Colorado floods leave hundreds unaccounted for (via AFP) More than 500 stranded victims of major flooding in Colorado braced for a new round of heavy rain Sunday that is threatening to impede rescue efforts. Officials noted that many of those unaccounted for may simply not be able to telephone loved ones… … [Read more...] about Colorado floods leave hundreds unaccounted for
(Updated) Syria: Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary Kerry Discuss the ‘Framework’
Update: The following is President Obama’s Statement on the U.S.- Russian Agreement on the Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons: I welcome the progress made between the United States and Russia through our talks in Geneva, which represents an important, concrete step toward the goal of moving Syria's chemical weapons under international control so … [Read more...] about (Updated) Syria: Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary Kerry Discuss the ‘Framework’
Syria applies to join chemical weapons ban
Syrian President Bashar al Assad's government formally applied today to join the international convention prohibiting the use of chemical weapons. Here is the official statement from the United Nations: "Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Syria’s instrument of accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention The Secretary-General, in his … [Read more...] about Syria applies to join chemical weapons ban
In Germany, clothing is often optional
In Germany, clothing is often optional (via GlobalPost) Enlarge GLOWE, Germany — On a balmy summer day, the Schaabe looks like a slice of paradise. The narrow spit of forest-covered land is fringed by a 6-mile beach of fine white sand lapped by the deep blue Baltic Sea. Kids splash in the gentle surf,… … [Read more...] about In Germany, clothing is often optional
BlobFish Declared ‘World’s Ugliest Animal’ To Aid Conservation Efforts
BlobFish Declared ‘World’s Ugliest Animal’ To Aid Conservation Efforts (via Planetsave) When it comes to conservation of rare and endangered animals, conservation groups and institutions tend to favor the more handsome species as emblems of their causes. This is understandable, we like looking at cute animals (and babies). Arguably, this… … [Read more...] about BlobFish Declared ‘World’s Ugliest Animal’ To Aid Conservation Efforts
Syria: Kerry’s gains in Geneva
Secretary of State John Kerry scored victory in Geneva today by pressuring Russia’s Sergey Lavrov to agree to very clear procedures and a tight timetable for the gathering, storing and destruction of all Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s chemical weapons. Assad will be ordered to comply under threat of potential military action authorized by the United Nations Security … [Read more...] about Syria: Kerry’s gains in Geneva
Bill Maher on US Syria Policy: We Look “More Like George Zimmerman” Than World’s Policeman
Bill Maher slammed the U.S. for its Syria policy saying "we're starting to look not so much like the world's policeman, but more like George Zimmerman, itching to use force and then pretending it's because we had no choice." Dang, that's pretty deep, but so true and President Obama looks a whole lot like his predecessor. During his final New Rule Friday night, with reference … [Read more...] about Bill Maher on US Syria Policy: We Look “More Like George Zimmerman” Than World’s Policeman
BREAKING: U.S., Russia agree to framework on Syria chemical weapons
The United States and Russian have now agreed on a deal to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons. That is indeed a big deal -- and now the tricky part is to ensure that the deal is kept or won't fall by the wayside and discredit deal-making between the longtime historical adversaries: Russia and the United States announced Saturday that they have reached a groundbreaking deal … [Read more...] about BREAKING: U.S., Russia agree to framework on Syria chemical weapons
Is Ron Paul a political liability for his son?
The Week asks the valid question about the far right elephant in the room: is Ron Paul a political liability for the higher political aspirations of his son Rand Paul? GO HERE. … [Read more...] about Is Ron Paul a political liability for his son?
President McCain Aims to Set Putin Straight
You get old, you forget things. It’s been only five years but John McCain is having a senior moment by arranging to answer Vladimir Putin, President to President. Stirred up by the Russian leader’s New York Times OpEd piece, the 2008 loser has prevailed upon Pravda to publish his answer to the Kremlin commentary. Whatever medication they have him on in that old-age home, … [Read more...] about President McCain Aims to Set Putin Straight
American Exceptionalism
I agree with most of what my friend Dorian said about the Putin OP ED in the NYT. I don't think however we should let the messenger preventive us from learning from the message. I have always disliked the idea of "American Exceptionalism." While we have always talked the talk we have not always walked the walk - nothing exceptional about that. Many if not most of our … [Read more...] about American Exceptionalism
Breaking News: U.S. and Russia Agree on ‘Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons’
The U.S. State Department: Taking into account the decision of the Syrian Arab Republic to accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the commitment of the Syrian authorities to provisionally apply the Convention prior to its entry into force, the United States and the Russian Federation express their joint determination to ensure the destruction of the Syrian chemical … [Read more...] about Breaking News: U.S. and Russia Agree on ‘Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons’
Putin Twerking (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed by Cagle Cartoons to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. … [Read more...] about Putin Twerking (Cartoon)
Wall Street May Have Won the Money But Not the Hearts
A NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows that 5 years after the crash, Americans still distrust and dislike Wall Street. Who can blame them? There have been no real consequences to those who caused so much suffering around the world. They are, for the most part, still in positions of power and still extremely wealthy. Wall Street is basically completely disconnected from Main … [Read more...] about Wall Street May Have Won the Money But Not the Hearts
(Breaking Update) Syria: ‘Yes’ on Chemical Weapons Attacks — and More
Breaking Update: Reuters: France's U.N. ambassador, Gerard Araud, told reporters that Monday is the tentative date for Ban to present Sellstrom's report to the Security Council and other U.N. member states. Original Post: It is widely expected that the United Nations report on the August 21 massacre of more than one thousand innocent men, women and children … [Read more...] about (Breaking Update) Syria: ‘Yes’ on Chemical Weapons Attacks — and More
Syria’s Assad playing a scrawny hand with aplomb
Syria’s Bashar al Assad seems to be the gainer so far in the mess over chemical weapons although he does not control all Syrian territory and does not have a functioning government. He is playing a scrawny hand with brazen aplomb. His diplomatic success stems from being treated as the kingpin to whom both the US and Russia must turn if the Kerry-Lavrov duo hopes to obtain … [Read more...] about Syria’s Assad playing a scrawny hand with aplomb
First, Putin. Now Comes John McCain
Most Americans have by now read Vladimir Putin’s Op-Ed in the New York Times counseling America and Americans on the concepts of democracy, human rights, diplomacy, law and order, etc. and -- most of all -- on the need to remember that “God created us equal.” Of course, Americans needed to hear that from the man who has trampled just about every one of those principles and … [Read more...] about First, Putin. Now Comes John McCain
(UPDATED) Original report Dr. Shiping Bao that George Zimmerman Shot Trayvon Martin in the Back is disavowed
As George Zimmerman continues to self-destruct, former associate medical examiner Dr. Shiping Bao is dropping 'bombshells' all over the place, starting with his threat of filing a $100 million wrongful termination lawsuit, to accusing the prosecution of deliberately throwing the case. Bao's latest bombshell is that George Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin in the back and not in … [Read more...] about (UPDATED) Original report Dr. Shiping Bao that George Zimmerman Shot Trayvon Martin in the Back is disavowed
Dear Vladimir: Keep in Touch
Wonderful to hear from you after so long. We were beginning to fear Barack had offended you in some way at those interminable meetings, but it’s reassuring to know you still care. We too remember when “we were allies...and defeated the Nazis together.” Those were the good old days, meeting up in Czechoslovakia and swapping Mickey Mouse watches for vodka. It’s reassuring … [Read more...] about Dear Vladimir: Keep in Touch
Relocate 100,000 Israeli settlers? Lots of luck with that.
There's this really, really big elephant in any room where negotiations take place concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is, of course, the West Bank settlements. In yesterday's Jerusalem Post there was an article on a statement by the former chief of staff of Ehud Barak, Gilad Sher, which outlined what he believed would be necessary for a viable two state solution to … [Read more...] about Relocate 100,000 Israeli settlers? Lots of luck with that.