In New Orleans, Black Lives Matter activist and Charleston, South Carolina, community organizer Muhiyidin d’Baha died Tuesday, after he was struck in the thigh by a bullet as he rode his bicycle. Police have not named any motive or suspects in the killing. He made national headlines last year after he appeared in a viral video that shows him leaping over a police line in an attempt to grab a Confederate flag from a white supremacist at a rally in Charleston. In 2015, Democracy Now! spoke with Muhiyidin d’Baha outside the Emanuel AME Church amid the funerals of nine African-American worshipers who were gunned down by white supremacist Dylann Roof. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/2/8/black_lives_matter_activist_muhiyidin_dbaha[with embedded video, and transcript]
Directorate S: Steve Coll on the CIA & America’s Secret Wars in Afghanistan & Pakistan
Published on Feb 8, 2018 by Democracy Now!
The U.S. is intensifying its air war in Afghanistan as U.S. Central Command has announced it is shifting military resources from Iraq and Syria back to Afghanistan, where the United States has been fighting for over 16 years in the longest war in U.S. history. U.S. Air Force Major General James Hecker recently said Afghanistan has “become CENTCOM’s main effort.” The news comes after a particularly bloody period in Afghanistan. Despite the spiraling violence, President Trump recently ruled out negotiations with the Taliban during a meeting of members of the United Nations Security Council. We speak to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Coll about his new book, “Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America’s Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” https://www.democracynow.org/2018/2/8/directorate_s_steve_coll_on_the[with embedded video, and transcript]
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with Narendra Modi of India
Issued on: February 8, 2018
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The leaders pledged to continue working together to enhance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Affirming President Trump’s South Asia strategy, they reiterated their commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s security and stability. Both leaders expressed concern about the political crisis in Maldives and the importance of respect for democratic institutions and rule of law. They also exchanged views on Burma and ways to address the plight of the Rohingya refugees. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi then discussed further steps to ensure denuclearization of North Korea. Finally, the leaders agreed to strengthen security and economic cooperation as they look forward to the 2+2 ministerial dialogue between their defense and diplomatic officials in April.
Gerald Celente joins to look at the budget deal, real economic bellwether, and geopolitics. A look at Nancy Pelosi's 8 hrs of "Dreamer" worship and the explosion in warfare/welfare spending.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with President Morales of Guatemala
[note the lack of the customary joint press appearance]
Issued on: February 8, 2018
President Donald J. Trump met today with President James “Jimmy” Morales of Guatemala. President Trump thanked President Morales for supporting the United States and Israel, and for his announced decision to move the Guatemalan embassy to Jerusalem. The two leaders discussed the situation in Venezuela and agreed to work together to restore democracy to the country. President Trump also underscored the importance of stopping illegal immigration to the United States from Guatemala and addressing Guatemala’s underlying challenges to security and prosperity.
Ending the Economic Harm Caused by Our Immigration System “It is time to create a merit-based immigration system that makes sense for a modern economy – selecting new arrivals based on their ability to support themselves financially and to make positive contributions to U.S. society” - President Donald J. Trump February 8, 2018 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/ending-economic-harm-caused-immigration-system/
A chemistry professor who has lived in the U.S. for 30 years with no criminal record was about to drive his children to school when ICE agents arrested him in his front yard. His kids, who are now waiting to hear if their father will be deported, talked with CNN. 2/8/18
Part 1: Biden having ‘enormous difficulty’ understanding Trump WH
Andrea Mitchell Reports 2/8/18
During the first half of an interview with NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, former Vice President Joe Biden comments on President Trump’s credibility, resigned White House aide Rob Porter, and Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Part 2: Biden on N. Korea, Trump’s rhetoric, and facing failure
Andrea Mitchell Reports 2/8/18
During the second half of an interview with NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, former Vice President Joe Biden says he is focused on trying "to stop this enormous erosion of the moral fabric that’s at the hands of Donald Trump and the Republicans.”
Former Vice President Biden looks ahead to the 2020 presidential election
Andrea Mitchell Reports 2/8/18
Former Vice President Joe Biden sat down with NBC News' Andrea Mitchell at the Penn Biden Center and looked ahead to the 2020 presidential election, potential candidates, and whether he will run.
Thursday, Feb. 8th 2018: Deep State Spies on PRESIDENT Trump! - Shocking revelations reveal that the DOJ and the FBI continued to spy on President Trump after he entered the White House! The stock market is also tumbling as the Deep State tries to manipulate the economy to make Trump look bad, and Bitcoin insider Roger Ver explains some of the inner workings of the market.
With inequality growing exponentially over the past decades, people around the world have assumed massive debts. In Indonesia, a mysterious cult with the impressive name Swissindo World Trust International Orbit has attracted a global following for its promise to magically make one's debts go away.
The group is led by Soegihartonotonegoro, a charismatic leader who calls himself M1, and presents himself as a godlike figure who can erase the world’s debt due to a seemingly limitless ancient inheritance. To find out the truth behind this bizarre story, VICE Indonesia correspondent Arzia traveled to visit the Swissindo Headquarters in Cirebon, Indonesia, and interviewed M1, and his followers.
We also met with the manager of a local bank that had been targeted by Swissindo for its debt services, and a client of Swissindo's whose experience with the group was not exactly as anticipated.
Recently, thousands of people around the world are claiming to be having the exact same terrifying experience. They all report the same symptoms: hearing operator voices in their heads, suffering from ‘electronic torture’ and being subject to organised stalking - they call themselves ‘Targeted Individuals’. A number have attempted many things to relieve their pain - from living life on the run to surgically removing their own flesh because they believe it’s implanted with microchips.
VICE follows a growing community who say they are being targeted as part of a government programme that is harassing and controlling them using hidden technology.
More than 10,000 people worldwide claim they're the victims of a vast organized surveillance effort designed to ruin their lives, a phenomenon known as "gang stalking." Mental health experts see gang stalking as a symptom of paranoia, but the self-identified victims who insist what they're experiencing is real have come together online and in support groups to share their stories.
VICE met up with a handful of Americans who claim their lives have been derailed by gang stalking to understand what serious consequences the phenomenon presents. Then we hear from Dr. Josh Bazell, one of many physicians who believes the victims of gang stalking are experiencing dangerous delusions that could be treated by mental health professionals.
Five experts discuss what a war on the Korean peninsula would look like, how close we are to conflict, and the terrifying consequences.
With tensions between the US and North Korea escalating, we asked a group of experts including Senator Tammy Duckworth, about the likelihood and consequences of reigniting war on the Korean Peninsula. International sanctions have put pressure on the North Korean regime, but they have yet to capitulate to US demands to unilaterally disarm their nuclear armaments program. The Trump administration had cited this as a requirement for resuming diplomatic negotiations.
The stock market had another day of volatility and plunges, we evaluate why, and look at the future of the stock market. Meanwhile, more evidence continues to mount that Obama and Clinton were the ones behind stopping Clinton from being fairly investigated, and getting the FISA warrant to spy on Trump's campaign. We also get the rare opportunity to respond to a liberal caller.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
Looking at a video by The MercifulServant, who claims to have exposed atheism, by basically asserting that god needed to create suffering so that we can tell the difference between good and evil.
They use terrible examples but premium production quality to make it seem as if they have a valid point.
John Kelly’s latest blunder: protecting an alleged abuser
The Beat with Ari Melber 2/8/18
Trump Chief of Staff John Kelly is under scrutiny once again, after reportedly ignoring allegations of abuse made against White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter.
Baltimore police officers accused of rampant crime and corruption
The Beat with Ari Melber 2/8/18
An elite task force of Baltimore Police Officers has been accused of rampant corruption including robbing residents, selling drugs and planting evidence. President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Sherrilyn Ifill tells Ari Melber it reveals a structural problem that begs the question: “how could this level of corruption so deep and so heinous go on without being caught?"
Trump allies claim Mueller interview is a “trap”. Prosecutors disagree.
The Beat with Ari Melber 2/8/18
Trump’s lawyer Ty Cobb has warned that Mueller could be setting up a ‘perjury trap’ for Trump. Ari Melber breaks down exactly why the Russia probe cannot be boiled down to a perjury trap and how these types of right-wing speculation lay the groundwork to refute any obstruction of justice charges.
How The Truman Show Explains Facebook’s Russia Problem
The Beat with Ari Melber 2/8/18
Actor Jim Carrey announced he’s leaving Facebook and selling the company’s stock over Russian meddling. MSNBC Anchor Ari Melber reports on Mark Zuckerberg’s one-sided approach to transparency, and how Carrey’s classic film explains the current propaganda bubble bedeviling the company – and American politics.
The global momentum of #MeToo isn’t letting up, but the movement in France feels almost distinct, perhaps even more radical, than in the U.S. There, the hashtag #BalanceTonPorc! (expose your pig!) has taken center stage and is at the heart of a legal battle that could be precedent-setting.
Days before #MeToo went viral, French journalist Sandra Muller encouraged women to essentially name and shame the men that have harassed them. Thousands of women used #BalanceTonPorc — but now Muller is being sued for defamation by the man she “outed”, in a case that is going to test the strength of France’s existing workplace sexual harassment laws.
Muller’s case - and the MoiAussi movement — has also divided French women over what feminism looks like, and how far the hashtag should go. Famed French actress Catherine Deneuve, along with 100 other French women, published an op-ed in France’s biggest newspaper decrying MeToo’s radicalism, and warning that the hashtag was stifling freedom. Deneuve has since apologized, but many other women continue to be alarmed at what they perceive to be a harmful movement.
#MeToo and Muller’s case also comes at a complicated time for French president Emmanuel Macron’s government. Macron swept to power on a platform of revolution — and has pledged to put gender equality at the top of his government’s agenda.
Macron has tasked his youngest cabinet minister, 34-year old Marlene Schiappa, France's secretary for gender equality, to help tackle harassment and gender-based violence. But Schiappa, a feminist author — who has publicly praised Muller for her bravery — faces an uphill battle to prove to women on both sides of the fight that Macron’s government is more than just talk.
Meet The Doctor Turning Brainwaves Into Music (HBO)
Published on Feb 8, 2018 by VICE News
Most people play a musical instrument with their hands or mouth. But Dr. Thomas Deuel, a musician and neurologist based in Seattle, has built one that you can play with your mind.
He calls it the encephalophone, which more or less translates to “brain instrument.” The thing looks like an electrode-studded swimmers cap with wires coming out of it, which are plugged into a small box that captures brain waves. Using computer programs that Deuel helped design, those waves are translated, in real time, to notes on a heptatonic scale.
The impetus for the instrument was what Deuel calls a “mad scientist project,” born out of a desire to jam with his friends while propped up, zen-like, in a reclining chair. But he realizes now that the encephalophone could have profound implications — especially for people who have experienced severe loss of mobility because of conditions like MS, ALS, or stroke. He’s now testing the instrument’s therapeutic potential with patients in clinical trials.
VICE News went to visit Deuel in Seattle to see what's jamming.
American Fast Food Took Over Kuwait And Made Its People Obese: VICE on HBO, Full Episode
Published on Feb 8, 2018 by VICE News
Obesity is now the biggest health threat facing Kuwait — and the country's obsession with American fast food could be to blame.
The very first McDonald's restaurant appeared in Kuwait on a U.S. military base set up to support the 1991 invasion of Iraq. Since then, the industry has rapidly expanded — there are now hundreds of U.S. fast food restaurants in Kuwait and as a result, the country has become one of the most obese nations on the planet.
"The begining of fast food, I would say it is part of the Americanization of the culture here." Dr. Mohsen Bagnied, a professor at the American University of Kuwait told VICE News. Now, Kuwait has roughly double the percentage of diabetic adults than the U.S.
The fast food industry isn't just operating in the Middle East. American Fast food brands populate more than 100 countries around the world, occupying six continents. And the global fast food industry is projected to be worth over $600 billion by 2019.
VICE's Gianna Toboni travels to Kuwait to witness the health effects on a country deep in the throes of an unlikely obsession with U.S. fast food.
President Trump really wants a parade to show off tanks and gun trucks and a lot of people are mocking him over it. Of course the irony is, there have been parades mocking Trump for over a year now.
Rachel Maddow reports on the way Congress avoids properly funding the government, leaving it vulnerable to political stunts like Rand Paul using up Senate time to force the second government shutdown in two weeks.
Trump vetting failures seen in scandals, firings, security lapses
The Rachel Maddow Show 2/8/18
Rachel Maddow points out that the high turnover of top officials in the Donald Trump administration is a symptom of the poor job Donald Trump is doing vetting the people he hires to work for the American people.
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, former staff secretary to President Clinton, talks with Rachel Maddow about the access of the staff secretary to highly confidential information, and the Trump administration's surprising lack of action despite knowing Porter's issues.
Rep. Gerry Connolly talks with Rachel Maddow about Congressional Republican unwillingness to properly investigate Trump administration scandals, including Rob Porter's continued employment as staff secretary despite failing the background check.
Democratic counter to Nunes memo expected for Friday release
The Rachel Maddow Show 2/8/18
Rachel Maddow notes that the timing of the vote on the Democratic rebuttal to the Nunes memo, and expectations that Donald Trump will allow its release mean that it could be public as early as Friday - a very busy Friday.
Lawrence: Why John Kelly is hiding from the American people
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 2/9/18
The White House says the Chief of Staff only just "became fully aware" of abuse allegations against Rob Porter, but the FBI reportedly informed him in November. Lawrence O'Donnell says Kelly is afraid to tell the American people what he knew and when he knew it.
In response to Rob Porter's ex-wife Jennifer Willoughby's moving blog post about why she stayed in her marriage, viewers shared their own stories of abuse with Lawrence O'Donnell on Twitter, some using #AndSoIStayed. Lawrence shares their stories in the Rewrite.
Questions over what John Kelly knew & when about Rob Porter
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 2/9/18
The Trump White House, particularly Chief of Staff John Kelly, are facing tough questions about what was known and when about the abuse allegations against aide Rob Porter.
Is Trump looking to replace Chief of Staff John Kelly?
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 2/9/18
The fallout over how Trump White House Chief of Staff John Kelly has handled the abuse allegations against White House aide Rob Porter is leading to reports Trump may be looking to replace Kelly.
Biden: Can't fathom why Trump not doing more about Russia
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 2/9/18
Both fmr. Vice Pres. Joe Biden and fmr. Pres. George W. Bush have opened up about their concerns over Russia's meddling in U.S. elections. Our panel reacts.
Fmr. FBI insider: Trump's attacks are hurting the agency
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 2/9/18
Former FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence Frank Figliuzzi says the attacks on the FBI by Trump and his allies are eroding the public's trust in the agency that doesn't serve the American public at all.
The Rachel Maddow Show 2/9/18 [special late-night February 8, 2018 live coverage of the government shutdown]
Michael Beschloss, NBC News presidential historian, talks with Rachel Maddow about past government shutdowns, including pairs of shutdowns like in 2018, and stunt shutdowns that were not over legislation.
A top-secret report finds that Russia hacked U.S. voter rolls in the 2016 election, and White House staffer Rob Porter steps down amid domestic abuse allegations.
Citizen Journalist Tim Baltz interrogates former FBI official Frank Montoya, Jr. about the legitimacy of the agency's investigation into Donald Trump's Russia ties.
Seth takes a closer look at the Trump White House as they peddle conspiracy theories, attack immigrants and defend an aide accused of domestic violence.
People are asking if the High turnover rate at the Donald Trump White House is connected to Ivanka running an Elite Nepotistic Matchmaker Dating Service for the sons and daughters of Billionaires ? (High-end Nepotism scam on the Tax Payers Dime)
Guests met for a clandestine dinner in a Chelsea townhouse to discuss Brexit... and how it might be overturned Guests of Best for Britain met at George Soros' Victorian townhouse in Chelsea The topic under discussion was Brexit and how the result might be overturned Support from business and unions would be harnessed, and the European Movement – another pro-EU group – would help create pro-Remain pressure http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5370113/Guests-met-dinner-townhouse-discuss-Brexit.html
How Myanmar forces burned, looted and killed in a remote village On Sept. 2, Buddhist villagers and Myanmar troops killed 10 Rohingya men in Myanmar's restive Rakhine state. Reuters uncovered the massacre and has pieced together how it unfolded. During the reporting of this article, two Reuters journalists were arrested by Myanmar police. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/myanmar-rakhine-events/
George W. Bush says Russia meddled in 2016 US election ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Former President George W. Bush said on Thursday that “there’s pretty clear evidence that the Russians meddled” in the 2016 American presidential election, forcefully rebutting fellow Republican Donald Trump’s denials of Moscow trying to affect the vote. While never mentioning President Trump by name, Bush appeared to be pushing back on Trump’s attempts to have warmer relations with Russia, as well as his comments on immigration. The White House did not immediately comment on Bush’s remarks. [...] https://apnews.com/fb98faa8f69b4135a9a866e0b61a6593
Meet my ancestor CHEDDAR MAN: Separated by 10,000 years but linked by DNA, the Somerset history teacher who says 'just look at the family resemblance' Retired history teacher Adrian Targett believes he looks like Cheddar man Cheddar Man is believed to be the nation's oldest Briton who lived in 7,150 BC Mr Targett already knows he shares DNA with the skeleton found in 1903 Now he believes a new image of Cheddar Man shows the family resemblance http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5364983/Retired-history-teacher-believes-looks-like-Cheddar-Man.html
'DO NOT EVER dry your hands in those things again': Woman's horrifying experiment reveals fungi and bacteria that bathroom dryers may be blowing onto your just-washed hands A scientist named Nichole Ward, who is from California, performed an experiment that has gone viral She held a Petri dish inside an enclosed hand dryer for three minutes, then let it sit for 48 hours A stomach-churning photo of the results reveals what grew in the Petri dish in that time, which Nichole said might be disease-causing fungi and bacteria When Nichole first posted the image, she said she conducted the experiment with a Dyson hand dryer, however she has since removed the brand name In response to the original post, Dyson released a statement saying its hand dryers are 'proven hygienic by university research' http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5368085/Petri-dish-shows-bathroom-hand-dryer-blows-hands.html
Modern hand dryers spread more germs 21 November 2014 London, Nov 21 (IANS) Modern hand dryers are worse than paper towels when it comes to spreading germs, according to new University of Leeds research. Both jet and warm air hand dryers spread bacteria into the air and onto users and those nearby. Airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers compared to the air around paper towel dispensers, said the scientists. "Next time you dry your hands in a public toilet using an electric hand dryer, you may be spreading bacteria without knowing it. You may also be splattered with 'bugs' from other people's hands," said Mark Wilcox, professor at the University of Leeds. For the study, the team contaminated hands with a harmless type of bacteria called Lactobacillus, which is not normally found in public bathrooms. This was done to mimic hands that have been poorly washed. Subsequent detection of Lactobacilli in the air proved that it must have come from the hands during drying. Bacterial air counts around jet air dryers were 4.5 times higher than around warm air dryers and 27 times higher compared to air around paper towels. Lactobacilli were detected in the air 15 minutes after hand drying, found the study. "These findings are important for understanding the ways in which bacteria spread, with the potential to transmit illness and disease," Wilcox said. The findings were published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/modern-hand-dryers-spread-more-germs-093627848.html
Miami-Dade just released a bunch of mosquitoes. And that’s a good thing This mosquito season, Annick Sternberg is perfectly happy to have the annoying bugs swarming in her South Miami neighborhood. The Miami suburb, now recognized as one of the region’s greenest for its mayor’s effort to ban pesticides and push solar energy, is hosting a field trial for lab-bred male mosquitoes that help control disease-spreading wild populations. The $4.1 million effort, funded by federal money set aside to fight Zika, is the largest of its kind so far and could become the latest weapon in Miami-Dade County’s war on urban mosquitoes. [...] http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article199163504.html
Researchers who made praying mantises wear glasses discover a new type of vision Praying mantises do not perceive the world as you and I do. For starters, they're not very brainy — they're insects. A human brain has 85 billion neurons; insects such as mantises have fewer than a million. But mantises, despite their neuronal drought, have devised a way to see in three dimensions. They have a unique sort of vision unlike the 3-D sight used by primates or any other known creature, scientists at the University of Newcastle in Britain discovered recently. The scientists say they hope to apply this visionary technique to robots, allowing relatively unintelligent machines to see in 3-D. [...] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/02/08/researchers-who-made-praying-mantises-wear-glasses-see-a-new-type-of-vision/ study http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)30014-9