#US Army drones Philippines

[drone9futuristic]

US Army Tests Long-Endurance Drones and Balloons in the Philippines: Pushing Boundaries in Multi-Domain Operations

The US Army is actively exploring the potential of long-endurance drones and high-altitude balloons in the Indo-Pacific region. During the recent Balikatan military exercise in the Philippines (April 11-May 9, 2024), the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) utilized these innovative technologies to gather valuable data and experiment with their tactical applications.

[connorthemaoist]

March 21, 2024 | Ang Bayan

Desperate to “finish off” the revolutionary armed resistance of the Filipino people, the US-Marcos regime’s armed tentacles is carrying out a rampant terrorist and fascist rampage throughout the country. Marcos and the AFP are set to make one false declaration after another that provinces have become “insurgency-free,” especially in areas that have long been targets of foreign corporations for mining, plantation and energy projects. At the behest of US imperialism, the AFP is also in a hurry to “end” the armed struggle of the Filipino people so that the US military can fully employ the AFP in its war of provocation against China which is likely to intensify in the coming year.

Marcos and the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have recently ordered an all-out war. The declared aim of this war is to dismantle all NPA guerrilla fronts by the end of March, destroy all NPA combat units by the end of June, and destroy all regional Party committees before the end of the year. Thousands of military troops, alongside police combat troops and tens of thousands of paramilitaries armed by the AFP, have been dispatched to ravage the countryside.

Hundreds of villages are being garrisoned by Marcos’ fascist minions. Oppressive soldiers are controlling people’s lives and livelihoods, silencing them and trampling on their rights and freedoms. Checkpoints and food blockades, prohibiting people from working in their fields or swidden farms, armed soldiers occupying barangay centers, going house to house and forcing people to “surrender,” harassing young women or even married women, all-night drinking, beatings and altercations, indiscriminate firing of guns—this is how people perceive the rotten soldiers. Amid drought and disasters, fascist soldiers are like pests who bring nothing but disaster to their communities.

Using powerful weapons such as drones and jetfighters, helicopters and howitzers, Marcos’s terrorist soldiers are bombing mountains and fields, indiscriminately firing night or day, destroying the forests and poisoning waters, shattering the peace and causing deep trauma to the people, especially children, pregnant women and the elderly. These result in unnecessary number of lives lost, contrary to all principles and laws of civilized warfare.

The evil aim of Marcos is to instill fear in the hearts of the people and force them prostrate while allowing their land to be grabbed by big foreign capitalists and their partner comprador bourgeoisie and big landlords. But instead of falling on the ground, the people are more and more roused to stand up and fight, and tread the path of armed revolution.

In the guerrilla fronts across the country, the units of the New People’s Army (NPA) continue to enjoy deep and widespread support from the peasant masses. Military officers of the AFP and the reactionary state are furious that despite their intensified all-out war which has lasted for almost seven years, the peasant masses continue to provide political and material support to the Red fighters. Young farmers, as well as young students, workers, as well as professionals continue to join the people’s army.

The people’s desire to carry forward the armed struggle continues to burn. Amid fascist attacks perpetrated by the armed minions of the US-Marcos regime, and oppressive policies that worsen their plight, it is becoming clearer to the minds and consciousness of the peasant masses that they completely have nothing if they do not have the New People’s Army on their side to defend their lives and rights, and to fight with for their land and livelihood.

In recent years, the NPA has suffered losses and setbacks in various parts of the country due to the errors and weaknesses of conservatism and complacency with its previous accomplishments. Instead of boldly treading the path of continuous expansion and invigoration of the armed struggle, the scope and mass base of guerrilla units were reduced, and units became passive and vulnerable to enemy encirclement. Under the guidance of and inspired by the Party, the NPA is determined to rectify errors and move forward on the path of strengthening and galvanizing the people’s war.

In the spirit of the rectification movement, the NPA must more vigorously wage armed struggle in all parts of the country. Utilizing the broad mass movement in guerrilla warfare, they must use all weapons—guns and rocks, spears and punji traps, shotguns and landmines—and carry out large or small tactical offensives that can be won against weak and isolated parts of the enemy. Strike at the enemy’s fascist troops and all its tentacles by way of rendering justice for the people and inspiring their resistance. Only by waging widespread armed resistance can the NPA consolidate, overcome setbacks and strengthen.

Since its establishment, five and a half decades ago, the NPA has served as the true people’s army in promoting the revolutionary aspirations of the Filipino people for national democracy. On its coming anniversary on March 29, let us celebrate its accomplishments for the past 55 years, pay tribute to all the martyrs and heroes, and reaffirm the determination to advance the protracted people’s war, without fear of sacrifices and hardships, to achieve ultimate victory in the future.

[usafphantom2]

VIDEO: Check out images about the new Chinese Z-20 helicopter

Diego Alves By Diego Alves 08/01/2022 - 08:00 in Helicopters, Military

The youtube channel "Military Fans in the World" released a video with an interesting video where we can observe different helicopters of Chinese military aviation, especially the Z-20, manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), located in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, eastern China.

The description of the video informs that the main content of the video has an interview with Sun Dadong, pilot of the Z-20 helicopter, of the Army Aviation Brigade, subordinate to the Eastern Theater Command. In his point of view, the Z-20 has "an infinite energy, the DNA of a transport helicopter, the "blood" of an attack helicopter".

The video shows in addition to the Z-20, the Z-19 and Z-9, produced by Harbin, and the Z-10 that is produced by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC).

It is also possible to see part of the training structure of Chinese rotary-wing aviation pilots.

Tags: ChinaHelicoptersZ-20

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Voice of America 0431 12 Feb 2024

9775Khz 0359 12 FEB 2024 - VOICE OF AMERICA (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) in ENGLISH from MOPENG HILL. SINPO = 55344. English, Official Editorial opinion in progress, ends. @0400z VoA News read by Tommy McNeil. The Israeli military said it rescued two hostages from captivity in the Gaza Strip early Monday, marking a small but symbolically significant success in its quest to bring home over 100 captives believed to be held by the Hamas militant group. The two men were rescued from a residential building in the southern border town of Rafah in a raid that also killed at least seven people, according to Palestinian officials. The army identified the two rescued hostages as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, and said both were in good medical condition. The death toll from a massive landslide that hit a gold-mining village in the southern Philippines has risen to 54 with 63 people still missing, authorities said Sunday. The landslide hit the mountain village of Masara in Davao de Oro province Tuesday night after weeks of torrential rains. Donald Trump's suggestion the US would not protect NATO allies failing to spend enough on defence "undermines all of our security", the Western military alliance's chief has said. Jens Stoltenberg also suggested it put US and European troops at greater risk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his nightly address, touted Ukraine’s air defenses for downing 40 out of 45 Iran-made Shahed drones from a Russian attack of Ukraine. After months of speculation about a rift with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi has been removed from his post, with the president saying it was "time for renewal". U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was taken to the Walter Reed military hospital Sunday for treatment of "symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue," a Pentagon spokesperson said. “The Deputy Secretary of Defense has assumed the functions and duties. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified,” according to the statement. A woman in a trenchcoat opened fire with a long gun Sunday inside celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Texas, sending worshippers rushing to find safety while two off-duty officers confronted and killed the shooter. Two other people were shot and injured, including a 5-year-old boy who was in critical condition. Sports. @0404z “Daybreak Africa” anchored by male announcer (w/African accent). Backyard fence antenna, Etón e1XM. 100kW, BeamAz 350°, bearing 84°. Received at Plymouth, MN, United States, 14087KM from transmitter at Mopeng Hill. Local time: 2159.

[celtalks]

February 2024’s Most Anticipated Hollywood Films: A Preview of Cinematic Delights

As January draws to a close, the anticipation for captivating stories on the silver screen intensifies. Hollywood aficionados are gearing up for a month brimming with diverse cinematic experiences. From spellbinding thrillers to heartwarming dramas, February 2024 promises an array of blockbusters that are bound to enthrall audiences worldwide. Let's dive into the lineup of February 2024’s most anticipated Hollywood films, each offering a unique journey into the realms of imagination and emotion.

Argylle: Unraveling a Twisted Spy Thriller

Matthew Vaughn's latest creation takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the intricate world of espionage. In "Argylle," the lines between fiction and reality blur as author Elly Conway finds herself entangled in a web of real-life espionage. With a star-studded cast including Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, and John Cena, this peculiar spy thriller is set to hit theaters on February 2, 2024, promising an adrenaline-fueled adventure like no other.

Lisa Frankenstein: A Wicked Tale of Love and Horror

Prepare to be spellbound by a wicked love story like never before in "Lisa Frankenstein." Directed by Zelda Williams and penned by Diablo Cody, this horror comedy transports audiences to 1989, where a teenage girl's unconventional crush takes a terrifying turn when her beloved Victorian-era corpse comes to life. Starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, this twisted tale of romance and horror is slated for release on February 9, 2024, promising thrills and chills in equal measure.

Madame Web: Marvel's Psychic Superhero Takes Center Stage

Marvel Comics' iconic character Cassandra Webb, aka Madame Web, leaps from the pages to the big screen in this highly anticipated superhero film. Directed by SJ Clarkson and starring Dakota Johnson, "Madame Web" follows Webb as she navigates her psychic powers to protect three young women with extraordinary futures while confronting a cryptic enemy from her past. Set for release on February 14, 2024, this action-packed adventure is a must-watch for comic book enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.

Bob Marley: One Love - A Tribute to a Musical Legend

Reinaldo Marcus Green's heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bob Marley chronicles the inspiring journey of the Jamaican singer and songwriter. With Kingsley Ben-Adir portraying the iconic musician, "Bob Marley: One Love" promises to celebrate Marley's enduring legacy and musical genius. Set for release on February 14, 2024, this biographical drama is a testament to Marley's impact on music and culture worldwide.

Land of Bad: An Action-Packed Thriller Set in the Philippines

Director William Eubank's pulse-pounding action thriller takes audiences on a high-stakes mission in the "Land of Bad." Starring Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth, this adrenaline-fueled adventure follows a USAF drone pilot tasked with supporting a US Army Delta team in the Philippines, only to encounter an unexpected threat that sends the mission spiraling out of control. Set for release on February 16, 2024, "Land of Bad" promises edge-of-your-seat excitement and suspense.

Drive-Away Dolls: A Comedy Road Thriller with Unexpected Twists

Director Ethan Coen delivers a wild ride with "Drive-Away Dolls," a comedy road thriller packed with unexpected twists and turns. Starring Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan as two girls embarking on an impromptu road trip, this uproarious adventure takes a dramatic turn when a car exchange gone wrong entangles them with a group of criminals. With a star-studded ensemble cast including Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon, "Drive-Away Dolls" is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats when it debuts on February 23, 2024.

Ordinary Angels: A Heartwarming Tale of Compassion and Community

Jon Gunn's touching drama "Ordinary Angels" brings to life a true story of compassion and community in 1994 Louisville, Kentucky. Starring Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson, this uplifting narrative follows a hairdresser named Sharon Stevens as she extends a helping hand to a widower and his daughters in their time of need. Set for release on February 23, 2024, "Ordinary Angels" promises to inspire and uplift audiences with its message of kindness and resilience. As February approaches, cinephiles eagerly await the release of these diverse and captivating films, each offering a unique cinematic experience that promises to entertain, inspire, and resonate with audiences around the world. From heart-pounding thrillers to heartwarming dramas, February 2024 is poised to deliver an unforgettable lineup of Hollywood blockbusters that are not to be missed. Read the full article

[rhk111sblog]

The A-29B Super Tucano Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) seems to be operating on a Buddy System, sharing one Electro-Optical/Forward Looking Infra-Red (EO/FLIR) “Ball” for every two Aircraft while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) used their newest Assets like the Super Tucanos, Autonomous Truck Mounted-howitzer System (ATMOS) and Hermes Drones to make a devastating strike against the New People's Army (NPA) even under the cover of Darkness

[dserwer1]

Stevenson's army, May 4

– Tom Nichols analyzes the alternative explanations for the drones over the Kremlin. – Politico notes the disparate approaches in Congress to AI. – WaPo shows how few days are left when key debt players are in town. -WaPo says business and nonpartisan groups aren’t weighing in on debt ceiling. -There’s more than we thought to US-Philippine agreement – And look how new British election laws…

[96thdayofrage]

September 11, 2001: Questions to Ask if You Still Believe the Official Narrative

The attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11) left nearly 3,000 dead in NYC, Washington D.C. and over Pennsylvania. The attacks transformed America into a deepening police state at home and a nation perpetually at war abroad.

The official narrative claims that 19 hijackers representing Al Qaeda took over 4 commercial aircraft to carry out attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

The event served as impetus for the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan which continues to present day. It also led directly to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Attempts to cite the attack to precipitate a war with Iran and other members of the so-called “Axis of Evil” (Libya, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba) have also been made.

And if this is the version of reality one subscribes to, several questions remain worth asking.

1. Can the similarities between 9/11 and plans drawn up by the US Department of Defense (DoD) and Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in 1962 under the code name “Operation Northwoods” be easily dismissed?

The US DoD and JCS wrote a detailed plan almost identical to the 9/11 attacks as early as 1962 called “Operation Northwoods” where the US proposed hijacking commercial airliners, committing terrorist attacks, and blaming Cuba to justify a US military intervention.

Far from a fringe conspiracy theory, mainstream media outlets including ABC News would cover the document in articles like, “U.S. Military Wanted to Provoke War With Cuba,” which would report:

In the early 1960s, America’s top military leaders reportedly drafted plans to kill innocent people and commit acts of terrorism in U.S. cities to create public support for a war against Cuba.

Code named Operation Northwoods, the plans reportedly included the possible assassination of Cuban émigrés, sinking boats of Cuban refugees on the high seas, hijacking planes, blowing up a U.S. ship, and even orchestrating violent terrorism in U.S. cities.

The plans were developed as ways to trick the American public and the international community into supporting a war to oust Cuba’s then new leader, communist Fidel Castro.

A full PDF copy of the document is available via George Washington University’s archives and states specifically regarding the hijacking of commercial aircraft:

An aircraft at Eglin AFB would be painted and numbered as an exact duplicate for a civil registered aircraft belonging to a CIA proprietary organization in the Miami area. At a designated time the duplicate would be substituted for the actual civil aircraft and would be loaded with the selected passengers, all boarded under carefully prepared aliases. The actual registered aircraft would be converted to a drone.

The document also cites the USS Maine in describing the sort of event the DoD-JCS sought to stage, a US warship whose destruction was used to maliciously provoke the Spanish-American War. It should be noted, that unlike the DoD-JCS document’s suggestion that airliner-related casualties be staged, the USS Maine explosion killed 260 sailors. It is likely that DoD and JCS would not risk engineering a provocation that leads to major war but allow low-level operators left alive with the knowledge of what they had participated in.

Considering that the US sought to deceive the public in order to provoke an unjustifiable war that would undoubtedly kill thousands or tens of thousands of innocent people, and that other proposals did include killing innocent people, it is worth considering that US policymakers would also be just as willing to extinguish innocent lives when staging the hijacking of aircraft to provoke such a war.

2. Why did US policymakers draw up extensive plans to reassert US global hegemony – including regime change in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen – without any conceivable pretext until 9/11 conveniently unfolded?

In 2000, US policymakers from the Project for a New American Century (PNAC) sought a sweeping plan to reassert America as a global hegemon. In a 90-page document titled, “Rebuilding America’s Defense: Strategy, Forces and Resources For a New Century” (PDF), a strategy for maintaining what it called “American military preeminence” would be laid out in detail.

It involved global moves the United States – in 2000 – could never justify, including placing US troops in Southeast Asia, building a global missile defense network prohibited by treaties signed during the Cold War, and the containment of developing nations that would eventually end up rolling back US global hegemony in the near future, including Iran, Iraq, China, North Korea, Libya, and Syria.

The report noted the difficulties of proposing and executing the transformations necessary to achieve the objectives laid out in the document. It would be explicitly stated that:

Further, the process of transformation, even if it brings revolutionary change, is likely to be a long one, absent some catastrophic and catalyzing event – like a new Pearl Harbor.

In fact, the entire body of the document is an uncanny description of the post-9/11 “international order,” an order unimaginable had the events of 9/11 not transpired.

It should also be remembered that wars predicated on 9/11 like the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, were admittedly planned before 9/11 took place.

The Guardian in its 2004 article, “Bush team ‘agreed plan to attack the Taliban the day before September 11’,” would report:

The day before the September 11 attacks, the Bush administration agreed on a plan to oust the Taliban regime in Afghanistan by force if it refused to hand over Osama bin Laden, according to a report by a bipartisan commission of inquiry. The report pointed out that agreement on the plan, which involved a steady escalation of pressure over three years, had been repeatedly put off by the Clinton and Bush administrations, despite the repeated failure of attempts to use diplomatic and economic pressure.

While it seems inconceivable that the American or global public would tolerate the multi-trillion dollar 16 year war that the invasion of Afghanistan has become without the attacks on 9/11, such a war was admittedly in the making – in fact – years before 9/11 unfolded.

Similarly, the invasion of Iraq in 2003 was strongly linked to the aftermath of 9/11, but was likewise decided upon long before 9/11 unfolded.

CNN in its article, “O’Neill: Bush planned Iraq invasion before 9/11,” would report:

The Bush administration began planning to use U.S. troops to invade Iraq within days after the former Texas governor entered the White House three years ago, former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill told CBS News’ 60 Minutes.

This echos similar statements made by US Army General Wesley Clark who repeatedly warned that the US sought global-spanning war post-Cold War to assert its hegemony over the planet, and fully sought to use 9/11 as a pretext to do it.

General Clark would list seven nations slated for regime change post 9/11, including Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen – all nations now either at war or facing war with the United States and its proxies – or in the case of Libya – entirely divided and destroyed in the wake of US military operations.

3. If primarily Saudi hijackers with Saudi money and Saudi organization perpetrated the attacks of 9/11, why has the United States waged war or threatened war with every nation in the Middle East except Saudi Arabia and its allies?

Not only has the United States made no moves against Saudi Arabia for its apparent role in the 9/11 attacks – spanning the administrations of US President George Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump – the United States has sold Saudi Arabia billions in arms, provided military support and protection to Saudi Arabia’s military and government, partnered with Saudi Arabia in its ongoing conflict with Yemen – all while US government documents and leaked e-mails between US politicians reveal Saudi Arabia is still a state sponsor of Al Qaeda – the organization officially blamed for the 9/11 attacks.

Indeed, a 2012 US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report would explicitly admit:

If the situation unravels there is the possibility of establishing a declared or undeclared Salafist principality in eastern Syria (Hasaka and Der Zor), and this is exactly what the supporting powers to the opposition want, in order to isolate the Syrian regime, which is considered the strategic depth of the Shia expansion (Iraq and Iran).

The DIA memo then explains exactly who this “Salafist principality’s” supporters are:

The West, Gulf countries, and Turkey support the opposition; while Russia, China, and Iran support the regime.

This “Salafist principality” is now known as the “Islamic State,” an affiliate of Al Qaeda still operating with significant state sponsorship everywhere from Syria, Iraq, and Libya, to the Philippines and beyond.

Coincidentally, Saudi-armed and funded terrorists in the Philippines has served as a pretext for US military assets to begin expanding their presence in Southeast Asia, just as the aforementioned 2000 PNAC document had sought.

Additionally, in a 2014 e-mail between US Counselor to the President John Podesta and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, it would be admitted that two of America’s closest regional allies – Saudi Arabia and Qatar – were providing financial and logistical support to the Islamic State.

The e-mail, leaked to the public through Wikileaks, stated:

…we need to use our diplomatic and more traditional intelligence assets to bring pressure on the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are providing clandestine financial and logistic support to [the Islamic State] and other radical Sunni groups in the region.

While the e-mail portrays the US in a fight against the very “Salafist” (Islamic) “principality” (State) it sought to create and use as a strategic asset in 2012, the fact that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are both acknowledged as state sponsors of the terrorist organization – and are both still enjoying immense military, economic, and political support from the United States and its European allies – indicates just how disingenuous America’s “war on terror” really is. If the US truly believed Al Qaeda carried out the deadly attacks of 9/11, why does it count among its closest allies two of Al Qaeda’s largest and most prolific state sponsors?

Together – by honestly answering these three questions – we are left considering the very real possibility that 9/11 was not a terrorist attack carried out by foreign terrorists, but rather an attack engineered by special interests within the United States itself.

If we reject that conclusion, we must ask ourselves why the US DoD and JCS would take the time to draft plans for false flag attacks if they did not believe they were viable options US policymakers might seriously consider. At the very least we must ask why those at the DoD and JCS could be caught signing and dating a conspiracy to commit unspeakable terrorism to justify an unjust war and not only avoid criminal charges, but remain employed within the US government.

We must also ask ourselves why US policymakers would draft long-term plans for reasserting American global hegemony without any conceivable pretext to justify such plans. Even in the wake of 9/11, the US government found it difficult to sell the invasion of Iraq to the American public and its allies. Without 9/11, such salesmanship would have been impossible. In Syria – with 9/11 disappearing into the distant past – US regime change efforts have all but stalled.

Finally, we must find adequate explanations as to why those sponsoring the supposed perpetrators of 9/11 have remained recipients of unwavering American support, weapon sales, and both political and military protection. We must attempt to answer why militants fighting in Syria under the banner of Al Qaeda have been able to openly operate out of NATO-member Turkey’s territory for the past 6 years, side-by-side US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) personnel who are admittedly fueling the conflict with weapons, money, and training “accidentally” ending up in Al Qaeda’s hands.

It is clear – that at the very least – the official narrative in no shape, form, or way adds up. If the official narrative doesn’t add up, what does?

[sleepysera]

Dec 16 Headlines

WORLD NEWS

Australia: Five children killed in bouncy castle fall (BBC)

“Five children have died and four others are injured after falling from a bouncy castle that was blown into the air in Australia, police say. The accident - caused by a wind gust - happened on Thursday at a primary school fun day in Devonport, Tasmania. Police said the children had fallen from 10m (32ft), with two boys and two girls among the victims. The children were in grade six, meaning they were probably 10 or 11 years old. A fifth child died later in hospital.”

Philippines: Super Typhoon Rai makes landfall as tens of thousands evacuate (CNN)

“Super Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, slammed into the eastern coast of the Philippines on Thursday afternoon, bringing torrential rain and the threat of widespread flooding across the archipelago. The storm intensified rapidly as it approached the coast, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm in just 24 hours. By the time it made landfall on Siargao Island, a popular tourist and surfing destination on the central east coast, the storm had reached sustained winds of 260 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour) with gusts over 300 kilometers per hour (185 miles per hour).”

Syria: RAF Typhoon jet shoots down ‘small hostile drone’ (BBC)

“A Royal Air Force Typhoon jet has shot down a "small hostile drone" over Syria, the Ministry of Defence says. It is the first time the British military has downed another enemy aircraft since the Falklands War nearly 40 years ago. The MoD said the drone - which was shot on 14 December - "posed a threat" to coalition forces fighting the Islamic State group in southern Syria. It did not say which hostile group was operating the drone.”

US NEWS

EPA: Details push to tighten rules for lead in drinking water (AP)

“The Biden administration took steps Thursday aimed at reducing lead in drinking water, announcing plans to release $2.9 billion in infrastructure bill funds next year for lead pipe removal and impose stricter rules to limit exposure to the health hazard. Vice President Kamala Harris made the case for the administration’s push to eliminate every lead service line in the country, reiterating the administration’s pledge that the effort would create jobs across the country and begin to undo the harm pollution has caused in poor, often minority communities.”

China: US Congress approves import ban targeting forced labor in China (AP)

“The measure is the latest in a series intensifying U.S. penalties over China’s alleged systemic and widespread abuse of ethnic and religious minorities in the western region, especially Xinjiang’s predominantly Muslim Uyghurs. The Biden administration also announced new sanctions Thursday targeting several Chinese biotech and surveillance companies, a leading drone manufacturer and government entities for their actions in Xinjiang.”

Covid: Across services, troops face discipline for refusing vaccine (AP)

“On Thursday, the Marine Corps said it has discharged 103 Marines so far for refusing the vaccine, and the Army said it has reprimanded more than 2,700 soldiers and will begin discharge proceedings in January. The Air Force said earlier this week that 27 airmen had been discharged for refusing the vaccine order. And the Navy laid out its new discipline procedure this week, and has already fired one sailor from his command job for refusing to be tested while he pursues an exemption.”

[newstfionline]

Monday, July 5, 2021

Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter mark 75 years of ‘full partnership’ (AP) The young midshipman needed a date one evening while he was home from the U.S. Naval Academy, so his younger sister paired him with a family friend who already had a crush. Nearly eight decades later, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter are still together in the same tiny town where they were born, grew up and had that first outing. In between, they’ve traveled the world as Naval officer and military spouse, American president and first lady, and finally as human rights and public health ambassadors. “It’s a full partnership,” the 39th president told The Associated Press during a joint interview ahead of the couple’s 75th wedding anniversary on July 7. It will be another milestone for the longest-married presidential couple in American history. At 96, Carter also is the longest-lived of the 45 men who’ve served as chief executive. Yet even having reached that pinnacle, Carter has said often since leaving the Oval Office in 1981 that the most important decision he ever made wasn’t as head of state, commander in chief or even executive officer of a nuclear submarine in the early years of the Cold War. Rather, it was falling for Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in 1945 and marrying her the following summer. “My biggest secret is to marry the right person if you want to have a long-lasting marriage,” Carter said.

Tropical Storm Elsa nears Cuba amid fears of flooding (AP) Tropical Storm Elsa swept along Cuba’s southern coast early Monday, and forecasters said it could make landfall on the island’s central shore by midafternoon. By Sunday, Cuban officials had evacuated 180,000 people as a precaution against the possibility of heavy flooding from a storm that already battered several Caribbean islands, killing at least three people. Most of those evacuated stayed at relatives’ homes, others went to government shelters, and hundreds living in mountainous areas took refuge in caves prepared for emergencies. Elsa was forecast to cross over Cuba by Monday night and then head for Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 15 counties, including in Miami-Dade County, where a high-rise condominium building collapsed last week.

Brazil Vaccine Scandal Imperils Bolsonaro as Protests Spread (NYT) The plot twists of a coronavirus vaccine kickback scandal that has rattled Brazil’s capital have been worthy of a reality TV show. The main stage has been a congressional hearing room, where scores of witnesses have been shedding light on the government’s chaotic response to the pandemic, which has killed more than 520,000 in the country. There has been plenty of yelling as the audacity and scope of a scheme by health ministry officials to solicit bribes from vaccine dealers have come into focus. The outrage drew tens of thousands of Brazilians to protest across several cities on Saturday, the third large wave of demonstrations in recent weeks. Much about the scandal, which federal prosecutors are investigating, remains unclear and in dispute. But the widening inquiry is likely to pose a major threat to President Jair Bolsonaro’s re-election bid next year—and perhaps even to his ability to serve out the remainder of his term.

Cyber attack against U.S. IT provider forces Swedish chain to close 800 stores (Reuters) The Swedish Coop grocery store chain closed all its 800 stores on Saturday after a ransomware attack on an American IT provider left it unable to operate its cash registers. Hundreds of American businesses were hit on Friday by an unusually sophisticated attack that hijacked widely used technology management software from a Miami-based supplier called Kaseya. According to Coop, one of Sweden’s biggest grocery chains, a tool used to remotely update its checkout tills was affected by the attack, meaning payments could not be taken. State railways services and a pharmacy chain also suffered disruption.

EU deploys assistance for Cyprus as huge forest fire rages (Reuters) The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland. “It is the worst forest fire in the history of Cyprus,” Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told Cyprus’s Omega TV.

Japan’s leader pushes rescue after deadly mudslide hits town (AP) More than 1,000 soldiers, firefighters and police on Sunday waded through a giant mudslide that ripped through a resort town southwest of Tokyo, killing at least two people and leaving about 20 missing as it swept away houses and cars. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters 19 people had been rescued, and 130 homes and other buildings were damaged in Atami. Two people were dead, but more were feared missing, he said speaking after an emergency Cabinet meeting. Earlier, disaster officials said 20 were unaccounted for, but warned the number may rise. Troops, firefighters and other rescue workers, backed by three coast guard ships, were working to clear the mud from the streets of Atami and reach those believed to be trapped or carried away. They were barely visible in the rainfall and thick fog except for the their hard hats. Six military drones were being flown to help in the search.

Some Chinese shun grueling careers for ‘low-desire life’ (AP) Fed up with work stress, Guo Jianlong quit a newspaper job in Beijing and moved to China’s mountain southwest to “lie flat.” Guo joined a small but visible handful of Chinese urban professionals who are rattling the ruling Communist Party by rejecting grueling careers for a “low-desire life.” That is clashing with the party’s message of success and consumerism as its celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding. “Lying flat” is a “resistance movement” to a “cycle of horror” from high-pressure Chinese schools to jobs with seemingly endless work hours, novelist Liao Zenghu wrote in Caixin, the country’s most prominent business magazine. “In today’s society, our every move is monitored and every action criticized,” Liao wrote. “Is there any more rebellious act than to simply ‘lie flat?’” It isn’t clear how many people have gone so far as to quit their jobs or move out of major cities. Judging by packed rush hour subways in Beijing and Shanghai, most young Chinese slog away at the best jobs they can get. Still, the ruling party is trying to discourage the trend.

Myanmar forces kill 25 in raid on town, resident and media say (Reuters) Myanmar security forces killed at least 25 people on Friday in a confrontation with opponents of the military junta at a town in the centre of the Southeast Asian nation, a resident and Myanmar-language media said on Sunday. Myanmar has been plunged into chaos by the Feb. 1 coup against elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with violence flaring in many parts of the country of more than 53 million people.

Philippine military plane crashes, 45 dead, 49 rescued (AP) A Philippine air force C-130 aircraft carrying combat troops crashed in a southern province while landing Sunday, killing at least 42 army soldiers on board and three civilians on the ground, while 49 were rescued from the burning wreckage, officials said. Some soldiers were seen jumping off the aircraft before it crashed and exploded around noon in the periphery of the Jolo airport in Sulu province, military officials said. Three of six villagers who were hit on the ground have died.

Former South African president Jacob Zuma delays prison deadline with last-ditch legal maneuver (CNN) Jacob Zuma and his lawyers successfully delayed the former South African president’s prison sentence for contempt of court on Saturday when the country’s top court agreed to hear his application for a review of their decision to sentence him to 15 months in prison. In the application, 79-year-old Zuma and his lawyers claimed that the sentence threatened his life and that the Constitutional Court’s decision was unfair to their client. This comes after Zuma was ordered to hand himself in to a police station in his hometown Nkandla or Johannesburg by the end of this Sunday. Failing that, the police were given three days to bring him in. The Constitutional Court hearing will take place on July 12. Some legal analysts say the application is highly unlikely to succeed, but it buys Zuma more time.

Pope doing well after intestinal surgery, Vatican says (Reuters) Pope Francis is doing well following intestinal surgery, the Vatican said on Sunday after the 84-year-old pontiff was hospitalised for the first time since his election in 2013. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that the pontiff "responded well" to the surgery, which was done under general aesthesia and which the Vatican had said earlier had been scheduled and not prompted by an emergency. Francis underwent surgery for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon, a condition where sac-like pouches protrude from the muscular layer of the colon, leading it to become narrow. The operation was carried out by a 10-person medical team.

[usafphantom2]

The first clear image of the Chinese Navy's J-35 fighter appears

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 07/24/2022 - 7:00 PM in Military

The clearest image to date of China's future poaching, known as J-35, appeared this week on Chinese social media Weibo.

The twin-engine aircraft is expected to be operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Naval Air Force (PLANAF) on the future Fujian Type-003 class aircraft carriers of the Chinese Navy (PLAN).

The new jet features interesting modifications compared to the first prototype.

The high-resolution image shows the third J-35 prototype with tail number 350003, as well as several other interesting details, such as an IRST sensor under the nose, similar to the electro-optical target system (EOTS) of the F-35.

The engines have saw teeth nozzles, probably to reduce heat signature and therefore improve discretion in the infrared spectrum (IR).

The main landing gear has been "reinforced" to allow CATOBAR operations on the new Chinese aircraft carrier. From the image, it is not possible to see the front landing gear to check the presence of a "launch bar", usually used for launching with catapults.

The radar dome (on the nose) seems to be tilted. This probably indicates the presence of an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar antenna.

The cockpit shows the presence of a good old head-up display (HUD), while in the F-35, the HUD is replaced by an advanced helmet-mounted display system (HMDS).

The tip of the vertical stabilizer shows the logo of a "flying shark", usually seen in the J-15 fighters currently deployed on PLAN's Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers.

The aircraft was designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and the photo was probably taken at the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group test facilities in Harbin.

Another low-resolution image already shows the jet in flight, possibly a first test flight of the third prototype.

A new and short video of the J-35 was released on social networks today:

The official designation of China's new twin-engine poacher is not yet known. Most open sources call it "J-35" or "J-XY, with some even calling it a variant of the FC-31.

A life-size model of the stealth aircraft first appeared in June 2021 at the ground test facilities: a full-size model of a Chinese Navy aircraft carrier located in Wuhan.

Tags: Military AviationFC-31PLANAF - China Navy Air ForceShenyang J-31Shenyang J-35

Previous news

The beautiful images of the B-2 bombers flying in formation with the Australian F-35s

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in a specialized aviation magazine in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[dserwer1]

Stevenson's army, November 21

Stevenson’s army, November 21

– US wants expanded military presence in Philippines – Germans consider subsidies to avoid trade war with US – Iran helps Russia build drones, WaPo says. – Russia has growing debt problem – And the tech sanctions are hurting, too, says FP – House GOP targets the Pentagon – US pressures Netanyahu over defense appointment My SAIS colleague Charlie Stevenson distributes this almost daily news…

[libertariantaoist]

NEWS ROUNDUP 2/28/20

by Kyle Anzalone

US News

Senator Rand Paul says he has the support of Trump on changes to the FISA court to prevent it from authorizing surveillance of Americans. [Link]

Joe Biden claimed several times to have been arrested in apartheid South Africa while supporting Nelson Mandela. No one has been able to verify this is true. Biden is no longer making this claim. [Link]

Two Florida police officers have been arrested this month for falsely accusing and arresting people on drug charges. [Link]

The US deploys 2,500 troops to Saudi Arabia. It is expected to be a long deployment. [Link]

Assange’s extradition hearing adjourned until late May. [Link]

Asia

Russia tests a hypersonic missile launched from a ship. [Link]

Philippines President Duterte says his country does not need US help fighting terrorists or insurgents. [Link]

The reduction of violence pact in Afghanistan has now held through six days. [Link]

Syria

Syrian media reports an Israeli drone strike killed a Syrian civilian. [Link]

Turkey says it will allow free passage to Syrian refugees crossing Turkey into Europe. [Link]

At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in a Syrian airstrike in the Idlib Province of Syria. [Link]

The Turkish military says it is targeting all known Syrian Army positions in response to the Syrian airstrike killed Turkish soldiers. [Link]

Senator Graham calls for a no fly zone over Idlib. [Link]

Read More

[pinoyscientists]

Get to know Angelita Acebes, entomologist and applied ecologist

1) What do you do?

I am an entomologist and an applied ecologist. I study insect biology, behavior and ecology with the goal of developing sustainable and effective management strategies against insects that are detrimental to agricultural production. 

I investigate the different factors affecting population dynamics of insects in the field such as weather, host plants, predation/parasitism and agricultural management practices. Knowing how these factors or combination of factors impact insect populations can help us in designing ecologically-based strategies to manage agricultural pests with economic and environmental sustainability in mind.

2) Where do you work?

I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Entomology at the University of Georgia - Tifton Campus. I am primarily a research entomologist working on developing sustainable pest management strategies in tree nut production. I also serve as an Extension Specialist providing technical and entomology-related assistance to the grower community in the Southeastern US. 

I am also teaching a course offered to both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Georgia. I call this the academic trifecta: Research, Service and Teaching!

3) Tell us about the photos!

[Tall photos:] My profile photos-- professional and in uniform. I also serve in the US Army Reserves awaiting to commission as an Officer and an Army Entomologist.

[Left Top:] At a field site examining a log baited with ethanol lure we use to monitor beetles that attack and kill young orchard trees. We advise growers to manage only if the pests are present, highlighting the importance of monitoring and correctly identifying insects.

[Left Bottom:] Loading predatory mites into a drone and subsequently releasing them on top of trees infested with mite pests. Our main goal for this project was to decrease mite pest populations without spraying pesticides.

[Right Collage:] Doing activities I thoroughly enjoy aside from studying insects! I like to stay active as you can tell. There was a point in my life as a PhD student, when my time was mainly centered on just academics and research, and my personal life was somewhat neglected. When I realized that I was living a mentally unhealthy lifestyle, I have become a proponent of work-life balance! And, it’s been going great!

4) Tell us about your academic career path so far. 

Elementary: Jagna Central Elementary School (Jagna, Bohol) – I grew up in small town in the southern tip of the island of Bohol. I am an island girl at heart.

High School: Central Visayan Institute Foundation (Jagna, Bohol) – I was fortunate to be mentored by Dr(s) Chris Bernido and Marivic Carpio-Bernido (Theoretical Physicists and Administrators of CVIF) during my formative years. They were the ones who inspired to become a scientist myself.

BS: Univ. of the Philippines - Los Banos (Los Banos, Laguna) – Yes, I was an Iskolar ng Bayan and a proud one at that! I owe a lot to this institution. The instructors and mentors I had were tremendously instrumental in keeping me motivated to pursue an academic career.

MS: Univ. of Hawaii - Manoa (Honolulu, HI) – Aloha! Definitely, one of the best experiences I’ve had in my entire life. Imagine being 21 and living on my own just a few minutes away from Waikiki Beach! Definitely, the bulk of my personal and academic growth happened during these years!

PhD: Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) – This move was tough for me initially, as I had to uproot myself from the comfort of the tropics to the mainland US in the middle of winter. However, I poured my heart into excelling in academics and research; and all the sacrifices were worth it in the end.

Postdoctoral Positions:

Virginia Tech (Winchester, VA)

US Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Station (Kearneysville, WV)

As for my research background per se, it encompasses insect behavior and applied insect ecology. I worked on the classical biological control of aphid pests in Hawaii for my MS research, studying multi-trophic interactions and assessing impacts of a new parasitoid introduction on target aphid populations. 

For my PhD research, I investigated the effects of host plants on the behavior and ecology of the invasive pest, brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), in the Mid-Atlantic region. My findings contributed considerably to the knowledge database for this pest species in its invaded range including host plant utilization and dispersal patterns among host plants. 

As a post-doctoral researcher, I worked on refining the monitoring techniques for BMSB, which aimed to help in the development of temporally and spatially precise pest management strategy for this pest. For those who are interested, you can check out my published scholarly work in various peer-reviewed journals: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Angelita_Acebes-Doria

5) Anything else you’d like to share?

Cliché as it may seem but the most helpful advice I received growing up was ‘to pursue and do what you love’! If you are doing something you love, it will not feel like work at all. I really took this to heart! I am blessed that at a young age, I already knew what I wanted and the people around me were supportive of my decisions… especially, my husband, as he has been with me throughout this journey. If not for them, it would have taken me a longer time and more effort to get to where I am now.

On the same note, do not be afraid to take risks and venture out of your comfort zone! It won’t be easy but the payoff will be worth it if you persevere, stick to it and put your heart into it.

At 16, I left my home island to go to college in a bigger city.

At 21, I left my home country to pursue my MS.

At 24, I left the comfort of the tropics to pursue my PhD.

At 29, I joined the US military.

At 31, I decided to pursue a tenure-track Faculty position on top of my military commitment.

Definitely, the road was not at all easy and there will always going to be challenges. But I just remind myself that it will all be worth it, to be grateful and to have fun! We only live once, might as well give it all we got!

Lastly, I am calling all girls/ladies/women out there to please not only pursue STEM fields but also stay in it after getting your degrees! We really, really need more women in these fields! For those who want to talk about my experiences (struggles and triumphs) being a woman in a predominantly male field, please feel free to contact me. I am very, very grateful for the strong women mentors I had along the way! It would be great to return the favor to other aspiring women scientists.