Sgt Trainer: I have to go pick up a homeless cat that was rescued in a little while. I will attempt to post more links later this afternoon if I have time.
I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas - Finale from the 1954 Film
(Sgt Trainer: Just because!)
(Sgt Trainer: Just because!)
Pine Bark Extract Reduces Cold Symptoms And Decreases Severity
"Researchers have found new evidence that explains how some aspects of our personality may affect our health and well being, supporting long-observed associations between aspects of human character, physical health and longevity. Daily consumption of supplements containing extracts from French maritime pine bark may shorten the duration of the common cold and reduces the severity of sore throat, congestion, headache, coughing and sneezing, says a new study from Italy. Scientists from Chieti-Pescara University report that supplementation with Pycnogenol within four days of the first symptom was found to significantly reduce the number of affected days, reduce the number of lost work days, and shorten the duration of all pillar symptoms including scratchy or sore throat, sneezing, running nose, cough, temperature and more."
"Researchers have found new evidence that explains how some aspects of our personality may affect our health and well being, supporting long-observed associations between aspects of human character, physical health and longevity. Daily consumption of supplements containing extracts from French maritime pine bark may shorten the duration of the common cold and reduces the severity of sore throat, congestion, headache, coughing and sneezing, says a new study from Italy. Scientists from Chieti-Pescara University report that supplementation with Pycnogenol within four days of the first symptom was found to significantly reduce the number of affected days, reduce the number of lost work days, and shorten the duration of all pillar symptoms including scratchy or sore throat, sneezing, running nose, cough, temperature and more."
Doctor Knows Best! “Tell me about your firearms”
"It’s one thing to read about all the tragedies occurring across the nation (and world) on the internet or TV. It’s a completely different sensation when that which you have been reading is suddenly experienced first hand. Allow me to share one of my first hand experiences with the Orwellian State – an intrusiveness into privacy that you may very well experience yourself. About two years ago, I was reading a survival/preparedness forum with regards to 2nd Amendment rights. One topic was of particular interest – Doctors (specifically pediatricians) asking the parents/patients questions about firearm ownership. The post had multiple individuals speaking to the fact that their doctors were asking very invasive questions about whether they owned firearms, how many, what kinds, where they stored them, etc. Of course the thread went ballistic with 2nd amendment and privacy supporters angrily condemning the doctors for their actions (as they should). However, I asked myself, was it really true?"
"It’s one thing to read about all the tragedies occurring across the nation (and world) on the internet or TV. It’s a completely different sensation when that which you have been reading is suddenly experienced first hand. Allow me to share one of my first hand experiences with the Orwellian State – an intrusiveness into privacy that you may very well experience yourself. About two years ago, I was reading a survival/preparedness forum with regards to 2nd Amendment rights. One topic was of particular interest – Doctors (specifically pediatricians) asking the parents/patients questions about firearm ownership. The post had multiple individuals speaking to the fact that their doctors were asking very invasive questions about whether they owned firearms, how many, what kinds, where they stored them, etc. Of course the thread went ballistic with 2nd amendment and privacy supporters angrily condemning the doctors for their actions (as they should). However, I asked myself, was it really true?"
Shotgun Versus Handgun for Home Defense or Do You Need Both?
"A combat veteran was asked once if he preferred a handgun to a long gun for his home defense. His response was he always carried a pistol so he could fight his way to his rifle. This of course is not advice on what to do as far as home defense weapons are concerned. The statement was presumably tongue in cheek, but it gives you an idea of how some feel about various firearms. In most people’s minds a shotgun has more stopping power, does not need as much training to use effectively and some do believe it has more of a terrorizing effect on intruders. First, however, let us clear up the myth about “racking” a shotgun to scare off an intruder. If you are pointing, a shotgun at an intruder or one is within earshot and there is not already a shell in the chamber, you lose."
(Sgt Trainer: The response indicated in the second sentence above is not tongue in cheek. In the military, the sidearm is referred to as a backup weapon in the event you cannot access your long weapon...or if you run out of ammo. They did, however, teach us that on occasion your sidearm may be the only thing you have immediately available and "fighting your way to your rifle" may be necessary. The real lesson here is the fact that you should always have some means of protecting yourself from a criminal that has a firearm. In other words, don't "take a knife to a gunfight!")
"A combat veteran was asked once if he preferred a handgun to a long gun for his home defense. His response was he always carried a pistol so he could fight his way to his rifle. This of course is not advice on what to do as far as home defense weapons are concerned. The statement was presumably tongue in cheek, but it gives you an idea of how some feel about various firearms. In most people’s minds a shotgun has more stopping power, does not need as much training to use effectively and some do believe it has more of a terrorizing effect on intruders. First, however, let us clear up the myth about “racking” a shotgun to scare off an intruder. If you are pointing, a shotgun at an intruder or one is within earshot and there is not already a shell in the chamber, you lose."
(Sgt Trainer: The response indicated in the second sentence above is not tongue in cheek. In the military, the sidearm is referred to as a backup weapon in the event you cannot access your long weapon...or if you run out of ammo. They did, however, teach us that on occasion your sidearm may be the only thing you have immediately available and "fighting your way to your rifle" may be necessary. The real lesson here is the fact that you should always have some means of protecting yourself from a criminal that has a firearm. In other words, don't "take a knife to a gunfight!")
Obama amnesty is unconstitutional, federal judge finds
"A federal judge has found parts of President Obama’s new deportation amnesty to be unconstitutional, issuing a scathing memo Tuesday accusing him of usurping Congress’s power to make laws, and dismantling most of the White House’s legal reasoning for circumventing Congress. Judge Arthur J. Schwab, sitting in the western district of Pennsylvania, said presidents do have powers to use discretion in deciding how to enforce the law, but said Mr. Obama’s new policy goes well beyond that, setting up a full system for granting legal protections to broad groups of individuals. He said Mr. Obama writing laws — a power that’s reserved for Congress, not the president. “President Obama’s unilateral legislative action violates the separation of powers provided for in the United States Constitution as well as the Take Care Clause, and therefore is unconstitutional,” Judge Schwab wrote."
"A federal judge has found parts of President Obama’s new deportation amnesty to be unconstitutional, issuing a scathing memo Tuesday accusing him of usurping Congress’s power to make laws, and dismantling most of the White House’s legal reasoning for circumventing Congress. Judge Arthur J. Schwab, sitting in the western district of Pennsylvania, said presidents do have powers to use discretion in deciding how to enforce the law, but said Mr. Obama’s new policy goes well beyond that, setting up a full system for granting legal protections to broad groups of individuals. He said Mr. Obama writing laws — a power that’s reserved for Congress, not the president. “President Obama’s unilateral legislative action violates the separation of powers provided for in the United States Constitution as well as the Take Care Clause, and therefore is unconstitutional,” Judge Schwab wrote."
Unapproved GM Mosquitoes Being Shipped to US for Release NOW
"Are you aware that genetically modified mosquitoes are being set for release worldwide? Right after GM mosquitoes were let loose in Brazil, dengue fever cases spiked. Now, the Florida Keys are in danger of facing a similar fate. The mosquitoes haven’t even been officially approved, but Oxitec, the British company who created the mosquitoes, has already shipped them to Florida. The only hope is a very vocal grassroots effort to tell the Governor of Florida that these mosquitoes will ruin tourism and possibly turn the natural ecosystem there on its head. The GM mosquitoes could be released in the Keys as early January or February of next year. Though the approval process is still underway, Oxitec is so sure they will have its way that it shipped the mosquitoes in anticipation."
"Are you aware that genetically modified mosquitoes are being set for release worldwide? Right after GM mosquitoes were let loose in Brazil, dengue fever cases spiked. Now, the Florida Keys are in danger of facing a similar fate. The mosquitoes haven’t even been officially approved, but Oxitec, the British company who created the mosquitoes, has already shipped them to Florida. The only hope is a very vocal grassroots effort to tell the Governor of Florida that these mosquitoes will ruin tourism and possibly turn the natural ecosystem there on its head. The GM mosquitoes could be released in the Keys as early January or February of next year. Though the approval process is still underway, Oxitec is so sure they will have its way that it shipped the mosquitoes in anticipation."
Unsustainable: Two-thirds of US children live in households on federal aid
"The Census Bureau reported in a study released this week that 65 percent of American children lived in households taking aid from one or more federal program as of the fall of 2011. "Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of children," said the Census Bureau, "lived in households that participated in at least one or more of the following government aid programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and the National School Lunch Program."
"The Census Bureau reported in a study released this week that 65 percent of American children lived in households taking aid from one or more federal program as of the fall of 2011. "Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of children," said the Census Bureau, "lived in households that participated in at least one or more of the following government aid programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and the National School Lunch Program."
USMC Sniper Training Film
"An old, unclassified United States Marine Corps training film."
"An old, unclassified United States Marine Corps training film."
How the NSA can ‘turn on’ your phone remotely
"Even if you power off your cell phone, the U.S. government can turn it back on. That’s what ex-spy Edward Snowden revealed in last week’s interview with NBC’s Brian Williams. It sounds like sorcery. Can someone truly bring your phone back to life without touching it? No. But government spies can get your phone to play dead. It’s a crafty hack. You press the button. The device buzzes. You see the usual power-off animation. The screen goes black. But it’ll secretly stay on — microphone listening and camera recording. How did they get into your phone in the first place? Here’s an explanation by former members of the CIA, Navy SEALs and consultants to the U.S. military’s cyber warfare team. They’ve seen it firsthand."
"Even if you power off your cell phone, the U.S. government can turn it back on. That’s what ex-spy Edward Snowden revealed in last week’s interview with NBC’s Brian Williams. It sounds like sorcery. Can someone truly bring your phone back to life without touching it? No. But government spies can get your phone to play dead. It’s a crafty hack. You press the button. The device buzzes. You see the usual power-off animation. The screen goes black. But it’ll secretly stay on — microphone listening and camera recording. How did they get into your phone in the first place? Here’s an explanation by former members of the CIA, Navy SEALs and consultants to the U.S. military’s cyber warfare team. They’ve seen it firsthand."
Drug-resistant ‘superbug’ found in Rio de Janeiro Olympic waters"
“Super bacteria” resistant to drugs have been found in the waters where the sailing events of the upcoming 2016 Rio Summer Olympics will be held. It’s the same usually found in hospitals and is very difficult to treat. Micro-organisms were discovered by the specialists from the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, one of the world's main public health research institutions located in Rio de Janeiro. The bug produces enzymes that make the condition resistant to almost all forms of treatment. It was found in three out of five water samples taken along the Carioca River. Many 2016 sailing and wind surfing venues are located along the river where it flows into the city's Guanabara Bay. "The illnesses caused by these microorganisms are the same as those caused by common bacteria, but they require stronger antibiotics and, sometimes, can require hospitalization," the study's coordinator, Ana Paula D'Alincourt Carvalho Assef, said in an email to AP. According to Assef, the first point in which the scientists detect its presence was “after the river passes through areas with homes and hospitals.”
“Super bacteria” resistant to drugs have been found in the waters where the sailing events of the upcoming 2016 Rio Summer Olympics will be held. It’s the same usually found in hospitals and is very difficult to treat. Micro-organisms were discovered by the specialists from the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, one of the world's main public health research institutions located in Rio de Janeiro. The bug produces enzymes that make the condition resistant to almost all forms of treatment. It was found in three out of five water samples taken along the Carioca River. Many 2016 sailing and wind surfing venues are located along the river where it flows into the city's Guanabara Bay. "The illnesses caused by these microorganisms are the same as those caused by common bacteria, but they require stronger antibiotics and, sometimes, can require hospitalization," the study's coordinator, Ana Paula D'Alincourt Carvalho Assef, said in an email to AP. According to Assef, the first point in which the scientists detect its presence was “after the river passes through areas with homes and hospitals.”
Congress quietly ends federal government’s ban on medical marijuana
"Tucked deep inside the 1,603-page federal spending measure is a provision that effectively ends the federal government’s prohibition on medical marijuana and signals a major shift in drug policy. The bill’s passage over the weekend marks the first time Congress has approved nationally significant legislation backed by legalization advocates. It brings almost to a close two decades of tension between the states and Washington over medical use of marijuana. Under the provision, states where medical pot is legal would no longer need to worry about federal drug agents raiding retail operations. Agents would be prohibited from doing so. The Obama administration has largely followed that rule since last year as a matter of policy. But the measure approved as part of the spending bill, which President Obama plans to sign this week, will codify it as a matter of law. Pot advocates had lobbied Congress to embrace the administration’s policy, which they warned was vulnerable to revision under a less tolerant future administration. More important, from the standpoint of activists, Congress’ action marked the emergence of a new alliance in marijuana politics: Republicans are taking a prominent role in backing states’ right to allow use of a drug the federal government still officially classifies as more dangerous than cocaine."
"Tucked deep inside the 1,603-page federal spending measure is a provision that effectively ends the federal government’s prohibition on medical marijuana and signals a major shift in drug policy. The bill’s passage over the weekend marks the first time Congress has approved nationally significant legislation backed by legalization advocates. It brings almost to a close two decades of tension between the states and Washington over medical use of marijuana. Under the provision, states where medical pot is legal would no longer need to worry about federal drug agents raiding retail operations. Agents would be prohibited from doing so. The Obama administration has largely followed that rule since last year as a matter of policy. But the measure approved as part of the spending bill, which President Obama plans to sign this week, will codify it as a matter of law. Pot advocates had lobbied Congress to embrace the administration’s policy, which they warned was vulnerable to revision under a less tolerant future administration. More important, from the standpoint of activists, Congress’ action marked the emergence of a new alliance in marijuana politics: Republicans are taking a prominent role in backing states’ right to allow use of a drug the federal government still officially classifies as more dangerous than cocaine."
Homeland Security Supervisor Sentenced for Falsifying Border Investigations
"A former supervisor of the federal agency tasked with watching over federal agents along the Texas border will spend three years and one month in prison for running an enforcement unit that falsified and backdated investigations that were either not completed or were never done. On Monday, 49-year-old Eugenio Pedraza, the former McAllen supervisor for Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General went before U.S. District Judge Andrew Hannen who handed down the sentence. The Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General is the federal agency in charge of investigating U.S. Border Patrol Agents, Customs and Border Patrol officers, and other federal employees along the border. Court records obtained by Breitbart Texas show that the investigations dealt primarily with corrupt agents who were taking money in for allowing the illegal crossing of aliens or drugs."
"A former supervisor of the federal agency tasked with watching over federal agents along the Texas border will spend three years and one month in prison for running an enforcement unit that falsified and backdated investigations that were either not completed or were never done. On Monday, 49-year-old Eugenio Pedraza, the former McAllen supervisor for Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General went before U.S. District Judge Andrew Hannen who handed down the sentence. The Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General is the federal agency in charge of investigating U.S. Border Patrol Agents, Customs and Border Patrol officers, and other federal employees along the border. Court records obtained by Breitbart Texas show that the investigations dealt primarily with corrupt agents who were taking money in for allowing the illegal crossing of aliens or drugs."
States rush to ban POWDERED alcohol before it even hits the shelves
"Powdered alcohol hasn't even arrived in stores yet, but states already are moving to ban the product touted by its inventor as an easy way to mix a drink on the go. Colorado is the latest state considering prohibiting 'Palcohol' amid concern it will increase underage drinking. The product is marketed as an ounce of rum or vodka in powdered form, which is then added to water. Each serving is the equivalent of a shot of liquor, according to Lipsmark, the company that owns Palcohol. Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina and Vermont already have banned powdered alcohol, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Minnesota, Ohio, and New York also are considering bans, the organization said. Republican Rep. JoAnn Windholz is sponsoring a bill to ban powdered alcohol in Colorado during the legislative session that begins next month. She said it's prudent for states to ban the product until they know how it can affect people if it happens to be stronger than liquid alcohol — another concern Phillips contends is unfounded. Windholz said states should make sure they have a regulatory system in place before allowing powdered alcohol to be sold. 'It can be taken into schools, it can be taken into sports (events), Broncos games, whatever,' she said."
(Sgt Trainer: Prohibition returns? Just regulate it the same way as all alcohol is regulated now. Knee-jerk reactions!)
"Powdered alcohol hasn't even arrived in stores yet, but states already are moving to ban the product touted by its inventor as an easy way to mix a drink on the go. Colorado is the latest state considering prohibiting 'Palcohol' amid concern it will increase underage drinking. The product is marketed as an ounce of rum or vodka in powdered form, which is then added to water. Each serving is the equivalent of a shot of liquor, according to Lipsmark, the company that owns Palcohol. Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina and Vermont already have banned powdered alcohol, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Minnesota, Ohio, and New York also are considering bans, the organization said. Republican Rep. JoAnn Windholz is sponsoring a bill to ban powdered alcohol in Colorado during the legislative session that begins next month. She said it's prudent for states to ban the product until they know how it can affect people if it happens to be stronger than liquid alcohol — another concern Phillips contends is unfounded. Windholz said states should make sure they have a regulatory system in place before allowing powdered alcohol to be sold. 'It can be taken into schools, it can be taken into sports (events), Broncos games, whatever,' she said."
(Sgt Trainer: Prohibition returns? Just regulate it the same way as all alcohol is regulated now. Knee-jerk reactions!)
IMF Now Ready To Slam The Door On The U.S. And The Dollar
"The IMF decision to possibly eliminate U.S. veto power and, thus, influence over IMF decisions may come as early as the first quarter of next year. This is the great “economic reset” that Largarde has been promoting ad nauseam in multiple interviews and speeches over the past six months. All of these measures are culminating in what I believe will be a more official announcement of a dump of the U.S. dollar as world reserve currency."
"The IMF decision to possibly eliminate U.S. veto power and, thus, influence over IMF decisions may come as early as the first quarter of next year. This is the great “economic reset” that Largarde has been promoting ad nauseam in multiple interviews and speeches over the past six months. All of these measures are culminating in what I believe will be a more official announcement of a dump of the U.S. dollar as world reserve currency."
Patients don't understand risks of unnecessary antibiotics, study shows
"Researchers from George Washington, Cornell and Johns Hopkins universities surveyed 113 patients in an urban hospital to test their understanding of antibiotics. They discovered a widespread misconception: patients may want antibiotics, even if they know that, if they have a viral infection, the drugs will not make them better. These patients believe that taking the medication will not worsen their condition -- and that the risk of taking unnecessary antibiotics does not outweigh the possibility that they may help. "Patients figure that taking antibiotics can't hurt, and just might make them improve. When they come in for treatment, they are usually feeling pretty bad and looking for anything that will make them feel better. These patients might know that there is, in theory, a risk of side effects when taking antibiotics, but they interpret that risk as essentially nil," said David Broniatowski, assistant professor in GW's School of Engineering and Applied Science."
"Researchers from George Washington, Cornell and Johns Hopkins universities surveyed 113 patients in an urban hospital to test their understanding of antibiotics. They discovered a widespread misconception: patients may want antibiotics, even if they know that, if they have a viral infection, the drugs will not make them better. These patients believe that taking the medication will not worsen their condition -- and that the risk of taking unnecessary antibiotics does not outweigh the possibility that they may help. "Patients figure that taking antibiotics can't hurt, and just might make them improve. When they come in for treatment, they are usually feeling pretty bad and looking for anything that will make them feel better. These patients might know that there is, in theory, a risk of side effects when taking antibiotics, but they interpret that risk as essentially nil," said David Broniatowski, assistant professor in GW's School of Engineering and Applied Science."
Demystifying Minerals: Which Ones are Truly Essential and Where to Find Them
"Americans are devoid of essential nutrients – and this is why we have one of the highest incidences of disease in all of the industrialized world – even though we spend billions on healthcare every year. Much of this void is created by a lack of essential minerals. Essential, inorganic, organic, chelated, elemental, ionic, colloidal, trace. Which of these terms to describe minerals do you really understand? While 96% of the body is created of just 4 essential elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, what makes up the rest? In part – minerals. Here’s how to understand which ones you need and how to get them."
"Americans are devoid of essential nutrients – and this is why we have one of the highest incidences of disease in all of the industrialized world – even though we spend billions on healthcare every year. Much of this void is created by a lack of essential minerals. Essential, inorganic, organic, chelated, elemental, ionic, colloidal, trace. Which of these terms to describe minerals do you really understand? While 96% of the body is created of just 4 essential elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, what makes up the rest? In part – minerals. Here’s how to understand which ones you need and how to get them."
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