Republican Senators introduce resolution to change rules so they can dismiss impeachment
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/476974-gop-senators-introduce-resolution-to-change-rules-dismiss-impeachment-without
The Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense, Eric Chewning, is resigning at the end of January.
https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/us-iran-soleimani-tensions-intl-01-06-20/h_9688473a6aec6e5cf76332f645d2524b
One of Soleiman's chief goals was to acquire WMD missile systems that could threaten Israel and US installations. He assigned the job to his ally, Mohamed Bagher Ghalibaf. When sanctions began, the IRGC used front companies to handle WMD acquisition. 1
https://twitter.com/adamdavidson/status/1213873920400605187
Ghalibaf's two chief deputies--the Darvishi brothers--set up one of the biggest and most successful of these front companies, Azarpassillo. Azarpassillo's primary external partner was Azerbaijan's Minister of Transport, Ziya Mammadov. 2
https://twitter.com/adamdavidson/status/1213874141692084225
Mammadov sent his son, Anar, to the U.S. in 2010 to develop business ties with U.S. companies. He spent lavishly but got no takers. It was well-known that the Mammadovs laundered money for the IRGC and were wildly corrupt. Only one American business worked with them. 3
https://twitter.com/adamdavidson/status/1213874465651724290
The Trump Organization. Ivanka worked extremely closely with the Mammadovs on their absurd tower. In 2015, the Trump Org acknowledged they knew the Mammadovs were likely laundering money for the IRGC. They kept working with them until after the 2016 election. 4
https://twitter.com/adamdavidson/status/1213874853922643968
The Trump Org acknowledged that this article is entirely true:
https://twitter.com/adamdavidson/status/1213875137763840000
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/03/13/donald-trumps-worst-deal
Iranian presidential adviser posts list of properties owned by Donald Trump in chilling hint of an attack on his real estate empireTrump
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7856463/Iranian-adviser-drops-chilling-hint-attacks-Trump-properties.html
Mike McCarthy New Cowboys Head Coach.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mike-mccarthy-cowboys-green-bay-packers-dallas-head-coach/
https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/1214198407369117697
Was told one of the big reasons the Cowboys liked McCarthy was they felt he regularly beat them with what they thought was inferior talent. In short, they thought he outcoached them.
https://twitter.com/robdemovsky/status/1214207876723544064
By the end of his #Packers tenure, Mike McCarthy grew frustrated with the inactivity of GM Ted Thompson. He felt he didn’t have enough players. This week, two GMs have said the #Cowboys have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. McCarthy has players now.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1214214443216855040
The hit from Clowney that resulted in Wentz going to the locker room
https://streamable.com/it1s4
Mike McCarthy plans to install a 14-person football technology department with an 8-person analytics team.
https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1213511851386056704
Eagles tried to overcome: No QB1, no WR1, no WR2, no WR3, no RB1, no RT1, no RG1, and their starting tight end was playing with a lacerated kidney. And that's just on offense.
Josh McCown gave it all he had. Really emotional here at the end with Zach Ertz consoling him.
https://twitter.com/mysportsupdate/status/1213986145832493056
Zach Ertz said he did everything he could to play for the Eagles and the City of Philadelphia despite a kidney cut, broken rib and back injury. Ertz said he went to hospital + had blood in urine but healed quickly and was in good enough shape to play tonight.
https://twitter.com/JeffSkversky/status/1213994929573240833?s=19
Top Iranian Presidential Adviser Says Tehran's 'Sole Problem is Trump,' Not Average American People: "We have zero problems with the American people. We even achieved deals with previous US administrations. Our sole problem is Trump," Ashena said
https://www.newsweek.com/top-iran-adviser-president-hassan-rouhani-only-problem-donald-trump-not-american-people-1480583
As a Democrat who thinks highly of @JoeBiden and other Presidential options, I have a suggestion to @AOC and @BernieSanders who clearly do not like the Democratic party. My suggestion is to just leave and join another.
https://twitter.com/fred_guttenberg/status/1214222805325271041
Fred Guttenberg the father of the one of the victims in the Parkland school shooting.
Mangy Jay:"You can feel however you want about Joe Biden, but he is not a Republican and he would not belong in a conservative party in the E.U. Conservative parties in the E.U. are largely anti-immigrant* and fight for a decreased social safety net."
https://twitter.com/magi_jay/status/1214221969912143874
Iraqi prime minister says Qassem Soleimani was in Iraq to 'discuss de-escalating tensions between Iran and Saudis' when he was killed - and claims Trump had asked for help mediating talks after embassy attack
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7854971/Soleimani-Iraq-discuss-escalating-tensions-Saudis-killed-PM-says.html
One of America’s oldest dairy farms declares bankruptcy. 2700 dairy farms shut down in 2019. As milk demand declines (down 6% since 2015), milk prices rise. It’s just going to be a downward spiral from here for the dairy industry.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/06/business/borden-dairy-bankruptcy/index.html
Borden Becomes Second Big U.S. Milk Producer to File for Bankruptcy. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-06/borden-becomes-second-u-s-milk-producer-to-file-for-bankruptcy
Israeli PM Netanyahu releases statement distancing Israel from US-Iran conflict: “The assassination of Soleimani isn't an Israeli event but an American event. We were not involved and should not be dragged into it."
https://www.mediaite.com/news/israels-benjamin-netanyahu-reportedly-distances-nation-from-soleimani-killing-we-should-not-be-dragged-into-it/
https://www.axios.com/netanyahu-israel-iran-soleimani-killing-b846c02b-f592-4b56-9827-9310cac092b8.html
Extinction Rebellion protesters occupy Shell gas rig to stop it heading out to North Sea
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/extinction-rebellion-protest-shell-gas-rig-climate-change-dundee-north-sea-scotland-a9272516.html
Milk Yoghurt sales fall victim to veganism, new figures show
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/05/yoghurt-sales-fall-victim-veganism-new-figures-show/
This is Army Spc. Henry Jarrett Mayfield, Jr, 23. He was killed Sunday in the al Shabab attack on the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya. Mayfield joined the Army in 2017, and was from Illinois. Two other American contractors also were killed. RIP.
https://twitter.com/DanLamothe/status/1214306094203445248
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/al-shabab-attacks-joint-us-kenyan-base-but-assault-repulsed-with-four-militants-killed/2020/01/05/6208f5a2-2f82-11ea-9b60-817cc18cf173_story.html
Thousands march in New York City against anti-Semitism in wake of attacks
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-york-stabbing-anti-semitism/thousands-march-in-new-york-city-against-anti-semitism-in-wake-of-attacks-idUSKBN1Z502X
U.S. Military Prepares to Move 'Out of Iraq' Amid Nation's Anger Over Deadly Strikes
https://www.newsweek.com/us-military-get-out-iraq-1480680
Wait... we sent the Iraqi military a letter suggesting we were leaving the country but it was actually just a draft letter and a mistake?
https://twitter.com/jdawsey1/status/1214301263283785729
Also, the Iraqi government acknowledges that it received a copy of said draft mistake letter.
https://twitter.com/DanLamothe/status/1214302003825913863
Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Milley now says the letter suggesting US troops would be withdrawn from #Iraq "is a draft. It was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released ... (it was) poorly worded, implies withdrawal, that is not what's happening.”
https://twitter.com/AlexandravonNah/status/1214307750693474305
US insists military not withdrawing from Iraq after confusion over leaked letter
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-us-military-withdraw-troops-letter-trump-iran-army-a9273001.html
Trump Judicial Adviser’s Dark Money Network Hides Supreme Court Spending. The Judicial Crisis Network has spent millions of dollars to confirm President Trump’s Supreme Court picks.
https://truthout.org/articles/trump-judicial-advisers-dark-money-network-hides-supreme-court-spending/
A U.S. government website was hacked over the weekend to show messages vowing revenge for the death of General Suleimani. The hack came as experts and officials warned of possible cyberattacks in the wake of the U.S. strike killing the commander.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/us/iran-hack-federal-depository-library.html
Monday, January 6, 2020
NBA Highlights
Paul George finishes the ridiculous and-1 floater from behind the backboard
https://streamable.com/da6u4
The Los Angeles Clippers (26-12) defeat New York Knicks (10-26) 135-132 behind PG - 30, Trez - 34, Lou - 32
Knicks get hit with 3 technical fouls in 20 seconds of game time in the second quarter
https://streamable.com/7zvhv
Marcus Morris statline tonight: 13-19 FG, 6-7 3PT, 6-10 FT 5 REB and 2 ST, 38 Points
Lou Williams finds Mike Miller wide open for three
https://streamable.com/vwcsl
Lou Williams drains 5 triples in the 2nd quarter, including 3 in a row
https://streamable.com/2ecr6
Fan yells “you’re a joke” towards Westbrook and Westbrook has him ejected from the game
https://streamable.com/w2x5h
Brook Lopez converts the awkward layup out of the postHighlights
https://streamable.com/kzrni
Lou Williams finds the bucket on a tough runner to give the Clippers a 5 point lead with 18.5 left
https://streamable.com/389zn
Paul George picks up his 6th foul
https://streamable.com/ig7zy
James Johnson with the block and the step over in his first game back and Tyler Herro drills the three over Whiteside
https://streamable.com/bk3kh
Lou Williams knocks down a deep leaning three at the end of the third, giving the Clippers 114 points going into the 4th
https://streamable.com/73zy0
Derrick Jones Jr. goes up for another big slam
https://streamable.com/0jpnk
Nemanja Bjelica 3+ the foul with 4.2 left to tie the game
https://streamable.com/8kd25
Montrezl Harrell just got his 2nd bucket of the season from outside the paint. Was previously 1-for-32 from outside the paint.
Troy Brown Jr. vs Nuggets 25 pts 14 rebs 3 asts 10/12 fgs
Paul George on Days He's Debuting a Sneaker: 27/6/2 with 2 steals on 49/50/83 and 65 TS%
Clippers assignee Mfiondu Kabengele finishes with 26 points on 8-15 (2-5 from 3, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in a 110-93 win for the Agua Caliente Clippers over Raptors 905
Marcus Morris hits two FILTHY contested leaners on back to back possessions
https://streamable.com/830fu
Dragic and Bam connect for the huge alley oop slam
https://streamable.com/ka8an
Anfernee Simons rises up high for the nasty jam
https://streamable.com/2bw8r
Montrezl Harrell Full Play vs New York Knicks 34 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists
Lakers fan hits a half court shot for $100,000
https://streamable.com/ae6zb
Pistons turn it over and Alex Caruso throws it down
https://streamable.com/2kmg6
Avery Bradley blocks Derrick Rose and LeBron lobs it to AD on the fast brea
https://streamable.com/xcrrx
KCP lobs it up to LeBron on the out of bounds play
https://streamable.com/ix6ai
Javale McGee banks in the three from deep
https://streamable.com/0xkca
The Lakers finish tonight's game against the Pistons with 20 blocks. Davis (8), McGee (6), and Howard (5) combine for 19 blocks.
Dwight blocks, LeBron runs the floor and a beautiful dime to Kuzma
https://streamable.com/2ewl8
Derrick Rose continues to shine, finishes with 28 points off the bench
Andre Drummond blocks the Caruso dunk attempt
https://streamable.com/e2w9h
LeBron turns the corner and hammers it home
https://streamable.com/s8y7p
LeBron James tonight vs. Pistons 21/14/11
Despite a rough scoring night, Anthony Davis puts up a dominant defensive performance with a final statline of 23/11/2, 3 steals, and 8 blocks
Dante Exum vs Minnesota 28 pts 3 rebs 2 assists
Memphis Grizzlies (15-22) defeat Phoenix Suns (14-22) by 121 - 114 with 30 points from Jonas Valanciunas
The Minnesota Timberwolves (14-21) defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers (10-26) by a score of 118-103, behind Dieng's 22-13-6 performance.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the first team to record 20+ blocks in a game since the 2001 Toronto Raptors
X-rays returned negative on Lakers guard Avery Bradley’s right ankle sprain, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
#Cavs rookie Kevin Porter Jr being helped off court after falling to court. Not able to put any weight on left leg.
Dwayne Casey gets a T asking for a review when this fast break foul is not called a shooting foul. Play cannot be reviewed.
https://streamable.com/9lkc5
Booker finishes with 40 points and 6 assists on 13-20 shooting in tonight’s Suns’ loss
Doumbouya blocks AD
https://streamable.com/t88hz
Derrick Rose drops KCP with a spin move but can't find the finish
https://streamable.com/yei6n
Jonas Valanciunas has 20/3/4 with 7:06 left in the 2nd quarter against the Phoenix Suns.
Drummond rips past AD for the slam
https://streamable.com/sjtax
Alfonzo McKinnie with a huge game. A team high +20 in 21 minutes. One of only 4 Cavs with a positive +/-
Gorgui Dieng - 22 Points (4/5 from 3), 13 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 4 Blocks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sigh.....Detroit Pistons star Blake Griffin to visit specialist in Los Angeles, considering season-ending knee surgery.
http://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1214217092439760896
As noted by ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry, Russell Westbrook has been the league's least efficient high-volume jump shooter this season with an effective field goal percentage of 36.4.
https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/ekvo6h/macmahon_as_noted_by_espns_kirk_goldsberry/
Goran Dragic records season high 29 PTS & 13 ASTs
Pacers announce they've assigned Victor Oladipo to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for today’s practice. He's getting closer
https://twitter.com/RedsArmy_John/status/1214203988100472838?s=20
Kyle Kuzma last 5 games fully healthy .351/.286/.900 11/4/1
https://streamable.com/da6u4
The Los Angeles Clippers (26-12) defeat New York Knicks (10-26) 135-132 behind PG - 30, Trez - 34, Lou - 32
Knicks get hit with 3 technical fouls in 20 seconds of game time in the second quarter
https://streamable.com/7zvhv
Marcus Morris statline tonight: 13-19 FG, 6-7 3PT, 6-10 FT 5 REB and 2 ST, 38 Points
Lou Williams finds Mike Miller wide open for three
https://streamable.com/vwcsl
Lou Williams drains 5 triples in the 2nd quarter, including 3 in a row
https://streamable.com/2ecr6
Fan yells “you’re a joke” towards Westbrook and Westbrook has him ejected from the game
https://streamable.com/w2x5h
Brook Lopez converts the awkward layup out of the postHighlights
https://streamable.com/kzrni
Lou Williams finds the bucket on a tough runner to give the Clippers a 5 point lead with 18.5 left
https://streamable.com/389zn
Paul George picks up his 6th foul
https://streamable.com/ig7zy
James Johnson with the block and the step over in his first game back and Tyler Herro drills the three over Whiteside
https://streamable.com/bk3kh
Lou Williams knocks down a deep leaning three at the end of the third, giving the Clippers 114 points going into the 4th
https://streamable.com/73zy0
Derrick Jones Jr. goes up for another big slam
https://streamable.com/0jpnk
Nemanja Bjelica 3+ the foul with 4.2 left to tie the game
https://streamable.com/8kd25
Montrezl Harrell just got his 2nd bucket of the season from outside the paint. Was previously 1-for-32 from outside the paint.
Troy Brown Jr. vs Nuggets 25 pts 14 rebs 3 asts 10/12 fgs
Paul George on Days He's Debuting a Sneaker: 27/6/2 with 2 steals on 49/50/83 and 65 TS%
Clippers assignee Mfiondu Kabengele finishes with 26 points on 8-15 (2-5 from 3, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in a 110-93 win for the Agua Caliente Clippers over Raptors 905
Marcus Morris hits two FILTHY contested leaners on back to back possessions
https://streamable.com/830fu
Dragic and Bam connect for the huge alley oop slam
https://streamable.com/ka8an
Anfernee Simons rises up high for the nasty jam
https://streamable.com/2bw8r
Montrezl Harrell Full Play vs New York Knicks 34 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists
Lakers fan hits a half court shot for $100,000
https://streamable.com/ae6zb
Pistons turn it over and Alex Caruso throws it down
https://streamable.com/2kmg6
Avery Bradley blocks Derrick Rose and LeBron lobs it to AD on the fast brea
https://streamable.com/xcrrx
KCP lobs it up to LeBron on the out of bounds play
https://streamable.com/ix6ai
Javale McGee banks in the three from deep
https://streamable.com/0xkca
The Lakers finish tonight's game against the Pistons with 20 blocks. Davis (8), McGee (6), and Howard (5) combine for 19 blocks.
Dwight blocks, LeBron runs the floor and a beautiful dime to Kuzma
https://streamable.com/2ewl8
Derrick Rose continues to shine, finishes with 28 points off the bench
Andre Drummond blocks the Caruso dunk attempt
https://streamable.com/e2w9h
LeBron turns the corner and hammers it home
https://streamable.com/s8y7p
LeBron James tonight vs. Pistons 21/14/11
Despite a rough scoring night, Anthony Davis puts up a dominant defensive performance with a final statline of 23/11/2, 3 steals, and 8 blocks
Dante Exum vs Minnesota 28 pts 3 rebs 2 assists
Memphis Grizzlies (15-22) defeat Phoenix Suns (14-22) by 121 - 114 with 30 points from Jonas Valanciunas
The Minnesota Timberwolves (14-21) defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers (10-26) by a score of 118-103, behind Dieng's 22-13-6 performance.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the first team to record 20+ blocks in a game since the 2001 Toronto Raptors
X-rays returned negative on Lakers guard Avery Bradley’s right ankle sprain, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
#Cavs rookie Kevin Porter Jr being helped off court after falling to court. Not able to put any weight on left leg.
Dwayne Casey gets a T asking for a review when this fast break foul is not called a shooting foul. Play cannot be reviewed.
https://streamable.com/9lkc5
Booker finishes with 40 points and 6 assists on 13-20 shooting in tonight’s Suns’ loss
Doumbouya blocks AD
https://streamable.com/t88hz
Derrick Rose drops KCP with a spin move but can't find the finish
https://streamable.com/yei6n
Jonas Valanciunas has 20/3/4 with 7:06 left in the 2nd quarter against the Phoenix Suns.
Drummond rips past AD for the slam
https://streamable.com/sjtax
Alfonzo McKinnie with a huge game. A team high +20 in 21 minutes. One of only 4 Cavs with a positive +/-
Gorgui Dieng - 22 Points (4/5 from 3), 13 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 4 Blocks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sigh.....Detroit Pistons star Blake Griffin to visit specialist in Los Angeles, considering season-ending knee surgery.
http://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1214217092439760896
As noted by ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry, Russell Westbrook has been the league's least efficient high-volume jump shooter this season with an effective field goal percentage of 36.4.
https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/ekvo6h/macmahon_as_noted_by_espns_kirk_goldsberry/
Goran Dragic records season high 29 PTS & 13 ASTs
Pacers announce they've assigned Victor Oladipo to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for today’s practice. He's getting closer
https://twitter.com/RedsArmy_John/status/1214203988100472838?s=20
Kyle Kuzma last 5 games fully healthy .351/.286/.900 11/4/1
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Light News
Australia's fires have burned more than twice as much land as the summer's Amazon blazes. They're part of an ominous carbon-dioxide feedback loop.
https://www.insider.com/australia-fires-burned-twice-land-area-as-2019-amazon-fires-2020-1
Entire species may have been wiped out by inferno, conservationists say | “Even if there are survivors, there is no food for them now,” she said. “We’re hoping to bring some into captivity before they are completely gone.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australia-wildfires-dunnarts-wildlife-cockatoo-animal-deaths-kangaroo-island-a9270966.html
US military confirms terror attack on US base in Kenya
https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-military-confirms-terror-attack-us-base-kenya/story?id=68075337
3 Americans killed in Al-Shabab attack at Kenyan military base
https://abc7.com/politics/al-shabab-attacks-military-base-used-by-us-forces-in-kenya/5816501/
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/05/politics/us-service-member-civilian-defense-contractors-killed-kenya/index.html
Islamic terrorists Al-Shabab attacks military base used by US forces in Kenya
https://apnews.com/65926ee82091f779d28d6a9644fb739f
Bernard Sanders calls for vaping industry shutdown (which I agree with), then walks it back (because "the leftists" are drug addicts)
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/04/bernie-sanders-vaping-shutdown-093780
This is just crazy, and will end in massive death and suffering if we do not stop him and stop this country from going to war. There is no good reason to go to war with Iran. No good reason to assassinate a senior leader of a sovereign country. We can stop this.
https://twitter.com/BetoORourke/status/1213679271572586497
Boris Johnson fails to return to work from luxury Caribbean holiday despite looming threat of Iran war, leaving civil servant to chair emergency meetings - Prime minister accused of 'sunning himself, drinking vodka martinis and not paying attention'
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-iran-war-crisis-holiday-caribbean-mustique-mark-sedwill-a9270876.html
They don't give a shit. They were elected not to give a shit. They are just there to tear down institutions and safeguards to make more money for the people who put them in that position. They're doing exactly what they're supposed to do. AUSTRALIA AND THE AMAZON HAVE BURNT TO THE GROUND. WORLD LEADERS DO NOT CARE. ISLAMIC TERRORISTS LAUGH.
White progressives who are willing to ally themselves with white nationalists in order to take down "the establishment" are the Alt-Left. They are not intersectional, and POC are just ungrateful pawns in their class-only warfare. I'm comfortable w/ the term and who I apply it to
https://twitter.com/DrJasonJohnson/status/1213659756495286272
California firefighters are heading to Australia to battle deadly brushfires on the ground
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/04/us/california-firefighters-australia-brushfires/index.html
Remember when the Trump administration said Maduro would soon be a goner? Venezuela’s Maduro Claims Control of Legislature, Consolidating Grip on Power
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/05/world/americas/guaido-election.html
Iran pulling out of nuclear deal following U.S. strike that killed Soleimani
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iran-pulling-out-nuclear-deal-following-u-s-strike-killed-n1110636
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/iran-abandons-nuclear-deal-over-us-killing-general
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51001167
The Saints are the first 13-3 team in NFL history to lose in the wildcard round
Tens of thousands of secret files from GOP gerrymandering mastermind Thomas Hofeller have been posted online by his daughter @SHofeller at http://thehofellerfiles.com . This should be goldmine of information about GOP efforts to subvert democracy
https://twitter.com/AriBerman/status/1213935311815892994
At least two rockets hit near US embassy in Baghdad
https://www.geo.tv/latest/265797-at-least-two-rockets-hit-near-us-embassy-in-baghdad-witnesses
Electric cars rise to record 42.4% market share in Norway in 2019, up from 31.2% in 2018 and just 5.5% in 2013
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/03/reuters-america-electric-cars-rise-to-record-42-point-4-percent-market-share-in-norway-in-2019.html
Cambridge Analytica leak ‘shows global manipulation is out of control’ – Company’s work in 68 countries laid bare with release of more than 100,000 documents
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/04/cambridge-analytica-data-leak-global-election-manipulation
Irwin Family Has Helped More Than 90,000 Animals During Bushfire Emergency
https://www.ladbible.com/news/news-irwin-family-has-helped-over-90000-animals-during-bushfire-emergency-20200102
https://www.insider.com/australia-fires-burned-twice-land-area-as-2019-amazon-fires-2020-1
Entire species may have been wiped out by inferno, conservationists say | “Even if there are survivors, there is no food for them now,” she said. “We’re hoping to bring some into captivity before they are completely gone.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australia-wildfires-dunnarts-wildlife-cockatoo-animal-deaths-kangaroo-island-a9270966.html
US military confirms terror attack on US base in Kenya
https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-military-confirms-terror-attack-us-base-kenya/story?id=68075337
3 Americans killed in Al-Shabab attack at Kenyan military base
https://abc7.com/politics/al-shabab-attacks-military-base-used-by-us-forces-in-kenya/5816501/
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/05/politics/us-service-member-civilian-defense-contractors-killed-kenya/index.html
Islamic terrorists Al-Shabab attacks military base used by US forces in Kenya
https://apnews.com/65926ee82091f779d28d6a9644fb739f
Bernard Sanders calls for vaping industry shutdown (which I agree with), then walks it back (because "the leftists" are drug addicts)
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/04/bernie-sanders-vaping-shutdown-093780
This is just crazy, and will end in massive death and suffering if we do not stop him and stop this country from going to war. There is no good reason to go to war with Iran. No good reason to assassinate a senior leader of a sovereign country. We can stop this.
https://twitter.com/BetoORourke/status/1213679271572586497
Boris Johnson fails to return to work from luxury Caribbean holiday despite looming threat of Iran war, leaving civil servant to chair emergency meetings - Prime minister accused of 'sunning himself, drinking vodka martinis and not paying attention'
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-iran-war-crisis-holiday-caribbean-mustique-mark-sedwill-a9270876.html
They don't give a shit. They were elected not to give a shit. They are just there to tear down institutions and safeguards to make more money for the people who put them in that position. They're doing exactly what they're supposed to do. AUSTRALIA AND THE AMAZON HAVE BURNT TO THE GROUND. WORLD LEADERS DO NOT CARE. ISLAMIC TERRORISTS LAUGH.
White progressives who are willing to ally themselves with white nationalists in order to take down "the establishment" are the Alt-Left. They are not intersectional, and POC are just ungrateful pawns in their class-only warfare. I'm comfortable w/ the term and who I apply it to
https://twitter.com/DrJasonJohnson/status/1213659756495286272
California firefighters are heading to Australia to battle deadly brushfires on the ground
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/04/us/california-firefighters-australia-brushfires/index.html
Remember when the Trump administration said Maduro would soon be a goner? Venezuela’s Maduro Claims Control of Legislature, Consolidating Grip on Power
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/05/world/americas/guaido-election.html
Iran pulling out of nuclear deal following U.S. strike that killed Soleimani
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iran-pulling-out-nuclear-deal-following-u-s-strike-killed-n1110636
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/iran-abandons-nuclear-deal-over-us-killing-general
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51001167
The Saints are the first 13-3 team in NFL history to lose in the wildcard round
Tens of thousands of secret files from GOP gerrymandering mastermind Thomas Hofeller have been posted online by his daughter @SHofeller at http://thehofellerfiles.com . This should be goldmine of information about GOP efforts to subvert democracy
https://twitter.com/AriBerman/status/1213935311815892994
At least two rockets hit near US embassy in Baghdad
https://www.geo.tv/latest/265797-at-least-two-rockets-hit-near-us-embassy-in-baghdad-witnesses
Electric cars rise to record 42.4% market share in Norway in 2019, up from 31.2% in 2018 and just 5.5% in 2013
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/03/reuters-america-electric-cars-rise-to-record-42-point-4-percent-market-share-in-norway-in-2019.html
Cambridge Analytica leak ‘shows global manipulation is out of control’ – Company’s work in 68 countries laid bare with release of more than 100,000 documents
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/04/cambridge-analytica-data-leak-global-election-manipulation
Irwin Family Has Helped More Than 90,000 Animals During Bushfire Emergency
https://www.ladbible.com/news/news-irwin-family-has-helped-over-90000-animals-during-bushfire-emergency-20200102
A Few NFL Notes
Vrabel using the move Belichick invented (stealing a minute off the clock with penalties before a punt outside of 5 minutes left) is an excellent additional story line in this game.
https://twitter.com/getnickwright/status/1213671908526501888?s=19
Derrick Henry had 204 of the Tennessee Titans 272 yards of total offense.
Time Clock Mastery: The Titans kill nearly two minutes of clock in the 4th quarter without running a single play
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTsvc9pkZ04
Belichick and the Patriots intentionally draw two penalties against the Jets to run time off the clock. A rare image of The Emperor half smiling. Save this clip and never get rid of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuxi7WvufXM
The Jets against the Pats: “I’m seeing ghosts.”
The Pats against the Titans: “I’m taking notes.”
Belichick: THEY CANT DO THAT
Jets fans: YES THEY CAN
Nobody:
Patriots: Neutral zone infraction...
Refs : “ DELAY OF GAME “
BELICHEK : “ YOU WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO DO THAT “
Patriots mad because they’re on the wrong side this time😂
The fact that bill gets angry over this shows he's a bad sport
Patriots: haha we found a loop hole (vs Jets)
Titans: taking notes
Titans: “I learned it by watching you!”
Three QB’s have gone into a playoff game in Foxborough against Brady & Belichick and won: Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, and now Ryan Tannehill
The Titans last touchdown drive went for 75 yards. Derrick Henry was responsible for all of them.
This is the first time ever that the Patriots have lost a Saturday playoff home game. They were 10-0 at home on Saturdays in the playoffs prior to this
Illegal blindside block takes the Bills out of field goal range in OT
https://twitter.com/uSTADIUM/status/1213627977533181952?s=19
Bill Belichick is 14-14 against his former assistants.
https://twitter.com/granthpaulsen/status/1213677220214005761?s=21
Ryan Tannehill (31) is the oldest QB left in the AFC. Mahomes and Watson are 24 and L. Jackson is the youngest at 22. The next generation arrived?
Tennessee Titans hold the Patriots to a field goal at the goal line. Second year linebacker Rashaan Evans in on all three plays
https://streamable.com/fu097
This is crazy. #Bills fans who left the stadium thinking the game was over watching them tie it on their phones.
https://twitter.com/AndyYoungTV/status/1213622778232033287?s=20
Bill Belichick has lost his most recent game against each of his former assistants and players who are active head coaches (Mike Vrabel, Brian Flores, Bill O’Brien, Matt Patricia).”
https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1213680068926427137
Titans CB Logan Ryan on Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy: "His Revenge Tour ended early. Hope he enjoyed it"
https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1213696195241140226?s=20
The Titans didn't play their best tonight, but they are a dangerous matchup for the Ravens. More so than Houston would have been.
At 3 hours and 38 minutes, the Bills @ Texans playoff game has become the 4th longest Wild Card game of all time.
Ryan Tannehill has 5 wins as a starting quarterback against Tom Brady (5-6). That's 2nd most for any starting quarterback, trailing only Peyton Manning (6-11). Tannehill's 4 regular season wins against Brady are most by any QB.
https://twitter.com/tdavenport_nfl/status/1213699723971960833?s=21
The #Patriots did, in fact, commit a game-day violation and they are expected to be disciplined for taping the #Bengals sidelines.. What’s not clear is if there is a link back to football operations, as not all security reports are back to the NFL offices.
https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1213494698188390400?s=21
https://twitter.com/getnickwright/status/1213671908526501888?s=19
Derrick Henry had 204 of the Tennessee Titans 272 yards of total offense.
Time Clock Mastery: The Titans kill nearly two minutes of clock in the 4th quarter without running a single play
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTsvc9pkZ04
Belichick and the Patriots intentionally draw two penalties against the Jets to run time off the clock. A rare image of The Emperor half smiling. Save this clip and never get rid of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuxi7WvufXM
The Jets against the Pats: “I’m seeing ghosts.”
The Pats against the Titans: “I’m taking notes.”
Belichick: THEY CANT DO THAT
Jets fans: YES THEY CAN
Nobody:
Patriots: Neutral zone infraction...
Refs : “ DELAY OF GAME “
BELICHEK : “ YOU WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO DO THAT “
Patriots mad because they’re on the wrong side this time😂
The fact that bill gets angry over this shows he's a bad sport
Patriots: haha we found a loop hole (vs Jets)
Titans: taking notes
Titans: “I learned it by watching you!”
Three QB’s have gone into a playoff game in Foxborough against Brady & Belichick and won: Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, and now Ryan Tannehill
The Titans last touchdown drive went for 75 yards. Derrick Henry was responsible for all of them.
This is the first time ever that the Patriots have lost a Saturday playoff home game. They were 10-0 at home on Saturdays in the playoffs prior to this
Illegal blindside block takes the Bills out of field goal range in OT
https://twitter.com/uSTADIUM/status/1213627977533181952?s=19
Bill Belichick is 14-14 against his former assistants.
https://twitter.com/granthpaulsen/status/1213677220214005761?s=21
Ryan Tannehill (31) is the oldest QB left in the AFC. Mahomes and Watson are 24 and L. Jackson is the youngest at 22. The next generation arrived?
Tennessee Titans hold the Patriots to a field goal at the goal line. Second year linebacker Rashaan Evans in on all three plays
https://streamable.com/fu097
This is crazy. #Bills fans who left the stadium thinking the game was over watching them tie it on their phones.
https://twitter.com/AndyYoungTV/status/1213622778232033287?s=20
Bill Belichick has lost his most recent game against each of his former assistants and players who are active head coaches (Mike Vrabel, Brian Flores, Bill O’Brien, Matt Patricia).”
https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1213680068926427137
Titans CB Logan Ryan on Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy: "His Revenge Tour ended early. Hope he enjoyed it"
https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1213696195241140226?s=20
The Titans didn't play their best tonight, but they are a dangerous matchup for the Ravens. More so than Houston would have been.
At 3 hours and 38 minutes, the Bills @ Texans playoff game has become the 4th longest Wild Card game of all time.
Ryan Tannehill has 5 wins as a starting quarterback against Tom Brady (5-6). That's 2nd most for any starting quarterback, trailing only Peyton Manning (6-11). Tannehill's 4 regular season wins against Brady are most by any QB.
https://twitter.com/tdavenport_nfl/status/1213699723971960833?s=21
The #Patriots did, in fact, commit a game-day violation and they are expected to be disciplined for taping the #Bengals sidelines.. What’s not clear is if there is a link back to football operations, as not all security reports are back to the NFL offices.
https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1213494698188390400?s=21
NBA Highlights
The Memphis Grizzlies (14-22) blow out the Los Angeles Clippers (25-12) 140-114 behind Jae Crowder 27/8/7
Kevin Love looking a little unhappy to end the half vs. the ThunderHighlights
https://streamable.com/jglyw
Lonzo Ball Finishes The Night With 24/6/9/2/1, 4 3PM, 47.4% FG With A +/- + 21 In The Pelicans 117-115 Win Over Kings
Lonzo and Kuzma post game handshake. Sort of
https://streamable.com/mazjd
Kelly Oubre's last 4 games: 26 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 steals on 60% FG and 65% 3P as the Suns go 3-1.
Ja Morant drops Jerome Robinson with the Harden-esque step back and stare down
https://streamable.com/ucs6y
Frank Kaminsky III will be sidelined indefinitely with a right patella stress fracture.
https://twitter.com/suns/status/1213513409645314048?s=21
Devin Booker puts up 38-3-7 vs. the Knicks
Omari Spellman career-high 23 pts, 5 rbs, 4 stls, 8/11 FG, 4/4 3PT vs Detroit Pistons
11 Games Today: Not one matchup between winning teams
Lou's nod of approval to Ja's ankle breaker: "You can shoot, son. You've earned this."
https://streamable.com/tip79
Jaren Jackson Jr flings in a deep three to cap off a big win vs the Clippers
https://streamable.com/sa6yw
JJJ with the 35 footer to put the nails in the Clippers coffin
https://streamable.com/asjjq
Jae Crowder just played the game of his life. In a big road win against the Clippers he put up 27/8/7 including 6 threes to go with 3 steals and 3 blocks
Story at @TheAthleticNBA: Cavaliers' Kevin Love had an emotional outburst directed toward GM Koby Altman on Saturday expressing displeasure and disgust with the organization -- after team issued fine for bench tantrum.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1213609802976440322?s=19
Kawhi Leonard in 35 minutes in today’s blowout loss to the Grizzlies: 24 points on 8/24 shooting with 5 TOs and a -21
Kyrie Irving, talking to reporters for the first time since Nov. 14, said he is "doing a lot better." He said he is struggling to lift his shoulder when taking jump shots.
There are 9 times when a player has averaged 40 PPG in a playoff series. Michael Jordan did it 5 times.
Montrezl Harrell lit into his own team postgame - “We’re not a great team. We’re not a great team... I think that’s what we need to realize and wake up. We’re a team that still has to figure out things to win night in and night-out.”
https://streamable.com/nepud
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr combine for 46 points in their win against the Clippers while shooting 17/20 from the field
Lowry and Allen get tangled up, Lowry called for flagrant
https://streamable.com/f4pii
Vince Carter has checked in to the game, making him the first player in NBA history to play in 4 decades
Trae Young finishes the first quarter with 18 points on 6-6 shooting and 3-3 on three pointers
John Henson decides to just run away after not getting the ball
https://streamable.com/q81wb
Masterful pick and roll play by the Suns leads to an open 3
https://streamable.com/f0aq0
Trae young at half time 28pts 5-5 on 3 pointers, 9-9 overall
The Toronto Raptors (24-12) defeat the Brooklyn Nets (16-18) 121-102 behind Fred VanVleet's stellar 29/11/4 night
Kawhi Leonard on why he received a rare technical foul: "I got fouled on the play, and it was right in front of him. He didn't call it, and I wanted to know what was going on."
Klay Thompson trying to hid the fact that he's texting on the bench
https://streamable.com/n59w3
Kris Dunn plays perfect defense, Tatum hits the dagger three anyways
https://streamable.com/le52q
Mark Cuban getting a little emotional as the Dallas crowd gives him a standing ovation, celebrating 20 years as the Mavs owner
https://streamable.com/c9419
The Charlotte Hornets (15-23) come back to beat the Dallas Mavericks in OT (22-13) 123-120 behind a combined 56/8/21 from Devonte Graham and Terry Rozier, also 19 (9/12 FG) from rookie PJ Washington
"A lot of non truths being shared...but I’ve learned that we live in a world where people remember accusations and not rebuttals. Let them paint whatever picture they want. Fact is — I love my teammates. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻"
Draymond Green mocks the ref's technical call and gets ejected
https://streamable.com/z8xy0
With low expectations, OKC started 1-5, but have gone 12-3 over their last 15 games, bringing their record to 20-15
JJ Redick banks in a tough layup to put the Pelicans up 2 with 1.1 left and win the game
https://streamable.com/r9q15
Nemanja Bjelica 3+ the foul with 4.2 left to tie the game
https://streamable.com/8kd25
The Atlanta Hawks (8-28) defeat the Indiana Pacers (22-14) 116-111, behind Trae Youngs 41 PTS and 8 ASTs
The Washington Wizards (11-24) defeat the Denver Nuggets (24-11) behind 92 bench points, 128-114
The New Orleans Pelicans (12-24) defeat the Sacramento Kings (13-23) 117-115 on a JJ Redick layup with 1 second remaining
Utah Jazz (23-12) defeat the Orlando Magic (16-20) 109 to 96 behind Mitchell's quiet 32 points off 14-21 shooting
Luka drills a tough stepback 3 from the corner
https://streamable.com/krxz5
Bismack Biyombo throws it down hard on Kleber to start overtime
https://streamable.com/umojq
The Washington Wizards' bench broke a Franchise record with 92(!) bench points vs the Nuggets
Sekou Doumbouya is the first teenager to post consecutive double doubles since Andre Drummond
Colin Sexton today vs OKC: 30 points on 54% shooting, 40% from 3, 5 rebounds and 2 Assists
LaMarcus Aldridge has shot 18/27 from beyond the arc in his last 6 games.
Trae Young tonight vs. Pacers. 41/4/8
Doumsday comes....Pistons Rookie Sekou Doumbouya w/ the block, and then the 3
https://streamable.com/8j5f7
Jamal Murray picks Isaiah Thomas' pocket and throws down the emphatic windmill on the other end
https://streamable.com/ne176
Utah Jazz are 11-2 without Mike Conley. The current starting 5 of Mitchell, Ingles, Royce, Bojan, Gobert had a Net Rating of +19.4 the highest mark in the NBA. Since taking Conley's spot, Ingles is posting 15/6/5 with a shooting line of 52/50/80 a huge improvement from his bench numbers
The team leader for assists on the Cleveland Cavs is Darius Garland at a whopping 3.1 assists per game.
Hayward hits a 3 and throws down a lob on the play right after
https://streamable.com/y15b5
Detroit Pistons (13-22) defeat Golden State Warriors (9-28) by 111 - 104 with 22 points from Derrick Rose
Hami flies in for the steal and throws it down
https://streamable.com/jxh5w
Trae Young in his 3 games against Indiana this season: 37.6/4/7.3 on 45.6/42/92.
Trae Young surrounded by 3 defenders but still gets the nutmeg pass to Alex Len
https://streamable.com/5q06l
Ish Smith Career High 32 Points/8 Assists
Gary "Gary Harris" Harris puts Pasecniks on a poster
https://streamable.com/32p74
Bucks and Spurs combine for 27/27 from the line in the 3rd Quarter
Spencer Dinwiddie with the perfect lob from past half court to DeAndre Jordan for the reverse oop
https://streamable.com/yg9dw
Jayson Tatum recovers and blocks Markkanen’s three, leading to some quick offense for the Celtics
https://streamable.com/7s9oj
Kevin Love looking a little unhappy to end the half vs. the ThunderHighlights
https://streamable.com/jglyw
Lonzo Ball Finishes The Night With 24/6/9/2/1, 4 3PM, 47.4% FG With A +/- + 21 In The Pelicans 117-115 Win Over Kings
Lonzo and Kuzma post game handshake. Sort of
https://streamable.com/mazjd
Kelly Oubre's last 4 games: 26 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 steals on 60% FG and 65% 3P as the Suns go 3-1.
Ja Morant drops Jerome Robinson with the Harden-esque step back and stare down
https://streamable.com/ucs6y
Frank Kaminsky III will be sidelined indefinitely with a right patella stress fracture.
https://twitter.com/suns/status/1213513409645314048?s=21
Devin Booker puts up 38-3-7 vs. the Knicks
Omari Spellman career-high 23 pts, 5 rbs, 4 stls, 8/11 FG, 4/4 3PT vs Detroit Pistons
11 Games Today: Not one matchup between winning teams
Lou's nod of approval to Ja's ankle breaker: "You can shoot, son. You've earned this."
https://streamable.com/tip79
Jaren Jackson Jr flings in a deep three to cap off a big win vs the Clippers
https://streamable.com/sa6yw
JJJ with the 35 footer to put the nails in the Clippers coffin
https://streamable.com/asjjq
Jae Crowder just played the game of his life. In a big road win against the Clippers he put up 27/8/7 including 6 threes to go with 3 steals and 3 blocks
Story at @TheAthleticNBA: Cavaliers' Kevin Love had an emotional outburst directed toward GM Koby Altman on Saturday expressing displeasure and disgust with the organization -- after team issued fine for bench tantrum.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1213609802976440322?s=19
Kawhi Leonard in 35 minutes in today’s blowout loss to the Grizzlies: 24 points on 8/24 shooting with 5 TOs and a -21
Kyrie Irving, talking to reporters for the first time since Nov. 14, said he is "doing a lot better." He said he is struggling to lift his shoulder when taking jump shots.
There are 9 times when a player has averaged 40 PPG in a playoff series. Michael Jordan did it 5 times.
Montrezl Harrell lit into his own team postgame - “We’re not a great team. We’re not a great team... I think that’s what we need to realize and wake up. We’re a team that still has to figure out things to win night in and night-out.”
https://streamable.com/nepud
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr combine for 46 points in their win against the Clippers while shooting 17/20 from the field
Lowry and Allen get tangled up, Lowry called for flagrant
https://streamable.com/f4pii
Vince Carter has checked in to the game, making him the first player in NBA history to play in 4 decades
Trae Young finishes the first quarter with 18 points on 6-6 shooting and 3-3 on three pointers
John Henson decides to just run away after not getting the ball
https://streamable.com/q81wb
Masterful pick and roll play by the Suns leads to an open 3
https://streamable.com/f0aq0
Trae young at half time 28pts 5-5 on 3 pointers, 9-9 overall
The Toronto Raptors (24-12) defeat the Brooklyn Nets (16-18) 121-102 behind Fred VanVleet's stellar 29/11/4 night
Kawhi Leonard on why he received a rare technical foul: "I got fouled on the play, and it was right in front of him. He didn't call it, and I wanted to know what was going on."
Klay Thompson trying to hid the fact that he's texting on the bench
https://streamable.com/n59w3
Kris Dunn plays perfect defense, Tatum hits the dagger three anyways
https://streamable.com/le52q
Mark Cuban getting a little emotional as the Dallas crowd gives him a standing ovation, celebrating 20 years as the Mavs owner
https://streamable.com/c9419
The Charlotte Hornets (15-23) come back to beat the Dallas Mavericks in OT (22-13) 123-120 behind a combined 56/8/21 from Devonte Graham and Terry Rozier, also 19 (9/12 FG) from rookie PJ Washington
"A lot of non truths being shared...but I’ve learned that we live in a world where people remember accusations and not rebuttals. Let them paint whatever picture they want. Fact is — I love my teammates. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻"
Draymond Green mocks the ref's technical call and gets ejected
https://streamable.com/z8xy0
With low expectations, OKC started 1-5, but have gone 12-3 over their last 15 games, bringing their record to 20-15
JJ Redick banks in a tough layup to put the Pelicans up 2 with 1.1 left and win the game
https://streamable.com/r9q15
Nemanja Bjelica 3+ the foul with 4.2 left to tie the game
https://streamable.com/8kd25
The Atlanta Hawks (8-28) defeat the Indiana Pacers (22-14) 116-111, behind Trae Youngs 41 PTS and 8 ASTs
The Washington Wizards (11-24) defeat the Denver Nuggets (24-11) behind 92 bench points, 128-114
The New Orleans Pelicans (12-24) defeat the Sacramento Kings (13-23) 117-115 on a JJ Redick layup with 1 second remaining
Utah Jazz (23-12) defeat the Orlando Magic (16-20) 109 to 96 behind Mitchell's quiet 32 points off 14-21 shooting
Luka drills a tough stepback 3 from the corner
https://streamable.com/krxz5
Bismack Biyombo throws it down hard on Kleber to start overtime
https://streamable.com/umojq
The Washington Wizards' bench broke a Franchise record with 92(!) bench points vs the Nuggets
Sekou Doumbouya is the first teenager to post consecutive double doubles since Andre Drummond
Colin Sexton today vs OKC: 30 points on 54% shooting, 40% from 3, 5 rebounds and 2 Assists
LaMarcus Aldridge has shot 18/27 from beyond the arc in his last 6 games.
Trae Young tonight vs. Pacers. 41/4/8
Doumsday comes....Pistons Rookie Sekou Doumbouya w/ the block, and then the 3
https://streamable.com/8j5f7
Jamal Murray picks Isaiah Thomas' pocket and throws down the emphatic windmill on the other end
https://streamable.com/ne176
Utah Jazz are 11-2 without Mike Conley. The current starting 5 of Mitchell, Ingles, Royce, Bojan, Gobert had a Net Rating of +19.4 the highest mark in the NBA. Since taking Conley's spot, Ingles is posting 15/6/5 with a shooting line of 52/50/80 a huge improvement from his bench numbers
The team leader for assists on the Cleveland Cavs is Darius Garland at a whopping 3.1 assists per game.
Hayward hits a 3 and throws down a lob on the play right after
https://streamable.com/y15b5
Detroit Pistons (13-22) defeat Golden State Warriors (9-28) by 111 - 104 with 22 points from Derrick Rose
Hami flies in for the steal and throws it down
https://streamable.com/jxh5w
Trae Young in his 3 games against Indiana this season: 37.6/4/7.3 on 45.6/42/92.
Trae Young surrounded by 3 defenders but still gets the nutmeg pass to Alex Len
https://streamable.com/5q06l
Ish Smith Career High 32 Points/8 Assists
Gary "Gary Harris" Harris puts Pasecniks on a poster
https://streamable.com/32p74
Bucks and Spurs combine for 27/27 from the line in the 3rd Quarter
Spencer Dinwiddie with the perfect lob from past half court to DeAndre Jordan for the reverse oop
https://streamable.com/yg9dw
Jayson Tatum recovers and blocks Markkanen’s three, leading to some quick offense for the Celtics
https://streamable.com/7s9oj
5th Sunday January | 6 Minnesota Vikings vs 3 New Orleans Saints | Seattle Seahawks vs 4 Philadelphia Eagles
5th Sunday January
6 Minnesota Vikings vs 3 New Orleans Saints 1:05pm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131038
5 Seattle Seahawks vs 4 Philadelphia Eagles 4:40pm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131039
Finally a Superbowl without the New England Patriots! Congrats and Thank You Titans!
6 Minnesota Vikings vs 3 New Orleans Saints 1:05pm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131038
5 Seattle Seahawks vs 4 Philadelphia Eagles 4:40pm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131039
Finally a Superbowl without the New England Patriots! Congrats and Thank You Titans!
Saturday, January 4, 2020
5 Buffalo Bills vs 4 Houston Texans | 6 Tennessee Titans vs 3 New England Patriots
4th Saturday January
5 Buffalo Bills vs 4 Houston Texans 4:35pm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131037
6 Tennessee Titans vs 3 New England Patriots 8:15pm [cbs]
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131036
5 Buffalo Bills vs 4 Houston Texans 4:35pm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131037
6 Tennessee Titans vs 3 New England Patriots 8:15pm [cbs]
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401131036
NBA Highlights
Isaiah Thomas get ejected in the first minutes of the game for contact with the ref. The ejection motion was about 15x more violent than I.T.’s contact with him. Referee pulled off the ejection gesture at full force three times in 5 seconds lmao
https://streamable.com/cn8et
Kyrie Irving is out tomorrow against the Raptors, the Nets say. Saturday marks the 22nd consecutive game Irving has missed.
https://twitter.com/malika_andrews/status/1213225212579332096?s=19
James Harden tonight vs. 76ers. 44/11/11
Theis blocks Trae Young's potential game winner, Marcus Smart walks over Young and taunts him
https://streamable.com/x6246
Anthony Davis tonight: 46 points on 15/21 shooting, 13/13 from the line, 3/5 from deep, 13 rebounds, 3 steals
Westbrook embarrasses himself on 3 straight possessions
https://streamable.com/5xsst
Harden knocks down two tough threes late in the game
https://streamable.com/mkvth
34 games into the season, James Harden is averaging 38-6-8, and 2 steals & 1 block a game, on 46-39-86 (65% TS). Greatest offensive season ever?
Houston Rockets (24-11) defeat Philadelphia 76ers (23-14) by 118 - 108 with 44 point triple double from James Harden
Lakers just played a tribute video for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart
https://streamable.com/hxto7
Westbrook with a Shaqtin moment as he blows the wide open dunk
https://streamable.com/atu8f
The Miami Heat just scored 6 points in the 4th quarter against the Magic
submitted 10 hours ago * by [POR] Brandon Roysixseven89
Tyler Herro tries to jump with Aaron Gordon
https://streamable.com/7is1l
D'Antoni jokes "James is on fire" after fire alarm ends his interview earlyMisc. Media
https://streamable.com/3ciba
Anthony Davis catches the oop behind his head and throws it town
https://streamable.com/0xi2n
Clint Capela finishes the game with 30PTS, 14REB, 12/16FG & 6/8FT
Lonzo tonight: 23/2/5/2 on 10/16 shooting
Harden nails the dagger 3 to give him 44 on the night
https://streamable.com/9yif7
Devin Booker gets his 5th 30 point game in a row with a 38 point 7 assist night in the Suns win over the Knicks
Phoenix Suns (14-21) defeat New York Knicks (10-25) by 120 - 112 behind Devin Booker's 38 points.
Kelly Oubre Jr. re-enacts the head pop that got him a technical foul and bops his chin on the mic
https://streamable.com/vofer
LeBron lobs it to AD who throws it down over Brandon Ingram
https://streamable.com/ylyls
Joel Embiid after the Sixers’ fourth straight loss: “It’s taking a toll on me. All I care about is winning. It sucks. We’ve got to find a way.”
https://streamable.com/fa41n
Carmelo "still got bounce" Anthony rises for the putback dunk
https://streamable.com/ovvai
James Harden drains the three from near-halfcourt, gets fouled, but the referee does not count the bucket
https://streamable.com/qz2lu
James Harden gets his 10th rebound and steps back to make it a 40-point triple-double on ESPN.
https://streamable.com/hqxb9
Twin Towers of Phoenix getting it done
https://streamable.com/219as
Vince Carter did not play tonight and looked visibly upset in huddles and on the bench, just his 7th DNP in just 34 games, preventing him from being the first player to play in four decades
After John Collins exited with what appeared to be a tailbone injury and headed back to the locker room, Hawks staff just went down to the Celtics bench and requested assistance from Boston's medical staff. Not a great sign.
https://twitter.com/Marc_DAmico/status/1213272229171126274
Marcus Smart hits the clutch three to put the Celtics up 4 in the last minute
https://streamable.com/2gvts
James Harden is averaging his best FG% (48%) and 3pt% (38%) since 2012
Marcus Smart steps on Trae Young and pushes Alex Len, Trae Young is called for the foul
https://streamable.com/bkowz
Zion throwing it down in his workout before the Pelicans v Lakers
https://streamable.com/6tu0k
Trae Young from way downtown to tie the game
https://streamable.com/9e1uv
LeBron James checks out of the first quarter with 8 assists
Deandre Ayton with an emphatic swat on Julius Randle's shot attempt
https://streamable.com/11glp
Ben Simmons with 29/13/11 on 13/20 shooting to go with 3 steals and 4 blocks in loss to Rockets
Kelly Oubre Jr with the corner three and blows kisses to the home crowd
https://streamable.com/httpn
LeBron James has recorded 56 assists to just 10 turnovers in his last 4 games
Harden outlets to Ruthless Russ who Rams it home
https://streamable.com/4ss7z
Ball attacks and throws down a one-handed dunk
https://streamable.com/ydoyc
Green gets a wide-open corner three off of a moving screen by James
https://streamable.com/if8gk
Dwight Howard and Quinn Cook assisting LeBron James with his chalk powder toss
https://streamable.com/9ut37
Enes Kanter destroys Alex Len with the clutch poster
https://streamable.com/g8fwz
Simmons flies down the lane for a Big Ben Boom
https://streamable.com/i10gk
Westbrook and Embiid get into it and Westbrook gets T'd
https://streamable.com/9m774
Kelly Oubre Jr. with the fastbreak slam and taunting tech
https://streamable.com/qnf33
Jaxson Hayes erases Javale McGee's layup
https://streamable.com/1u7c6
“Embiid is a paper tiger. I don’t care what any counting stats say. He’s the problem with this team. Trade him. Spacing cannibal, scheme-dictating, terrible-diving, out of shape dinosaur.” “The 76ers have gone about trying to build an entire roster and scheme to exactly his needs. People are convinced that, yes, it can't work with other back-to-the-basket bigs, but he has to be the only one you can win a title with! You need spacing to win in this league.” “The 76ers have spent $634 million to build a system that can't thrive with Joel, and have tied up all of their resources into Joel making it hard for the system to survive without him. He's a cannibal. A cannibal that produces counting stats so people are afraid to call it out.” “Embiid is last in the NBA in PPP in his possessions after receiving a pass as an on-ball roller this season, among 31 players with as many possessions. He was second to last among 34 players with the same criteria in last season. Sure looks imposing, though.”
https://twitter.com/josephgillma/status/1213302669269442563?s=21
LeBron is now one game (currently 6 games) from tying his longest streak for games with 10+ assists. Also his top 3 streaks have all happened in the last 10 months.
Hassan Whiteside (23 PTS, 21 REB, 5 BLK) Trail Blazers vs. Wizards
Mitchell Robinson's big block goes directly to Rubio for a three
https://streamable.com/8nia1
Rockets forget about Simmons and he flies in to punch home the putback
https://streamable.com/k3qyb
Jaylen Brown with the steal and cocks it way back for the fastbreak jam
https://streamable.com/ywszb
Jordan McRae 35 Points Full Highlights vs Portland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uelWFktG4E
SGA full highlights at Spurs. 25/7R/4A. 15 points in the 3rd Quarter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xIHirY1iWc
The Portland Trail Blazers (15-21) defeat the Washington Wizards (10-24) 122-103, behind 23 points and 21 rebounds from Hassan Whiteside
https://streamable.com/cn8et
Kyrie Irving is out tomorrow against the Raptors, the Nets say. Saturday marks the 22nd consecutive game Irving has missed.
https://twitter.com/malika_andrews/status/1213225212579332096?s=19
James Harden tonight vs. 76ers. 44/11/11
Theis blocks Trae Young's potential game winner, Marcus Smart walks over Young and taunts him
https://streamable.com/x6246
Anthony Davis tonight: 46 points on 15/21 shooting, 13/13 from the line, 3/5 from deep, 13 rebounds, 3 steals
Westbrook embarrasses himself on 3 straight possessions
https://streamable.com/5xsst
Harden knocks down two tough threes late in the game
https://streamable.com/mkvth
34 games into the season, James Harden is averaging 38-6-8, and 2 steals & 1 block a game, on 46-39-86 (65% TS). Greatest offensive season ever?
Houston Rockets (24-11) defeat Philadelphia 76ers (23-14) by 118 - 108 with 44 point triple double from James Harden
Lakers just played a tribute video for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart
https://streamable.com/hxto7
Westbrook with a Shaqtin moment as he blows the wide open dunk
https://streamable.com/atu8f
The Miami Heat just scored 6 points in the 4th quarter against the Magic
submitted 10 hours ago * by [POR] Brandon Roysixseven89
Tyler Herro tries to jump with Aaron Gordon
https://streamable.com/7is1l
D'Antoni jokes "James is on fire" after fire alarm ends his interview earlyMisc. Media
https://streamable.com/3ciba
Anthony Davis catches the oop behind his head and throws it town
https://streamable.com/0xi2n
Clint Capela finishes the game with 30PTS, 14REB, 12/16FG & 6/8FT
Lonzo tonight: 23/2/5/2 on 10/16 shooting
Harden nails the dagger 3 to give him 44 on the night
https://streamable.com/9yif7
Devin Booker gets his 5th 30 point game in a row with a 38 point 7 assist night in the Suns win over the Knicks
Phoenix Suns (14-21) defeat New York Knicks (10-25) by 120 - 112 behind Devin Booker's 38 points.
Kelly Oubre Jr. re-enacts the head pop that got him a technical foul and bops his chin on the mic
https://streamable.com/vofer
LeBron lobs it to AD who throws it down over Brandon Ingram
https://streamable.com/ylyls
Joel Embiid after the Sixers’ fourth straight loss: “It’s taking a toll on me. All I care about is winning. It sucks. We’ve got to find a way.”
https://streamable.com/fa41n
Carmelo "still got bounce" Anthony rises for the putback dunk
https://streamable.com/ovvai
James Harden drains the three from near-halfcourt, gets fouled, but the referee does not count the bucket
https://streamable.com/qz2lu
James Harden gets his 10th rebound and steps back to make it a 40-point triple-double on ESPN.
https://streamable.com/hqxb9
Twin Towers of Phoenix getting it done
https://streamable.com/219as
Vince Carter did not play tonight and looked visibly upset in huddles and on the bench, just his 7th DNP in just 34 games, preventing him from being the first player to play in four decades
After John Collins exited with what appeared to be a tailbone injury and headed back to the locker room, Hawks staff just went down to the Celtics bench and requested assistance from Boston's medical staff. Not a great sign.
https://twitter.com/Marc_DAmico/status/1213272229171126274
Marcus Smart hits the clutch three to put the Celtics up 4 in the last minute
https://streamable.com/2gvts
James Harden is averaging his best FG% (48%) and 3pt% (38%) since 2012
Marcus Smart steps on Trae Young and pushes Alex Len, Trae Young is called for the foul
https://streamable.com/bkowz
Zion throwing it down in his workout before the Pelicans v Lakers
https://streamable.com/6tu0k
Trae Young from way downtown to tie the game
https://streamable.com/9e1uv
LeBron James checks out of the first quarter with 8 assists
Deandre Ayton with an emphatic swat on Julius Randle's shot attempt
https://streamable.com/11glp
Ben Simmons with 29/13/11 on 13/20 shooting to go with 3 steals and 4 blocks in loss to Rockets
Kelly Oubre Jr with the corner three and blows kisses to the home crowd
https://streamable.com/httpn
LeBron James has recorded 56 assists to just 10 turnovers in his last 4 games
Harden outlets to Ruthless Russ who Rams it home
https://streamable.com/4ss7z
Ball attacks and throws down a one-handed dunk
https://streamable.com/ydoyc
Green gets a wide-open corner three off of a moving screen by James
https://streamable.com/if8gk
Dwight Howard and Quinn Cook assisting LeBron James with his chalk powder toss
https://streamable.com/9ut37
Enes Kanter destroys Alex Len with the clutch poster
https://streamable.com/g8fwz
Simmons flies down the lane for a Big Ben Boom
https://streamable.com/i10gk
Westbrook and Embiid get into it and Westbrook gets T'd
https://streamable.com/9m774
Kelly Oubre Jr. with the fastbreak slam and taunting tech
https://streamable.com/qnf33
Jaxson Hayes erases Javale McGee's layup
https://streamable.com/1u7c6
“Embiid is a paper tiger. I don’t care what any counting stats say. He’s the problem with this team. Trade him. Spacing cannibal, scheme-dictating, terrible-diving, out of shape dinosaur.” “The 76ers have gone about trying to build an entire roster and scheme to exactly his needs. People are convinced that, yes, it can't work with other back-to-the-basket bigs, but he has to be the only one you can win a title with! You need spacing to win in this league.” “The 76ers have spent $634 million to build a system that can't thrive with Joel, and have tied up all of their resources into Joel making it hard for the system to survive without him. He's a cannibal. A cannibal that produces counting stats so people are afraid to call it out.” “Embiid is last in the NBA in PPP in his possessions after receiving a pass as an on-ball roller this season, among 31 players with as many possessions. He was second to last among 34 players with the same criteria in last season. Sure looks imposing, though.”
https://twitter.com/josephgillma/status/1213302669269442563?s=21
LeBron is now one game (currently 6 games) from tying his longest streak for games with 10+ assists. Also his top 3 streaks have all happened in the last 10 months.
Hassan Whiteside (23 PTS, 21 REB, 5 BLK) Trail Blazers vs. Wizards
Mitchell Robinson's big block goes directly to Rubio for a three
https://streamable.com/8nia1
Rockets forget about Simmons and he flies in to punch home the putback
https://streamable.com/k3qyb
Jaylen Brown with the steal and cocks it way back for the fastbreak jam
https://streamable.com/ywszb
Jordan McRae 35 Points Full Highlights vs Portland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uelWFktG4E
SGA full highlights at Spurs. 25/7R/4A. 15 points in the 3rd Quarter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xIHirY1iWc
The Portland Trail Blazers (15-21) defeat the Washington Wizards (10-24) 122-103, behind 23 points and 21 rebounds from Hassan Whiteside
Friday, January 3, 2020
The Amazon Rainforest Is About To Cross An Irreversible Threshold That Will Turn It Into A Savanna, Top Scientists Say
https://www.iflscience.com/environment/the-amazon-rainforest-is-about-to-cross-an-irreversible-threshold-that-will-turn-it-into-a-savanna-top-scientists-say/
https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-rainforest-experiencing-record-breaking-deforestation-2019-7?IR=T
https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-rainforest-experiencing-record-breaking-deforestation-2019-7?IR=T
News Dump
U.S. killing of Iran’s top commander dims hopes that the Iran nuclear deal might be salvaged
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-killing-of-irans-top-commander-rattles-european-allies/2020/01/03/0012822e-2e19-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html
Trump told his Mar-a-Lago buddies to expect ‘big’ Iran action days before the Soleimani hit. In other words, randos at Trump's club knew more about the strike before members of Congress.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-told-mar-a-lago-pals-to-expect-big-iran-action-days-before-soleimanis-death
'Firenados' are wreaking havoc across Australia- Cyclonic fire-tornadoes, also known as "firenados," are tearing across parts of southern Australia, adding to the apocalyptic scenes playing out amid one of that nation's worst fire seasons on record.
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/02/world/australia-victoria-firenado/index.html
Video of Trump Warning 'Our President Will Start a War With Iran Because He Has Absolutely No Ability to Negotiate' Resurfaces: "The only way he figures that he's going to get reelected—and as sure as you're sitting there—is to start a war with Iran," Trump said of Obama in 2011.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/03/video-trump-warning-our-president-will-start-war-iran-because-he-has-absolutely-no
Trump tweets predicting Obama would start a war with Iran to get re-elected are coming back to haunt him
https://www.businessinsider.com/old-trump-tweets-emerge-claim-obama-wanted-war-iran-2020-1
Chief Justice Roberts warns we’re taking “democracy for granted.” His rulings haven’t helped.
https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/2020/1/3/21046493/chief-justice-roberts-annual-report-democracy
Trump could rewrite the PPACA word for word and pass it as Trumpcare and his supporters would hail it as the perfect solution to rising health care costs that still protects our freedoms. And Obama, being the better man, would simply bite his lip and think, "if that's what it takes to help the American people, so be it."
US to deploy 3,500 additional troops to the Middle East after killing of Iranian general
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2020/01/03/us-to-deploy-more-troops-to-the-middle-east-after-iranian-gen-soleimani-killed.html
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/politics/us-troops-middle-east-soleimani/index.html
I don't support Iran. I also don't support Trump starting wars to boost his election chances (and enrich Republican donors). We've squandered way too much blood and treasure on Republican-initiated quagmires already.
The US Didn't Warn Britain Or Its Other European Allies Ahead Of The Planned Airstrike To Kill Iran's Top Military Commander
https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexwickham/uk-reacts-to-qasem-soleimani-killing
Ethical veganism is a "philosophical belief" and so is protected in law, a tribunal has ruled for the first time. The landmark legal case was brought by vegan Jordi Casamitjana, who claims he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports because of his ethical veganism. His former employer says he was dismissed for gross misconduct. The judge ruled that ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in British workplaces as those who hold religious beliefs.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50981359
Firefighter refuses to shake Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s hand in Cobargo
https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/firefighter-refuses-to-shake-prime-minister-scott-morrisons-hand-in-cobargo/news-story/beb7a2ef6f7f8efe90369d8aede75514
Iran has been slowly pushing and probing the US and American allies for years now. Iran has been fighting a proxy war against American troops as far back as 2007, "the surge" was mainly against these very Iranian militias. Iran has been interfering with oil shipments in the gulf with more audacious boardings. They've been funding militant groups across the Middle East, in Yemen, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, etc. They propped up the Syrian government and helped him crush the democracy movement in the country. They've made missile attacks against Saudi oil facilities. Iran has been acting more boldly, and escalating tensions for years now.
Denmark sets record by sourcing nearly half its power from wind energy. Over 47 per cent of energy was generated by wind turbines in 2019.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denmark-power-wind-energy-climate-turbines-sea-a9269076.html
Pompeo says Trump made the world safer by killing top Iranian general Soleimani as the State Department tells Americans to flee Iraq.
https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/pompeo-says-trump-made-the-world-safer-by-killing-top-iranian-general-soleimani-as-the-state-department-tells-americans-to-flee-iraq/articleshow/73087871.cms
Flashback: Trump Warned That a 'Weak' and 'Ineffective' President Would Start a War With Iran to 'Get Re-elected'
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-warned-president-start-war-iran-reelected-933391/
Commonly prescribed heartburn medication Zantac produces cancer-causing chemical, potentially even while in its packaging
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-02/carcinogen-in-heartburn-drug-may-build-during-storage-lab-finds
Sales of beef and pork plunge as Britons choose vegan diet | 3.6 million fewer animals eaten in the first six months of 2019
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/red-meat-sales-hit-as-800-000-people-go-vegetarian-kpz2k3xnz
Iran to take international legal measures against U.S. for Soleimani's killing
https://www.reuters.com/article/iraq-security-blast-iran/iran-to-take-international-legal-measures-against-u-s-for-soleimanis-killing-tv-idUSL1N298105
Bernie Sanders’ wife Jane follows about 400 people on twitter. Several are Russian propaganda accounts and one of them is a major QAnon account. Anyone in the media want to ask Bernie why his wife supports QAnon? Bueller?
https://twitter.com/TrinityMustache/status/1212811057472905217
An 'ordinary middle-class' mother, 60, and her two grown-up daughters are facing up to five years in prison after admitting they illegally set off the Chinese lanterns that destroyed a German zoo's monkey enclosure - killing 30 animals
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7844549/New-Year-revellers-let-Chinese-lanterns-burned-Krefeld-Zoo-hand-police.html
US firefighters arrive in Australia to help efforts
http://abc.net.au/news/2020-01-02/us-firefighters-arrive-in-australia-to-help-efforts/11838086
Let me make one thing crystal clear: DOJ for nearly a year has been telling the court the 302s are voluminous and they are incapable of processing more than 500 pages a month. Today, DOJ reveals the total typewritten pages are just 5368 pages. They are slow rolling this.
https://twitter.com/JasonLeopold/status/1213223598913011712
Pence says Iran "assisted in the clandestine travel" of 9/11 terrorists. 9/11 Report says terrorists traveled through Iran because it was known it didn't stamp passports, but "no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack."
https://twitter.com/AaronBlake/status/1213221949360488448
Page 241 of the 9/11 Commission report: "We have found no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack.
https://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf
YEP: Bloomberg blasts Bernie (and Warren by implication) for calling strike against Soleimani an “assassination” “This is a guy who had an awful lot of Anerican blood on his hands. I think that’s an outrageous thing to say...”
https://twitter.com/AlxThomp/status/1213228594366992385
Yesterday my family spent much of the day at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel’s holocaust memorial. It is impossible to overstate the importance of public education and remembrance of the Holocaust. For starters, yes, please follow @AuschwitzMuseum👇
https://twitter.com/PreetBharara/status/1213227878013394944
U.S. federal agencies won't have to consider climate change when assessing projects like oil pipelines under a Trump administration plan
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/climate/trump-nepa-climate-change.html
Sen. Tim Kaine Will Force A Vote On War With Iran | The resolution by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine argues the Trump administration does not have congressional approval to start a war with Iran.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/paulmcleod/trump-iran-war-powers-congress-tim-kaine-vote
After Christianity Today, founded by Billy Graham, slammed POTUS in an editorial, he brings Graham's granddaughter on stage. She offers praise for him.
Musk defies skeptics, meets Tesla delivery goal; shares hit record
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-deliveries/musk-defies-skeptics-meets-tesla-delivery-goal-shares-hit-record-idUSKBN1Z21B5?il=0
Scientists just found the crater from a huge asteroid impact that covered 10% of Earth's surface in debris 790,000 years ago. The crater was discovered beneath a plain of hardened lava in southern Laos, and the impact that caused it scattered special rocks, called tektites, from Asia to Antarctica.
http://www.astronomy.com/news/2020/01/crater-found-from-asteroid-that-covered-10-of-earths-surface-in-debris
New Zealand glaciers turn brown from Australian bushfires’ smoke, ash and dust
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/02/new-zealand-glaciers-turn-brown-from-australian-bushfires-smoke-ash-and-dust
Paris stabbing: Man shot by police after stabbing rampage leaves one dead - At least one victim dead and two others seriously injured
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-stabbing-attack-today-latest-villejuif-france-a9269276.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-killing-of-irans-top-commander-rattles-european-allies/2020/01/03/0012822e-2e19-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html
Trump told his Mar-a-Lago buddies to expect ‘big’ Iran action days before the Soleimani hit. In other words, randos at Trump's club knew more about the strike before members of Congress.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-told-mar-a-lago-pals-to-expect-big-iran-action-days-before-soleimanis-death
'Firenados' are wreaking havoc across Australia- Cyclonic fire-tornadoes, also known as "firenados," are tearing across parts of southern Australia, adding to the apocalyptic scenes playing out amid one of that nation's worst fire seasons on record.
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/02/world/australia-victoria-firenado/index.html
Video of Trump Warning 'Our President Will Start a War With Iran Because He Has Absolutely No Ability to Negotiate' Resurfaces: "The only way he figures that he's going to get reelected—and as sure as you're sitting there—is to start a war with Iran," Trump said of Obama in 2011.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/03/video-trump-warning-our-president-will-start-war-iran-because-he-has-absolutely-no
Trump tweets predicting Obama would start a war with Iran to get re-elected are coming back to haunt him
https://www.businessinsider.com/old-trump-tweets-emerge-claim-obama-wanted-war-iran-2020-1
Chief Justice Roberts warns we’re taking “democracy for granted.” His rulings haven’t helped.
https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/2020/1/3/21046493/chief-justice-roberts-annual-report-democracy
Trump could rewrite the PPACA word for word and pass it as Trumpcare and his supporters would hail it as the perfect solution to rising health care costs that still protects our freedoms. And Obama, being the better man, would simply bite his lip and think, "if that's what it takes to help the American people, so be it."
US to deploy 3,500 additional troops to the Middle East after killing of Iranian general
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2020/01/03/us-to-deploy-more-troops-to-the-middle-east-after-iranian-gen-soleimani-killed.html
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/politics/us-troops-middle-east-soleimani/index.html
I don't support Iran. I also don't support Trump starting wars to boost his election chances (and enrich Republican donors). We've squandered way too much blood and treasure on Republican-initiated quagmires already.
The US Didn't Warn Britain Or Its Other European Allies Ahead Of The Planned Airstrike To Kill Iran's Top Military Commander
https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexwickham/uk-reacts-to-qasem-soleimani-killing
Ethical veganism is a "philosophical belief" and so is protected in law, a tribunal has ruled for the first time. The landmark legal case was brought by vegan Jordi Casamitjana, who claims he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports because of his ethical veganism. His former employer says he was dismissed for gross misconduct. The judge ruled that ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in British workplaces as those who hold religious beliefs.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50981359
Firefighter refuses to shake Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s hand in Cobargo
https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/firefighter-refuses-to-shake-prime-minister-scott-morrisons-hand-in-cobargo/news-story/beb7a2ef6f7f8efe90369d8aede75514
Iran has been slowly pushing and probing the US and American allies for years now. Iran has been fighting a proxy war against American troops as far back as 2007, "the surge" was mainly against these very Iranian militias. Iran has been interfering with oil shipments in the gulf with more audacious boardings. They've been funding militant groups across the Middle East, in Yemen, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, etc. They propped up the Syrian government and helped him crush the democracy movement in the country. They've made missile attacks against Saudi oil facilities. Iran has been acting more boldly, and escalating tensions for years now.
Denmark sets record by sourcing nearly half its power from wind energy. Over 47 per cent of energy was generated by wind turbines in 2019.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denmark-power-wind-energy-climate-turbines-sea-a9269076.html
Pompeo says Trump made the world safer by killing top Iranian general Soleimani as the State Department tells Americans to flee Iraq.
https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/pompeo-says-trump-made-the-world-safer-by-killing-top-iranian-general-soleimani-as-the-state-department-tells-americans-to-flee-iraq/articleshow/73087871.cms
Flashback: Trump Warned That a 'Weak' and 'Ineffective' President Would Start a War With Iran to 'Get Re-elected'
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-warned-president-start-war-iran-reelected-933391/
Commonly prescribed heartburn medication Zantac produces cancer-causing chemical, potentially even while in its packaging
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-02/carcinogen-in-heartburn-drug-may-build-during-storage-lab-finds
Sales of beef and pork plunge as Britons choose vegan diet | 3.6 million fewer animals eaten in the first six months of 2019
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/red-meat-sales-hit-as-800-000-people-go-vegetarian-kpz2k3xnz
Iran to take international legal measures against U.S. for Soleimani's killing
https://www.reuters.com/article/iraq-security-blast-iran/iran-to-take-international-legal-measures-against-u-s-for-soleimanis-killing-tv-idUSL1N298105
Bernie Sanders’ wife Jane follows about 400 people on twitter. Several are Russian propaganda accounts and one of them is a major QAnon account. Anyone in the media want to ask Bernie why his wife supports QAnon? Bueller?
https://twitter.com/TrinityMustache/status/1212811057472905217
An 'ordinary middle-class' mother, 60, and her two grown-up daughters are facing up to five years in prison after admitting they illegally set off the Chinese lanterns that destroyed a German zoo's monkey enclosure - killing 30 animals
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7844549/New-Year-revellers-let-Chinese-lanterns-burned-Krefeld-Zoo-hand-police.html
US firefighters arrive in Australia to help efforts
http://abc.net.au/news/2020-01-02/us-firefighters-arrive-in-australia-to-help-efforts/11838086
Let me make one thing crystal clear: DOJ for nearly a year has been telling the court the 302s are voluminous and they are incapable of processing more than 500 pages a month. Today, DOJ reveals the total typewritten pages are just 5368 pages. They are slow rolling this.
https://twitter.com/JasonLeopold/status/1213223598913011712
Pence says Iran "assisted in the clandestine travel" of 9/11 terrorists. 9/11 Report says terrorists traveled through Iran because it was known it didn't stamp passports, but "no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack."
https://twitter.com/AaronBlake/status/1213221949360488448
Page 241 of the 9/11 Commission report: "We have found no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack.
https://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf
YEP: Bloomberg blasts Bernie (and Warren by implication) for calling strike against Soleimani an “assassination” “This is a guy who had an awful lot of Anerican blood on his hands. I think that’s an outrageous thing to say...”
https://twitter.com/AlxThomp/status/1213228594366992385
Yesterday my family spent much of the day at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel’s holocaust memorial. It is impossible to overstate the importance of public education and remembrance of the Holocaust. For starters, yes, please follow @AuschwitzMuseum👇
https://twitter.com/PreetBharara/status/1213227878013394944
U.S. federal agencies won't have to consider climate change when assessing projects like oil pipelines under a Trump administration plan
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/climate/trump-nepa-climate-change.html
Sen. Tim Kaine Will Force A Vote On War With Iran | The resolution by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine argues the Trump administration does not have congressional approval to start a war with Iran.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/paulmcleod/trump-iran-war-powers-congress-tim-kaine-vote
After Christianity Today, founded by Billy Graham, slammed POTUS in an editorial, he brings Graham's granddaughter on stage. She offers praise for him.
Musk defies skeptics, meets Tesla delivery goal; shares hit record
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-deliveries/musk-defies-skeptics-meets-tesla-delivery-goal-shares-hit-record-idUSKBN1Z21B5?il=0
Scientists just found the crater from a huge asteroid impact that covered 10% of Earth's surface in debris 790,000 years ago. The crater was discovered beneath a plain of hardened lava in southern Laos, and the impact that caused it scattered special rocks, called tektites, from Asia to Antarctica.
http://www.astronomy.com/news/2020/01/crater-found-from-asteroid-that-covered-10-of-earths-surface-in-debris
New Zealand glaciers turn brown from Australian bushfires’ smoke, ash and dust
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/02/new-zealand-glaciers-turn-brown-from-australian-bushfires-smoke-ash-and-dust
Paris stabbing: Man shot by police after stabbing rampage leaves one dead - At least one victim dead and two others seriously injured
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-stabbing-attack-today-latest-villejuif-france-a9269276.html
Reminder, Sanders voted for the 2001 Authorization Unilateral Military Force Against Terrorists (AUMF), which pretty much allows presidents to wage war wherever they want.
https://twitter.com/sistercrow/status/1213067313546592256
Qassim Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, killed in Baghdad by U.S. Airstrike. This is the equivalent of Iran killing the Sec Def. or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He was the most powerful Iranian military official second only to the Supreme Leader. Saying this is big is an understatement.
2 days in and 2020 is already a shitshow.....
Israel avoided assassinating Soleimani because of retaliation, now the idiot in chief has exposed US troops with rash incompetence.
Qassim Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, killed in Baghdad by U.S. Airstrike. This is the equivalent of Iran killing the Sec Def. or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He was the most powerful Iranian military official second only to the Supreme Leader. Saying this is big is an understatement.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/airstrike-kills-top-iran-general-qassim-suleimani-baghdad-airport-iraqi-n1109821
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/iraqi-state-tv-officials-gen-soleimani-the-head-of-irans-elite-quds-force-has-been-killed-in-an-airstrike/2020/01/02/9e64a45a-2dc6-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/qassem-soleimani-iraq-iran-attack.html
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/01/us-kills-top-iran-general-qassem-soleimani/604378/
Where’s the press conference? The announcement from the whitehouse? The anything? He tweeted a picture of an American flag and no caption (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918/photo/1)
Joe Biden on Killing of Qassem Soleimani: ‘Trump Tossed a Stick of Dynamite Into a Tinderbox’
https://www.thedailybeast.com/joe-biden-says-trump-tossed-a-stick-of-dynamite-into-a-tinderbox-with-killing-of-qassem-soleimani
Trump ordered an assassination of a high-level official in a country where he unilaterally broke a treaty because he didn't like that it was signed by his predecessor. What should have been a new era of cooperation is now looking more and more like it's going to be another never-ending war in the Middle East.
US Embassy Tells Its Citizens To Leave Iraq Immediately
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jan/03/iran-general-qassem-suleimani-killed-us-trump-drone-strike-baghdad-reaction-live-updates
Soleimani was an enemy of the United States. That’s not a question. The question is this - as reports suggest, did America just assassinate, without any congressional authorization, the second most powerful person in Iran, knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war? ~ Chris Murphy https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1212913952436445185
This is by far the most serious day of Trump’s presidency this far. For 3 years I have said that we’ve been lucky to avoid any major crises under this President. This evening that appears to have changed and it was all entirely self created. ~ Ilan Goldenberg (Middle East Security Director at CNAS)
https://twitter.com/ilangoldenberg/status/1212923947500625921
That's a bad sign. Many are already assuming that the US is about to get pulled into a hot war with Iran. But the opposite could also happen-- we get kicked out of Iraq & Iran increases its (already considerable) influence in Iraq and Syria. Precarious moment.
https://twitter.com/McFaul/status/1212923490623295490
Trump pointed out many times that Obama would start a war with Iran to keep his presidency. That never happened now I guess trump will do what he can to make that come true for himself. (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/141604554855825408?s=19)
Did anyone else find it pretty striking that a NY Times opinion piece, Hypersonic Missles Are a Game Changer (by Steven Simon), published this afternoon (just hours before the strike) had the line: "What if the former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Qassem Soleimani, visits Baghdad for a meeting and you know the address?"
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/opinion/hypersonic-missiles.html
Inside information aside, I wouldn't surprised that a guy like this could see the writing on the wall: Steven Simon is a former United States National Security Council senior director for the Middle East and North Africa. He also previously served as the Executive Director IISS-US and Corresponding Director IISS-Middle East and as a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute based in Washington, D.C. He was Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was a Spring 2008 Berlin Prize Fellow. Steven Simon is now a visiting professor at Colby College in Maine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Simon
Reminder: Trump denies that Russia attacked the 2016 election, but he also accuses Obama of being weak for not stopping it (and does so repeatedly)
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/01/misleading-trump-campaign-ad-attacks-obama-over-russian-hacking-1296787
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-acknowledges-russian-election-meddling-tweet-criticizing-obama-n776381
So basically a bunch of damning uncensored emails and reports got into Democrat Congress members hands. Democrats got Trump dead to rights on impeachment. Then all the sudden Trump jumps into a war with Iran, without informing Congress. And all Republican members of Congress draft a letter to the Supreme Court to re-do Roe v. Wade.
Never mind Russia. China is laughing at us right now. They’re pouring money into modernization and projecting influence and we are wasting trillions chasing the next bogeyman while our infrastructure crumbles and our allies turn away.
China uses eminent domain to build high speed rail. US uses eminent domain to keep out people who want to pick tomatoes for $10/hr
Israel avoided assassinating Soleimani because of retaliation, now the idiot in chief has exposed US troops with rash incompetence.
Qassim Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, killed in Baghdad by U.S. Airstrike. This is the equivalent of Iran killing the Sec Def. or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He was the most powerful Iranian military official second only to the Supreme Leader. Saying this is big is an understatement.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/airstrike-kills-top-iran-general-qassim-suleimani-baghdad-airport-iraqi-n1109821
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/iraqi-state-tv-officials-gen-soleimani-the-head-of-irans-elite-quds-force-has-been-killed-in-an-airstrike/2020/01/02/9e64a45a-2dc6-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/qassem-soleimani-iraq-iran-attack.html
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/01/us-kills-top-iran-general-qassem-soleimani/604378/
Where’s the press conference? The announcement from the whitehouse? The anything? He tweeted a picture of an American flag and no caption (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918/photo/1)
Joe Biden on Killing of Qassem Soleimani: ‘Trump Tossed a Stick of Dynamite Into a Tinderbox’
https://www.thedailybeast.com/joe-biden-says-trump-tossed-a-stick-of-dynamite-into-a-tinderbox-with-killing-of-qassem-soleimani
Trump ordered an assassination of a high-level official in a country where he unilaterally broke a treaty because he didn't like that it was signed by his predecessor. What should have been a new era of cooperation is now looking more and more like it's going to be another never-ending war in the Middle East.
US Embassy Tells Its Citizens To Leave Iraq Immediately
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jan/03/iran-general-qassem-suleimani-killed-us-trump-drone-strike-baghdad-reaction-live-updates
Soleimani was an enemy of the United States. That’s not a question. The question is this - as reports suggest, did America just assassinate, without any congressional authorization, the second most powerful person in Iran, knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war? ~ Chris Murphy https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1212913952436445185
This is by far the most serious day of Trump’s presidency this far. For 3 years I have said that we’ve been lucky to avoid any major crises under this President. This evening that appears to have changed and it was all entirely self created. ~ Ilan Goldenberg (Middle East Security Director at CNAS)
https://twitter.com/ilangoldenberg/status/1212923947500625921
That's a bad sign. Many are already assuming that the US is about to get pulled into a hot war with Iran. But the opposite could also happen-- we get kicked out of Iraq & Iran increases its (already considerable) influence in Iraq and Syria. Precarious moment.
https://twitter.com/McFaul/status/1212923490623295490
Trump pointed out many times that Obama would start a war with Iran to keep his presidency. That never happened now I guess trump will do what he can to make that come true for himself. (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/141604554855825408?s=19)
Did anyone else find it pretty striking that a NY Times opinion piece, Hypersonic Missles Are a Game Changer (by Steven Simon), published this afternoon (just hours before the strike) had the line: "What if the former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Qassem Soleimani, visits Baghdad for a meeting and you know the address?"
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/opinion/hypersonic-missiles.html
Inside information aside, I wouldn't surprised that a guy like this could see the writing on the wall: Steven Simon is a former United States National Security Council senior director for the Middle East and North Africa. He also previously served as the Executive Director IISS-US and Corresponding Director IISS-Middle East and as a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute based in Washington, D.C. He was Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was a Spring 2008 Berlin Prize Fellow. Steven Simon is now a visiting professor at Colby College in Maine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Simon
Reminder: Trump denies that Russia attacked the 2016 election, but he also accuses Obama of being weak for not stopping it (and does so repeatedly)
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/01/misleading-trump-campaign-ad-attacks-obama-over-russian-hacking-1296787
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-acknowledges-russian-election-meddling-tweet-criticizing-obama-n776381
So basically a bunch of damning uncensored emails and reports got into Democrat Congress members hands. Democrats got Trump dead to rights on impeachment. Then all the sudden Trump jumps into a war with Iran, without informing Congress. And all Republican members of Congress draft a letter to the Supreme Court to re-do Roe v. Wade.
Never mind Russia. China is laughing at us right now. They’re pouring money into modernization and projecting influence and we are wasting trillions chasing the next bogeyman while our infrastructure crumbles and our allies turn away.
China uses eminent domain to build high speed rail. US uses eminent domain to keep out people who want to pick tomatoes for $10/hr
Here's a whole thread from Yashar Ali on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1212913366492016640
https://twitter.com/goldengateblond/status/1212932900825337857?s=20
So, yeah. This is.. not good. And, because there's always fucking tweets for it:
- There are unconfirmed reports that Qasem Soleimani commander of Qods Force (Iran's external security agency) has been killed in drone strikes. If true, this will be a major moment in US-Iran relations & Supreme Leader will undoubtedly see this as a major provocation/act of war
- I can't understate how major this is. Not just a moment in US-Iran relations, but a major global event. People comparing this to killing Osama Bin Laden don't know what they're talking about. This is way more significant. Equivalent to another country killing US Vice-President
- Soleimani is extraordinarily close to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Soleimani reports directly to the Supreme Leader, the Qods force is technically part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which also reports to the Supreme Leader. He is more powerful than Iran's President
- If you want to understand how powerful Soleimani is all you have to look to is a text he sent to David Petraeus. This text is an extraordinary (yet unsurprising) display of power. Especially since Iran has an elected president and foreign minister. https://theguardian.com/world/2011/jul/28/qassem-suleimani-iran-iraq-influence
- Qods force & its proxies are responsible for assassinations, terrorism, and unconventional warfare that Iran supports in countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
- Qods Force is also responsible for successful and attempted terrorist acts and assassinations in countries like Argentina, the United States, India, and Germany.
- Watch this clip of Soleimani speaking to understand what his rhetoric is like. He was/is a hardliners hardliner. (here is the specific tweet with the embedded video: https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1212913371160305664?s=20)
- As I said in the beginning of this thread, Iran's Supreme Leader is going to see this as a major provocation/act of war. He will respond in a significant manner. We shouldn't be surprised to see major cyber attacks against the US as an example
- We shouldn't be surprised to see the Supreme Leader order covert operations all over the globe (including, dare I say, in the US) that involve assassinations & other acts of terrorism. We should expect to see the most significant/aggressive response
- if what I'm expecting sounds alarmist...it's because this is a major, major event. I'm not interested in getting into whether it was the right or wrong decision but dealing with this plainly, if true, it was a major, major decision.
- To call Qasem Soleimani just a terrorist is to understate his role significantly and that's where the danger lies in killing him without a plan for the reaction. He ordered and directed billions of dollars to organizations that engaged in terrorism. He is/was an evil man
- But killing Soleimani is not like killing the head of a terrorist org. It's like killing the head of a terrorist organization and a head of state. You have to treat it as such and the US has not DIRECTLY engaged in assassinations on that level in decades.
- CNN's @arwaCNN says it best just now: "we are in uncharted territory."
- For those who think Iran will respond with just traditional warfare, you're wrong. Solemani is responsible for, at a minimum, hundreds of US Soldiers deaths & much much more. But imagine how US would respond to a sitting VPbeing killed. Iran will respond at a similar level.
- The president just tweeted this. https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1212924762827046918?s=21
- The Iranian government has confirmed the death of Qasem Soleimani in Iraq. Now that it's confirmed, allow me to say in plain English...this is a holy shit moment. Again not just for US-Iran relations, not just in the Middle East, but a holy shit global event
- Breaking: The Pentagon has released a statement that "at the direction of the President " the United States has killed Qasem Soleimani
- I find this to be puzzling. Soleimani has always been planning covert/overt action. Why now? Killing him to deter further plans (as statement notes) isn’t going to stop any of that. Punishing him for US Mil deaths is justified but is USG prepped for covert response? (link to specific tweet for picture of statement: https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1212933074155003904?s=20)
- BTW when I say Soleimani was the 2nd most powerful man in Iran I am referring to foreign policy. President Rouhani has a great deal of domestic influence. But given Iran's expansion in the Mid East (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, & Yemen) - Soleimani was 2nd only to Supreme Leader
- I'm seeing people say that Soleimani was next in line to be Supreme Leader. That is absolutely not the case. Supreme Leaders are clerics, not military leaders. Iran doesn't work that way. Plus Soleimani's power came from being in the shadows, not dealing w/ domestic policy
- Statement from Iran’s Foreign Minister @JZarif on the US operation that killed Qasem Soleimani: “The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.” (link to specific tweet with picture of tweeted response: https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1212949670210654209?s=20)
- Statement from Gen David Petraeus (Ret) who knows a lot about Soleimani and had direct communication with him (see earlier in thread) Via @jaketapper (link to tweet: https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1212955544408870912?s=20)
- I generally agree with this tweet. The Iranian regime is not suicidal. But they love to use covert action and that is actually much more destabilizing and terrifying than launching some missiles. https://twitter.com/gerardaraud/status/1212955685086007298?s=21
https://twitter.com/goldengateblond/status/1212932900825337857?s=20
Silvana Gallardo’s Acting Class ft. Billy Drago (and his son Darren E. Burrows)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwuNV1-uH2A
Light NBA Highlights
2020 NBA Lottery Prospect LaMelo Ball Donating Month's Australian NBL Salary to Australian Wildfire Relief
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2869457-lamelo-ball-donating-months-nbl-salary-to-australian-wildfire-relief
The NBA has fined Kings center Dewayne Dedmon $50,000 for publicizing trade request.
http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1212818706834903046
Ingram on watching Simmons, Brown, and Hield getting extensions: "When I look at other guys, I'm like, 'This m-----f----- got an extension? Oh my god. Man, we can lace up right now and play one-on-one to 15 and this m-----f----- won't score.' That's how I looked at it as a competitor."
An MRI on left knee of Orlando Magic F Jonathan Isaac shows a severe sprain and bone contusion and team plans to re-evaluate his status in approximately two months, league sources tell ESPN. Good news: There was no structural damage to ACL, MCL or PCL ligaments.
http://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1212866192207163392
Mavs assistant coach Darrell Armstrong saw a boy holding a sign saying he'd been seizure-free for 9 months. Armstrong brought him on to the court to meet Luka Doncic
https://streamable.com/zqi93
Nets are waiving G/F David Nwaba, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Nwaba will miss the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1212884203307708421?s=19
Lauri Markkanen slams it home over Gobert, and Stacey King tries speaking French
https://streamable.com/bx3pc
Michael Porter Jr checks out with 25 points on 11/12 shooting in 23 minutes played
Luka makes sure to grab the game ball for Josh Reaves, who made his NBA debut today.
https://streamable.com/tk445
Draymond Green to a Wolves fan sitting courtside: ”You paid $500 for these weak ass courtside seats, shut up”
https://streamable.com/bxmer
Fan mistakes Rondo for Chris Paul
https://streamable.com/sfwkf
Michael Porter Jr with a tricky reverse layup and a stepback three on back to back possessions to take his points tally to 23
https://streamable.com/ppz4w
Luka hides behind Boban and drills the three
https://streamable.com/c2xus
The Miami Heat (25-9) defeat the Toronto Raptors (23-12), 84-76.
Michael Porter Jr in his last two games with significant minutes: 44 points on 19/22 shooting
The Denver Nuggets (24-10) defeat the Indiana Pacers (22-13), 124-116 behind MPJ's career-high 25 points on 11/12 shooting
Jokic finishes the game with 0 assists for the first time since October 25th, 2017
The Sacramento Kings (13-22) finally break their 8-game losing streak with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies (13-22), 128-123
Chris Paul in the 4th Quarter Today - 10 points, 5/7 FG, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Derrick Jones Jr takes flight and catches the lob from Tyler Herro late in the 4th
https://streamable.com/90xo6
SGA Tonight 25P/7REB/5AST including 2Blks and 1Stl on 55/50/75
Luka Doncic Highlights Mavs vs Nets - 31 Pts, 13 Rebs, 6 Asts
https://streamable.com/n0ciy
Devonte' Graham walks into a deep triple to put the Hornets up 3 with 23 seconds left
https://streamable.com/rvz24
Sekou Doumbouya with a Double-Double (10 pt, 11 rbs) in his first career start
Oklahoma City has its first win in San Antonio since 2014
Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) defeat Golden State Warriors (9-27) by 99 - 84 with 20 points from Shabazz Napier
Tyler Herro does it again in the 4th quarter scoring 8 points on 3/4 shooting with an assist and rebound.
The Los Angeles Clippers (25-11) defeat the Detroit Pistons (12-23) 126-112 behind Lou Will 22 Pts, Montrezl 23 Pts
Donavan Mitchell with the insane move to beat the shot clock
https://streamable.com/wl0qa
Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry combine for 3/23 from deep against Miami
Omari Spellman throws it down on Jordan Bell
https://streamable.com/36zt2
Omari Spellman violently dunks on Jordan Bell
https://streamable.com/gtc0o
Drummond with the steal and slam
https://streamable.com/hj3xb
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2869457-lamelo-ball-donating-months-nbl-salary-to-australian-wildfire-relief
The NBA has fined Kings center Dewayne Dedmon $50,000 for publicizing trade request.
http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1212818706834903046
Ingram on watching Simmons, Brown, and Hield getting extensions: "When I look at other guys, I'm like, 'This m-----f----- got an extension? Oh my god. Man, we can lace up right now and play one-on-one to 15 and this m-----f----- won't score.' That's how I looked at it as a competitor."
An MRI on left knee of Orlando Magic F Jonathan Isaac shows a severe sprain and bone contusion and team plans to re-evaluate his status in approximately two months, league sources tell ESPN. Good news: There was no structural damage to ACL, MCL or PCL ligaments.
http://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1212866192207163392
Mavs assistant coach Darrell Armstrong saw a boy holding a sign saying he'd been seizure-free for 9 months. Armstrong brought him on to the court to meet Luka Doncic
https://streamable.com/zqi93
Nets are waiving G/F David Nwaba, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Nwaba will miss the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1212884203307708421?s=19
Lauri Markkanen slams it home over Gobert, and Stacey King tries speaking French
https://streamable.com/bx3pc
Michael Porter Jr checks out with 25 points on 11/12 shooting in 23 minutes played
Luka makes sure to grab the game ball for Josh Reaves, who made his NBA debut today.
https://streamable.com/tk445
Draymond Green to a Wolves fan sitting courtside: ”You paid $500 for these weak ass courtside seats, shut up”
https://streamable.com/bxmer
Fan mistakes Rondo for Chris Paul
https://streamable.com/sfwkf
Michael Porter Jr with a tricky reverse layup and a stepback three on back to back possessions to take his points tally to 23
https://streamable.com/ppz4w
Luka hides behind Boban and drills the three
https://streamable.com/c2xus
The Miami Heat (25-9) defeat the Toronto Raptors (23-12), 84-76.
Michael Porter Jr in his last two games with significant minutes: 44 points on 19/22 shooting
The Denver Nuggets (24-10) defeat the Indiana Pacers (22-13), 124-116 behind MPJ's career-high 25 points on 11/12 shooting
Jokic finishes the game with 0 assists for the first time since October 25th, 2017
The Sacramento Kings (13-22) finally break their 8-game losing streak with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies (13-22), 128-123
Chris Paul in the 4th Quarter Today - 10 points, 5/7 FG, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Derrick Jones Jr takes flight and catches the lob from Tyler Herro late in the 4th
https://streamable.com/90xo6
SGA Tonight 25P/7REB/5AST including 2Blks and 1Stl on 55/50/75
Luka Doncic Highlights Mavs vs Nets - 31 Pts, 13 Rebs, 6 Asts
https://streamable.com/n0ciy
Devonte' Graham walks into a deep triple to put the Hornets up 3 with 23 seconds left
https://streamable.com/rvz24
Sekou Doumbouya with a Double-Double (10 pt, 11 rbs) in his first career start
Oklahoma City has its first win in San Antonio since 2014
Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) defeat Golden State Warriors (9-27) by 99 - 84 with 20 points from Shabazz Napier
Tyler Herro does it again in the 4th quarter scoring 8 points on 3/4 shooting with an assist and rebound.
The Los Angeles Clippers (25-11) defeat the Detroit Pistons (12-23) 126-112 behind Lou Will 22 Pts, Montrezl 23 Pts
Donavan Mitchell with the insane move to beat the shot clock
https://streamable.com/wl0qa
Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry combine for 3/23 from deep against Miami
Omari Spellman throws it down on Jordan Bell
https://streamable.com/36zt2
Omari Spellman violently dunks on Jordan Bell
https://streamable.com/gtc0o
Drummond with the steal and slam
https://streamable.com/hj3xb
Thursday, January 2, 2020
One of the saddest stories we’ve heard was from one of our firefighters who could barely hold back tears, as he described koalas, screaming in the trees - as they were incinerated #dismisstheprimeminister #NotMyPrimeMinister #Koalas #climatefires #ClimateEmegency #ScottMorrison🔥
https://twitter.com/TerrySerio/status/1212753144037269506
News Dump
The Manhattan district attorney's office has declined to prosecute a recent anti-Semitic attack on a Jewish subway passenger as a hate crime, according to lawyers representing the victim.
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/manhattan-da-declines-to-prosecute-anti-semitic-attack-as-hate-crime/
Democrat Julián Castro drops out of 2020 presidential race (self.politics)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/us/politics/julian-castro-dropping-out.html
Trump Winery Fired Undocumented Workers — But Only After Grape Harvest Had Ended
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-winery-undocumented-workers_n_5e0d9f6fe4b0b2520d1cf423
I do mostly agree: AOC Tells Democrats How to Get it Right in 2020 - “For anyone who accuses us for instituting purity tests,” she says, “it’s called having values. It’s called, giving a damn.” (
https://www.thenation.com/article/2020-aoc-democrats/
Every Pa. county will have new voting machines with paper trails in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-new-voting-machines-for-2020-with-paper-trails-20200101.html
Unredacted Ukraine Documents Reveal Extent of Pentagon’s Legal Concerns | “Clear direction from POTUS to continue to hold.” | Since then, Just Security has viewed unredacted copies of these emails, which begin in June and end in early October. Together, they tell the behind-the-scenes story of the defense and budget officials who had to carry out the president’s unexplained hold on military aid to Ukraine. The documents reveal growing concern from Pentagon officials that the hold would violate the Impoundment Control Act, which requires the executive branch to spend money as appropriated by Congress, and that the necessary steps to avoid this result weren’t being taken. Those steps would include notifying Congress that the funding was being held or shifted elsewhere, a step that was never taken. The emails also show that no rationale was ever given for why the hold was put in place or why it was eventually lifted. What is clear is that it all came down to the president and what he wanted; no one else appears to have supported his position. Although the pretext for the hold was that some sort of policy review was taking place, the emails make no mention of that actually happening. Instead, officials were anxiously waiting for the president to be convinced that the hold was a bad idea. And while the situation continued throughout the summer, senior defense officials were searching for legal guidance, worried they would be blamed should the hold be lifted too late to actually spend all of the money, which would violate the law. The emails also reveal key decision points, moments when senior officials hoped the hold might be lifted. This includes Vice President Mike Pence’s September meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which a senior defense official expected would resolve the funding issue, raising the question: Why? What was supposed to come out of that meeting that would pave the way for Trump to lift the hold? What was Pence expected to communicate?
https://www.justsecurity.org/67863/exclusive-unredacted-ukraine-documents-reveal-extent-of-pentagons-legal-concerns/
https://www.justsecurity.org/67489/trumps-hold-on-ukrainian-military-aid-was-illegal/
Surprise, surprise -- the DOJ redacted all of the incriminating information when originally released. AG Barr really is more of a threat to democracy than Trump is, and that's saying something.
DOJ Repeatedly Redacted Emails Expressing Concern That Trump Hold on Ukraine Aid Broke the Law
https://lawandcrime.com/impeachment/doj-repeatedly-redacted-emails-expressing-concern-that-trump-hold-on-ukraine-aid-broke-the-law/
An Australian zookeeper took home monkeys, pandas, and a tiger in order to keep them safe from bushfires
https://www.insider.com/australian-zookeeper-takes-animals-home-to-protect-from-bushfires-2020-1
California Will Enforce The Energy-Efficient Lightbulb Rule Trump Wants To Reverse
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/01/792885422/california-will-enforce-the-energy-efficient-lightbulb-rule-trump-wants-to-rever
Trump's "greatest honors" include a bill by Bernie Sanders and John McCain signed into law by Barack Obama, the Veterans Choice Act
https://theweek.com/speedreads/887018/trumps-greatest-honors-include-bill-by-bernie-sanders-john-mccain-signed-into-law-by-obama
MASS MURDERER Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, pardoned and praised by Trump and Republicans and all their supporters, rebrands as right-wing influencer. Gallagher's new job as an influencer and promoter for Salty Frog Gear was featured in a New York Times article on Tuesday that described how the SEAL is using "his controversial past as a springboard to social media followers and branding opportunities":
https://www.salon.com/2020/01/02/serial-killer-navy-seal-eddie-gallagher-pardoned-by-trump-rebrands-as-right-wing-influencer/
Alt-Right White Nationalist Augustus Sol Invictus who ran for Senate as an alt-right libertarian arrested in Florida
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/white-nationalist-ran-senate-arrested-florida-68023615
The Florida White Nationalist Augustus Sol Invictus Running for President Has Been Arrested for Kidnapping and Domestic Violence
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/884a5p/the-florida-white-nationalist-running-for-president-has-been-arrested-for-kidnapping-and-domestic-violence
A French Man Has Died While At A Hospital In ICE Custody: This is the fourth person to die in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in the current fiscal year, which began in October.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/hamedaleaziz/french-man-died-hospital-ice-custody-immigration-customs
Plastic bags are now banned in Mexico City
https://www.insider.com/mexico-city-plastic-bag-ban-to-take-residents-back-in-time-2020-1
This is one of Bernie’s biggest supporters attacking a man who lost his young child in a school shooting. I’m getting so good that I can guess Bernie’s people by now. This is a new low. And all Fred was doing was stating a fact.
https://twitter.com/maggie_klaus/status/1212613600650489856?s=21
Not a coincidence that deceptively edited video of Biden magically appeared right after a poll showing Bernie falling way behind Biden with Black voters.
https://twitter.com/eclecticbrotha/status/1212600768265670656?s=21
Deliberately edited video posted by Sanders supporters edited to make it looks like Joe opposes social security.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/01/02/dishonestly-edited-video-joe-biden-signals-whats-coming/
https://twitter.com/Avi_Bueno/status/1212577712038121472
Thousands of tourists have been given less than 48 hours to evacuate fire-ravaged coastal communities as Australia braces for a heatwave Saturday expected to fan deadly bushfires
https://www.france24.com/en/20200102-australia-new-south-wales-evacuation-batemans-bay-wildfires-bush-fires-heat-wave
Scott Morrison defends climate policies and asks Australians to "be 'patient" over fires
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/02/pm-scott-morrison-defends-climate-policies-and-asks-australians-to-be-patient-over-fires
Steyer walking into an awkward situation at an Iowa grocery store that’s closing, with a voter getting angry at the store’s owner (in red) for liquidating it. “I heard you’re going to work for HyVee.”
https://twitter.com/daveweigel/status/1212796686499753984
Nevada Democrats will not be able to caucus for Michael Bloomberg next month. The former New York City mayor and Democratic presidential candidate failed to file with the Nevada State Democratic Party by a Jan. 1 deadline, the party announced Thursday morning.
https://twitter.com/misyrlena/status/1212791291786014720
Remarkable: 7 of the 10 warmest years on record in DC have occurred since 2011. All 10 have occurred since 1990. Records date back to 1871.
https://twitter.com/capitalweather/status/1212774676931530752
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/01/02/mild-wet-december-concludes-third-warmest-year-record-washington/
Scientists have found the human fingerprint of climate change on daily weather, potentially untangling the long-held idea that weather and climate are distinct | The study’s results also imply that research aimed at assessing the human role in contributing to extreme weather events such as heat waves and floods may be underestimating the contribution. | The study concludes that the spatial patterns of global temperature and humidity are, in fact, distinguishable from natural variability, and have a human component to them. Going further, the study concludes that the long-term climate trend in global average temperature can be predicted if you know a single day’s weather information worldwide. According to study co-author Reto Knutti of ETH Zurich, the research alters what we can say about how weather and climate change are connected. “We’ve always said when you look at weather that’s not the same as climate,” he said. “That’s still true locally, if you are in one particular place and you only know the weather right now, right here, there isn’t much you can say.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/01/02/signal-human-caused-climate-change-has-emerged-every-day-weather-study-finds/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-019-0666-7
Pompeo Abruptly Cancels Trip To Ukraine For The Second Time
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/pompeo-abruptly-cancels-trip-to-ukraine-for-the-second-time
Animal Agriculture Costs More In Health Damage Than It Contributes To The Economy
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2020/12/30/animal-agriculture-costs-more-in-health-damage-than-it-contributes-to-the-economy/#6a55ab092e09
New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán will miss the first 63 games of the 2020 season as part of an 81-game suspension (half the mlb season) for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy, according to league sources. The ban is retroactive to Sept. 19 when he was placed on administrative leave for an incident that occurred earlier that week.
https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-suspends-yankees-pitcher-domingo-german-81-games-under-domestic-violence-policy-194111883.html
Germany cuts fares for long-distance rail travel in response to climate crisis
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/02/germany-cuts-fares-for-long-distance-rail-travel-in-response-to-climate-crisis
Murderer gets pardoned by the president and becomes a media influencer, yet doctors trying to provide potentially life saving care to the children in the literal concentration camps get arrested.
'Trump Money' Is Buying Silence as Unprecedented Payments Go to Farmers. The amount sent to farmers tops the auto-industry bailout by billions, and was delivered without congressional approval.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-money-buying-silence-farmer-subsidies-933019/
Republican Kentucky attorney general asks FBI to investigate Matt Bevin's pardons
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/01/02/kentucky-attorney-general-asks-fbi-investigate-matt-bevins-pardons/2797611001/
Republican senators, congressmen ask Supreme Court to consider overturning Roe v. Wade
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/republican-senators-congressmen-ask-supreme-court-to-consider-overturning-roe-v-wade/
More than 200 (198+ Republicans) lawmakers urge Supreme Court to 'reconsider' Roe v. Wade
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/476550-more-than-200-lawmakers-urge-supreme-court-to-reconsider-roe-v-wade
Marianne Williamson lays off campaign staff nationally, including NH
https://www.wmur.com/article/democrat-marianne-williamson-lays-off-campaign-staff-nationally-including-nh/30382582#
Backlog of toxic Superfund clean-ups grows under Trump
http://www.startribune.com/backlog-of-toxic-superfund-clean-ups-grows-under-trump/566657931/
The most underappreciated aspect of the Senate trial is that significant developments in the Ukraine case itself — and the body of evidence supporting it — continue to come out.
https://twitter.com/kyledcheney/status/1212861880995401728
This @HawleyMO tweet highlights the risks of the Dem impeachment strategy: They want to hold the articles to pressure McConnell on witnesses but doing so can also undermine their talking point abt impeachment being an "urgent matter" of national security that must move quickly
https://twitter.com/rachaelmbade/status/1212833525780623360
https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1212827693856763907
A panel of scientific advisers at the EPA, most of whom were appointed by Trump, has warned that several of the agency's top regulatory rollbacks ignore "established science." The EPA, nevertheless, plans to push ahead with the sweeping changes anyway
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/epas-scientific-advisers-warn-its-regulatory-rollbacks-clash-with-established-science/2019/12/31/a1994f5a-227b-11ea-a153-dce4b94e4249_story.html
Schiff: “From their deeply incriminating character, we can now see why they were concealed: They directly corroborate witnesses who testified that military aid to Ukraine was withheld at the direction of the President and that the WH was informed doing so may violate the law.”
https://twitter.com/mkraju/status/1212859724074500096
AG William Barr's Justice Department is ABUSING the b5 #FOIA exemption in these #MuellerMemos we sued over to withhold vast swaths of information about what key Trump administration told the FBI
https://twitter.com/JasonLeopold/status/1212864122481627136
"[M]any of the redaction choices are puzzling and even suspicious. The redactions include repeated references to legal problems with withholding the aid ... and warnings that waiting ... might mean that some of the funds would never get to Ukraine." https://wapo.st/2SI7GKm
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/01/02/new-coverup-questions-trumps-ukraine-scandal/
On Monday, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice fired close to 30 correctional officer trainees who posed in a Nazi salute for a class photo, following a state report into the photograph, which recommended their termination. “I condemn the photo of Basic Training Class 18 in the strongest possible terms,” Justice said in a statement. “This act needed to result in real consequences — terminations and dismissals.”
http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/12/west-virginia-c-o-class-fired-after-nazi-salute-photo.html
https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2019/Pages/Gov.-Justice-approves-recommended-terminations-after-reviewing-report-on-DCR-Academy-Class-18.aspx
Mueller Memos Part 3: The Documents The Justice Department Didn’t Want Congress To See
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonleopold/mueller-report-secret-memos-3
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/manhattan-da-declines-to-prosecute-anti-semitic-attack-as-hate-crime/
Democrat Julián Castro drops out of 2020 presidential race (self.politics)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/us/politics/julian-castro-dropping-out.html
Trump Winery Fired Undocumented Workers — But Only After Grape Harvest Had Ended
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-winery-undocumented-workers_n_5e0d9f6fe4b0b2520d1cf423
I do mostly agree: AOC Tells Democrats How to Get it Right in 2020 - “For anyone who accuses us for instituting purity tests,” she says, “it’s called having values. It’s called, giving a damn.” (
https://www.thenation.com/article/2020-aoc-democrats/
Every Pa. county will have new voting machines with paper trails in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-new-voting-machines-for-2020-with-paper-trails-20200101.html
Unredacted Ukraine Documents Reveal Extent of Pentagon’s Legal Concerns | “Clear direction from POTUS to continue to hold.” | Since then, Just Security has viewed unredacted copies of these emails, which begin in June and end in early October. Together, they tell the behind-the-scenes story of the defense and budget officials who had to carry out the president’s unexplained hold on military aid to Ukraine. The documents reveal growing concern from Pentagon officials that the hold would violate the Impoundment Control Act, which requires the executive branch to spend money as appropriated by Congress, and that the necessary steps to avoid this result weren’t being taken. Those steps would include notifying Congress that the funding was being held or shifted elsewhere, a step that was never taken. The emails also show that no rationale was ever given for why the hold was put in place or why it was eventually lifted. What is clear is that it all came down to the president and what he wanted; no one else appears to have supported his position. Although the pretext for the hold was that some sort of policy review was taking place, the emails make no mention of that actually happening. Instead, officials were anxiously waiting for the president to be convinced that the hold was a bad idea. And while the situation continued throughout the summer, senior defense officials were searching for legal guidance, worried they would be blamed should the hold be lifted too late to actually spend all of the money, which would violate the law. The emails also reveal key decision points, moments when senior officials hoped the hold might be lifted. This includes Vice President Mike Pence’s September meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which a senior defense official expected would resolve the funding issue, raising the question: Why? What was supposed to come out of that meeting that would pave the way for Trump to lift the hold? What was Pence expected to communicate?
https://www.justsecurity.org/67863/exclusive-unredacted-ukraine-documents-reveal-extent-of-pentagons-legal-concerns/
https://www.justsecurity.org/67489/trumps-hold-on-ukrainian-military-aid-was-illegal/
Surprise, surprise -- the DOJ redacted all of the incriminating information when originally released. AG Barr really is more of a threat to democracy than Trump is, and that's saying something.
DOJ Repeatedly Redacted Emails Expressing Concern That Trump Hold on Ukraine Aid Broke the Law
https://lawandcrime.com/impeachment/doj-repeatedly-redacted-emails-expressing-concern-that-trump-hold-on-ukraine-aid-broke-the-law/
An Australian zookeeper took home monkeys, pandas, and a tiger in order to keep them safe from bushfires
https://www.insider.com/australian-zookeeper-takes-animals-home-to-protect-from-bushfires-2020-1
California Will Enforce The Energy-Efficient Lightbulb Rule Trump Wants To Reverse
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/01/792885422/california-will-enforce-the-energy-efficient-lightbulb-rule-trump-wants-to-rever
Trump's "greatest honors" include a bill by Bernie Sanders and John McCain signed into law by Barack Obama, the Veterans Choice Act
https://theweek.com/speedreads/887018/trumps-greatest-honors-include-bill-by-bernie-sanders-john-mccain-signed-into-law-by-obama
MASS MURDERER Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, pardoned and praised by Trump and Republicans and all their supporters, rebrands as right-wing influencer. Gallagher's new job as an influencer and promoter for Salty Frog Gear was featured in a New York Times article on Tuesday that described how the SEAL is using "his controversial past as a springboard to social media followers and branding opportunities":
https://www.salon.com/2020/01/02/serial-killer-navy-seal-eddie-gallagher-pardoned-by-trump-rebrands-as-right-wing-influencer/
Alt-Right White Nationalist Augustus Sol Invictus who ran for Senate as an alt-right libertarian arrested in Florida
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/white-nationalist-ran-senate-arrested-florida-68023615
The Florida White Nationalist Augustus Sol Invictus Running for President Has Been Arrested for Kidnapping and Domestic Violence
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/884a5p/the-florida-white-nationalist-running-for-president-has-been-arrested-for-kidnapping-and-domestic-violence
A French Man Has Died While At A Hospital In ICE Custody: This is the fourth person to die in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in the current fiscal year, which began in October.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/hamedaleaziz/french-man-died-hospital-ice-custody-immigration-customs
Plastic bags are now banned in Mexico City
https://www.insider.com/mexico-city-plastic-bag-ban-to-take-residents-back-in-time-2020-1
This is one of Bernie’s biggest supporters attacking a man who lost his young child in a school shooting. I’m getting so good that I can guess Bernie’s people by now. This is a new low. And all Fred was doing was stating a fact.
https://twitter.com/maggie_klaus/status/1212613600650489856?s=21
Not a coincidence that deceptively edited video of Biden magically appeared right after a poll showing Bernie falling way behind Biden with Black voters.
https://twitter.com/eclecticbrotha/status/1212600768265670656?s=21
Deliberately edited video posted by Sanders supporters edited to make it looks like Joe opposes social security.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/01/02/dishonestly-edited-video-joe-biden-signals-whats-coming/
https://twitter.com/Avi_Bueno/status/1212577712038121472
Thousands of tourists have been given less than 48 hours to evacuate fire-ravaged coastal communities as Australia braces for a heatwave Saturday expected to fan deadly bushfires
https://www.france24.com/en/20200102-australia-new-south-wales-evacuation-batemans-bay-wildfires-bush-fires-heat-wave
Scott Morrison defends climate policies and asks Australians to "be 'patient" over fires
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/02/pm-scott-morrison-defends-climate-policies-and-asks-australians-to-be-patient-over-fires
Steyer walking into an awkward situation at an Iowa grocery store that’s closing, with a voter getting angry at the store’s owner (in red) for liquidating it. “I heard you’re going to work for HyVee.”
https://twitter.com/daveweigel/status/1212796686499753984
Nevada Democrats will not be able to caucus for Michael Bloomberg next month. The former New York City mayor and Democratic presidential candidate failed to file with the Nevada State Democratic Party by a Jan. 1 deadline, the party announced Thursday morning.
https://twitter.com/misyrlena/status/1212791291786014720
Remarkable: 7 of the 10 warmest years on record in DC have occurred since 2011. All 10 have occurred since 1990. Records date back to 1871.
https://twitter.com/capitalweather/status/1212774676931530752
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/01/02/mild-wet-december-concludes-third-warmest-year-record-washington/
Scientists have found the human fingerprint of climate change on daily weather, potentially untangling the long-held idea that weather and climate are distinct | The study’s results also imply that research aimed at assessing the human role in contributing to extreme weather events such as heat waves and floods may be underestimating the contribution. | The study concludes that the spatial patterns of global temperature and humidity are, in fact, distinguishable from natural variability, and have a human component to them. Going further, the study concludes that the long-term climate trend in global average temperature can be predicted if you know a single day’s weather information worldwide. According to study co-author Reto Knutti of ETH Zurich, the research alters what we can say about how weather and climate change are connected. “We’ve always said when you look at weather that’s not the same as climate,” he said. “That’s still true locally, if you are in one particular place and you only know the weather right now, right here, there isn’t much you can say.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/01/02/signal-human-caused-climate-change-has-emerged-every-day-weather-study-finds/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-019-0666-7
Pompeo Abruptly Cancels Trip To Ukraine For The Second Time
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/pompeo-abruptly-cancels-trip-to-ukraine-for-the-second-time
Animal Agriculture Costs More In Health Damage Than It Contributes To The Economy
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2020/12/30/animal-agriculture-costs-more-in-health-damage-than-it-contributes-to-the-economy/#6a55ab092e09
New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán will miss the first 63 games of the 2020 season as part of an 81-game suspension (half the mlb season) for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy, according to league sources. The ban is retroactive to Sept. 19 when he was placed on administrative leave for an incident that occurred earlier that week.
https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-suspends-yankees-pitcher-domingo-german-81-games-under-domestic-violence-policy-194111883.html
Germany cuts fares for long-distance rail travel in response to climate crisis
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/02/germany-cuts-fares-for-long-distance-rail-travel-in-response-to-climate-crisis
Murderer gets pardoned by the president and becomes a media influencer, yet doctors trying to provide potentially life saving care to the children in the literal concentration camps get arrested.
'Trump Money' Is Buying Silence as Unprecedented Payments Go to Farmers. The amount sent to farmers tops the auto-industry bailout by billions, and was delivered without congressional approval.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-money-buying-silence-farmer-subsidies-933019/
Republican Kentucky attorney general asks FBI to investigate Matt Bevin's pardons
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/01/02/kentucky-attorney-general-asks-fbi-investigate-matt-bevins-pardons/2797611001/
Republican senators, congressmen ask Supreme Court to consider overturning Roe v. Wade
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/republican-senators-congressmen-ask-supreme-court-to-consider-overturning-roe-v-wade/
More than 200 (198+ Republicans) lawmakers urge Supreme Court to 'reconsider' Roe v. Wade
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/476550-more-than-200-lawmakers-urge-supreme-court-to-reconsider-roe-v-wade
Marianne Williamson lays off campaign staff nationally, including NH
https://www.wmur.com/article/democrat-marianne-williamson-lays-off-campaign-staff-nationally-including-nh/30382582#
Backlog of toxic Superfund clean-ups grows under Trump
http://www.startribune.com/backlog-of-toxic-superfund-clean-ups-grows-under-trump/566657931/
The most underappreciated aspect of the Senate trial is that significant developments in the Ukraine case itself — and the body of evidence supporting it — continue to come out.
https://twitter.com/kyledcheney/status/1212861880995401728
This @HawleyMO tweet highlights the risks of the Dem impeachment strategy: They want to hold the articles to pressure McConnell on witnesses but doing so can also undermine their talking point abt impeachment being an "urgent matter" of national security that must move quickly
https://twitter.com/rachaelmbade/status/1212833525780623360
https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1212827693856763907
A panel of scientific advisers at the EPA, most of whom were appointed by Trump, has warned that several of the agency's top regulatory rollbacks ignore "established science." The EPA, nevertheless, plans to push ahead with the sweeping changes anyway
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/epas-scientific-advisers-warn-its-regulatory-rollbacks-clash-with-established-science/2019/12/31/a1994f5a-227b-11ea-a153-dce4b94e4249_story.html
Schiff: “From their deeply incriminating character, we can now see why they were concealed: They directly corroborate witnesses who testified that military aid to Ukraine was withheld at the direction of the President and that the WH was informed doing so may violate the law.”
https://twitter.com/mkraju/status/1212859724074500096
AG William Barr's Justice Department is ABUSING the b5 #FOIA exemption in these #MuellerMemos we sued over to withhold vast swaths of information about what key Trump administration told the FBI
https://twitter.com/JasonLeopold/status/1212864122481627136
"[M]any of the redaction choices are puzzling and even suspicious. The redactions include repeated references to legal problems with withholding the aid ... and warnings that waiting ... might mean that some of the funds would never get to Ukraine." https://wapo.st/2SI7GKm
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/01/02/new-coverup-questions-trumps-ukraine-scandal/
On Monday, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice fired close to 30 correctional officer trainees who posed in a Nazi salute for a class photo, following a state report into the photograph, which recommended their termination. “I condemn the photo of Basic Training Class 18 in the strongest possible terms,” Justice said in a statement. “This act needed to result in real consequences — terminations and dismissals.”
http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/12/west-virginia-c-o-class-fired-after-nazi-salute-photo.html
https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2019/Pages/Gov.-Justice-approves-recommended-terminations-after-reviewing-report-on-DCR-Academy-Class-18.aspx
Mueller Memos Part 3: The Documents The Justice Department Didn’t Want Congress To See
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonleopold/mueller-report-secret-memos-3
NBA Highlights | David Stern Soars Beyond Them All
David Stern — the Hall of Fame ex-NBA Commissioner — has died at 77 years old. He oversaw tremendous growth in his 30 years as commissioner, retiring in 2014. Stern had been hospitalized since a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 17.
http://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1212478932492132354
NBA commissioner Adam Silver in statement on passing of David Stern: "Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand – making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation."
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1212479887065407493
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver statement regarding the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1212482128262418434
David Stern drafting some of the greats over the years
https://streamable.com/86k54
Ben Simmons threads the needle to find the wide open Jeremy Lamb who hits the 3
https://streamable.com/iiy9x
Anthony Davis throws it down over Aron Baynes
https://streamable.com/flamm
Jarret Culver dunks it on Robin Lopez, Robin tries to fight him
https://streamable.com/fvuyp
LeBron lobs it to AD for the reverse, and then gets the steal and dunk
https://streamable.com/2t7u7
Kelly Oubre goes coast to coast and posters Javale Mcgee
https://streamable.com/lacgf
Ntilikina throws it down on the Blazers
https://streamable.com/9gbop
Nick Young on infamous Lakers practice: "I said nobody in this world could guard me...and then Kobe said a line like lucky I'm not from this world"
https://streamable.com/gd4bf
The Lakers put on a 1st quarter clinic at home vs the Suns with a score of 43-17, starting 11-11 from the field, including two enormous dunks from AD and Lebron
Duncan Robinson in December: 13.9 PPG | 53% FG | 50% 3PT | 100% FT | 75% TS
Kevin Love showing frustration in a time out vs Toronto
https://streamable.com/39j4f
We might not have the NBA if Stern hadn’t gotten the job when he did (Bird and Magic coming up around the same time). We were at a point where NBA finals games were being tape delayed. Stern had a vision for how he wanted to change the league and he did it. We owe a lot to Stern.
Jonathan Isaac (knee) stretchered to locker room Wednesday.
Carmelo Anthony scores his first two points in his return to the MSG. Fittingly, an isolation turnaround jumper over RJ Barrett.
https://streamable.com/woq22
With their 26th loss of the season last night, my GSW have clinched their worst record in the Steve Kerr era
Ricky Rubio had 149 assists in the month of December, most by a Sun since Nash in 2012
Markelle Fultz with the steal and the sauce
https://streamable.com/6yl7m
Mitchell Robinson throws down an incredible one-handed alley-oop
https://streamable.com/kbnd1
Mitchell Robinson tonight: 22 PTS, 8 REBS, 1 STL, 1 BLK, on 11/11 FG (100 FG%).
The Blazers, along with all 29 other teams, will wear black jersey stripes for the rest of the season to honor the memory of David Stern.
Since Mike Miller took over the Knicks are 6-6, have been one of the best rebounding teams in NBA and their defense from dead last to middle of the pack (and improving each game). Have just held Nets and Blazers to below 95 pts and below 40 percent shooting.
LeBron James in the last 3 games- 41 Assists, 8 Turnovers, and a Triple Double.
With his first steal tonight, Dwight Howard (2096 BLK, 1000 STL) becomes the only active player with at least 1,000 career blocks and 1,000 career steals
Damian Lillard finishes the night against the Knicks with 11 points on 5-20 shooting, 1-8 on 3PT shooting and a +/- of -10
Carmelo Anthony New York Return Jan 1, 2020 - 26 Pts, 11-17 FGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34BLvST90j4
Giannis hits the clutch 3 to go up 6 with less than 2 mins left
https://streamable.com/9y89l
Mikal Bridges blocks LeBron from behind
https://streamable.com/i3js2
Sigh......Rubio leaves game with injury after slipping on wet floor
There is absolutely no excuse for getting bodied by the Knicks. The Blazers have been the most disappointing team of the season so far.
Blazers lose again but Carmelo Anthony showed up. When are we going to start putting the blame on CJ, Dame or Coaching? Melo had 26 points 7 rebs on 11/17 shooting while dame and CJ combined for 28 against the knicks today.
Frank Ntilikina throws down the aggressive one hand slam over Kent Bazemor
https://streamable.com/up7qc
The Knicks are 6-4 in their last 10 games. That's a better 10 game stretch than the Philadelphia 76ers (4-6) and the Brooklyn Nets (4-6) and just as good as the two LA teams in the Western Conference (6-4)
LeBron James Triple-Double Lakers vs Suns - 31 Pts, 13 Rebs, 12 Asts
Giannis drops Naz Reid and gets the And-1
https://streamable.com/nc03o
Rajon Rondo leads the Lakers' rotation players in touches per minute, average seconds per touch and average dribbles per touch. He is last in points per touch.
David Stern's accomplishments throughout 30 years as NBA commissioner (1984-2014)
- 30-fold increase in league revenues during tenure
- League was making more than $5 billion in annual revenue when Stern's tenure ended
- There is currently merchandises for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries
- First pro sports league to broadcast on cable
- Signed 2-year, $20 million broadcast deal with TBS in 1983
- NBA signed deal with Turner/ESPN in Oct 2014 (a few months after Stern stepped down as commissioner) for 9 year/$24 billion
- 1986 was the last year NBA playoff games were shown on tape delay
- Now, the NBA Finals are broadcast in 215 countries
- Average player salaries have gone from around $330K in 1984-85 to $7.7 million this season
- NBA expanded from 23 to 30 teams during Stern's tenure - Hornets, Heat, Timberwolves, Magic, Raptors, Grizzlies and Pelicans were added
- 1985 - Introduced the draft lottery
- 1992 - Helped create The Dream Team
- 1997 - Launched WNBA and G-League
- 1999 -Oversaw the launch of NBA TV and the leagues' digital assets, including NBA.com and League Pass
- Oversaw the creation of International offices in Africa, Asia/Pacific (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan), Canada (Toronto), Europe & Middle East (London, Madrid), India (Mumbai) and Latin America (Brazil, Mexico). Note: There were 0 international offices in 1984
- First US professional sports league to play regular-season games outside North America
- Currently, about a quarter of NBA players are from countries outside the US
- In 2005, the league launched NBA Cares
- Stern was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014
https://twitter.com/TasMelas/status/1212488886783479808
NBA teams will memorialize former commish David Stern, who died yesterday, with a black band for the rest of this season. Ironically, the black stripe will share space with the Nike maker's mark and an assortment of corporate ad patches — things Stern opposed during his tenure.
https://twitter.com/UniWatch/status/1212751015520460801
When the owners and players were fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement, Stern walked into the locker room with the Eastern and Western All-Stars. "I know where the bodies are buried in the NBA, because I put some of them there," Stern blurted.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28297623/nba-commissioner-david-stern-was-complete-force-nature
Got 6 blocks for the first time in my career and now about to get Drug tested 😅
Thanks @NBA 🤦🏻♂️
https://twitter.com/EnesKanter/status/1212772158549692416
Good News Everyone: Steph Curry Back @ Shooting with 2 Hands
https://streamable.com/6mw37
Zion Williamson was able to go through a full practice today. First time since his surgery.
https://twitter.com/willguillory/status/1212773125328375809?s=21
Augustin drops Mathews with the filthy crossover
https://streamable.com/gab46
Stern helped build the Dream Team, a group of 11 NBA All-Stars (and one Christian Laettner) to don the red white and blue in Barcelona in front of the entire world.
Almost 34 year old Kyle Lowry: 21/5/8 on 60 TS
San Antonio with both LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan on the court: -4.04 net rating (856 minutes). San Antonio with both of them off the court: 12.21 net rating (351 minutes)
Damian Lillard during the Blazer's 5 game losing streak: 25.4/4.8/7.8 on 38/30/84 shooting splits with 2.2 turnovers
Mitchell Robinson vs Portland 22 points 11/11 FG
http://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1212478932492132354
NBA commissioner Adam Silver in statement on passing of David Stern: "Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand – making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation."
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1212479887065407493
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver statement regarding the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1212482128262418434
David Stern drafting some of the greats over the years
https://streamable.com/86k54
Ben Simmons threads the needle to find the wide open Jeremy Lamb who hits the 3
https://streamable.com/iiy9x
Anthony Davis throws it down over Aron Baynes
https://streamable.com/flamm
Jarret Culver dunks it on Robin Lopez, Robin tries to fight him
https://streamable.com/fvuyp
LeBron lobs it to AD for the reverse, and then gets the steal and dunk
https://streamable.com/2t7u7
Kelly Oubre goes coast to coast and posters Javale Mcgee
https://streamable.com/lacgf
Ntilikina throws it down on the Blazers
https://streamable.com/9gbop
Nick Young on infamous Lakers practice: "I said nobody in this world could guard me...and then Kobe said a line like lucky I'm not from this world"
https://streamable.com/gd4bf
The Lakers put on a 1st quarter clinic at home vs the Suns with a score of 43-17, starting 11-11 from the field, including two enormous dunks from AD and Lebron
Duncan Robinson in December: 13.9 PPG | 53% FG | 50% 3PT | 100% FT | 75% TS
Kevin Love showing frustration in a time out vs Toronto
https://streamable.com/39j4f
We might not have the NBA if Stern hadn’t gotten the job when he did (Bird and Magic coming up around the same time). We were at a point where NBA finals games were being tape delayed. Stern had a vision for how he wanted to change the league and he did it. We owe a lot to Stern.
Jonathan Isaac (knee) stretchered to locker room Wednesday.
Carmelo Anthony scores his first two points in his return to the MSG. Fittingly, an isolation turnaround jumper over RJ Barrett.
https://streamable.com/woq22
With their 26th loss of the season last night, my GSW have clinched their worst record in the Steve Kerr era
Ricky Rubio had 149 assists in the month of December, most by a Sun since Nash in 2012
Markelle Fultz with the steal and the sauce
https://streamable.com/6yl7m
Mitchell Robinson throws down an incredible one-handed alley-oop
https://streamable.com/kbnd1
Mitchell Robinson tonight: 22 PTS, 8 REBS, 1 STL, 1 BLK, on 11/11 FG (100 FG%).
The Blazers, along with all 29 other teams, will wear black jersey stripes for the rest of the season to honor the memory of David Stern.
Since Mike Miller took over the Knicks are 6-6, have been one of the best rebounding teams in NBA and their defense from dead last to middle of the pack (and improving each game). Have just held Nets and Blazers to below 95 pts and below 40 percent shooting.
LeBron James in the last 3 games- 41 Assists, 8 Turnovers, and a Triple Double.
With his first steal tonight, Dwight Howard (2096 BLK, 1000 STL) becomes the only active player with at least 1,000 career blocks and 1,000 career steals
Damian Lillard finishes the night against the Knicks with 11 points on 5-20 shooting, 1-8 on 3PT shooting and a +/- of -10
Carmelo Anthony New York Return Jan 1, 2020 - 26 Pts, 11-17 FGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34BLvST90j4
Giannis hits the clutch 3 to go up 6 with less than 2 mins left
https://streamable.com/9y89l
Mikal Bridges blocks LeBron from behind
https://streamable.com/i3js2
Sigh......Rubio leaves game with injury after slipping on wet floor
There is absolutely no excuse for getting bodied by the Knicks. The Blazers have been the most disappointing team of the season so far.
Blazers lose again but Carmelo Anthony showed up. When are we going to start putting the blame on CJ, Dame or Coaching? Melo had 26 points 7 rebs on 11/17 shooting while dame and CJ combined for 28 against the knicks today.
Frank Ntilikina throws down the aggressive one hand slam over Kent Bazemor
https://streamable.com/up7qc
The Knicks are 6-4 in their last 10 games. That's a better 10 game stretch than the Philadelphia 76ers (4-6) and the Brooklyn Nets (4-6) and just as good as the two LA teams in the Western Conference (6-4)
LeBron James Triple-Double Lakers vs Suns - 31 Pts, 13 Rebs, 12 Asts
Giannis drops Naz Reid and gets the And-1
https://streamable.com/nc03o
Rajon Rondo leads the Lakers' rotation players in touches per minute, average seconds per touch and average dribbles per touch. He is last in points per touch.
David Stern's accomplishments throughout 30 years as NBA commissioner (1984-2014)
- 30-fold increase in league revenues during tenure
- League was making more than $5 billion in annual revenue when Stern's tenure ended
- There is currently merchandises for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries
- First pro sports league to broadcast on cable
- Signed 2-year, $20 million broadcast deal with TBS in 1983
- NBA signed deal with Turner/ESPN in Oct 2014 (a few months after Stern stepped down as commissioner) for 9 year/$24 billion
- 1986 was the last year NBA playoff games were shown on tape delay
- Now, the NBA Finals are broadcast in 215 countries
- Average player salaries have gone from around $330K in 1984-85 to $7.7 million this season
- NBA expanded from 23 to 30 teams during Stern's tenure - Hornets, Heat, Timberwolves, Magic, Raptors, Grizzlies and Pelicans were added
- 1985 - Introduced the draft lottery
- 1992 - Helped create The Dream Team
- 1997 - Launched WNBA and G-League
- 1999 -Oversaw the launch of NBA TV and the leagues' digital assets, including NBA.com and League Pass
- Oversaw the creation of International offices in Africa, Asia/Pacific (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan), Canada (Toronto), Europe & Middle East (London, Madrid), India (Mumbai) and Latin America (Brazil, Mexico). Note: There were 0 international offices in 1984
- First US professional sports league to play regular-season games outside North America
- Currently, about a quarter of NBA players are from countries outside the US
- In 2005, the league launched NBA Cares
- Stern was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014
https://twitter.com/TasMelas/status/1212488886783479808
NBA teams will memorialize former commish David Stern, who died yesterday, with a black band for the rest of this season. Ironically, the black stripe will share space with the Nike maker's mark and an assortment of corporate ad patches — things Stern opposed during his tenure.
https://twitter.com/UniWatch/status/1212751015520460801
When the owners and players were fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement, Stern walked into the locker room with the Eastern and Western All-Stars. "I know where the bodies are buried in the NBA, because I put some of them there," Stern blurted.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28297623/nba-commissioner-david-stern-was-complete-force-nature
Got 6 blocks for the first time in my career and now about to get Drug tested 😅
Thanks @NBA 🤦🏻♂️
https://twitter.com/EnesKanter/status/1212772158549692416
Good News Everyone: Steph Curry Back @ Shooting with 2 Hands
https://streamable.com/6mw37
Zion Williamson was able to go through a full practice today. First time since his surgery.
https://twitter.com/willguillory/status/1212773125328375809?s=21
Augustin drops Mathews with the filthy crossover
https://streamable.com/gab46
Stern helped build the Dream Team, a group of 11 NBA All-Stars (and one Christian Laettner) to don the red white and blue in Barcelona in front of the entire world.
Almost 34 year old Kyle Lowry: 21/5/8 on 60 TS
San Antonio with both LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan on the court: -4.04 net rating (856 minutes). San Antonio with both of them off the court: 12.21 net rating (351 minutes)
Damian Lillard during the Blazer's 5 game losing streak: 25.4/4.8/7.8 on 38/30/84 shooting splits with 2.2 turnovers
Mitchell Robinson vs Portland 22 points 11/11 FG
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Light News Dump | Australia is burning down
Monkey enclosure in German zoo burns down during NYE celebration - almost all animals dead | A zoo in the German city of Krefeld said "our worst fears have become reality" after a fire destroyed a primate sanctuary. Police said a drifting New Year sky lantern was be to blame for the tragedy. | More than 30 animals were killed, including orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas and marmosets. A nearby gorilla garden was undamaged.
https://www.dw.com/en/apes-and-monkeys-die-as-fire-rips-through-german-zoo/a-51849843
Seven people have died in the past 24 hours from wildfires in Australia
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/01/australia/australia-fire-nsw-deaths-intl-hnk/index.html
Australia's bushfire smoke spreads to New Zealand as Canberra's air quality is more than 21 times the hazardous rating
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-01/smoke-shrouds-australia-as-nsw-bushfires-continue/11835734
As the death toll in the Australian bushfire crisis rises and exhausted crews prepare for worse conditions this weekend, the Prime Minister hosts the cricket team at his house for lunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/jan/01/australia-bushfires-new-south-wales-victoria-fires-news-latest-live-updates
Trump administration is quietly “gutting” tax law to give big new breaks to corporations | Treasury will use loopholes in the tax bill to offer giant corporations more breaks worth tens of billions
https://www.salon.com/2020/01/01/trump-administration-is-quietly-gutting-tax-law-to-give-big-new-breaks-to-corporations/
The New York Jets quietly went 6-2 to finish the season without losing a game at home despite being ravaged by injuries
The #Texans will activate JJ Watt to their active roster and he will play Saturday vs. Buffalo
https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1212091731023474694?s=19
When crowds tried to seize him to make him king, Jesus fled...: Pope Francis apologized on Wednesday for having angrily slapped a woman's arm when she had grabbed hold of his hand and yanked him towards her, saying he had lost his patience and set a "bad example". https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-peace/pope-apologizes-for-bad-example-of-slapping-arm-of-pilgrim-who-tugged-him-idUSKBN1Z01O7
An artificial intelligence program has been developed that is better at spotting breast cancer in mammograms than expert radiologists. The AI outperformed the specialists by detecting cancers that the radiologists missed in the images, while ignoring features they falsely flagged
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/01/ai-system-outperforms-experts-in-spotting-breast-cancer
This is how one of the #MonseyStabbing victims is spending the first day of 2020. Josef Neumann, after two surgeries, has still not regained consciousness and may have permanent brain damage.
https://twitter.com/StopAntisemites/status/1212483076573597697
15 year-old Orthodox boy robbed at knifepoint on Brooklyn bus by attackers hurling anti-Semitic abuse
https://nypost.com/2020/01/01/thugs-try-to-rob-jewish-teen-at-knife-point-on-brooklyn-bus-cops/
Youths hurl punches, anti-Semitic invective in Venice attack
https://twitter.com/TimesofIsrael/status/1212492958156480512
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross met with the CEO of Boeing while his wife had a stake in the company. See the documents:
https://www.americanoversight.org/document/commerce-communications-with-businesses-linked-to-wilbur-ross-investments
5 million hectares has already burnt in Australia. To put in perspective, Ireland is 6.9 million hectares. Half a billion animals - dead. You’d think the Australian government would declare a national emergency - but they’re not.
https://twitter.com/Taraustralis/status/1212485056133918720
Here is a question: what should I do with the decommissioned Lawfare license plate? I could return it to DMV, like I’m supposed to do. I could hang it in Lawfare HQ. Or I could do .... something else. Ideas?
https://twitter.com/benjaminwittes/status/1212488206337359872
One of the victims in the anti-Semitic machete attack in Monsey is unlikely to awake from a coma, his family says.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/nyregion/antisemitic-attacks-monsey.html
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that teachers who protested at the State Capitol during the 2019 General Assembly session did not break the law. | “We are rescinding the prior administration’s stance to make clear that our teachers and educators never broke the law and are welcome in Frankfort,” said Gov. Beshear. “In order to do what is best for our public education system and each student, we must respect each other and find ways to work together.” “In our administration we are focused on bringing Kentuckians together to solve our most pressing problems,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. “And that starts with making sure we recognize the constitutional rights of our employees, educators and all Kentuckians.”
https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Beshear-Teachers-did-not-break-law-during-sickouts-566604261.html
Please share @BetoORourke new organization that is mobilizing grassroots support for down-ballot races in Texas. | Powered by People will organize grassroots volunteers to do the tough, necessary work that wins elections.
https://betoorourke.com/
https://www.dw.com/en/apes-and-monkeys-die-as-fire-rips-through-german-zoo/a-51849843
Seven people have died in the past 24 hours from wildfires in Australia
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/01/australia/australia-fire-nsw-deaths-intl-hnk/index.html
Australia's bushfire smoke spreads to New Zealand as Canberra's air quality is more than 21 times the hazardous rating
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-01/smoke-shrouds-australia-as-nsw-bushfires-continue/11835734
As the death toll in the Australian bushfire crisis rises and exhausted crews prepare for worse conditions this weekend, the Prime Minister hosts the cricket team at his house for lunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/jan/01/australia-bushfires-new-south-wales-victoria-fires-news-latest-live-updates
Trump administration is quietly “gutting” tax law to give big new breaks to corporations | Treasury will use loopholes in the tax bill to offer giant corporations more breaks worth tens of billions
https://www.salon.com/2020/01/01/trump-administration-is-quietly-gutting-tax-law-to-give-big-new-breaks-to-corporations/
The New York Jets quietly went 6-2 to finish the season without losing a game at home despite being ravaged by injuries
The #Texans will activate JJ Watt to their active roster and he will play Saturday vs. Buffalo
https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1212091731023474694?s=19
When crowds tried to seize him to make him king, Jesus fled...: Pope Francis apologized on Wednesday for having angrily slapped a woman's arm when she had grabbed hold of his hand and yanked him towards her, saying he had lost his patience and set a "bad example". https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-peace/pope-apologizes-for-bad-example-of-slapping-arm-of-pilgrim-who-tugged-him-idUSKBN1Z01O7
An artificial intelligence program has been developed that is better at spotting breast cancer in mammograms than expert radiologists. The AI outperformed the specialists by detecting cancers that the radiologists missed in the images, while ignoring features they falsely flagged
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/01/ai-system-outperforms-experts-in-spotting-breast-cancer
This is how one of the #MonseyStabbing victims is spending the first day of 2020. Josef Neumann, after two surgeries, has still not regained consciousness and may have permanent brain damage.
https://twitter.com/StopAntisemites/status/1212483076573597697
15 year-old Orthodox boy robbed at knifepoint on Brooklyn bus by attackers hurling anti-Semitic abuse
https://nypost.com/2020/01/01/thugs-try-to-rob-jewish-teen-at-knife-point-on-brooklyn-bus-cops/
Youths hurl punches, anti-Semitic invective in Venice attack
https://twitter.com/TimesofIsrael/status/1212492958156480512
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross met with the CEO of Boeing while his wife had a stake in the company. See the documents:
https://www.americanoversight.org/document/commerce-communications-with-businesses-linked-to-wilbur-ross-investments
5 million hectares has already burnt in Australia. To put in perspective, Ireland is 6.9 million hectares. Half a billion animals - dead. You’d think the Australian government would declare a national emergency - but they’re not.
https://twitter.com/Taraustralis/status/1212485056133918720
Here is a question: what should I do with the decommissioned Lawfare license plate? I could return it to DMV, like I’m supposed to do. I could hang it in Lawfare HQ. Or I could do .... something else. Ideas?
https://twitter.com/benjaminwittes/status/1212488206337359872
One of the victims in the anti-Semitic machete attack in Monsey is unlikely to awake from a coma, his family says.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/nyregion/antisemitic-attacks-monsey.html
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that teachers who protested at the State Capitol during the 2019 General Assembly session did not break the law. | “We are rescinding the prior administration’s stance to make clear that our teachers and educators never broke the law and are welcome in Frankfort,” said Gov. Beshear. “In order to do what is best for our public education system and each student, we must respect each other and find ways to work together.” “In our administration we are focused on bringing Kentuckians together to solve our most pressing problems,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. “And that starts with making sure we recognize the constitutional rights of our employees, educators and all Kentuckians.”
https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Beshear-Teachers-did-not-break-law-during-sickouts-566604261.html
Please share @BetoORourke new organization that is mobilizing grassroots support for down-ballot races in Texas. | Powered by People will organize grassroots volunteers to do the tough, necessary work that wins elections.
https://betoorourke.com/
Light NBA Highlights
Sabonis drops the hammer on Norvell Pelle
https://streamable.com/lf2ek
The Indiana Pacers (22-12) defeat the Philadelphia 76ers (23-13), 115-97
The Boston Celtics (23-8) Defeat the Charlotte Hornets (13-23) 109-92 Behind Jayson Tatums 24 points
Enes Kanter finishes the game with a 13/14 double and a career high 6 blocks
Jokic's defense leads to a missed layup from Harden
https://streamable.com/u5iq6
The LA Clippers (24-11) fireblast the Sacramento Kings (12-22) 105-87
Luka can't believe the Thunder left him open
https://streamable.com/rg98g
Last year, Al Horford's highest frequency play action was as the PnR Roll Man at 31.6%. This year, 76ers are only running that play 15% of the time for him.
Harden flails the ball into the basket for a 4-point play
https://streamable.com/kb8ta
The Rockets and Nuggets piece together laziest sequence of basketball this season
https://streamable.com/x0pj1
Danuel House drains the three after Jokic gives up on defense
https://streamable.com/25hod
Danuel House drains the three to beat the halftime buzzer off of a wild pass from James Harden
https://streamable.com/eil6e
Westbrook makes the beautiful read to McLemore in the corner for three to end the 1st quarter
https://streamable.com/k9sdq
Harden nails a stepback early in the shot clock
https://streamable.com/dwdnb
Putback Pat Connaughton flies in for the dunk
https://streamable.com/rdj4g
The Rockets are 13-1 when Westbrook attempts fewer than 5 threes
With a 10-4 record, Oklahoma City Thunder had the best record in the Western Conference in the month of December
The Oklahoma City Thunder(18-15) defeat the Dallas Mavericks(22-12), 106-101
The Houston Rockets (23-11) defeat the Denver Nuggets (23-10) 130-104 behind 35 from Harden and 28 from Westbrook. The Rockets outscored the Nuggets 38-15 in the 4th.
If Vince Carter plays against Boston on Friday, he'll become the first player in NBA history to have a career spanning 4 decades
Chris Paul scores 13 of his 17 in the last 4:30, to take the Thunder over the Mavericks
https://streamable.com/yjyhm
Chris Paul shakes Doncic and finishes the tough floater at the rim
https://streamable.com/or6jf
Russell Westbrook: 34min, 28pts, 3rebs, 7asts, 1stl, 1blk, (11/21fg) +16 and James Harden: 34min, 35pts, 3rebs, 6asts, 1stl, 2blks, (10/17fg) (6/9 3pt) +21 in a win against the Nuggets.
Chris Paul tonight: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, with 13 points in the 4th quarter, 9 of which came during the game-ending 14-2 run
San Antonio Spurs (14-18) come back to defeat Golden State Warriors (9-26) by 117 - 113 with 24 points from DeMar DeRozan
Damion Lee, Glenn Robinson III, and Alec Burks combine for 73/13/9/1/2 and 9/13 3PM on 65.5 TS% in an OT loss to the Spurs.
Harden has an extremely efficient game in a win against the Nuggets. 59% from the Field and 67% from 3.
Danilo Gallinari gets the clutch steal on Luka Doncic
https://streamable.com/9vku7
Over the last 12 games, Luka Doncic is shooting 28.4% on 9.6 three point attempts a game. Against OKC tonight, he shot 3 of 16 (18.8%) on threes.
Terence Davis flies for the And-1 slam
https://streamable.com/41pis
Jokic's defense leads to a missed layup from Harden
https://streamable.com/u5iq6
Rockets handed the Nuggets their biggest lost of the season.
Two incredible plays from Alen Smailagic tie the game
https://streamable.com/baifd
Russell Westbrook (28p) shooting inside the paint tonight: 11/15. His shooting outside the paint: 0/7
Glenn Robinson III ties the game and it goes to OT
https://streamable.com/2un20
https://streamable.com/lf2ek
The Indiana Pacers (22-12) defeat the Philadelphia 76ers (23-13), 115-97
The Boston Celtics (23-8) Defeat the Charlotte Hornets (13-23) 109-92 Behind Jayson Tatums 24 points
Enes Kanter finishes the game with a 13/14 double and a career high 6 blocks
Jokic's defense leads to a missed layup from Harden
https://streamable.com/u5iq6
The LA Clippers (24-11) fireblast the Sacramento Kings (12-22) 105-87
Luka can't believe the Thunder left him open
https://streamable.com/rg98g
Last year, Al Horford's highest frequency play action was as the PnR Roll Man at 31.6%. This year, 76ers are only running that play 15% of the time for him.
Harden flails the ball into the basket for a 4-point play
https://streamable.com/kb8ta
The Rockets and Nuggets piece together laziest sequence of basketball this season
https://streamable.com/x0pj1
Danuel House drains the three after Jokic gives up on defense
https://streamable.com/25hod
Danuel House drains the three to beat the halftime buzzer off of a wild pass from James Harden
https://streamable.com/eil6e
Westbrook makes the beautiful read to McLemore in the corner for three to end the 1st quarter
https://streamable.com/k9sdq
Harden nails a stepback early in the shot clock
https://streamable.com/dwdnb
Putback Pat Connaughton flies in for the dunk
https://streamable.com/rdj4g
The Rockets are 13-1 when Westbrook attempts fewer than 5 threes
With a 10-4 record, Oklahoma City Thunder had the best record in the Western Conference in the month of December
The Oklahoma City Thunder(18-15) defeat the Dallas Mavericks(22-12), 106-101
The Houston Rockets (23-11) defeat the Denver Nuggets (23-10) 130-104 behind 35 from Harden and 28 from Westbrook. The Rockets outscored the Nuggets 38-15 in the 4th.
If Vince Carter plays against Boston on Friday, he'll become the first player in NBA history to have a career spanning 4 decades
Chris Paul scores 13 of his 17 in the last 4:30, to take the Thunder over the Mavericks
https://streamable.com/yjyhm
Chris Paul shakes Doncic and finishes the tough floater at the rim
https://streamable.com/or6jf
Russell Westbrook: 34min, 28pts, 3rebs, 7asts, 1stl, 1blk, (11/21fg) +16 and James Harden: 34min, 35pts, 3rebs, 6asts, 1stl, 2blks, (10/17fg) (6/9 3pt) +21 in a win against the Nuggets.
Chris Paul tonight: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, with 13 points in the 4th quarter, 9 of which came during the game-ending 14-2 run
San Antonio Spurs (14-18) come back to defeat Golden State Warriors (9-26) by 117 - 113 with 24 points from DeMar DeRozan
Damion Lee, Glenn Robinson III, and Alec Burks combine for 73/13/9/1/2 and 9/13 3PM on 65.5 TS% in an OT loss to the Spurs.
Harden has an extremely efficient game in a win against the Nuggets. 59% from the Field and 67% from 3.
Danilo Gallinari gets the clutch steal on Luka Doncic
https://streamable.com/9vku7
Over the last 12 games, Luka Doncic is shooting 28.4% on 9.6 three point attempts a game. Against OKC tonight, he shot 3 of 16 (18.8%) on threes.
Terence Davis flies for the And-1 slam
https://streamable.com/41pis
Jokic's defense leads to a missed layup from Harden
https://streamable.com/u5iq6
Rockets handed the Nuggets their biggest lost of the season.
Two incredible plays from Alen Smailagic tie the game
https://streamable.com/baifd
Russell Westbrook (28p) shooting inside the paint tonight: 11/15. His shooting outside the paint: 0/7
Glenn Robinson III ties the game and it goes to OT
https://streamable.com/2un20
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