of Russia's 'Z' War Symbol.

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So why in the world is the US supporting Nazis? Well Matt Orfala has made a short film to explain our motivation. Jimmy had a version with commentary as well.

He's an excellent film maker.

Speaking of excellent film makers, Oliver Stone was interviewed by Lex Fridman Whole interview is at the link with topical time stamps, here's a clip.

If you didn't see his film Ukraine on fire it is worthwhile.

Ukraine On Fire – An Oliver Stone Documentary (2016) [VIDEO]
"Ukraine. Across its eastern border is Russia and to its west-Europe. For centuries, it has been at the center of a tug-of-war between powers seeking to control its rich lands and access to the Black Sea. 2014's Maidan Massacre triggered a bloody uprising that ousted president Viktor Yanukovych and painted Russia as the perpetrator by Western media. But was it? "Ukraine on Fire" by Igor Lopatonok provides a historical perspective for the deep divisions in the region which lead to the 2004 Orange Revolution, 2014 uprisings, and the violent overthrow of democratically elected Yanukovych. Covered by Western media as a people's revolution, it was in fact a coup d'état scripted and staged by nationalist groups and the U.S. State Department. Investigative journalist Robert Parry reveals how U.S.-funded political NGOs and media companies have emerged since the 80s replacing the CIA in promoting America's geopolitical agenda abroad."

Much has happen this past week in relation to the Ukrainian special operation. Scott has his views...

He thinks the troops being trained in Germany and Poland could prove problematic for the Russians.

But Gonzalo disagrees and sadly for him it wasn't respectfully.

You can disagree and not be disagreeable most of the time... if you choose to lead with kindness.

I still go to Alex Christoforou for my daily updates. Here's his latest report from yesterday afternoon.

'Destroy' Russia navy & feed the world. Shoigu warns Finland-NATO. Trudeau's CBC expelled

Last week there was a Debate: Russia-Ukraine War |
Stephen Walt, John Mearsheimer v Michael McFaul, Radosław Sikorski

Here's a couple of short clips...

featuring John Mearsheimer.

MSM has so misled Americans and Europeans. Caity has a couple of nice articles explaining the war propaganda.
Western Media Run Blatant Atrocity Propaganda For The Ukrainian Government
Twitter To Ramp Up Censorship Of ‘Misinformation’ About The Ukraine War

I find it difficult to understand the EU's rush to suicide to curry favor with the US.

EU set to bury itself with its new Ukrainian misadventure.
MoA has a similar take.
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2022/05/how-europe-was-pushed-towards-econ...

Meanwhile back at home the Ministry of Truth (fortunately) has been put on hold. However the Dims have more 1984 policies in store. Domestic terrorism you terrorists you!

Democrats are pushing a new 'war on terror' on American citizens: Greenwald

However, the Hunter laptop story has finally made it to the MSM.

When the GOP takes over in January, plan on an impeachment trial unless Biden resigns and Kamala pardons him.

The US attempt to crush Russia's economy has come home to roost, as another $40 B is stuffed in the grift machine. Ukraine is the grift that just keeps on giving. Now it is on the China, and Joementia is in Asia trying to stir up another conflict. Will we ever try to create peace and harmony? Of course not, and those that try that will be arrested as terrorist! There was so much more to discuss about surrenders, cauldrons, bombing of weapon caches and troop barracks, transportation links,...
But I think we covered enough ground this week.

Time to catch a few more Z's.

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A Z-badge on the black-orange ribbon of St. George is seen during an event titled "For Peace! In Support of the President!" held at the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center.

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We sure could use that 40 billion here at home. War is just an accelerant to speed up the wildfire of climate change. It's also massive destruction in every way; a burning through of valuable, diminishing resources. That doesn't even speak to the horrible suffering that people in the vicinity of the wrecking and butchering endure. It is an exercise in stupidity and waste at the most profound level.

The topic of power grids has come up in the MSM these past couple of weeks. Apparently our various power infrastructures need an infusion of money to be brought up to snuff in order to be able to handle these serial heat waves all across the country. That 40 billion could be spent right there.

Here is a story from Texas about impending power grid problems. Why don't we just nip it in the bud and fix it? We could, but it looks like we won't. https://www.texasobserver.org/texas-insane-heat-wave-shows-our-grid-isnt...

It's not just Texas though, the rest of the country is in the same boat. 'Build-back-better' is nowhere in evidence.

Thanks for the roundup. Hope things are going well in your corner of the world. I'm planting a bit of this and that, trying to keep the birds, butterflies, and pollinators, with a supply of snacks. We've been able to watch the small critters of our corner flutter and scuttle (lots of lizards) about this spring. That is always gratifying.

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11 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@randtntx

We've got woodthrush singing this morning all around the house...one of my favorites.

I think we're looking at a long painful decline punctuated by war and conflict. Wish I could paint a more cheerful future.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GysbKROdqj8]

Better to be prepared than caught off guard.

We're due a much needed rain this afternoon and through much of the week. I'm planting a $1 bag of grocery store blackeyed peas as a green manure crop in one of the beds today. The trick is to cut them at first bloom this summer and leave them as a mulch till fall planting. We're harvesting the last of the broccoli, cabbages, and lettuce as summer heat builds. Waiting on several cabbages to grow bigger to use for kraut. Got the tomatoes in cages last week. So onward toward food security.

Have a lovely day and enjoy the critters and nature! Thanks for the visit.

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9 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

enhydra lutris's picture

@randtntx

then only upgrade and harden it. Anything else is just more corporate welfare. The whole gimmick with "regulated utilities" is that they really aren't. We grant(ed) them monopolies, rights of way, sometimes land too, and lots more and in exchange guarantee them a profit? How does that work, and how is that an "exchange" or trade off of any kind. Where is the net benefit to the people?

be well and have a good one

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10 users have voted.

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Lookout's picture

@enhydra lutris

Too bad everyone in the US doesn't have access to cheap reliable electricity.

We could solve the energy problems if we tried. I have long been a proponent of solar power to dissociate water and produce H2 to power generators, cars, etc. There is some explosive danger, but that exist with gasoline too.

May as well dream cause it ain't gonna happen. More profit, not planet nor people.

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9 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

@Lookout I spent the night in a hotel within 4 hours drive to Ft. Worth.
It was 104 deg. The wind felt as though it was coming from a heater. I had to get to a store and buy some cotton tees, as we had packed for much colder weather. A local at the store commented that before summer was done, the temps would reach 130 deg.!
At least I am on a coop service. My prices do not jump up mysteriously, black outs have not occurred...yet.
I got an electrician to give an estimate of costs to switch to solar power, and it was going to cost $55,000. Sorry. I am stuck with what I have. If I were 20 years younger, I would do it. In fact, 20 years ago, I contacted the coop department that installs the solar systems. They quoted me $80,000. Doing it ourselves is only slightly less expensive. We gave up, will get a generator that uses propane. That is the best we can do, and it doesn't help at all with emissions.
It is expensive to be eco-friendly. Wish I were rich.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Lookout's picture

@on the cusp

Our electricity is so cheap (two meters for less than $100/mo) I can't justify a pv system. We also use propane.

We have to work within the system where we are. No need for guilt despite the spin.

Sorry about the wild weather. We're all in for it as climate chaos widens.

All the best!

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5 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

You've been doing great work on Russia/Ukraine. This snippet of info might be interesting to all of you:

The Z on Russian tanks are designations that tell where the tank is based. Their home base in Russia.

Sometimes you will see large capital N's on equipment and that is another geographical designation.

Very confusing to see all those Z's in combat when the West has made such a big deal about the letter Z.

Now that you understand, it may be a good time to also see that, so far Russia has only sent fewer than 10% of its forces into Ukraine. Lots of letters on battalions and brigades we are unaware of.

Other than the War, my garden is finally going after a terrible spring in NYC. Lots of Herbs this year and next plan is to use my hot sunny kitchen window to start a succulent garden in the fall.

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12 users have voted.

NYCVG

Lookout's picture

@NYCVG

I've missed your voice and perspective of late. Glad to hear the herbs are coming along. We don't grow that many herbs these days...did better in the past. We do have some sage, rosemary, oregano, dill, and thyme. We have them outside the garden fence because the deer don't a have an interest.

Years ago we had more medicinal herbs like coneflower and such, but we've let that slip away.

Hope to "see" you more frequently! Wishing you the best.

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10 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

@Lookout I've never missed a column of yours. Just didn't need to chime in until now.

On the herb situation: I got totally addicted to basil growing this winter. The smell!! the taste on pizza!!

Also loving dill and parsley.

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NYCVG

Lookout's picture

@NYCVG

We plant that as a companion crop with the tomatoes, and parsley is such a staple for us I didn't think of it as a herb, but you're right. We keep a parsley salad going almost all the time. With parm cheese, lemon and EVOO, sometimes with garlic and sometimes without. Great with eggs or a salad topping or added to soup. Anyway you remind me that parsley is one of the most under used herbs. It is high in vitamin C too.

Take care and be well!

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8 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

enhydra lutris's picture

@Lookout

because persillade.

be well and have a good one

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Lookout's picture

@enhydra lutris

Easy to grow and yummy to eat.

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6 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

ggersh's picture

Oliver Stone say the whole world is affected by what's going on in Ukraine so I'm guessing that this is WWIII now. Russia though and I'm sure to a certain extent all of the amerikkkan sanctions warfare seems to have backfired in a big way, especially in Russia.

This guy lives in St. Petersburg and man does it look amazing. All the infrastructure looks to be in
good shape unlike in falling apart america

[video:https://www.moonofalabama.org/2022/05/ukraine-sitrep-russians-break-thro...

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxnJ2ERO4jc]

First came Covid that included a bailout to the oligarchs and a handout to Big Pharma. Next comes Ukraine with a handout to MIC and a slush fund for the D's/R's in Ukraine. I imagine soon with the stock markit crashing the Banks will be next in line, but there is never anything for the people. We the people need to wake the fuck up.

It's so fucking gross....sorry everyone but I have children that will be greatly affected by this corrupt psychopathic country

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZol2ywFYUQ]

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12 users have voted.

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

Lookout's picture

@ggersh
I've been cluing in on iEarlGrey too. In one clip he allows Alex's videos inspired him to show off his home in Russia (St Petersburg area) during his commentary.

Matt's weapons clip is a perfect description of this shit show, that's why I featured it at the top. Jimmy's commentary is good too.

I think a food shortage and currency collapse will lead to bad outcomes. So does Chris...
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzgiS2CDlJY&t=25s]

Hang on it's going to be a wild ride into this mess.

Thanks for the clips!

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9 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

ggersh's picture

@Lookout by tptb. the reality is nothing has changed except for who is
controlling the govt and that's the WEF/MIC/CIA. That's all my humble
opinion of course Smile

The survivor garden keeps on growing, baby steps, but it keeps on growing

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10 users have voted.

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

Lookout's picture

@ggersh

of manufactured shortages. Sadly it is easy to believe it is by design to extend control over the people and planet.

Just when you think it can gt worse, it does.

Glad to hear of garden growth. Always makes me feel good. We harvested enough broccoli to freeze a bag tonight. Lots of lettuce filling the fridge too. Had fried eggs on fresh lettuce this morning.

Happy gardening!

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12 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Lookout's picture

I thought it was a pretty good summary (as usual).
He features the debate in today's WW.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqve5DC4Hfo]

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7 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

...
ZZZaCnVdvExw6UWSeQfr0tUH3jr4qG.jpg
?!?

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6 users have voted.

In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

Lookout's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat

...but it sure seems like the start of WWIII. Funny that Russia's alphabet doesn't include the letter Z.
The closest thing is like our number 3.
https://www.russianforeveryone.com/RufeA/Lessons/Introduction/Alphabet/A...

I also find the EU calling it zed interesting.

History and Etymology for zed
Middle English, from Middle French zede, from Late Latin zeta zeta, from Greek zēta

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zed

Take care and be well!

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8 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

@Lookout ...but There Is Another:

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4 users have voted.

In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

enhydra lutris's picture

All this time I thought that "Z" was for "Zabriske", the vantage point from which one can overlook Death Valley.

be well and have a good one

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4 users have voted.

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Lookout's picture

@enhydra lutris

...but let's hope not. Glad to be toward the end of my ride.

Have a great day!

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5 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

@Lookout
a reassignment into the future (or the past??), so I’ll just keep on keeping on on that basis. I’ve yet to figure out just how things work, in the big picture. Still trying though …..

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3 users have voted.

Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men for the nastiest of motives will somehow work for the benefit of all."
- John Maynard Keynes

Lookout's picture

@ovals49

no one has...

I’ve yet to figure out just how things work, in the big picture.

and if they claim to, they're lying. It s a complex grift we're experiencing on many levels...from the Fed to the MIC to Big Pharma to the scam foundations of Gates to Clinton. Lots to sift through and glad to have your help in decoding.
We're being done unto and the degree to which we're being screwed is simply difficult to ascertain.

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6 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Home burglaries (in Texas, 'burglary of a habitat') is dominating criminal dockets lately.
I suggest that we all think about security lights and cameras. The critical first step in preventing a burglary is light. Burglars work in the dark.

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7 users have voted.

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Lookout's picture

@on the cusp

while at work. Now a days it is rare one or the other of us isn't at home. However, we're off to the FL folk Fest next weekend and the place will have to tend itself. We're in a pretty safe community.

Sorry people are become so desperate that they resort to theft. Sadly the primary thieves among us skate through Scott free, it is just the poor thieves which are prosecuted.

Thanks for all you do to help the little people!

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5 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

@on the cusp https://www.theonion.com/things-robbers-always-look-for-when-casing-a-ho...

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3 users have voted.

In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

TheOtherMaven's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat

That's actually advice I've heard from "authoritative sources", i.e. the police. Leave the bathroom light on, and it reduces the risk - burglars would rather not be confronted by someone who "just had to" make a wee-hours trip to the loo.

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6 users have voted.

There is no justice. There can be no peace.

@TheOtherMaven and lots of cops. They both agree...lights are the best line of defense.

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5 users have voted.

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

@on the cusp I live across the street from a ditch, so far out on the outskirts that our "street" isn't even city property (I lived in a "neighborhood" for all of ~4 years of my life, and before that I grew up in a house across the street from a labor temple and down the street from an on-ramp), and my mother and I in particular are incorrigible night-owlsbats - as she once observed, "we're like a Motel 6, there's always somebody up!".

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2 users have voted.

In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!