Engineers battle superbugs with star-shaped 'peptide polymers' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Engineers in Australia have discovered a new way to fight
antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new antibacterial weaponry is called
peptide polymers.
According to a new study published in the journal Nature Microbiology,
the short, star-shaped chains of proteins hold promise as a substitute
for antibiotics."
Comment: How about some good news for a change! Scientists are making progress in the race against superbugs.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea warns United States after air force bomber exercise - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea issued a warning after the United States flew two B-1 bombers over South Korea on Tuesday. The B-1B Lancers, part of a U.S. plan of 'extended deterrence' against North Korea provocations, flew with U.S. F-16 and South Korean F-15 fighters over Osan Air Base, CNN reported. But the supersonic bombers may be rattling the North Korean leadership. [....] The Air Force has previously deployed strategic bombers to South Korea in response to North Korea provocations, and the deployment is taking place after North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday."
Analyst: North Korea has enough material to make 20 nuclear bombs - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea may be adding seven nuclear bombs to its arsenal annually and could have about 20 bombs by the end of 2016, according to a U.S. analyst."
Comment: Another day, another rumor of war from North Korea.
UPI reports: "North Korea issued a warning after the United States flew two B-1 bombers over South Korea on Tuesday. The B-1B Lancers, part of a U.S. plan of 'extended deterrence' against North Korea provocations, flew with U.S. F-16 and South Korean F-15 fighters over Osan Air Base, CNN reported. But the supersonic bombers may be rattling the North Korean leadership. [....] The Air Force has previously deployed strategic bombers to South Korea in response to North Korea provocations, and the deployment is taking place after North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday."
Analyst: North Korea has enough material to make 20 nuclear bombs - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea may be adding seven nuclear bombs to its arsenal annually and could have about 20 bombs by the end of 2016, according to a U.S. analyst."
Comment: Another day, another rumor of war from North Korea.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
AP - China, Russia launch South China Sea naval war games
AP reports: "The Chinese and Russian navies launched eight days of war games in the South China Sea on Monday, in a sign of growing cooperation between their armed forces against the backdrop of regional territorial disputes. The 'Joint Sea-2016' maneuvers include ships, submarines, ship-borne helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, along with marines and amphibious armored vehicles who will conduct live-firing exercises, according to a Defense Ministry statement Sunday. Tasks will include defensive and rescue drills, anti-submarine exercises and the simulated seizure of an enemy island by marines from both sides."
AP reports: "The Chinese and Russian navies launched eight days of war games in the South China Sea on Monday, in a sign of growing cooperation between their armed forces against the backdrop of regional territorial disputes. The 'Joint Sea-2016' maneuvers include ships, submarines, ship-borne helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, along with marines and amphibious armored vehicles who will conduct live-firing exercises, according to a Defense Ministry statement Sunday. Tasks will include defensive and rescue drills, anti-submarine exercises and the simulated seizure of an enemy island by marines from both sides."
Friday, September 09, 2016
War
U.S. sends 500 more troops to help fight Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States has increased its deployed forces by more than 500 troops to assist Iraqi security forces in the operation to claim Mosul from Islamic State control. Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for the United States' Operation Inherent Resolve mission against the Islamic State, on Thursday said the increase in deployed troops is to help Iraq seize the Islamic State's Iraqi stronghold, Mosul -- where he estimates there are up to 4,500 IS militants remaining. U.S. President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi both hope to seize Mosul before the year's end [...] The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, captured Mosul as part of a land grab in 2014 that saw to the militant group's peak in terms of land acquisition."
Comment: How's the war in Iraq going? Well, they hope to retake Mosul by the end of the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the past, didn't the harsh winter months slow down operations considerably? Of course, that may have just been a reflection of using so many tribal fighters, they tend to be seasonal workers at best. Now that we have a "professional" Iraqi army, that may no longer be the case.
UPI reports: "The United States has increased its deployed forces by more than 500 troops to assist Iraqi security forces in the operation to claim Mosul from Islamic State control. Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for the United States' Operation Inherent Resolve mission against the Islamic State, on Thursday said the increase in deployed troops is to help Iraq seize the Islamic State's Iraqi stronghold, Mosul -- where he estimates there are up to 4,500 IS militants remaining. U.S. President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi both hope to seize Mosul before the year's end [...] The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, captured Mosul as part of a land grab in 2014 that saw to the militant group's peak in terms of land acquisition."
Comment: How's the war in Iraq going? Well, they hope to retake Mosul by the end of the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the past, didn't the harsh winter months slow down operations considerably? Of course, that may have just been a reflection of using so many tribal fighters, they tend to be seasonal workers at best. Now that we have a "professional" Iraqi army, that may no longer be the case.
Thursday, September 08, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea conducts fifth and largest nuclear test | Reuters
Reuters reports: "North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday, setting off a blast that was more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and said it had mastered the ability to mount a warhead on a ballistic missile. Its most powerful explosion to date follows a test in January that prompted the U.N. Security Council to impose tightened sanctions that increased North Korea's isolation but failed to prevent it from accelerating weapons development."
Comment: It's time for the Security Council to once again open the box of Strong Words of Condemnation and hurl them at North Korea. It's clear that once they find the right mix of words the North will be stopped in their tracks and all will be well.
Reuters reports: "North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday, setting off a blast that was more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and said it had mastered the ability to mount a warhead on a ballistic missile. Its most powerful explosion to date follows a test in January that prompted the U.N. Security Council to impose tightened sanctions that increased North Korea's isolation but failed to prevent it from accelerating weapons development."
Comment: It's time for the Security Council to once again open the box of Strong Words of Condemnation and hurl them at North Korea. It's clear that once they find the right mix of words the North will be stopped in their tracks and all will be well.
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Pestilence
Zika virus may linger in the eyes, researchers find - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Genetic material from the Zika virus is present in the tears of infected mice, which suggests the virus may linger in the eyes, researchers say. The discovery from tests on mouse fetuses, newborns and adults may help explain why some people infected with Zika develop eye disease that puts them at risk for permanent vision loss."
UPI reports: "Genetic material from the Zika virus is present in the tears of infected mice, which suggests the virus may linger in the eyes, researchers say. The discovery from tests on mouse fetuses, newborns and adults may help explain why some people infected with Zika develop eye disease that puts them at risk for permanent vision loss."
War
France sending artillery, aircraft carrier to fight Islamic State in Mosul - UPI.com
UPI reports: "France's Ministry of Defense announced it would deploy artillery forces and an aircraft carrier to support Iraqi security forces in their fight for the city of Mosul against the Islamic State. [...] The Islamic State launched an attack in Paris in November in which 130 people were killed."
UPI reports: "France's Ministry of Defense announced it would deploy artillery forces and an aircraft carrier to support Iraqi security forces in their fight for the city of Mosul against the Islamic State. [...] The Islamic State launched an attack in Paris in November in which 130 people were killed."
Tuesday, September 06, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran vessel 'harasses,' sails close to U.S. Navy ship in Gulf: U.S. officials | Reuters
Reuters reports: "A U.S. Navy coastal patrol ship changed course after a fast-attack craft from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps came within 100 yards (91 meters) of it in the central Gulf on Sunday, U.S. Defense Department officials said on Tuesday. It was at least the fourth such incident in less than a month. U.S. officials are concerned that these actions by Iran could lead to mistakes. Years of mutual animosity eased when Washington lifted sanctions on Tehran in January after a deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. But serious differences still remain over Iran's ballistic missile program, and over conflicts in Syria and Iraq."
Comment: Did anyone think that the Iran nuclear deal would stabilize relations between the U.S. and Iran? Not you, of course, my readers are far too smart, but I really do think many people did, like Iran was a checked-off agenda item, it was done, and time to move on to other things. I don't think Iran has moved on. This is what happens when you have an entire generation of Iranians raised on a steady diet of anti-American propaganda. Will the U.S. Navy leave the Persian Gulf? No. Will Iran continue to make an issue of the U.S. presence off their shores? Yes. It's only a matter of time before a deadly incident occurs, one that could spark a larger conflict.
Reuters reports: "A U.S. Navy coastal patrol ship changed course after a fast-attack craft from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps came within 100 yards (91 meters) of it in the central Gulf on Sunday, U.S. Defense Department officials said on Tuesday. It was at least the fourth such incident in less than a month. U.S. officials are concerned that these actions by Iran could lead to mistakes. Years of mutual animosity eased when Washington lifted sanctions on Tehran in January after a deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. But serious differences still remain over Iran's ballistic missile program, and over conflicts in Syria and Iraq."
Comment: Did anyone think that the Iran nuclear deal would stabilize relations between the U.S. and Iran? Not you, of course, my readers are far too smart, but I really do think many people did, like Iran was a checked-off agenda item, it was done, and time to move on to other things. I don't think Iran has moved on. This is what happens when you have an entire generation of Iranians raised on a steady diet of anti-American propaganda. Will the U.S. Navy leave the Persian Gulf? No. Will Iran continue to make an issue of the U.S. presence off their shores? Yes. It's only a matter of time before a deadly incident occurs, one that could spark a larger conflict.
Saturday, September 03, 2016
Global Government - Ten Kings
World leaders gather in China for G20 summit - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Leaders from various countries throughout the world have gathered in China to discuss global issues at the G20 summit. The Group of 20 assembly held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, on Sunday and Monday, will feature leaders from the world's leading industrialized and emerging economies."
UPI reports: "Leaders from various countries throughout the world have gathered in China to discuss global issues at the G20 summit. The Group of 20 assembly held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, on Sunday and Monday, will feature leaders from the world's leading industrialized and emerging economies."
Earthquakes
5.6-magnitude earthquake reported in Oklahoma, felt across 6 states - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Oklahoma Saturday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, tying the record for biggest quake in state history. The USGS said the earthquake was felt across Oklahoma and into parts of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa."
UPI reports: "A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Oklahoma Saturday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, tying the record for biggest quake in state history. The USGS said the earthquake was felt across Oklahoma and into parts of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa."
Thursday, September 01, 2016
Earthquakes
7.1 earthquake hits northern New Zealand - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 7.1 earthquake rocked the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island Friday, knocking out power to thousands, closing schools and rail lines and triggering a tsunami warning, authorities said. The quake struck just before dawn and was felt over much the country."
Comment: A 7.1 magnitude quake is a big one, no loss of life is a miracle. Looks like the "ring of fire" is getting active.
UPI reports: "A 7.1 earthquake rocked the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island Friday, knocking out power to thousands, closing schools and rail lines and triggering a tsunami warning, authorities said. The quake struck just before dawn and was felt over much the country."
Comment: A 7.1 magnitude quake is a big one, no loss of life is a miracle. Looks like the "ring of fire" is getting active.
Pestilence
Three Miami Beach mosquitoes test positive for Zika virus - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Three mosquitoes tested positive in the South Beach neighborhood, where a 1.5-square mile active transmission zone was designated. It is the first time in the United States that a mosquito has tested positive for the Zika virus."
Comment: Good thing we are headed into Fall and Winter, that should help curb the spread of Zika and give scientists more time to work on a cure.
UPI reports: "Three mosquitoes tested positive in the South Beach neighborhood, where a 1.5-square mile active transmission zone was designated. It is the first time in the United States that a mosquito has tested positive for the Zika virus."
Comment: Good thing we are headed into Fall and Winter, that should help curb the spread of Zika and give scientists more time to work on a cure.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Report: North Korea assembling rail-based missile launchers - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea is constructing a mobile long-range missile launcher that can be transported on rail tracks, according to multiple sources in North Korea. The new system is being assembled at North Korea's June 4 vehicle factory and production began in 2016, Radio Free Asia reported Wednesday."
Kim Jong Un cracking down on elites after diplomat's defection - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A group of North Korean dissidents said Wednesday that under Kim Jong Un, North Korea's elite class is losing their privileges, a revelation that provides some insight into the defection of Pyongyang diplomat Thae Yong Ho."
UPI reports: "North Korea is constructing a mobile long-range missile launcher that can be transported on rail tracks, according to multiple sources in North Korea. The new system is being assembled at North Korea's June 4 vehicle factory and production began in 2016, Radio Free Asia reported Wednesday."
Kim Jong Un cracking down on elites after diplomat's defection - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A group of North Korean dissidents said Wednesday that under Kim Jong Un, North Korea's elite class is losing their privileges, a revelation that provides some insight into the defection of Pyongyang diplomat Thae Yong Ho."
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
War
Reports: Islamic State spokesman killed in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A senior Islamic State leader who had a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head has been killed in fighting in Syria, the Amaq News Agency reported Tuesday. Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, who also acted as the group's spokesman, was killed in the northern city of Aleppo, which had been an insurgent stronghold for months before government forces and other rebels retook control recently."
Comment: It looks like the war is going well, right? Eliminating a senior Islamic State leader is a major achievement. I mean, what are the chances that they have another jihadi waiting to take his place? I feel like telling the media, don't bother me until they take back Raqqa.
UPI reports: "A senior Islamic State leader who had a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head has been killed in fighting in Syria, the Amaq News Agency reported Tuesday. Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, who also acted as the group's spokesman, was killed in the northern city of Aleppo, which had been an insurgent stronghold for months before government forces and other rebels retook control recently."
Comment: It looks like the war is going well, right? Eliminating a senior Islamic State leader is a major achievement. I mean, what are the chances that they have another jihadi waiting to take his place? I feel like telling the media, don't bother me until they take back Raqqa.
Signs in the Stars
Scientists point telescopes at 'strong signal' from HD 164595 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Astronomers are turning their telescopes to a very strong signal coming from a star about 94 light years away in the constellation Hercules. Scientists with the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) are following up on a signal recently detected by a Russian telescope at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. The signal was coming from a star named HD 164595. Researchers are trying to identify the signal's origin. [...] Scientists don't know yet what made the signal the Russians detected, but theories about the star system 94 light years away are already being formed."
Comment: If this signal was so impressive, why didn't they report it last year when they found it?
UPI reports: "Astronomers are turning their telescopes to a very strong signal coming from a star about 94 light years away in the constellation Hercules. Scientists with the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) are following up on a signal recently detected by a Russian telescope at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. The signal was coming from a star named HD 164595. Researchers are trying to identify the signal's origin. [...] Scientists don't know yet what made the signal the Russians detected, but theories about the star system 94 light years away are already being formed."
Comment: If this signal was so impressive, why didn't they report it last year when they found it?
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.N. Security Council condemns North Korea missile test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned a ballistic missile launch by North Korea this week, saying it is a violation of an international ban on long-range missile testing. A statement approved by all 15 members of the security council called North Korea's actions a 'grave violation' and a 'flagrant violation' of security council resolutions calling on North Korea to halt their intercontinental ballistic missile system."
Comment: Looks like they are hitting North Korea with their arsenal of strong words, no damage reports yet, but I'm sure the North is chastened.
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned a ballistic missile launch by North Korea this week, saying it is a violation of an international ban on long-range missile testing. A statement approved by all 15 members of the security council called North Korea's actions a 'grave violation' and a 'flagrant violation' of security council resolutions calling on North Korea to halt their intercontinental ballistic missile system."
Comment: Looks like they are hitting North Korea with their arsenal of strong words, no damage reports yet, but I'm sure the North is chastened.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia investing heavily in new ships, naval bases 'to project its power' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Since October 2015 the Russian Navy has been conducting combat operations against the Islamic State militants in Syria. Today the fight against terrorism is becoming one of the navy's priorities and unprecedented funds are being invested in the construction of new ships, bases and infrastructure. But the story is not just about Syria. Moscow has been aware for some time of the need to modernize its aging fleet, which was allowed to fall into stagnation in the two decades following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. [...] new aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers will help Moscow project its power, like Washington, in any place on Earth."
UPI reports: "Since October 2015 the Russian Navy has been conducting combat operations against the Islamic State militants in Syria. Today the fight against terrorism is becoming one of the navy's priorities and unprecedented funds are being invested in the construction of new ships, bases and infrastructure. But the story is not just about Syria. Moscow has been aware for some time of the need to modernize its aging fleet, which was allowed to fall into stagnation in the two decades following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. [...] new aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers will help Moscow project its power, like Washington, in any place on Earth."
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Covenant With Many
Russia's Vladimir Putin offers peace talks for Israel, Palestinians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin is offering to host peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in his latest effort to become the Middle East's top power broker. Following Putin's recent meeting with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin posed the idea first to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and talked with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone Monday."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how this develops. It's difficult to play an impartial broker in the Middle East. Maybe they will trust Russia?
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin is offering to host peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in his latest effort to become the Middle East's top power broker. Following Putin's recent meeting with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin posed the idea first to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and talked with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone Monday."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how this develops. It's difficult to play an impartial broker in the Middle East. Maybe they will trust Russia?
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia starts drills near Ukraine amid Crimea tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Amid political tension between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow is making certain its armed forces are ready to fight, if necessary. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered his military to conduct practice drills on the country's western edge, near Ukraine and the embattled Crimean Peninsula, to test troops' readiness. [....] Some critics dismiss the drills as more saber-rattling by Putin in the face of escalating tensions over Crimea, which Moscow annexed two years ago."
Comment: One the one hand, you could say this is nothing unusual. Most great powers conduct military drills on a regular basis, it's standard operating procedure. But on the other hand, Ukraine is a flashpoint, a place where accident, miscalculation and or hubris could instantly spark a wider conflict.
UPI reports: "Amid political tension between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow is making certain its armed forces are ready to fight, if necessary. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered his military to conduct practice drills on the country's western edge, near Ukraine and the embattled Crimean Peninsula, to test troops' readiness. [....] Some critics dismiss the drills as more saber-rattling by Putin in the face of escalating tensions over Crimea, which Moscow annexed two years ago."
Comment: One the one hand, you could say this is nothing unusual. Most great powers conduct military drills on a regular basis, it's standard operating procedure. But on the other hand, Ukraine is a flashpoint, a place where accident, miscalculation and or hubris could instantly spark a wider conflict.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Earthquakes
6.8-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar, kills at least 3 - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Chauk, Myanmar, on Wednesday afternoon, killing at least three people. The city, with a population of about 180,000, is near the ancient capital of Bagan, near the center of the country formerly known as Burma. The epicenter of the quake was 15 miles west of Chauk at a depth of about 52 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey reported Wednesday. The earthquake hit at 4:34 p.m. in the Southeast Asian nation. The quake was felt several hundred miles away in Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Laos and China."
Italy earthquake death toll rises to 247: regional officials | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The number of people killed in the earthquake that devastated parts of central Italy on Wednesday rose to 247 on Thursday morning, regional and national officials said. The Civil Protection department in Rome said a tally by local officials showed that 190 people were killed Rieti province and 57 in the province of Ascoli Piceno."
UPI reports: "A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Chauk, Myanmar, on Wednesday afternoon, killing at least three people. The city, with a population of about 180,000, is near the ancient capital of Bagan, near the center of the country formerly known as Burma. The epicenter of the quake was 15 miles west of Chauk at a depth of about 52 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey reported Wednesday. The earthquake hit at 4:34 p.m. in the Southeast Asian nation. The quake was felt several hundred miles away in Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Laos and China."
Italy earthquake death toll rises to 247: regional officials | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The number of people killed in the earthquake that devastated parts of central Italy on Wednesday rose to 247 on Thursday morning, regional and national officials said. The Civil Protection department in Rome said a tally by local officials showed that 190 people were killed Rieti province and 57 in the province of Ascoli Piceno."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)