Statements, comments and forecasts that have no substance, but just might turn out to be relevant.
1.In preparation for next year's presidential election, young women across Russia are showing their support for Vladimir Putin by literally ripping their clothes off, reports The Independent. The video campaign has been launched by a group called “Putin Army,” which is reportedly offering an iPad to whomever submits the best video. The group posted the first video clip this weekend and asked other “young, smart and beautiful” girls to “tear something off for Putin.”
2.Syria on Monday officially announced that it recognizes a Palestinian state on 1967 lines with east Jerusalem as its capital, according to the semi-official SANA news agency. Now the only question that remains: Who will recognise the Syrian regime?
3.Should Iran succeed in filling a major power void in Iraq a country that touches six Middle Eastern powers and demographically favors the Shia, Iran would theoretically have its western flank secured as well as an oil-rich outlet with which to further project its influence. When or if the US withdraws its military as planned at the end of 2011, Iran will then replace the US as the most powerful military presence in the Persian Gulf, with the ability to threaten The Straits Of Hormuz and the supply of oil to the west.
4.As the world deals with attempts to deliver aid, Gaza's residents are preparing for the inauguration of a new luxury hotel. The hotel, called Moby Dick, will be inaugurated in the coming days, and Gazans hope it attracts not just Hamas men but also Western tourists. If they do arrive, they'll be able to enjoy luxurious banquet halls made of marble and stone, first-class restaurants and a shining swimming pool. A resort village with swimming pools and restaurants opened in Rafah several weeks ago, and another restaurant is planned off the city's coast. PG: Read more about these hypocrites... http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4096055,00.html
5.Believe it or not! Saudi Arabia has an anti-witchcraft unit. When the severed head of a wolf wrapped in women's lingerie turned up near the city of Tabouk in northern Saudi Arabia this week, authorities knew they had another case of witchcraft on their hands, a capital offence in the ultra-conservative desert kingdom. Agents of the country’s Anti-Witchcraft Unit were quickly dispatched and set about trying to break the spell that used the beast’s head. Dont believe it? Then believe this...They have banned the Harry Potter series by British writer J.K. Rowling, rife with tales of sorcery and magic. These people wear suits and and are honoured guests at the White House.
6.The military establishment running Egypt’s interim regime is discreetly moving to ensure that the army retains its influence over Cairo’s post-revolutionary government. PG: Told you so! The Associated Press quoted Maj.-Gen. Mamdouh Shaheen, a member of the council that is leading the constitution-drafting process, as saying this week that the country’s next constitution should safeguard the army against the “whims” of a future president – in effect asking for the armed forces to be given virtually complete independence.
7.Apple may have opened only four stores in two cities in China so far, but unbeknownst to the company, they are already expanding elsewhere in country. A local store in Kunming featured a glass exterior, pale wood display tables, a winding staircase and giant posters displaying the iPad 2 and other Apple products, plus a neatly organized accessories wall. “This was a total Apple store ripoff—a brilliant one,” the blogger wrote. She called it “the best ripoff store we had ever seen.” Photos show employees in blue shirts and Apple-emblazoned name tags similar to those worn by Apple Store employees in Beijing and Shanghai. PG: Integrity, Chinese style.
8.In April, India delivered the bad news to U.S. defense contractors that they weren’t going to get an estimated $11 billion contract to deliver 126 multi-role fighter jets to New Delhi in coming years. Boeing and Lockheed Martin were in the running to provide India with the fighter jets, as the country boosted its defense budget to $32 billion. The rejection will come as a blow to the US after President Obama's visit to India in November 2010 in which he hoped to boost trade between the two countries. The PG notes that nobody is buying the big smile any longer.
9.Teheran - An Iranian physicist was shot dead by a motorcyclist in Tehran on Saturday and Iran's student news agency ISNA quoted an unnamed police official as saying the man was a nuclear scientist. Being a nuclear physicist is a dangerous business in Iran today. We wonder if they are being compensated danger pay.
10.One thing I know about Americans, they are great adapters. Americans can adapt to vicious ground fighting, Americans can compete in deadly "dog fights" at 15000 feet in the sky. American farm-boys can out-soldier the most hardened, veteran Nazi fighters. Americans can sweep the skies of the German Luftwaffe. Americans can adapt to anything if it means survival. And to bring it to the present, I believe that Americans will adapt to the coming years of the great deleveraging and the ongoing financial crisis.
The future? The things that got us here will not get us there - Peter Drucker
On July 8th, 2011 The Peanut gallery Stated: The United States has decided to resume formal contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, a senior US official said on Wednesday, in a step that reflects the Islamist group's growing political weight but that is almost certain to upset Israel and its US backers.
COMMENT:First step is to throw Mubarak under the bus. Second step is the above. keep it up Obama. If you think this goes unnoticed, you are mistaken.
Tarek Fatah is an Indian muslim. His words ring out loud and clear. Please find the time to listen to his speech.
http://www.livestream.com/ideacity/video?clipId=flv_fd017d81-dc18-42cc-821a-18b86fdea840
Statements, comments and forecasts that have no substance, but just might turn out to be relevant.
1.Nancy Grace: "As the defense has their champagne toast after that 'not guilty' verdict, somewhere out there the devil is dancing tonight." Her words, and even though she might be considered a dangerous virus, the peanut gallery finds it hard to argue with her.
2.Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the U.S. is within reach of defeating al Qaeda, promising a concerted campaign following the death of Osama bin Laden to eliminate the network's remaining top leadership in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and North Africa. The peanut gallery: What nonsense. You kill some and others pop up to take their place. In a world of political anarchy, hunger and over-population, terrorism can be temporarily subdued but not eliminated or defeated.
3.China's National Bureau of Statistics on Saturday said that the consumer price index in June surged by 6.4% from a year earlier. That was a jump from May's 5.5% rate and close to the high hit three years ago. Another reason for gold to continue its rise.....
4.In the face of the sagging economy, Bernanke is already talking about more quantitative easing or QE3. This should come as no surprise to followers of the the peanut gallery. The stock markets took it in their stride, but gold and silver took a mighty jump upwards. PG: Gold is no longer a hedge against the US dollar. It is a hedge against dishonest manipulations by politicians and "experts" in the currency markets.
5. And now we hear that Moody's, the rating agency are putting the US credit rating on review for a possible downgrade. The world is so crazy at the moment that even a bombshell like this is regarded as par for the course. The peanut gallery: Wake up folks. This is a serious business. Once again we state that gold is the only honest currency in town!
6.A sign of the times? A home listed for a record $150 million has sold—at a steep discount. The 57,000-square-foot Los Angeles mansion built by the late television producer Aaron Spelling closed for $85 million, or 43% off its asking price.
7.Facebook yesterday launched its new mobile application, "Facebook for Every Phone", based on software developed by Israeli start-up Snaptu Ltd which Facebook acquired for $60-70 million in March. This was Facebook's first acquisition in Israel. The application provides fast and easy access to simple mobile phones (i.e. not smartphones such as iPhones and Androids) that lack advanced operating systems. Israel clearly has decided to buy into CNN's arab spring, while Informed sources in Teheran point out that this is irrevocable proof that Israel is behind the rioting.....
8.Richard Russell will be 87 years old this week. One of the planet's really great and truthfull investment advisors. "During World War II I fought with young men (hailing from all over the nation) who were ready to die for freedom and Democracy and America. Who in Congress could match these young men today?" Happy birthday Richard!
9.Qatar has pulled out its ambassador from Syria and closed its embassy after attacks on the compound by militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, diplomats in the Syrian capital told Reuters on Monday. The PG predicts that as US influence in the region declines, the rift between Sunni's and Shiites will widen into confrontation.
10.Apparently if one leans to the left, global warming is a threat to the planet. However if one leans to the right, like Michele Bachmann, then one is supposed to claim that global warming is a myth, manufactured by a bunch of leftists. Many rightist members of the PG would vigorously disagree with this cynical political myth. Nothing political about global warming. Step out of your air conditioned office, Bachmann!
11.James Dines: "Japan understandably is turning against nuclear power, but their subsequent absence of air conditioning since the closing of 34 reactors, has led to an increase in deadly heatstrokes in addition to the reduced availability of elevators. Merkel likewise announced shuttering all of Germany’s nuclear power plants, while China is accelerating building them – and even using some atomic-power plants as 'currency' by donating them to emerging nations – thus ensnaring them as dependents into its new geopolitical order." PG: Thats right folks, its all about shortages and survival.
I always loved change, something new. Change is a challenge, an excitement - Dawn Sibley
1.Iran's judiciary has arrested Mohammad Sharif Malekzadeh, an ally of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on unspecified charges, an unnamed official told the semi-official Fars news agency on Thursday. "Mohammad Sharif Malekzadeh was arrested a few hours ago," Fars said. Malekzadeh resigned from his position as deputy foreign minister on Tuesday.
COMMENT: Believe it or not, Ahmadinejad is considered a liberal in Iran......
2.On the backdrop of difficulties in appointing a prime minister for the Palestinian unity government, the Fatah and Hamas governments have reached an "acquiescence" to have their governments in Gaza and Ramallah continue functioning as usual until they turn to the UN General Assembly in September, a Palestinian source told the Ma'an news agency. The information was confirmed by a senior official in the Gaza Strip. (Elior Levy)
COMMENT: Same old...These guys are going nowhere....fast.
3.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged Israel to recognize a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders. He said that the PA has recognized the State of Israel, and so Israel should respond in the same coin. Abbas, who spoke at the Dutch congress, called on the Jewish state to return to the negotiating table to discuss the plan outlined by US President Barack Obama. (Elior Levy)
COMMENT: Say it in ARABIC Abbas. Who said that the more blatant a lie......
4.Four Hezbollah members have been indicted in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Lebanese media outlets reported on Thursday. Members of the UN backed tribunal met Mirza on Thursday and handed Lebanese attorney general the 163-page report, which includes four arrest warrants against Hezbollah members.
COMMENT: Not worth the paper....Hezbollah heads governing coalition with majority.
5.The Iranian military smuggled new deadly munitions to its allies in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent months in order to accelerate the US withdrawals from these countries, The Wall Street Journal reported
COMMENT: American deficits will hasten US departure from these countries, and it won't take long before a power struggle develops. Turkey (Sunni) are quietly supporting the Sunni's of Iraq, while Iran are supporting the Shia in that country. Look for slowly developing confrontations and new alliances as Turkey comes off the fence to challenge Syria and Iran.
6.The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday offered an aid package worth $3 billion to Egypt, the state news agency WAM said. The agency said that UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan ordered the setting up of a $1.5 billion fund to support small and medium projects in Egypt. He also ordered the allocation of $750 million for infrastructure and housing projects for youths and $750 million in loans for various projects. (Reuters)
COMMENT: Another Sunni vs Shia scenario. No democracy here. Egypt just refused an IMF loan for the same amount. I wonder if the Americans are getting the message? So far the Gulf Kingdoms have given about $15 billion in aid to Egypt.
A closed mind is like a closed book: just a block of wood - Chinese proverb
1.Israeli scientists develop 'virtual cane'
Yissum Research Development Company Ltd, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem presented a major new innovation – a virtual cane that will significantly improve the orientation and mobility of sight-impaired people. Unlike a white stick that can give the blind input from only a meter away, the device can function at a much shorter distance and up to some 10 meters in all directions. Dr. Amedi said the device can also distinguish between smiling and sad faces and can be used for research on how the brain flexibly changes upon receiving input and on brain reorganization in the blind.
2.Israeli TV series TLV sold to six countries
Broadcasting rights of the TV series, "TLV Doing Tel Aviv" have been sold to six European countries: Germany, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Poland and France."TLV Doing Tel Aviv" is a reality drama show that follows four young people who move into an apartment together in central Tel Aviv. Each one of them is given the chance to join the entertainment and communications industries.
3.Treasury raises $400m from Asian gov't fund
Today, the Israeli Accountant General's Office implemented a $400 million, one-year, private offering to one of the world's largest Asian government funds. Goldman Sachs, which is currently serving as the head market maker for Israel government bonds, was the underwriter. "The current offering was implemented at the request of the Asian investor, who is considered a strategic global investor in capital markets. This will be its first investment in Israeli government bonds," the Ministry of Finance's announcement said. China's sovereign investment fund, CIC, and Singapore's sovereign investment fund, Temasek, are among Asia's leading government funds.
COMMENT: Bottom line. An Asian Goverment is purchasing Israeli bonds to the tune of $400 million. The third large purchase from Asia and a first as regards an Asian governing body. This is a huge development!
4.May sets all-time high for travel to Israel
Travel to Israel reached a new all-time high in May with the arrival of 268,000 international tourists staying more than one night – a 5% increase compared to May 2010. Also, approximately 1,168,000 tourists arrived in Israel between January and May 2011 – 4% more than the same period last year. Cruise travel to Israel was also expected to reach a new all-time high in June with the confirmed arrival of 50,000 tourists and crew docking in the Israel port cities of Ashdod and Haifa.
COMMENT: Eat your hearts out BDS, BS and others. Looks like the silent majority is thumbing something at you. Nothing more sobering than the numbers. Just a few years ago, a million tourists per annum was regarded as an achievement.
5.Israel Chemicals wins $235m Chinese potash deal
Israel Chemicals Ltd. will sell potash to its Chinese customers at $470 a ton, $70 a ton higher than prices to China during the first half of 2011. Under the terms of the current contract, 500,000 tons will be delivered in the second half of 2011 for $235 million (about NIS 800 million). ICL reported that since 2010, it has broadened its customer base in China, and sells potash directly to Chinese fertilizer producers and distributors.
6.Defense consumption in 2009: 6% of GDP
From 1956 to 1975, the defense consumption expenditure grew at a quick pace of 15-16% a year. In 1973 (the year of the Yom Kippur War), the defense consumption reached a record level of 31% of the GDP. In 2009, the defense expenditure reached 6% of the GDP, after falling 1.5% in 2008 and 2.7% in 2009. In comparison, US spends 4.7%, Russia 4.3%, Saudi Arabia 11.2% and China 2.2%.
COMMENT:Israel's defence expenditure in 2010 was $13 billion (in comparison, Saudi spent $43 billion) and defence exports amounted to $7 billion. Truly an achievement of almost miraculous proportions.
7.Arabs represent Israel in Special Olympics
Tennis players Muhammad Kunbar of east Jerusalem and Jafar Tawil of Beit Safafa played alongside Jewish teammates in the Special Olympic Games in Athens last week. The Israeli Arab athletes, both 20 years old, played with Elad Gevandschnaider, 22, of Be’er Sheva and Tamir Segal, 34, of Katzin. This event marks the first time in history that Israeli Arabs represented the country at the Special Olympics.
COMMENT:The hypocrisy of the academic left-Islamic coalition is mind boggling.
To create a vision, people have to get beyond their current inhibitions-they have to dream - Jack Wells
Statements, comments and forecasts that have no substance, but just might turn out to be relevant.
1.The United States has decided to resume formal contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, a senior US official said on Wednesday, in a step that reflects the Islamist group's growing political weight but that is almost certain to upset Israel and its US backers.
COMMENT:First step is to throw Mubarak under the bus. Second step is the above. keep it up Obama. If you think this goes unnoticed, you are mistaken.
2.The Gaza Flotilla: Despite the mysterious sabotage, and Greece's announcement that it will not allow ships to sail to the Gaza Strip from its ports, the flotilla activists are as determined as ever to break the naval blockade. Message from the peanut gallery: Fizzle..pop...fizzle..fizzle... the world watches as these morons (probably more left wing media participating than activists) look more pathetic every day.
3. Assad, supported by Iran and Hizbullah, is still waging a civil war against against Sunni muslims supported by Saudi Arabia. The peanut gallery believes that Assad will hold onto power as long as the army supports him. Look for cracks in the army hierachy for an indication that this situation is changing. The flashpoint might be the Sunni dominated city of Hama.
4..ONONDAGA, N.Y. -- Police say a motorcyclist participating in a protest ride against helmet laws in upstate New York died after he flipped over the bike's handlebars and hit his head on the pavement. State troopers tell The Post-Standard of Syracuse that 55-year-old Philip A. Contos of Parish, N.Y., was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group of bikers who were protesting helmet laws by not wearing helmets. No comments from the peanut gallery...
5. So you think the world is changing? India's health minister has derided homosexuality as an unnatural "disease" from the West. The comments Monday by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at a conference on HIV/AIDS in the Indian capital echoed a common refrain in the conservative country that homosexuality is a Western import. "Unfortunately this disease has come to our country too..."
6.Climate change may be the last thing that leaders of revolution-riddled countries in the Middle East want to deal with now. But before long, experts say, the problems caused by rising global temperatures could disfigure the land they are fighting over. From disappearing snow in Lebanon to rising seas threatening Bahrain to flooding in Tunisia and Egypt, climate change already is giving the Middle East and North Africa a good deal to worry about. And those who work in the region note that governments -- struggling to maintain power and in some cases engaging in all-out warfare with their citizens -- are losing valuable time needed to adapt. If you snooze...you lose.
7.The U.S. released 30 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of an international effort to make up for disruption in Libya’s oil production. The price at the time was $95 a barrel and immediately fell to $89 a barrel. Today, less than a month later, the price is well above the $95 mark. The peanut gallery smells a political rat in this suspiciously cynical move.
8.The U.S. economy barely added jobs for the second month in a row in June and the unemployment rate rose to the highest level this year, adding to concerns the labor market will take years to recover. Unemployment now stands at 9.2%. The peanut gallery urges Barack Obama to make even more inspiring speeches.
9.Remember Prince, the rocking pop star? This is what he has to say about islam: "It's fun being in Islamic countries, to know there's only one religion. There's order. You wear a burqa. There's no choice. People are happy with that." This from the fellow who sang "'23 positions in a one-night stand" and a song celebrating a rendezvous with a "sex fiend" who likes to "grind." He must be smoking some real weird stuff.
Some people should have their tombstone inscribed "Died at forty. Buried at 80" - Bob Moawad
1.Muslim police officer ascends to new heights
Deputy Inspector-General Jamal Hakroush on Wednesday became the first Muslim police officer to ascend to his rank in Israel. He was recently nominated to the office of deputy chief of the Traffic Department. "It's a position I have been waiting for, and it offers many challenges," Hakroush told Ynet in an interview. "I am proud of Israel Police for choosing me based on my qualifications and nothing else."
2.Bedouin sheikh jailed for imprisoning, raping girl
The Beersheba District Court on Wednesday sentenced a Bedouin sheikh to 13 years in prison for imprisoning, raping, and beating a teenage girl because she violated "family honor". The girl's uncle, convicted of kidnapping her, was sent to prison for five years.
COMMENT: What a culture! Read the full story - not for the meek. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4082814,00.html
3.IDF's 1st female major-general appointed in official ceremony
Brigadier-General Orna Barbivai was promoted to the rank of major-general and appointed as the head of the IDF Personnel Directorate at an official ceremony at Tel Aviv's Hakirya base. Barbivai said that her appointment is "a clear statement of equal opportunity." Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who was in attendance, called it "an exciting moment for the entire Israeli society."
COMMENT: Any bets on whether western media reports this? Hey, Amanpour, "Woman Power" is fine as long as it isn't Israeli woman power....right?
4.1st woman commands sniper platoon
Among the graduates of the Ground Forces officer course Wednesday at the Officers' Training School (Bahad 1) was one Second Lieutenant Noy, a combat soldier in the Caracal Battalion who made history by becoming the first female officer to command a sniper platoon. Read more http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4089028,00.html
COMMENT: To the left wing media...If you don't report it....it never happened. One has to be a female suicide bomber who murders a few kids to become a heroine.....right?
5.Hamas arrests man for styling women's hair
The Hamas government in Gaza has arrested a man for violating a recent legislation that prohibits men from styling women's hair, the BBC reported Wednesday. The report said that following the arrest, many male hairstylists could be found loitering at the entrance to their salons, terrified of being detained as well. The ban joins similarly befuddling laws such as the one prohibiting women from smoking hookah pipes and riding on motorbikes driven by men.
COMMENT: How long can the academic left continue their partnerships with these guys? They look more ridiculous by the day. Wonder how many of the female gaza flotilla activists (?) have ridden on a motorbike driven by a man....heaven forbid!
If your mind isn't open, please keep your mouth shut - Sue grafton
1.The US bond market is ten times the size of the stock market. This bears watching. In the first quarter, foreign central banks purchased only 16% of issuance. The Fed purchased 200%! (The figure is correct). In other words, the Fed's activities have masked the exodus of foreign central banks including China from these auctions. So who else is the Fed purchasing from? Clearly this means that domestic banks are *huge* net sellers of Treasuries. Scary? I'm scared, but have always been a financial chicken....
2. Posted a while ago, but worth repeating: Its finally happening. The Financial times reports that China has become a net seller of US treasuries over the last 4 months. According to FT, the Chinese are purchasing European Govt. Bonds. This comes after confirmed reports that Russia has reduced its US treasuries holdings from $175B to $125B in the last 7 months.
3.Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan said Tuesday that China is prepared to help European Union countries with sovereign debt issues, Chinese state media Xinhua reported. "In the future, as we have done in the past, we will support Europe and the euro," Wen added.
COMMENT: Don't you just love the terminology "China is prepared to help....". Good guys eh? No such thing as something for nothing.
4.The possible departure of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner once an agreement is reached with Congress to raise the nation's $14.3 trillion debt ceiling would signal the end of an era: Geithner is the last member of President Obama's original economic team still with the administration.
COMMENT: This departure is more worrying than the others. Geithner was Obama's confidant. I wonder what he knows that we dont. If all he sees is Obama's failure as a leader, we know that already. Even his buddies at CNN are struggling to put a positive spin on their hero.
5.Throughout history the nation who leads the world (Spain, Holland, Britain, USA) possesses two items: (1) A huge hoard of gold, (2) The world's most powerful military. A very smart writer who I follow says two things are inevitable (1) devaluation, and (2) war. Another brilliant writer says he is only sure of one thing -- lowered standards of living in the USA in coming years (at least for a decade).
6.A sign of the times: USA Today where "More children now live with grandpa and grandma. The latest census figures show that in 2009 7.8 million children in the US live with at least one grandparent, up from 4.7 million in 1991.
Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it - Don Harold
