This week in the USA is going to see weather alerts across the country.

Watch: Creation of a Snowflake (click here)

Have you ever seen how a snowflake is formed? Matt Sampson shows us new images of these frozen wonders, taken on a macro level.

April 13, 2015

The calendar may say mid-April, but we have our eyes on a system that may produce significant snowfall for the Rocky Mountains, including the Denver metro area this week.
The culprit is a sharp southward plunge of the jet stream which will drive into the Northwest Monday, then the northern Rockies and Great Basin Tuesday, bringing lowering snow levels to the Cascades, Bitterroots and Wasatch, not to mention high winds to the Great Basin....

This is from the National Weather Service (click here)

A word about Iran from Dr. Ernest Moriz.

In his pivotal contribution (click here for article in Prometheus - a scientific policy blog by the University of Colorado) to the US-Iran nuclear negotiations, Ernest Moniz, US Secretary of Energy, offers a role model of how to integrate science and politics.

Both Secretary Kerry and President Obama has stated the agreement with Iran brokered in Switzerland is based in access and transparency. There is no debating this agreement as political fodder. It is a very serious document.

April 12, 2015
The Washington Post Op-Ed

...Iran has repeatedly emphasized (click here) its commitment to a peaceful program, but today’s reality of national and U.N. sanctions highlights the international community’s concern about Iran’s past nuclear activity. The Lausanne understanding is not built on trust. It is built on hard-nosed requirements that would limit Iran’s activities and ensure vital access and transparency.

An important part of the parameters is a set of restrictions that would significantly increase the time it would take Iran to produce the nuclear material needed for a weapon — the breakout time — if it pursued one. The current breakout time is just two to three months. Under the JCPOA, that would increase to at least a year for at least 10 years, more than enough time to mount an effective response.

The negotiated parameters would block Iran’s four pathways to a nuclear weapon — the path through plutonium production at the Arak reactor, two paths to a uranium weapon through the Natanz and Fordow enrichment facilities, and the path of covert activity....

12 Governorships up for Election with three occuring in 2015.

Map is from "Politics 1" (click here)

January 23, 2015

Unless you've been living under a rock, (click here) you know that the 2014 midterm elections didn't go so well for Democrats. Republicans surged to a 31-18 lead nationally (there's one Independent, Alaska's Bill Walker).

The upcoming gubernatorial election cycle won't be any easier for the party. Despite holding far fewer seats overall, the Democrats have more governorships to defend in 2015 and 2016 than the Republicans do. The Democrats hold eight of the 14 seats being contested.

In this, Governing's first handicapping of the 2015-2016 gubernatorial cycle, we will be following our traditional practice of initially separating races into one of three categories: vulnerable, potentially vulnerable and safe. At this time, there are four vulnerable governorships. Three are Democratic-held seats that are coming open due to term limits -- Kentucky, Missouri and West Virginia -- and the fourth is held by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory of North Carolina....

A significant number of people are unhappy with McCrory in North Carolina. He said thank you to the NC electorate shortly after being elected by giving away a bunch of money on the NC State Tax beginning after he took office. Beginning in 2014 the electorate is feeling the pinch of new taxes they never bargained for.

Can the White House please review some of this. As far as I am concerned if the federal government made a mistake, they own it.

It would appear the couple didn't bargain for too much of a subsidy, but, they are being penalized because they received one. It might be advantageous for the HHS Secretary to issue rules for tax consulting agencies if there aren't such available already. I realize this is late in the season, but, it is not at all too late to refile.

April 13, 2015
By Carrie Wells and Andrea K. McDaniels

Vadim Jigoulov and his wife (click here) were hoping for a small tax refund after the birth of their second child. Instead they owe the federal government more than $2,000 related to subsidies they received to help them buy health insurance under Obamacare....

...And some taxpayers are finding they received too much in subsidies when they bought health insurance through the exchanges for 2014, triggering a tax penalty.

"For most people, really the majority of people, there isn't much more involved than just checking a box on the return saying, 'Yes, I had insurance all year,'" said Jackie Perlman, a principal tax research analyst at the Tax Institute at tax preparation firm H&R Block. "But if you're someone who didn't have insurance all year, or didn't have insurance at all, you've got some work to do."

Tax returns are due by Wednesday, when they must be electronically filed or postmarked. For those waiting until the last minute, the U.S. Postal Service issued a reminder that post offices will be open regular hours on April 15.
Every tax season comes with tweaks to the tax code that can add to the workload....

This is the most recent wind maps for the USA. The northern tier of states in the Midwest carries the best performance for wind.

February 18, 2015

Partnered (click here) with AWS Truepower,  the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Energy Department’s Wind Program released maps in December 2014 that highlight the potential for wind energy development using more advanced wind turbine technologies with higher hub heights of 110 and 140 meters. The resource potential maps show that as wind turbine technology advances and can be installed at higher hub heights, areas with previously limited wind resources–such as the southeastern United States–have the opportunity to add new wind power capacity using taller utility-scale wind energy technologies....

The Midwest and East have the second best performance in wind potential. While the West Coast is ranked behind the rest of the country, it is still a viable wind option.

AWS Truepower (click here)

Established in 1983, AWS Truepower has been a long-time leader and innovator in renewable energy consulting. AWS Truepower provides the most accurate, reliable, and innovative renewable energy project development and operations solutions available today. Energy developers, investors, utilities, system operators, and governments rely on the company’s 30 years of experience, proven science and technology to reduce uncertainty, mitigate risk, and maximize return on their investments. Our suite of consulting and advisory services, innovative software, maps, and data products support the complete project development lifecycle. From identifying a promising site with advanced GIS analyses to smart resource assessment campaign design, project design and bankable energy assessments, we have the solutions needed to make your vision a reality. Headquartered in New York, AWS Truepower has offices in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

How many places will you find a PhD. for a CEO? 

...Bruce (click here) has been instrumental in shaping the renewable energy industry. He has served on several industry boards and has been heavily engaged in both state and national collaborative activities to address the technical and market barriers to renewable energy development. Bruce is widely published and frequently gives presentations at domestic and international conferences. He has acted as Program Chair for numerous industry conferences, was a US Department of Energy Wind Program Reviewer for several years, and has been a thesis mentor and guest instructor for several universities.

September 24, 2014

Latham-based alternative energy company AWS Truepower (click here) is part of a consortium that is looking how to best harvest energy from winds sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Long Island.
AWS Truepower will be helping to analyze wind speed data being collected by Deepwater Wind, a Rhode Island-based company that is studying a potential 210-megawatt wind farm — the equivalent of about half of a traditional fossil-fuel power plant — in the ocean off Montauk at the eastern tip of Long Island. The turbine project is among proposals being considered by the Long Island Power Authority....

AWS is considered a professional consulting firm. They have held a recent meeting for interested parties to investment. This is from Bloomberg.

AWS Truepower, LLC Presents at Solar Power Finance & Investment Summit 2015, Mar-26-2015 08:30 AM (click here)

This is a report about the future of wind energy from the US Energy Department.

"Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States" (click here)

You see. This is what happens when all regional countries are not cooperating to end any hostilities.

April 13, 2015
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) " Iran suspended all minor hajj trips (click here) to Saudi Arabia on Monday amid growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, state television reported.
Iran's Culture Ministry made the decision over alleged abuse suffered by two male Iranian pilgrims traveling through Saudi's Jeddah airport in March, the station reported.
Culture Ministry spokesman Hossein Nooshabadi told state TV that the minor hajj would be suspended until the Saudi government "applies a strong attitude" to the case. He also said "capital punishment" should apply to the case, without offering specifics about the allegations.
The alleged abuse, the details of which authorities have not publicly discussed, has sparked unauthorized protests at the Saudi Embassy in Tehran on Saturday....

The Middle East, today or in the future, cannot afford to have bad international relationships. Groups such as Daesh finds a safe haven when there is not a dialogue or treaty for the region.

The rise of Daesh and it's international reach into all countries, especially Indonesia, requires a new footing based in strong international alliances. It is a very dangerous charismatic movement.

April 12, 2015 
The Kingdom is not at war with Iran, (click here) Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said on Sunday, insisting that Saudi Arabia's decision to fight Houthi rebels was solely in response to the call of Yemen's legitimate ruler to restore legitimacy. He hoped Tehran ends its support to the Houthis.
The prince was addressing a joint press conference with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius.
The foreign minister also said that Iran has no right to tell the Kingdom to stop the war since Yemen does not belong to Iran....

It would seem as though Saudi Arabia is striving to stabilize the region with it's expertise to produce soldiers loyal to elected officials. The exception, of course, is Syria whereby rebels are the choice for the country.

April 13, 2015 
Several tribal groups (click here) have joined the regular legitimate troops in Shabwah, Abyan and Yafie as the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis has targeted caves used by the rebels for ammunition storage.
This was announced on Sunday by Brig. Gen. Ahmad Al-Assiri, a consultant at the office of the defense minister. “Fuel stores have been targeted so they will not be able to make use of these supplies,” he said.
About the tribal groups, the spokesman for the coalition said they announced their loyalty to the legitimate government and their resolve to defend it....

There needs to be a regional alliance of all countries with understood priorities in regard to stabilization. There is no standard strategy for any of these less stable countries, except, to return peace.

Ryan Grim and Jessica Schulberg claimed from Washington. Sophia Jones claimed from Istanbul. Burak Sayin contributed reporting from Istanbul.

WASHINGTON -- Turkey and Saudi Arabia, (click here) two nations with a prolonged background of rivalry, are in superior-degree talks with the objective of forming a military alliance to oust Syrian President Bashar Assad, according to sources familiar with the conversations.
The talks are being brokered by Qatar. As the partnership is currently envisioned, Turkey would provide floor troops, supported by Saudi Arabian airstrikes, to aid reasonable Syrian opposition fighters towards Assad's routine, according to 1 of the resources.
President Barack Obama was produced knowledgeable of the talks in February by the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, through the emir's take a look at to the White Property, just one source explained. A White House spokesperson declined to remark.
The administration has commonly inspired Persian Gulf international locations to step up and do additional on their possess to endorse regional safety, significantly in Syria, but this kind of chat has mainly remained just chat. It really is unclear irrespective of whether this scenario will be distinct, but Saudi Arabia's current intervention in Yemen suggests the nation is turning out to be bolder with its individual forces, alternatively than relying on proxies....

Iran is nowhere in these meetings. That is a mistake. It will create instability.
If Iran is left out of these meetings and policies, there is no sense to delisting terrorist groups.

The Kurds have to be included as well. Turkey has to be willing to realize it's role in stabilizing the border with Iraq and Syria.

Turkey cannot simply look the other way to provide rivals to continue a prolonged conflict in hopes that will defeat PKK.

McCain's political flip-flop on Iran.

April 9, 2015
By Nick Gass

“I think you’re going to find out (click here) that they had never agreed to the things that John Kerry claimed that they had,” McCain said. “So in a way, I can’t blame the Ayatollah, because I don’t think they ever agreed to it, and I think John Kerry tried to come back and sell a bill of goods, hoping maybe that the Iranians wouldn’t say much about it.”

Which is it John, "Bomb, bomb, bomb" or "...I can't blame the Ayatollah?"

Perhaps what this means is that John McCain, as President, will call the Supreme Leader before the bombing campaign begins.

Is it not obvious the Republicans haven't a clue on how to realize Iran is a regional power in the Middle East? Their answer is to annihilate the country that has survived sanctions.

Iran is a homeland for the Shi'ties. They have a vital capacity they need to maintain and provide stability with alliances of other countries. To place Iran on the fringe and out of any alliances forces them to find their own strategy for the populations throughout the region. That approach forces their consideration of nuclear capacity and not to move into a legal international standing of the Non-Proliferation Treaty of which they are a signator. 

When, if ever, will the Republicans abandon their extremist agenda? 

Senator McCain needs to consider reading the actual document and encouraging their constituency to read it as well. They do read, don't they? I mean there is no doubt the Republicans have no use for the US Department of Education, so who knows how Republican constituents cope, except, to listen to infotainment.

Here's the full text of the statement on the deal, (click here) read by the EU's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, at a press conference in Lausanne on Thursday afternoon alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.

I'm going now to read a joint statement that we have agreed on with Foreign Minister Zarif and all the others that have been negotiating so hard in these days.
We, the European Union High Representative and the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, together with the Foreign Ministers of the E3 + 3, China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, met from 26 March to 2 April 2015 in Switzerland, as agreed in November 2013, to gather here to find solutions towards reaching a comprehensive solution that will ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program and the comprehensive lifting of all sanctions.
Today we have taken a decisive step. We have reached solutions on key parameters of a joint comprehensive plan of action. The political determination, the goodwill and the hard work of all parties made it possible and let us thank all delegations for their tireless dedication....

This is from a report by the USDA.

The ERS International Macroeconomic Data Set (click here) provides historical and projected data for 189 countries that account for more than 99 percent of the world economy. Historical data are available for real (inflation-adjusted) gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, population, and real exchange rates from 1969 to the most recent available year, and each variable is projected forward to 2030.... 

This is dramatic for two reasons. The reasons are China and India.

The other countries show growth into 2030. But, the remarkable populations of China and India and the focus on economics by their governments brings a profound uptick to the global economy. 

China, no doubt, will be a profound and vital new market share for all exporting countries. Imports from China can be focused to curtail job losses in the USA. In the past, China has provided a labor force that removed jobs from the USA economy forcing a service sector growth to fill in the gap. The service industries haven't proven to be even a living wage for Americans. To that reality the White House has carried out a somewhat successful focus to the minimum wage to improve the quality of life of American families and a relief somewhat to the USA Treasury. Everyone knows the US Treasury has been a source of Wall Street Welfare since 2008.

The service industry in the USA has noticed it's importance with a new Fed Chair and have initiated improvements in wages voluntarily, however, it is not the case across the entire service sector. The best outcome during the Obama Administration has brought more manufacturing jobs. These jobs can be standardized for markets that are stabilized. The USA needs leadership to work with manufacturers to find a regular market for their products, including exports.

In the most recent data, (click here for National Associations of Manufacturers) manufacturers contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since being $1.73 trillion in 2009.  The sector currently accounts for 12.0 percent of GDP. For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector.... 

Democratic candidates have every reason to promote the economics of the 21st Century as established by the current administration. This economy has a vital link to prosperity for the future for at least one generation. That is a very profound change for the USA which has been a bubble and bust strategy at the very best by previous Republican administrations in the White House, including that of Reagan. 

Reaganomics has proven to be the one strategy contributing to the 2008 global economic collapse. Reagan didn't build anything, he deregulated existing industry to provide a revitalization rather than a change to build the future. 

The fact the USA is building into the future is a new venue of economic vitality of which Republicans have no claim. They have done nothing but obstruct a larger vitality to the USA economy to reserve a "space" for their worn out Reaganomic strategy that is decades old and dangerous.

It will be the task of the Democratic candidates to continue and expand the USA economy and to end the domination of the 1 percent that continue to rob wealth from the hard working Middle Class. That is still seen in the Real Estate market which continues to a lackluster return from before the beginning of the 2007 bubble that completely collapsed in 2008. 

April 8, 2015
By Diana Olick

Loan applications (click here) to purchase a home rose for the third straight week, but lower interest rates were not enough to spur mortgage refinances.

Total mortgage application volume rose 0.4 percent week-to-week on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending April 3, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The move was driven entirely by a 7 percent surge in applications by homebuyers. Purchase applications are now 12 percent higher than the same week one year ago
"Purchase mortgage application volume last week increased to its highest level since July 2013, spurred on by still low mortgage rates and strengthening housing markets," said Mike Fratantoni, MBA's Chief Economist.

Manufacturing supports an estimated 17.6 million jobs in the United States""about one in six private-sector jobs. More than 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing - See more at: http://www.nam.org/Newsroom/Facts-About-Manufacturing/#sthash.4Hv6Jvlt.dpuf

manufacturers contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since - See more at: http://www.nam.org/Newsroom/Facts-About-Manufacturing/#sthash.4Hv6Jvlt.dpuf

In the most recent data, manufacturers contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since being $1.73 trillion in 2009.  The sector currently accounts for 12.0 percent of GDP. ¹   For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector. ²  

- See more at: http://www.nam.org/Newsroom/Facts-About-Manufacturing/#sthash.4Hv6Jvlt.dpufcontributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since being $1.73 trillion in 2009.  The sector currently accounts for 12.0 percent of GDP. ¹   For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector. ²

In the most recent data, manufacturers contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since being $1.73 trillion in 2009.  The sector currently accounts for 12.0 percent of GDP. ¹   For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector. ²  

- See more at: http://www.nam.org/Newsroom/Facts-About-Manufacturing/#sthash.4Hv6Jvlt.dpufmanufacturing contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since being $1.73 trillion in 2009.  The sector currently accounts for 12.0 percent of GDP. ¹   For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector. ²contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since being $1.73 trillion in 2009.  The sector currently accounts for 12.0 percent of GDP. ¹   For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector. contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy, having risen steadily since being $1.73 trillion in 2009.  The sector currently accounts for 12.0 percent of GDP. ¹   For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector. ²

Manufacturing supports an estimated 17.6 million jobs in the United States""about one in six private-sector jobs. More than 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing - See more at: http://www.nam.org/Newsroom/Facts-About-Manufacturing/#sthash.4Hv6Jvlt.dpu

The Midwest is on alert following tht tri-state desastation of a few days ago.

The attention was focused on Illinois where deaths occurred, but, the reality is there was a tornado outbreak in Iowa, Illinois and Ohio.

April 9. 2015
(CNN) —One person has died as a result of storms Thursday in Fairdale, Illinois, said Patti Thompson, a state emergency management spokeswoman.
Tornadoes tore through parts of Iowa, Illinois and Ohio on Thursday in what forecasters from the National Weather Service warned is a "particularly dangerous situation."
People across the Midwest should be on alert for severe weather, the weather agency said.
In Rochelle, Illinois, there were "multiple reports of injuries and damage," the Ogle County Sheriff's dispatchers said.
A video of the storm on YouTube showed a massive twister barreling across an open field....

...Another tornado was reported south of Toledo, Ohio. (click here)
The twisters are part of a broader severe weather pattern that was expected to affect about 95 million people Thursday, including those in major cities such as Chicago and St. Louis.
Eight tornadoes were reported Wednesday in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, the Storm Prediction Center said.
The National Weather Service indicated a tornado may have touched down in the small town of Potosi, Missouri, about 70 miles from St. Louis.
More storms are expected in the Midwest, Mississippi River Valley, Tennessee River Valley and near the southern Great Lakes, the Weather Service said. 

Any candidate traveling through the Midwest and otherwise needs to be checking forecasts for their safety. Please. This is not about bravery, this is about a hot planet and being 'smart' about avoidance of very accurate predictions of these perilous storms.

There is nothing saying the candidates cannot visit storm damage sites. That would be a smarter choice than ignoring any potential for such storms. 

April 11, 2015

The people of Fairdale (click here) returned to what's left of home Saturday morning for the first time since Thursday's devastating tornado.
Stepping down from the buses that brought them back, they walked slowly down Main Street, clutching each other, looking out on the mounds of debris that used to be their homes.
At about 7 a.m., the town was silent save for the whine of a wood chipper and the honking of geese flying by. Carefully, the residents began to pick through the piles, searching for lost pets, valuables, important legal documents and items of more sentimental value....

Some in the region have not experienced tornadoes, but, have sustained hail damage from extended hail storms. Crop damage are very susceptible to hail storms. It would be worthwhile to concessional check in with USDA about the farming community and their ability to cope with a warming planet. 

It is a matter of knowing what is occurring with the country. I remind California is suffering from an extended drought that may impact the agriculture there. If that were to occur that would be a profound problem to the food supply in the USA and the world. These are not minor issues. Frequently agricultural problems are not visited simply because it has high priority with the White House. That does not mean there is no problem at all.

RT is reporting the EU is not united on Russia Sanctions, therefore they will be extended. I know Greece wants the sanctions lifted.

September 15, 2015

The EU sanctions (click here) announced on 12 September targeted Russia's state finances, energy and arms sectors. These are sectors managed by the powerful elite around President Vladimir Putin.
Russian state banks are now excluded from raising long-term loans in the EU, exports of dual-use equipment for military use in Russia are banned, future EU-Russia arms deals are banned and the EU will not export a wide range of oil industry technology.
Three major state oil firms are targeted: Rosneft, Transneft and Gazprom Neft, the oil unit of gas giant Gazprom.
But the gas industry, space technology and nuclear energy are excluded from sanctions.
Dozens of senior Russian officials and separatist leaders are now subject to Western asset freezes and travel bans....

...The EU sanctions announced on 12 September targeted Russia's state finances, energy and arms sectors. These are sectors managed by the powerful elite around President Vladimir Putin.
Russian state banks are now excluded from raising long-term loans in the EU, exports of dual-use equipment for military use in Russia are banned, future EU-Russia arms deals are banned and the EU will not export a wide range of oil industry technology.
Three major state oil firms are targeted: Rosneft, Transneft and Gazprom Neft, the oil unit of gas giant Gazprom....

April 10, 2015

Latvia, current holder of the EU presidency, (click here) said on Friday it was surprised by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's criticism of European Union sanctions against Russia.
The Latvian prime minister's comments came after left-wing Tsipras met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, and lashed out against what he termed the EUs «vicious cycle of sanctions».
But Latvia's Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma said Athens had approved an extension of EU sanctions just last month.
"At that meeting in March Greece's prime minister accepted a common position,» she told reporters during a visit to neighboring Lithuania....

April 11, 2015

Belgium has not asked Russia (click here) to lift the embargo on its food products, and such issues should be discussed between the EU and Russia, says Belgian Foreign Minister and Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Chairman Didier Reynders.
"Belgium pursues its policy in solidarity with the European Union, and therefore such proposals on softening the embargo should be discussed between the EU and Russia. We didn't touch upon this matter at negotiations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov," Reynders said in an interview with Interfax.
"We work within the framework of the European Union's position, and therefore Belgium has not put forward any special demands for Russia regarding the food embargo," he said....

Russia has been threatening the Netherlands with nuclear capacity due to a potential application to NATO. That first occurred in 2014. In June of 2014 NATO moved troops into the Czech Republic. Today, there are military exercises and the Russia threat has been renewed. There is an Op-Ed in RT about the foolishness of the sanctions. It was only a few weeks ago Russia floated a ship into the bay near the Netherlands.

There are tensions in the region and they are not only about Ukraine.

IN PHOTO: Soldiers of the U.S. Army arrive in Prague as they take part in the "Dragoon Ride" military exercise in Prague March 30, 2015. The "Dragoon Ride" military exercise involves soldiers of the U.S. Army-Europe's 2nd Cavalry Regiment, deployed in Estonia as a part of the Operation Atlantic Resolve, moving along a 1,800 km-long route across Latvia, the Czech Republic and Germany, where they will re-base at the Rose Barracks, in the north-east Bavarian town of Vilseck. REUTERS/David W Cerny REUTERS/David W Cerny 

April 10, 2015
By Esther Tanquintic-Misa
 
NATO, (click here) which has been continuously monitoring the changed security environment in Europe amid continued threats and posturings from Russia, has just undertaken a military drill to test just how fast and quick reaction forces under the Very High Joint Readiness Task Force or VJTF, could deploy and assemble. The first military drill, held in both the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, involved 1,500 NATO troops from 11 member states.
Initially, the alliance mandated that its rapid reaction force must be able to respond within five to seven days in the event any geo-political threat arises in the region. But its leaders thought the timeline was too long and that it gives the enemy too much freedom to create chaos and destabilisation in its chosen target.

Sorry about yesterday evening. I have an  84 year old uncle who fell ill with a glioblastoma brain tumor (click here) and the family is absolutely besides themselves.

It is a very unfortunate story and an odd one. As recently as last week he had climbed a ladder to remove debris from a rain gutter on the front porch without a problem. The other day he was sitting at the breakfast table with his 82 year old wife looking through an accounting book when he did nothing but flipped the pages. He would not respond when she called his name and she had thought he had a stroke. An ambulance was called and the story begins.

A Cat Scan showed up a brain tumor at his right temple. Surgery was preformed to determine the type of tumor and he was diagnosed. He was sent home without treatment by the doctors to live his life which could end anywhere from four days to six months. No treatment, not even the option of hospice or invoking the living will. 

He was home yesterday alert and speaking to family. There are six daughters, two of whom are in the medical profession. They are all devastated. 

One of the daughters, my cousin, had watched a television program whereby Duke University had found a use for a virus to defeat such tumors. In the program it was stated, the treatment had been successful on a 76 year old man. She had called Duke and received the news that while her father was a candidate for the treatment, which could potentially save his life, they could not offer it to him. Why? Because it is not approved by the FDA, is an experimental treatment and can only be administered if given chemo and/or radiation treatment without success. 

Many millions of dollars from grant and philanthropic funds have already been invested in this genetically-modified poliovirus work, and significant additional funds will be required to continue to move it forward. If you wish to donate to this important scientific advancement, please go to our online donation form.

Link: http://www.cancer.duke.edu/btc/modules/Research3/index.php?id=41

The FDA needs to consider allowing this treatment in such cases. The family has resolved to stay with the parents on a rotating basis and conduct life as usual as long as it continues. I have never been in the presence of a family so hopeless in my life. It is terrible for them. So. Life goes on.

I've received some unhappy news about a family member. I'll be a little late tonight.

The Democrats of Iowa are waiting for no one. Good for them.

These are two of prospective candidates for president 2016. They gave great speeches and are equally as dedicated to a high moral standard for the USA.

Former Senator James Webb (D-VA) and former Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD) (click here) delivered the keynote speeches at the Polk County Democrats' 4th annual spring awards dinner held at the Local 450 United Automobile Workers Hall in Des Moines. They both focused on preserving the American Dream though the economy, higher wages, and higher education. Former Senator Webb also focused on criminal justice and social reform while former Governor O’Malley spoke more about economic reform and the struggles of the poor and the middle-class.

I like her.

I like her. I think she is brilliant and knows more about the USA than anyone alive. I mean that. She has known the ups and downs of the USA. She knows it from a unique perspective. She is woman from a family that wanted her to achieve and what she decided to achieve in was a huge surprise. I don't know why it would seem like a surprise, but, rarely one day of her life did she only think of herself. 

I like her. That isn't going to change. She has discerning insight, the moral backbone and the ambition to make America the greatest country in the world. I look forward to her leadership and resolve.

The USA, it's people and allies are in for a real treat.

I'll be busy for the remaining afternoon which was planned some time ago. 

I am looking forward to a great campaign for an American hero in Hillary Clinton.

I am happy she decided she would run.

What is an oligarch?

This is from Wikipedia. 

Business oligarch is almost a synonym of the term "business magnate", borrowed by the English-speaking and western media from post-Soviet parlance to describe the huge, quickly acquired wealth of some businessmen of the Post-Soviet states (mostly Russia and Ukraine) during the privatization in Russia and other post-Soviet states in the 1990s. The history of the business oligarchs in post Soviet Union states is discussed in the following articles relating to specific regions of the former Soviet Union:...

July 12, 2015
By Simon Goodley 

Gun battles and 'extortion' in latest Russian oligarch legal battle (click here). 

Billionaire aluminum tycoon Oleg Deripaska being sued by Michael Cherney in high court for 20% of Rusal....

London's latest legal battle between oligarchs from the former Soviet Union kicks off on Monday with a $2.5bn case featuring gun battles and alleged extortion payments at the heart of the fight to control the country's nascent aluminium industry in the 1990s.

Oleg Deripaska, the billionaire metals tycoon whose friendships with Lord Mandelson and financier Nat Rothschild have ensured his name is well known in the UK, is being sued by Michael Cherney – an Uzbekistan-born Israeli who claims that he is owed 20% of the shares in Rusal, the aluminium giant controlled by Deripaska.

While Deripaska admits to having paid Cherney $250m following a 2001 meeting in London's Lanesborough Hotel, he will argue that the sum was a final instalment of an extortion – or krysha – payment to organised crime groups represented by Cherney.... 

We have seen them in Ukraine when the government failed the people. In Ukraine the actual question is not that the government failed, but, when did it fail? It didn't first fail in the Maidan. The uprising at the Maidan was a symptom, not the coupe. When did the coupe happen?

What was learned about the Ukraine national military after the deaths in the Maidan?

The Ukaine national military was completely disarmed and made ineffective to the point where members in Crimea had their lives in danger when another militarized force came forward. The national was completely disarmed and helpless in Ukraine.

What is the definition of sovereignty?  

Sovereignty is a governable state. It is not just a geographical state although that is required to put forward a governable state, but, it is the state of the people within their borders to be self-sufficient within those borders. 

Once a people are decided to be a governable state, that is an authority. That authority puts forth the standards of their people and the ability to govern their borders and any possessions of that authority. Is national security important to govern as an authority of a governable state?

National security is absolute in the definition of sovereignty because otherwise it is anarchy where people live and die through confrontations and I am not referring to civil war. Civil war is a completely different dynamic.

In the case of Ukraine the national military was overthrown by the then President Yanukovych and his oligarchs that hacked into Ukraine to create their own Middle Ages surfdoms. Ukraine's oligarch was definitive to the rise of oligarchs in Russia. Literally, the oligarch becomes his own government. I don't recall any female oligarchs anywhere in the world. Doesn't mean there isn't, I just am unaware of one.

Oligarchs are primarily economical There be other ones, but, in the democracy of the USA and a constitution that is suppose to be an authority by, of and for the people; oligarchs are primarily economic.

To return to the USA where the local government tout elections as the definitive measure of sovereignty. When that local, state, federal government is noted to provide equipment or otherwise paid for by private citizens there is an imposition by those within the governing authority to maintain that source of generosity. Is it corruption? I consider it corruption, but, there is a higher standard that defines corruption as a 'serve in exchange for monies.' Is that going on in Oklahoma? The people have to decide if their lives effected by police financed by questionable sources including corrupt courts that disregards civil rights to benefit the city's treasury. 

In the case of Black communities and individuals, this is widespread. This is something that was conducted by an authority in the past administration. Was Bush diluting legitimate police forces that worked for all the people for those that have become killing forces? All I'll say is that "W" was fully in charge when the USA police departments became militarized. Was that similar to the Ukraine President? Sure looks like it. Did "W" benefit from militarizing the USA police? Sure, he benefited politically. Ultimately anyone can look at the "W" White House and know there was a great deal that occurred by 'chance' because of incompetency. The USA is still attempting to push back against the idiocy handed down from DC post 911. 

Do I have to make a list to the incompetency and brutality of that White House? Socially that administration caused a great shift from advances by the USA to regressive measures. "W"s White House was looking to shut down telescopes in the country. Like, what? There was a big 'thing' about large scientific telescopes during that administration. It was completely bizarre during those eight years. All one has to do is appreciate the hideous dynamics of the global economic crash. It was like; what?

I think every police involvement with deaths of American citizens, especially Black men, needs to be assessed individually. Albuquerque, New Mexico is not New York City. New York City is not Ferguson. But, I think this Oklahoma situation is typical of the impoverished cities of the south. A wealthy individual will bolster important governing measures such a police simply because there is a narrow group that actually has good incomes. The tax base is impoverished as well as the people. That leaves open the dynamics of Ferguson. The more impoverished tax payers become the norm in the USA the far less effective their governments will become.

If I may?

Be careful in stating generalities. Those generalities exist, but, can't be stated until discovered and validated. There is liability both financial and political in jumping to conclusions.

Is racism in the USA? 

No.

Doesn't Oklahoma have liberal gun laws? A 9mm is hardly straw purchase.

Was Mr. Harris on parole or something? I find this entire scenario more than a little odd. A parole violation? Why was this man singled out for a sting operation?

For a face to face transaction (FTF) (click here) Joker has it right, don't be afraid to give them a recept if they want one, that can be as easy as a hand written note with date, serial number and your contact info.

If the gun is registered to you then don't be afraid to ask for a recept with their personal contact info.

(in Oklahoma we don't register guns we just have to do the brady background paperwork if you are buying a gun from an FFL holder)

I deal in guns both as a buyer and seller and in Oklahoma you can sell as a private citizen to anyone that you are sure is over 21 and don't suspect they are a fellon.

If you want to sell to someone in another city it is not difficult either, you can ship a shotgun or rifle to anyone in Oklahoma through UPS or Fed-ex without paperwork The exception is a pistol and you need to ship that to an FFL holder.
Outside of Oklahoma you need to have an FFL holder ship to another FFL holder and have your buyer pick it up from them, Any gun shop has an FFL license and most will ship, most on this form ship cheap.

Give me a PM with what you want and what you have and I may be able to take your guns in on trade for the one you want. 

Under Oklahoma law a license would be required for 'carry and/or concealed carry.' But, if Mr. Harris was bringing a gun to a location to sell it, there is no crime there.

Under Oklahoma gun control laws a permit is required to carry or conceal. (click here)

Inadvertent mistakes. Indeed.

I am sorry, but, while the officer stated he was about to release a taser on the suspect, they had already caught Mr. Harris. Basically, there was no need for the taser either. Mr. Harris was killed because of carelessness and over use of force. It is very obvious. There is no phenomena within that video and the only high stress voice I heard was that of Mr. Harris when he realized he'd been shot. His first aid and transport should have been immediate. There was a car right there. 

I would think with the officers feeling so badly about the mistake and realizing Mr. Harris was bleeding moving him to an emergency room would be better. I can under understand when an officer realizes what a terrible circumstance the suspect is facing, the car was right there. What kind of first aid is in the petrol cars, because what ever it is, is not sufficient for this type of aggressive policing. Mistake or no mistake an unarmed Black man is dead again. 

Selling a 9mm pistol is a crime. He was wrong to do it. But, it should have never cost him is life. 

Mr. Harris was already under the control of police when he was shot.

April 11, 2015
By Corey Jones

...The video shows (click here) a deputy reaching out to take down Harris, who Jim Clark said was running with the characteristics of holding a gun. He continued to struggle on the ground with deputies and ignore their commands, Jim Clark said.

“He was absolutely a threat when going down” because deputies believed him to be armed and he hadn’t been searched yet, Jim Clark said.

Bates exited his vehicle with a pepper ball gun in his left hand and a firearm in his right. Bates saw an opportunity to shock Harris in his upper right shoulder, Jim Clark said, and thought that he had holstered his handgun and drawn his Taser when he fired.

After Harris was shot, deputies can be seen in the video subduing him by using neck and head pressure points.

Tulsa County Sheriff’s Capt. Billy McKelvey said the deputies were not aware that he had been shot, having not heard the round. As soon as they realized he was wounded, they rendered aid and radioed for paramedics and firefighters, McKelvey said.

Investigators later learned that Harris was unarmed.

The Sheriff’s Office placed weapons identical to the ones Bates had on a table for examination.

McKelvey, a certified firearms instructor, explained that the Taser and the .38-caliber pistol were both equipped with laser sights. When gripping either one, the laser is activated, he said, also noting that the two have similar weights. The handgun weighs 11.4 ounces, while the Taser weighs 12.6 ounces.

There would be no difference in feel in a high-stress situation, McKelvey said. Bates’ Taser was kept on the front of his utility vest, and his gun holster was on his right hip.

“He made an inadvertent mistake,” McKelvey said....