Being an immigrant in the USA gives you an interesting perspective on the American mentality.  The fact before any minor natural event the local grocery stores are emptied, batteries are in short supply, candles become fashionable and anything relating to the event in question becomes a desperate quest.  In the DC area alone, just before the storm hit, fights were breaking out over shovels.  I found this quite funny.

The habbit of closing things before an event even starts is also quite amusing.  Schools were closed the night before Snowmageddon even began, businesses closed hours early without even a flake on the ground.  The logic is understandable, but coming from a country where immense snowfalls happen regularly, with no preparation or means to fight it, this is interesting to watch. 

After Snowmaggedon settled, it was a truly beautiful sight.  Within 30 minutes of the last snowflake, the sun was out and shining bright.  The next day was truly impressive as well.  While the roads were terrible, impossible to properly navigate without all wheel drive, stores were open and people were out and about.  This worst snowfall in DC's recent memory, , has ended and the panic was all for nought ... as they all end.

As I drove around the area, I was breathtaken by the beauty left in Snowmaggedon's aftermath.  People were out shoveling, kids were playing in the streets and the snow left a puffy blanket of white everywhere.  Below are some photos of the aftermath shot early this morning, some with comments on where they were taken.

Shady Grove in North Potomac, a generally Busy Street

This is a reasonably large intersection by Potomac Place Shopping Center

This is Interstate 270 by the Shady Grove exit.  There is an inch of snow throughout most of it

In the end I have but one question, what will all those people do with a 2 month supply of milk?

Being an immigrant in the USA gives you an interesting perspective on the American mentality.  The fact before any minor natural event the local grocery stores are emptied, batteries are in short supply, candles become fashionable and anything relating to the event in question becomes a desperate quest.  In the DC area alone, just before the storm hit, fights were breaking out over shovels.  I found this quite funny.

The habbit of closing things before an event even starts is also quite amusing.  Schools were closed the night before Snowmageddon even began, businesses closed hours early without even a flake on the ground.  The logic is understandable, but coming from a country where immense snowfalls happen regularly, with no preparation or means to fight it, this is interesting to watch. 

After Snowmaggedon settled, it was a truly beautiful sight.  Within 30 minutes of the last snowflake, the sun was out and shining bright.  The next day was truly impressive as well.  While the roads were terrible, impossible to properly navigate without all wheel drive, stores were open and people were out and about.  This worst snowfall in DC's recent memory, , has ended and the panic was all for nought ... as they all end.

As I drove around the area, I was breathtaken by the beauty left in Snowmaggedon's aftermath.  People were out shoveling, kids were playing in the streets and the snow left a puffy blanket of white everywhere.  Below are some photos of the aftermath shot early this morning, some with comments on where they were taken.

Shady Grove in North Potomac, a generally Busy Street

This is a reasonably large intersection by Potomac Place Shopping Center

This is Interstate 270 by the Shady Grove exit.  There is an inch of snow throughout most of it

In the end I have but one question, what will all those people do with a 2 month supply of milk?

While most Americans are completely unaware of the fact that Ukraine is not only facing its worst financial crisis since its official inception, but Sunday's election is being sold to its citizens as their only chance at fixing this crisis.  Likewise, Americans are most likely oblivious to the fact that the current government is a puppet government installed by the USA.  Unfortunately for the USA, and much more so for Ukraine, the puppet in charge was so inept that America could do little in Ukraine, while the people of Ukraine fell into a seemingly unending abyss.

America's meddling in Ukrainian politics is nothing new, and in fact a common practice for all world powers.  The American elections have been likewise greatly influenced by foreign powers, albeit a completely illegal practice.  There is little doubt that the Clintons received immense backing by the Chinese government.

Politics is a dirty game in which those with more power are always trying to instill their views on those with less.  The more money, the more power ... and hence American dominance.  Ukraine just happened to get caught up in another one of America's failed attempts at purchasing influence.

The Washington Times is currently running a great article in this direction by Doug Bandow entitled A Champion at Meddling [link].  I can't say that I agree with it completely, but I don't want to take away from it by only citing the pieces that I like.  The story is copied in full below.

A champion at meddling

Five years ago, Western governments and nongovernmental organizations did their best to support Ukraine's so-called Orange Revolution, which propelled Viktor Yushchenko into the Ukrainian presidency. But Mr. Yushchenko's performance in office was a disaster; in last month's presidential election, he finished in fifth place with a dismal 5.4 percent. His failure serves as a stark reminder of the risks when Washington intervenes in foreign politics.

Ukraine was one of many lands absorbed by both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. The collapse of the latter enabled Ukraine to win its independence.

But the break was never clean. Nearly one-fifth of Ukrainians are ethnic Russians. They make up a majority in the Crimea, which contains Russia's Sevastopol naval base.

Moreover, Ukrainian politics have been marred by corruption, vote fraud, brutal infighting and violence. Despite the Manichean prism through which Westerners tend to view foreign political contests, most leading Ukrainian politicians appear to be shades of gray rather than black and white.

In the December 2004 poll, Washington-backed Mr. Yushchenko had his own big-business allies, just like Viktor Yanukovich, who was attacked for being a tool of financial oligarchs. Moreover, Mr. Yushchenko was allied with financial baroness Yulia Tymoshenko.

Although Mr. Yushchenko was more obviously pro-Western than Mr. Yanukovich, in practice, the differences were smaller than advertised. Even the latter advocated membership in the European Union, and Mr. Yushchenko never found public or political support for his plan to join NATO.

Finally, Mr. Yushchenko proved to be one of the least competent politicians ever elected head of state. Despite the initial euphoria of more liberal and Western-leaning elites at Mr. Yushchenko's victory, Ukrainian politics quickly turned into a national soap opera.

Mr. Yushchenko quickly turned on Mrs. Tymoshenko, even accusing her of treason. In the meantime, the economy stagnated, reform halted, relations with Russia deteriorated, and the Ukrainian people grew frustrated.

In the latest vote, Mr. Yanukovich finished first with about 35 percent compared to Mrs. Tymoshenko's 25 percent. She still could win the runoff on Feb. 7, but the Orange Revolution is dead. For those outside Ukraine, at least, it doesn't matter much who becomes Ukraine's next president.

It especially does not matter to America.

While most Americans are completely unaware of the fact that Ukraine is not only facing its worst financial crisis since its official inception, but Sunday's election is being sold to its citizens as their only chance at fixing this crisis.  Likewise, Americans are most likely oblivious to the fact that the current government is a puppet government installed by the USA.  Unfortunately for the USA, and much more so for Ukraine, the puppet in charge was so inept that America could do little in Ukraine, while the people of Ukraine fell into a seemingly unending abyss.

America's meddling in Ukrainian politics is nothing new, and in fact a common practice for all world powers.  The American elections have been likewise greatly influenced by foreign powers, albeit a completely illegal practice.  There is little doubt that the Clintons received immense backing by the Chinese government.

Politics is a dirty game in which those with more power are always trying to instill their views on those with less.  The more money, the more power ... and hence American dominance.  Ukraine just happened to get caught up in another one of America's failed attempts at purchasing influence.

The Washington Times is currently running a great article in this direction by Doug Bandow entitled A Champion at Meddling [link].  I can't say that I agree with it completely, but I don't want to take away from it by only citing the pieces that I like.  The story is copied in full below.

A champion at meddling

Five years ago, Western governments and nongovernmental organizations did their best to support Ukraine's so-called Orange Revolution, which propelled Viktor Yushchenko into the Ukrainian presidency. But Mr. Yushchenko's performance in office was a disaster; in last month's presidential election, he finished in fifth place with a dismal 5.4 percent. His failure serves as a stark reminder of the risks when Washington intervenes in foreign politics.

Ukraine was one of many lands absorbed by both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. The collapse of the latter enabled Ukraine to win its independence.

But the break was never clean. Nearly one-fifth of Ukrainians are ethnic Russians. They make up a majority in the Crimea, which contains Russia's Sevastopol naval base.

Moreover, Ukrainian politics have been marred by corruption, vote fraud, brutal infighting and violence. Despite the Manichean prism through which Westerners tend to view foreign political contests, most leading Ukrainian politicians appear to be shades of gray rather than black and white.

In the December 2004 poll, Washington-backed Mr. Yushchenko had his own big-business allies, just like Viktor Yanukovich, who was attacked for being a tool of financial oligarchs. Moreover, Mr. Yushchenko was allied with financial baroness Yulia Tymoshenko.

Although Mr. Yushchenko was more obviously pro-Western than Mr. Yanukovich, in practice, the differences were smaller than advertised. Even the latter advocated membership in the European Union, and Mr. Yushchenko never found public or political support for his plan to join NATO.

Finally, Mr. Yushchenko proved to be one of the least competent politicians ever elected head of state. Despite the initial euphoria of more liberal and Western-leaning elites at Mr. Yushchenko's victory, Ukrainian politics quickly turned into a national soap opera.

Mr. Yushchenko quickly turned on Mrs. Tymoshenko, even accusing her of treason. In the meantime, the economy stagnated, reform halted, relations with Russia deteriorated, and the Ukrainian people grew frustrated.

In the latest vote, Mr. Yanukovich finished first with about 35 percent compared to Mrs. Tymoshenko's 25 percent. She still could win the runoff on Feb. 7, but the Orange Revolution is dead. For those outside Ukraine, at least, it doesn't matter much who becomes Ukraine's next president.

It especially does not matter to America.

With the agreed upon lifespan of the International Space Station coming upon us, the European Space Agency are first to call for an extension of the ISS's life span from 2015 to 2020.  With no current funding planned after 2015, many are wondering what the fate of the ISS will be after this date.

The ESA's Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain, is worried that the fact that the ISS's lifespan is coming to a close, possible research is not being planned for fear that it will never come to pass.  Dordain rightly feels that in order to guarantee the full use of the ISS, proper funding needs to be allocated after the current 2015 termination date.

With the Financial Crisis looming, many participant nations are hesitant to commit funding to a project that doesn't provide a return on investment financially.  Thus, Dordain has proposed numerous means of cutting back on spending in order to extend the ISS lifespan utilizing the current budget.

"First of all, we have four control centres - one in Houston, one in Oberpfaffenhofen, one in Moscow and one in Tsukuba - and these four control centres are working 24 hours a day. Question mark: Why can't we use only two of them for 12 hours and then the other two for 12 hours?", Dordain exclaimed.

His logic is difficult to ignore.  The fact that he is the ESA's Director General also implies that his suggestion is backed with enough thought and research implying its feasibility.

With construction of the ISS scheduled to be completed next year, it seems a shame to abandon it shortly there after, especially when taking into account that development has been in progress for 12 years already.  It seems extremely wasteful to build something for 13 years, only to abandon it 4 years later.  Of course, much research has been done in the meantime, but much more can be done.

With the agreed upon lifespan of the International Space Station coming upon us, the European Space Agency are first to call for an extension of the ISS's life span from 2015 to 2020.  With no current funding planned after 2015, many are wondering what the fate of the ISS will be after this date.

The ESA's Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain, is worried that the fact that the ISS's lifespan is coming to a close, possible research is not being planned for fear that it will never come to pass.  Dordain rightly feels that in order to guarantee the full use of the ISS, proper funding needs to be allocated after the current 2015 termination date.

With the Financial Crisis looming, many participant nations are hesitant to commit funding to a project that doesn't provide a return on investment financially.  Thus, Dordain has proposed numerous means of cutting back on spending in order to extend the ISS lifespan utilizing the current budget.

"First of all, we have four control centres - one in Houston, one in Oberpfaffenhofen, one in Moscow and one in Tsukuba - and these four control centres are working 24 hours a day. Question mark: Why can't we use only two of them for 12 hours and then the other two for 12 hours?", Dordain exclaimed.

His logic is difficult to ignore.  The fact that he is the ESA's Director General also implies that his suggestion is backed with enough thought and research implying its feasibility.

With construction of the ISS scheduled to be completed next year, it seems a shame to abandon it shortly there after, especially when taking into account that development has been in progress for 12 years already.  It seems extremely wasteful to build something for 13 years, only to abandon it 4 years later.  Of course, much research has been done in the meantime, but much more can be done.

It is being reported that the number of unemployed rose by 85,000 in December due to layoffs. Strangely, the unemployment rate is holding steady at 10.2%.  Currently, 15.3 Million people in the USA are unemployed, or more specifically claiming unemployment.  The real figure is likely substantially higher after taking into account those that no longer are eligible for unemployment, or those that merely never filed.

Around 25 months ago, towards the start of the financial crisis, the unemployment rate in the USA was at around 5%.  It has since then doubled, and there is no reprieve in sight.  Many news agencies are touting the fact that November saw a decrease in unemployment, however they are discounting the large number of seasonal workers required for the holiday season.  January is likely to see another major increase in unemployment for that same reason.

There is much talk that the recession is over.  I understand that this type of rhetoric is necessary in order to stimulate the economy and provide hope for those in trouble.  However, with facts like these coming month after month, it seems that this financial crisis is long from over.  One of the primary root causes of this recession is the job market.  Until it is brought under control and jobs start appearing throughout the USA, the recession is only getting worse.

It is being reported that the number of unemployed rose by 85,000 in December due to layoffs. Strangely, the unemployment rate is holding steady at 10.2%.  Currently, 15.3 Million people in the USA are unemployed, or more specifically claiming unemployment.  The real figure is likely substantially higher after taking into account those that no longer are eligible for unemployment, or those that merely never filed.

Around 25 months ago, towards the start of the financial crisis, the unemployment rate in the USA was at around 5%.  It has since then doubled, and there is no reprieve in sight.  Many news agencies are touting the fact that November saw a decrease in unemployment, however they are discounting the large number of seasonal workers required for the holiday season.  January is likely to see another major increase in unemployment for that same reason.

There is much talk that the recession is over.  I understand that this type of rhetoric is necessary in order to stimulate the economy and provide hope for those in trouble.  However, with facts like these coming month after month, it seems that this financial crisis is long from over.  One of the primary root causes of this recession is the job market.  Until it is brought under control and jobs start appearing throughout the USA, the recession is only getting worse.

While it is no secret that Ukraine is an overly corrupt nation that excels in bribery, the recent attempt to bribe, or some may say blackmail, US officials in order to secure further IMF funding is audacious to ridiculous extremes.

In December Ukrainian officials descended on Washington with one overriding mission –to convince the Obama administration that without the financial help of the IMF, Ukraine might be unable to supply the EU with Russian gas this winter. This badly disguised attempt at blackmail on the part of both Petro Poroshenko, the confectionary oligarch and a member of President Viktor Yushchenko’s inner circle, and recently appointed foreign minister and Hryhoriy Nemyria, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s right-hand man, was so transparent and brazen that few in Washington were inclined to believe them.Source: www.jamestown.org

It seems that rather than take the subtle approach, Ukraine decided a brute force approach would be better.  While this generally works in Eastern European states, the USA and EU generally frown on this type of corruption.  Some party funding would have been far more welcomed.

This recent attempt by Ukraine stems from the impending natural gas crisis with Russia.  Similar to last years crisis, Ukraine is unable to pay its gas debt to Russia.  Currently, payments are being made, but many believe this is going to abruptly end once elections are finalized, or rather all votes are cast. 

While the EU were quick to blame Russia for the previous gas crisis, their tone has changed since and are willing to lay at least part of the blame where it belongs.  Since the previous gas crisis, Ukraine has been unable, or by most accounts simply unwilling, to fulfill its reform promises.

In a further sign of disenchantment and frustration with the current Ukrainian leadership, EU leaders speaking at the 13th EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv on December 4, blasted the lack of promised constitutional reforms in the country, its erratic gas policies and placed part of the blame for past breakdowns in supplying Russian gas to Europe on Ukraine. Jose Barroso, the head of the European Commission was blunt in his criticism of Yushchenko: “Mr. President, I will speak honestly with you. We are often led to believe that Ukrainian promises about reforms are only partially fulfilled and that words are not followed by deeds”Source: www.jamestown.org

While the elections which are to be held on January 17th don't present the people with any significant change in policy, many are hoping that with Yuschenko out of the way the next president will be able to achieve at least one of their campaign promises.  The leader of the EU, Russia and the USA seem to be hoping this as well.

While it is no secret that Ukraine is an overly corrupt nation that excels in bribery, the recent attempt to bribe, or some may say blackmail, US officials in order to secure further IMF funding is audacious to ridiculous extremes.

In December Ukrainian officials descended on Washington with one overriding mission –to convince the Obama administration that without the financial help of the IMF, Ukraine might be unable to supply the EU with Russian gas this winter. This badly disguised attempt at blackmail on the part of both Petro Poroshenko, the confectionary oligarch and a member of President Viktor Yushchenko’s inner circle, and recently appointed foreign minister and Hryhoriy Nemyria, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s right-hand man, was so transparent and brazen that few in Washington were inclined to believe them.Source: www.jamestown.org

It seems that rather than take the subtle approach, Ukraine decided a brute force approach would be better.  While this generally works in Eastern European states, the USA and EU generally frown on this type of corruption.  Some party funding would have been far more welcomed.

This recent attempt by Ukraine stems from the impending natural gas crisis with Russia.  Similar to last years crisis, Ukraine is unable to pay its gas debt to Russia.  Currently, payments are being made, but many believe this is going to abruptly end once elections are finalized, or rather all votes are cast. 

While the EU were quick to blame Russia for the previous gas crisis, their tone has changed since and are willing to lay at least part of the blame where it belongs.  Since the previous gas crisis, Ukraine has been unable, or by most accounts simply unwilling, to fulfill its reform promises.

In a further sign of disenchantment and frustration with the current Ukrainian leadership, EU leaders speaking at the 13th EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv on December 4, blasted the lack of promised constitutional reforms in the country, its erratic gas policies and placed part of the blame for past breakdowns in supplying Russian gas to Europe on Ukraine. Jose Barroso, the head of the European Commission was blunt in his criticism of Yushchenko: “Mr. President, I will speak honestly with you. We are often led to believe that Ukrainian promises about reforms are only partially fulfilled and that words are not followed by deeds”Source: www.jamestown.org

While the elections which are to be held on January 17th don't present the people with any significant change in policy, many are hoping that with Yuschenko out of the way the next president will be able to achieve at least one of their campaign promises.  The leader of the EU, Russia and the USA seem to be hoping this as well.

Chess is a game of impeccable skill, patience and planning.  To understand chess you simply need to be a kid with a little patience.  However, to become one of the greatest, you truly need to be gifted.

Garry Kasparov has been tutoring the young Magnus Carlsen for 6 years now, helping Magnus reach the level of Top Grandmaster at the stunning age of 19.  Magnus Carlsen managed to stun the chess world at the age of 13 when he achieved the title of Grandmaster, but by making it to the top at 19 he has surpassed his teacher by an entire year at making it to the top ranks.  Gary Kasparov attained the top ranking at the age of 20.

Norway's Magnus Carlsen has become the youngest person ever to top the world ranking in chess.

The 19-year-old was listed as number one in the World Chess Federation's January statistics with a rating of 2,810.

The Norwegian Chess Federation Monday said Carlsen is the youngest person to hold the title since ratings were introduced in 1971.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Congratulations Magnus Carlsen, you have made it to the top of the world.  Lets see how long you can maintain this title.

Chess is a game of impeccable skill, patience and planning.  To understand chess you simply need to be a kid with a little patience.  However, to become one of the greatest, you truly need to be gifted.

Garry Kasparov has been tutoring the young Magnus Carlsen for 6 years now, helping Magnus reach the level of Top Grandmaster at the stunning age of 19.  Magnus Carlsen managed to stun the chess world at the age of 13 when he achieved the title of Grandmaster, but by making it to the top at 19 he has surpassed his teacher by an entire year at making it to the top ranks.  Gary Kasparov attained the top ranking at the age of 20.

Norway's Magnus Carlsen has become the youngest person ever to top the world ranking in chess.

The 19-year-old was listed as number one in the World Chess Federation's January statistics with a rating of 2,810.

The Norwegian Chess Federation Monday said Carlsen is the youngest person to hold the title since ratings were introduced in 1971.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Congratulations Magnus Carlsen, you have made it to the top of the world.  Lets see how long you can maintain this title.

There is something to be said about a system that not only ensures the rich get richer, but rapes its citizens to give the wealthy the extra boost they so richly deserve.  Most remember that when the Financial Crisis began, the banks had a great deal of trouble dealing with their toxic assets.  While many blamed the banks for taking on these assets, claiming that these risky dealings were a major factor in causing the financial crisis in the first place, the government was quick to bailout the banks, ensuring they would dominate the market for years to come.

The Treasury Department then unveiled the Public-Private Investment Program, or PPIP, in order to allow investors to buyout these toxic assets from the banks, easing the banks debt and allowing for a faster recovery.  While this may have seemed like a good idea to some at the time, any moderately intelligent Financial Analyst should have been able to predict what was to come.  Apparently, the bar for entry into the Treasury Department is even lower than most government offices, which is extremely low to start with.

Eric Petroff, director of research at Wurts & Associates, a Seattle-based investment advisory firm, told Bloomberg: "Any time the government says, 'We're going to buy something in the securities market,' they're putting out a sign that says, 'Free money, come and get it'."Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

This really shouldn't come as a big surprise.  If you were a multi-billion dollar company and the government was handing out money, you too would get in line. 

So what did the banks do, exactly, that is wrong? 

... as Bloomberg reports this morning, some of the nation's largest banks have actually bought more risky home loans instead of getting them off their balance sheets.

In other words, the program that was supposed to help banks dispose of these toxic assets instead made those assets so marketable that banks actually bought more -- and are now at even greater risk. The banks apparently decided that the government's entry into the mortgage security market was simply a guaranteed money-making opportunity.

Per Bloomberg's figures, Bank of America, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs added $2.74 billion of this kind of mortgage debt since March. The value of the debt was up 13 percent from the second quarter.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

With hindsight, this seems extremely obvious to me.  I would have done the same if I were in such a position.  Who cares that my risks have increased substantially, I can always depend on the US Government, and more importantly the taxpayers money, to ensure I will not only be fine in the future, but a few extra yachts are just around the corner.

People, we are being taken for fools.  It is time to make your voices heard.  An internet presence is a great start, make it known that you are outraged.  However, you must be willing to take it a step further.  Why should we be paying for someone's Yacht, or some Oligarch's kids cocaine habit?  We need to make sure that our tax dollars go to use to improve the economy, not ensure that companies can fulfill their bonus obligations.  Make your internet presence known, write your congressman, tell your friends ... this must stop.

There is something to be said about a system that not only ensures the rich get richer, but rapes its citizens to give the wealthy the extra boost they so richly deserve.  Most remember that when the Financial Crisis began, the banks had a great deal of trouble dealing with their toxic assets.  While many blamed the banks for taking on these assets, claiming that these risky dealings were a major factor in causing the financial crisis in the first place, the government was quick to bailout the banks, ensuring they would dominate the market for years to come.

The Treasury Department then unveiled the Public-Private Investment Program, or PPIP, in order to allow investors to buyout these toxic assets from the banks, easing the banks debt and allowing for a faster recovery.  While this may have seemed like a good idea to some at the time, any moderately intelligent Financial Analyst should have been able to predict what was to come.  Apparently, the bar for entry into the Treasury Department is even lower than most government offices, which is extremely low to start with.

Eric Petroff, director of research at Wurts & Associates, a Seattle-based investment advisory firm, told Bloomberg: "Any time the government says, 'We're going to buy something in the securities market,' they're putting out a sign that says, 'Free money, come and get it'."Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

This really shouldn't come as a big surprise.  If you were a multi-billion dollar company and the government was handing out money, you too would get in line. 

So what did the banks do, exactly, that is wrong? 

... as Bloomberg reports this morning, some of the nation's largest banks have actually bought more risky home loans instead of getting them off their balance sheets.

In other words, the program that was supposed to help banks dispose of these toxic assets instead made those assets so marketable that banks actually bought more -- and are now at even greater risk. The banks apparently decided that the government's entry into the mortgage security market was simply a guaranteed money-making opportunity.

Per Bloomberg's figures, Bank of America, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs added $2.74 billion of this kind of mortgage debt since March. The value of the debt was up 13 percent from the second quarter.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

With hindsight, this seems extremely obvious to me.  I would have done the same if I were in such a position.  Who cares that my risks have increased substantially, I can always depend on the US Government, and more importantly the taxpayers money, to ensure I will not only be fine in the future, but a few extra yachts are just around the corner.

People, we are being taken for fools.  It is time to make your voices heard.  An internet presence is a great start, make it known that you are outraged.  However, you must be willing to take it a step further.  Why should we be paying for someone's Yacht, or some Oligarch's kids cocaine habit?  We need to make sure that our tax dollars go to use to improve the economy, not ensure that companies can fulfill their bonus obligations.  Make your internet presence known, write your congressman, tell your friends ... this must stop.

In a very bold move, a suicide bomber killed 8 Americans, 4 of which were CIA agents, and 5 Canadians near a base which was used by the CIA.  The Taliban have taken responsibility for the attack.

We claim responsibility for the attack," purported Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"Yesterday evening on a base near the old airport in Khost city a suicide bomber by the name of Samiullah committed a suicide attack by detonating his vest and killed 16 Americans," said Mujahid. The Taliban routinely exaggerate the impact of their operations.

Source: www.google.com

This attack shocked intelligence officials, apparently not believing that the Taliban would dare attack a US intelligence office.  While the CIA claim they have been anticipating an attack, the attack appears to have killed more US intelligence personnel than have died since the USA invaded Afghanistan in 2001.

"It is the nightmare we've been anticipating since we went into Afghanistan and Iraq," said John E. McLaughlin, a former CIA deputy director who now serves on a board that supports children of CIA officers slain on the job. "Our people are often out on the front line, without adequate force protection, and they put their lives quite literally in jeopardy."Source: www.washingtonpost.com

The Taliban's persistence is putting fear into the hearts of Americans in Afghanistan.  If Barack Obama's surge isn't implemented soon, their grip on Afghanistan may grow so tight that the people of Afghanistan will welcome them back in order to stop the endless bloodshed by American troops.

In a very bold move, a suicide bomber killed 8 Americans, 4 of which were CIA agents, and 5 Canadians near a base which was used by the CIA.  The Taliban have taken responsibility for the attack.

We claim responsibility for the attack," purported Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"Yesterday evening on a base near the old airport in Khost city a suicide bomber by the name of Samiullah committed a suicide attack by detonating his vest and killed 16 Americans," said Mujahid. The Taliban routinely exaggerate the impact of their operations.

Source: www.google.com

This attack shocked intelligence officials, apparently not believing that the Taliban would dare attack a US intelligence office.  While the CIA claim they have been anticipating an attack, the attack appears to have killed more US intelligence personnel than have died since the USA invaded Afghanistan in 2001.

"It is the nightmare we've been anticipating since we went into Afghanistan and Iraq," said John E. McLaughlin, a former CIA deputy director who now serves on a board that supports children of CIA officers slain on the job. "Our people are often out on the front line, without adequate force protection, and they put their lives quite literally in jeopardy."Source: www.washingtonpost.com

The Taliban's persistence is putting fear into the hearts of Americans in Afghanistan.  If Barack Obama's surge isn't implemented soon, their grip on Afghanistan may grow so tight that the people of Afghanistan will welcome them back in order to stop the endless bloodshed by American troops.

With civilian casualties escalating in Afghanistan and American troops dying in ever greater number, it is difficult to ignore the parallels between this war and the Vietnam war almost half a century ago.  This never ending war has been condemned by many of America's military strategists with claims that it is an unwinnable war and the USA will eventually be forced to withdraw with no victory in sight.  Barack Obama disagrees with this, but so far his policies haven't instilled a great deal of confidence in his decision making skills.

Hamid Karzai, the current puppet in charge of Afghanistan, has begun to speak out against his masters.  After being placed on the throne, and stealing it in the latest round of elections, even Karzai can see that America's role in Afghanistan is in decline.

The cause of Karzai's contempt is the latest attack by US forces against civilians on the Afghani Pakistani border.

Ten Afghan civilians - including nine schoolchildren - who died in an attack in eastern Kunar province were killed by US troops, an Afghan MP claims.Source: BBC

The situation was described as such:

"A unit of international forces descended from a plane in the Narang district of Kunar province and took 10 people from three homes, eight of them school students in grades six, nine and 10, one of them a guest, the rest from the same family, and shot them dead," the statement said, quoting Wafa.Source: www.google.com

These acts of senseless violence merely inflame the Afghani population further.  The military have not yet released a statement as to why this particular attack was made, but does their reason change anything?  The damage is done, and the people can not be returned.  These children are just the most recent in a string of 'accidents' by the NATO forces.

These 'accidents' have led to protests in the streets of Kabul, primarily by students.

The protesters torched a US flag and an effigy of US President Barack Obama in a public square, after chanting "death to Obama" and "death to foreign forces", witnesses said.

"Our demonstration is against those foreigners who have come to our country," said Safiullah Aminzai, a student organiser.

"They have not brought democracy to Afghanistan but they are killing our religious scholars and children."

Protesters in downtown Kabul tied green ribbons around their foreheads on which was written in red "stop killing us," witnesses said.

Others chanted "foreigners out" and "death to the murderers of Afghan people".

Source: www.google.com

With American soldiers dying, NATO forces retreating, support by Americans dwindling, innocent civilians being slaughtered in ever greater numbers and protests mounting across the country, the Afghanistan war is bound to fail.  While the troop surge hasn't come into full force yet, there is so much hope in its success that if it fails this war can come to a quick close.  The military strategists, and Barack Obama himself, have a great deal hinging on this surge.  If it fails, not only will popular support vanish for this war, but there may be a rebellion in Afghanistan that will simply invite the Taliban back to power.

With civilian casualties escalating in Afghanistan and American troops dying in ever greater number, it is difficult to ignore the parallels between this war and the Vietnam war almost half a century ago.  This never ending war has been condemned by many of America's military strategists with claims that it is an unwinnable war and the USA will eventually be forced to withdraw with no victory in sight.  Barack Obama disagrees with this, but so far his policies haven't instilled a great deal of confidence in his decision making skills.

Hamid Karzai, the current puppet in charge of Afghanistan, has begun to speak out against his masters.  After being placed on the throne, and stealing it in the latest round of elections, even Karzai can see that America's role in Afghanistan is in decline.

The cause of Karzai's contempt is the latest attack by US forces against civilians on the Afghani Pakistani border.

Ten Afghan civilians - including nine schoolchildren - who died in an attack in eastern Kunar province were killed by US troops, an Afghan MP claims.Source: BBC

The situation was described as such:

"A unit of international forces descended from a plane in the Narang district of Kunar province and took 10 people from three homes, eight of them school students in grades six, nine and 10, one of them a guest, the rest from the same family, and shot them dead," the statement said, quoting Wafa.Source: www.google.com

These acts of senseless violence merely inflame the Afghani population further.  The military have not yet released a statement as to why this particular attack was made, but does their reason change anything?  The damage is done, and the people can not be returned.  These children are just the most recent in a string of 'accidents' by the NATO forces.

These 'accidents' have led to protests in the streets of Kabul, primarily by students.

The protesters torched a US flag and an effigy of US President Barack Obama in a public square, after chanting "death to Obama" and "death to foreign forces", witnesses said.

"Our demonstration is against those foreigners who have come to our country," said Safiullah Aminzai, a student organiser.

"They have not brought democracy to Afghanistan but they are killing our religious scholars and children."

Protesters in downtown Kabul tied green ribbons around their foreheads on which was written in red "stop killing us," witnesses said.

Others chanted "foreigners out" and "death to the murderers of Afghan people".

Source: www.google.com

With American soldiers dying, NATO forces retreating, support by Americans dwindling, innocent civilians being slaughtered in ever greater numbers and protests mounting across the country, the Afghanistan war is bound to fail.  While the troop surge hasn't come into full force yet, there is so much hope in its success that if it fails this war can come to a quick close.  The military strategists, and Barack Obama himself, have a great deal hinging on this surge.  If it fails, not only will popular support vanish for this war, but there may be a rebellion in Afghanistan that will simply invite the Taliban back to power.

Few countries of the world are suffering quite as severely during this Financial Crisis as Ukraine.  Gripped with corruption of the most extreme level, Ukraine's people are without work, without money and most importantly without food.  Of course, the elite don't have this problem, but the middle and lower classes are scraping to get by while the administration sip champagne while enjoying black caviar in the back of their Maybach's.

It is no wonder that once again Ukraine is having trouble paying its Natural Gas debt to Russia.  Considering the fact that Russia pays Ukraine for each ton of Gas that travels across Ukraine's land bound for Europe, the fact that the citizens of Ukraine are paying their gas debt for all gas they use and the fact that Ukraine sells gas at a 100% markup to its citizens, it boggles the mind to believe that Ukraine is incapable of paying Russia.

The explanation is, however, quite simple.  The level of corruption in Ukraine is staggering.  Most corrupt nations stand in awe of Ukraines gaul and shear unwillingness to play by the rules.  As money for gas is paid, the officials quickly pocket it, then wonder why they can't pay the bills?  While this may be difficult to believe with a Western mind set, it is very easily done wtih an Eastern one.

Hoping to avoid another European Natural Gas catastrophe, Russia has agreed to increase Ukraine's transit fee for natural gas being transfered across Ukrainian land by 30% to 6.60 Euro per ton.  This comes after European nations became frightened over Ukraine's growing debt to Russia and memories of winters past.

EU officials are relieved thinking that another catastrophe has been avoided, but it seems that they learn little from past experiences.  While Ukraine is going to make slightly more money in transit fees, this is only going to be stolen by officials.  There is absolutely no guarantee that another gas crisis has been avoided.  The only true means of avoiding another crisis is by posting monitors along the gas pipelines throughout Ukraine, assuring EU members that the gas entering Ukraine is the same as the gas leaving Ukraine.  While quantity is something that should be monitored carefully, quality should also be taken into account.  Ukrainian officials are master thieves and can just as easily replace the Natural Gas with some cheaper gas in order to maintain quantity.

Let this be a warning to Europeans and EU officials, Ukraine is a nation that needs to be watched carefully, especially when it comes to commodities which are easily stolen.  While Russia isn't a saint, by watching Ukrainian borders one can easily remove Russian corruption from the equation as well as ensure Ukrainian officials will not steal Natural Gas.  While this crisis has been deterred for a short period of time, unless Ukraine begins to pay its debt there is no guarantee that this crisis has been avoided completely.

Few countries of the world are suffering quite as severely during this Financial Crisis as Ukraine.  Gripped with corruption of the most extreme level, Ukraine's people are without work, without money and most importantly without food.  Of course, the elite don't have this problem, but the middle and lower classes are scraping to get by while the administration sip champagne while enjoying black caviar in the back of their Maybach's.

It is no wonder that once again Ukraine is having trouble paying its Natural Gas debt to Russia.  Considering the fact that Russia pays Ukraine for each ton of Gas that travels across Ukraine's land bound for Europe, the fact that the citizens of Ukraine are paying their gas debt for all gas they use and the fact that Ukraine sells gas at a 100% markup to its citizens, it boggles the mind to believe that Ukraine is incapable of paying Russia.

The explanation is, however, quite simple.  The level of corruption in Ukraine is staggering.  Most corrupt nations stand in awe of Ukraines gaul and shear unwillingness to play by the rules.  As money for gas is paid, the officials quickly pocket it, then wonder why they can't pay the bills?  While this may be difficult to believe with a Western mind set, it is very easily done wtih an Eastern one.

Hoping to avoid another European Natural Gas catastrophe, Russia has agreed to increase Ukraine's transit fee for natural gas being transfered across Ukrainian land by 30% to 6.60 Euro per ton.  This comes after European nations became frightened over Ukraine's growing debt to Russia and memories of winters past.

EU officials are relieved thinking that another catastrophe has been avoided, but it seems that they learn little from past experiences.  While Ukraine is going to make slightly more money in transit fees, this is only going to be stolen by officials.  There is absolutely no guarantee that another gas crisis has been avoided.  The only true means of avoiding another crisis is by posting monitors along the gas pipelines throughout Ukraine, assuring EU members that the gas entering Ukraine is the same as the gas leaving Ukraine.  While quantity is something that should be monitored carefully, quality should also be taken into account.  Ukrainian officials are master thieves and can just as easily replace the Natural Gas with some cheaper gas in order to maintain quantity.

Let this be a warning to Europeans and EU officials, Ukraine is a nation that needs to be watched carefully, especially when it comes to commodities which are easily stolen.  While Russia isn't a saint, by watching Ukrainian borders one can easily remove Russian corruption from the equation as well as ensure Ukrainian officials will not steal Natural Gas.  While this crisis has been deterred for a short period of time, unless Ukraine begins to pay its debt there is no guarantee that this crisis has been avoided completely.