Tag Archives: police

U.S.

Pacific Ring of Fire getting hammered? Why is FEMA running emergency preparedness PSA specifically about the 1989 Loma Prieta quake?

Video

Recently I saw a emergency preparedness public service announcement (PSA) on TV, it was specifically warning about a major earthquake, using the 1989 Loma Prieta (San Francisco bay area) earthquake as an example.

The latest Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) PSA is part of a new series called The Day Before.  Past PSAs were more general in their warnings, why would FEMA now issue a PSA so specific?

Several reports have come out this year, from federal Department of Homeland Security agencies, as well as state agencies, which discuss major earthquakes and tsunamis, including the 1989 Loma Prieta quake.  They also reveal a concern about how such things are predicted. As a result many state and local governments (from Virginia to California) have been asked to better prepare for another similar quake.

A July 2012 report by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, called Spectral Damping Scaling Factors for Shallow Crustal Earthquakes in Active Tectonic Regions, basically says that current ground motion measurement formulas used to predict earthquakes are not accurate, specifically when it comes to shallow quakes (California has a lot of those, on a weekly basis).  Of course they’ve recommended a new formula.

In June 2012, a TsuInfo Alert (Tsunami Information Alert) was presented by Washington State Department of Natural Resources.  It concerns the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which affects the North American west coast from northern California up to British Columbia.

The report quotes one scientist who has concerns about how PSAs should be used to prepare the public: “There is no one flyer, no one commercial that’s
going to reach all of these audiences. They all have to be engaged individually, and they have to be approached with something that shows what’s in it for them.”-John Schelling, Washington State Emergency Management Division

The June TsuInfo Alert was packed with warnings about the underestimated effects that earthquakes have in generating tsunamis, not just on the west coast of North America, but including Hawaii and the Gulf of Mexico.  The overriding advice for the public is, as one official from New Zealand was quoted: “….don’t wait around, head for higher ground!”-Fred Mecoy, Emergency Preparedness
Manager, Wellington

Officials from the U.S. state of Oregon suggested three basic rules for surviving after a major earthquake/tsunami: “…one can survive three minutes without oxygen, three hours without shelter, three days without water, and three weeks without food.” 

Don’t forget hypothermia (part of the “shelter” rule), especially if your dragged out to sea.  Many of the tsunami deaths in the March 2011 disasters in Japan were the result of hypothermia, not drowning!

In February I predicted 2012 would be a busy year for earthquakes, specifically around the Pacific Ring of Fire.   I count the number of 6.5 magnitude+ quakes, reported by the U.S. Geological Survey as Significant Earthquakes, and so far for 2012 there’ve been plenty.

I count at least 31 6.5+ quakes from 01 January 2012 to 05 September 2012, all  of them around the Pacific Ring of Fire!

I counted 13 Significant Earthquakes between 5 and 6.4 magnitude, all around the Pacific Ring of Fire (including some tectonic plates directly in contact with Pacific Ring plates).

When compared to 2011, 31 6.5+ quakes doesn’t seem out of the norm. I counted about 34 such quakes for 2011 (on the USGS Significant list). But remember, 2011 was the year of the great disasters in Japan. Seven of those are quakes and/or aftershocks of the 11 March 2011 Great East Japan disasters (and I only counted up till 05 September).

For Significant quakes between 5 and 6.4 magnitude, I counted only four.

For 2011 there was a total of 38 Significant Earthquakes, from 01 January to 05 September.  For 2012 there have been a total of 44 Significant Earthquakes, six more than 2011 during the same time period.

So, while the number of 6.5+ quakes for 2012 are slightly lower than 2011, the number of quakes between 5 and 6.4 are higher (USGS does state that their lists are to be considered “incomplete”).  The Gregorian/Western/Christian calender year of 2012 isn’t over, yet.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 21 – 23 September 2012. China will take over from United States! Roadside bomb turns out to be infant! Red Coat gives birth, never knowing she was pregnant! Last of surge troops leave, mission accomplished!?

23 September 2012

In a secretly planned trip to Afghanistan, top Chinese leaders paid a visit to President Hamid Karzai.  The purpose is to increase business ties, and to create a Chinese military presence in Afghanistan (I guess Karzai has found a new puppet master): “It is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples for China and Afghanistan to strengthen a strategic and cooperative partnership, which is also conducive to regional peace, stability and development.”-Zhou Yongkang, Chinese Communist Party

China already has copper and oil mining operations in Afghanistan.  Karzai and Yongkang signed a deal in which China will provide $700,000 USD worth of police equipment, and train up Afghan cops for the next three years.  This comes after the United States halted the training of Afghan cops because of the increased Green on Blue attacks.

In Helmand Province, at least seven people killed by U.S. ordered airstrikes.

In Nangarhar Province, a peaceful protest blocked the main highway for hours.  They are still protesting the U.S. made anti-Islam movie, and newly published anti-Islam comic in a French newspaper.

22 September 2012

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan today.”

So far 258 U.S. personnel have died this year, 81 for all other allied occupying troops.

Karzai said he will continue to replace provincial governors, as part of his anti-corruption crusade.

The Afghan Interior Ministry has banned all Pakistani publications.

In Ghazni Province, Polish troop thought they were disarming a roadside bomb, it turned out to be a two day old infant.  They named her Pola.  They announced their find on 22 September, but said it actually took place on 19 September.  They will turn the infant over to the Afghan government, but the chances that an abandoned female baby will find a home in Afghanistan are slim to none.

(on 18 September a British Royal Army woman gave birth at Camp Bastion.  The woman swears she did not know she was pregnant.   It’s magic, Prince Harry Potter?)

The U.S. based International Justice Network accused Obama of running a torture camp at Bagram: “The administrative detention regime that the U.S. government now uses at Bagram is not only illegal under international law, but contravenes the Afghan Constitution in a number of respects…..We know that hundreds of people have been tortured in the U.S. prisons and we also know that some of the prisoners in Bagram have lost their lives as a result of tortures.”

In Herat Province, Mujahideen ambushed a U.S./NATO food and fuel convoy, destroying one fueler.

21 September 2012

In Helmand Province, two Red Coats were killed, one at Camp Bastion the other at FOB Shawqat.  Interestingly the British Ministry of Defence is still trying to figure out if the deaths are the result of “hostile action”.

In Herat Province, a local government official was arrested and charged with being a spy for Iran.

In Uruzgan Province, five people were killed when they drove over a mine.

In Paktia Province, an illegal U.S. night raid resulted in a wedding being destroyed.  Witnesses say several people were arrested, and even the brides dowry was stolen by U.S. forces.  The raid is illegal because under the recent agreement Afghan forces must be involved.  Local Afghan government officials say they were never notified.

U.S. officials announced that the last of Obama’s 33,000 surge troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan.  There are still 68,000 U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.  In classic Bush Jr style, numb nuts Leon Panetta called it mission accomplished: “As we reflect on this moment, it is an opportunity to recognize that the surge accomplished its objectives of reversing Taliban momentum on the battlefield…….At the same time, we have struck enormous blows against al Qaeda’s leadership…”

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 17 – 20 September 2012. The war ain’t going away! Steps towards war with Pakistan! Governors chosen by Karzai, not elected! 1,000 Mujahideen launch major offensive! Wives who runaway go to prison!

20 September 2012

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan today.”

Afghan foreign ministry officials announced they will file a complain against Pakistan, with the UN Security Council.

President Hamid Karzai announced the appointment of 10 new provincial governors.  This comes as a report suggested that seven governorships had already been altered from election results  (this is a fine example of the United States’ spreading of democracy).

In Bamyan and Kabul provinces, thousands of people protested the U.S. made anti-Islam movie.

The government of Afghanistan is about to issue electronic ID cards, for the upcoming elections.  The system is costing $120 million USD, and you can easily guess where that money came from.

19 September 2012

In Nangarhar Province, about 1,000 people protested the U.S. made anti-Islam movie.

In Kandahar Province, a suicide bomber killed two cops and one civilian, and wounded five cops, after he blew up his motorcycle.

In Helmand Province, two cops and a civilian were shot dead.  The shooter escaped.

In Kunar Province, at least 1,000 Mujahideen launched a major offensive.  The assault on Afghan police began at 04:30 hours.  Local police officials say the battles are ongoing, but they managed to kill a “leader”.  They think the Mujahideen are being supported by Pakistan.

Mujahideen claim they destroyed another U.S./NATO supply convoy.  The ambush came on a highway that links Herat, Kandahar and Farah provinces.

ISAF said: “As the security force approached the IMU [Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan] leader’s location, he and one other insurgent maneuvered from the compound and displayed hostile intent towards the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force positively identified the insurgent threat and engaged. The insurgent was killed and the IMU leader was arrested without injury.”

In Herat Province, a police academy was bombed. Two cops killed five wounded. The United States has personnel operating in the police academy.

18 September 2012

ISAF said: “In Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand Province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested one of the Taliban leaders behind Friday’s Camp Bastion attack.”

In Kabul Province, a female suicide bomber killed 12 people, including nine foreigners.  It’s believed the target was U.S. personnel, however the foreigners killed were from South Africa.  The Islamic Party of Afghanistan said the attack was in response to the U.S. made anti-Islam movie.

Also in Kabul, a bus was rammed by another vehicle packed with explosives. The explosion killed 12 people,.

In Zabul Province, Mujahideen ambushed a U.S./NATO supply convoy, destroying 13 fuelers, wounding one person.

In Kunar Province, an explosion killed one civilian, and three U.S. personnel.  One civilian wounded.  According to ISAF the U.S. personnel were repairing a bridge at the time.

In Parwan Province, hundreds of protestors tried to enter U.S. controlled Bagram airbase.  Police kept them back.  The protestors are upset over the U.S. made anti-Islam movie.

ISAF/NATO says they are limiting military operations involving U.S./NATO and Afghan  government forces: “This will likely lead to adjustments in exactly how, when and where ISAF troops operate, especially during the current period of heightened tension.”-unnamed U.S. military official

17 September 2012

In Helmand Province, an Afghan soldier fired on U.S./NATO vehicles. One U.S./NATO personnel wounded.

In Kabul Province, an attack on a prison was foiled. Local police say they arrested the plotters.  They say one of the plotters is from Pakistan.

Also in Kabul, 50 Afghan cops were wounded protecting the very same infamous prison from people protesting the U.S. made anti-Islam movie. A police check point and police vehicle were burned.

The Afghan government’s own human rights commission has discovered that 70% of imprisoned women are there for the crime of running away from home!!!

“This is a major issue and women are jailed over adultery after escaping from their home. If the government does not have a specific law in this regard then it should be referred to us in order to modify a regulation in a bid to clarify the rules and prevent misunderstanding and misuse by Afghan attorney and police regarding the Afghan women.”-Fawzia Koufi, Parliamentarian Commission for Human Rights, Civil Society and Women’s Affairs

 

 

 

 

 

International, U.S.

DNA evidence proves sex crimes charges against Assange false!

17 September 2012, a condom given to Swedish police, in relation to the sex crimes charges against Julian Assange, has tested negative for his DNA!

Two laboratories were used, and both concluded the DNA did not belong to Assange!

The revelation came in a 100 page police report.  A condom from another alleged victim did have his DNA, however, the police report says the woman did not mind having sex with him.

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: More U.S. embassies closed! More evacuations! Yemen changes mind, allows U.S. Marines in! Canada closes embassy in Iran!

“We will destroy America like this flag!”-Indonesian protestor

17 September 2012, after first refusing U.S. Marines, the U.S. puppet government of Yemen is now allowing one platoon of Marines to guard the U.S. embassy, temporarily.

Over the weekend the U.S. Department of State issued a warning to U.S. citizens in Yemen, to get the hell out now!  The embassy was also closed.

A similar warning was issued in Tunis: “The airport in Tunis is open and U.S. citizens are encouraged to depart by commercial air.”

So far, 100 U.S. citizens have left Tunis.

Sudan is still refusing to allow U.S. Marines to protect the embassy there.  U.S. personnel are being evacuated: “…on September 15, 2012, the Department of State ordered the departure of all dependents of U.S. direct hire personnel and all non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Sudan…”

Germany began evacuations of its Sudan embassy.

The embassies in Sudan and Tunis were also closed.

Today the United States announced closures of their embassies/consulates in Thailand and Pakistan.

In Pakistan protestors entered the consulate in Lahore, before being driven back by police.  Several people wound, two killed.

In Afghanistan: “We wish to remind U.S. citizens that past demonstrations in Afghanistan have escalated into violent attacks on Western targets of opportunity.”   So far, most of the people wounded in the Afghan protests are Afghan cops protecting the embassy. At least 50 police were wounded, one cop car set on fire.

In India: “…the Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir…” also  “A protest in the Azad Maidan area of South Mumbai has turned violent with reports of vehicles being set on fire.  Police have used tear gas and fired shots to try to disperse the crowd….. The Consulate [in Mumbai] has advised its staff to return to their homes…. “

In Egypt protests continue, however, according to a United Press International report the U.S. embassy has re-opened.  UPI stated the announcement came from an embassy staffer and there is no confirmation on the embassy website.

On 14 September, Canada closed its embassy in Iran permanently.  Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, cited security issues.  Canada has temporarily closed its embassies in Egypt, Libya and Sudan.

On 17 September, an Iranian government spokesperson said they would not be surprised if more western embassies closed in their country.

 

Business/Economics, International, Opinion, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Wars on Terror, anti-Islam movies, sanctions against Iran, all part of conspiricy to jack up oil prices beyond $150 per barrel? The real shadow war?

16 September 2012, get ready for higher oil prices!

Iranian officials in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said the real price per barrel of oil should be around $150 USD.  Their reasoning varied from the time of the year, to comparisons of prices by inflation (1970s compared to 2000).  They even said the World economy can handle much higher prices.

Not sure if they are talking about British Brent crude prices, or U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil.

On 14 September 2012, Brent crude went over $117 USD per barrel.

Reading a Canadian report, turns out that’s still not high enough!  The Canadian province of Newfoundland/Labrador have set their government budget in the hopes that Brent crude will go over $124 USD per barrel.  The province makes most its money off oil production.

In fact, because Brent hasn’t hit the magic money mark, yet, the provincial Premier, Kathy Dunderdale, had to cut their budget: “I’m not so worried about this year. I’m more worried about next year. Because if oil stays where it is, our deficit could be around $1 billion [CAD] next year.”

In other words, some governments, who’s major money making industries happen to be the oil industries, want oil prices to skyrocket!!!

However, Iranian OPEC officials say the United States is trying to bring down oil prices, by demanding OPEC members increase oil production.

A few years ago I read an article that explained that most oil producing countries (including members of OPEC) would be losing money if oil were less than $90 per barrel.

So, the reason why the U.S. wants to bring down prices, while other countries want prices to go up, could be that the U.S. domestic oil industry can handle lower oil prices (except for shale oil).  Most other countries have higher oil production costs (like Canada) because of the type of oil and labor costs.

The U.S. model is a kind’a WalMart tactic; keep prices cheap and sell as much in volume as you can until your competition quits.

So what we have are those who want oil prices even higher than they are now, and those who want them to drop.  Is this the real shadow war taking place behind the deadly facade of War on Terror, sanctions and insulting other people’s religions?

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. embassy in Yemen closed! U.S. citizens need to get the hell out!

16 September 2012, the U.S. embassy in Yemen has suspended all consular services for the next two weeks: “The Embassy will be closed for all consular services through Saturday, September 29. An American citizen with a serious emergency should call the Embassy at 755-2000 to reach the duty officer.”

Emabassy officials are demanding that U.S. citizens get the hell out of Yemen: “U.S. citizens who are already in Yemen should depart. The security threat to all U.S. citizens in Yemen remains critical.”

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: Germany bars anti-Muslim cursader U.S. christian Terry Jones!

“Such groups and organizations only want to provoke Germany’s Muslims.”-Hans-Peter Friedrich, Germany’s Interior Minister

 16 September 2012, the German Interior Ministry said any visit by Terry Jones would violate Germany’s policies of maintaining public order!

Terry Jones was promoting the anti-Islam movie produced by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula (a convicted con man) and porn director Alan Roberts.  (some christians, aye?)

It’s being reported in Germany that neo-NAZI groups want to use the movie for anti-Muslim rallies.  Hey neo-NAZIs, do your research, infamous SS leader, Heinrich Himmler, once suggested that the ‘new religion’ for the new NAZI Germany should be Islam!!!

In fact the first SS Foreign Legion unit, the Handschars, was made up primarily of Bosnian Muslims, along with Catholic Croats!!!

Himmler’s suggestion that Islam should be the religion of Germany was one of many reasons for his downfall. Hitler replaced him with harder core NAZIs (something not mentioned by the victorious allies of U.K. & U.S., who blamed him for atrocities that took place after his downfall).

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 16 September 2012. Attack on Camp Bastion bigger than first reported! Mujahideen dressed in U.S. Army uniforms! More Green on Blue attacks! U.S. launching airstrikes! U.S. reneges on prison handover, Karzai getting pissed!

16 September 2012

“The insurgents appeared to be well-equipped, trained and rehearsed, officials said. Dressed in U.S. Army uniforms and armed with automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and suicide vests, the insurgents attacked coalition fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft parked on the flight line, aircraft hangars and other buildings…”-American Forces Press Service, U.S. Department of Defense

The latest U.S. Defense Department report says the attack on Camp Bastion not only killed several U.S/ISAF/NATO personnel, but damaged helicopters, destroyed at least six AV-8B Harriers, damaged two other Harriers (current users of the Harrier are USMC, Italy & Spain), destroyed three refueling stations, damaged hangers, etc.

The DoD report conflicts with ISAF’s report concerning Mujahideen casualties. ISAF claims 18 Mujahideen killed, the U.S. DoD says 14.

Mujahideen claimed their goal was to eliminate Red Coat Prince Harry.

A U.K. Ministry of Defence statement admitted damage to the base was “significant” and a “clearance operation” was underway.

ISAF is now reporting that Afghan police forces in Zabul Province have shot and killed four U.S./ISAF/NATO personnel: “Four International Security Assistance Force service members died today in southern Afghanistan following an insider attack suspected to involve members of the Afghan police.”

In Helmand Province, two Red Coats (British empire thugs) were shot and killed by an Afghan cop. Three other Red Coats were wounded before the cop was killed by return fire.

Hundreds of protestors have taken over Kabul University. They are protesting the anti-Islam movie made by a right wing U.S. christian/convicted con man.

U.S. led airstrikes have killed at least eight people in Laghman Province, and 16 people in Kunar Province.  Many people are wounded. U.S. occupation leaders claim they were targeting Mujahideen, however, local government officials say all eight of the people killed in Laghman were women.

President Hamid Karzai condemned the U.S. led airstrikes, and he said that the United States is not allowing Afghan officials access to Bagram Prison, even though the U.S. claimed they officially handed over the prison last week: “Delay in the handing over of prisoners after September 9th is a serious violation of the agreement signed between Afghanistan and the United States.”

Karzai says the United States is refusing to hand over 600 prisoners!!!  Human rights groups had warned this would happen.

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: Australians, Belgians & French join protests. Plot twists on anti-Islam movie, now there’s a porn connection! FBI cancels trip to Libya! Evacuations ordered in Sudan & Tunis! U.S. Congress lack of action could reduce funding for security. Burger King next on hit list! Libya attacks were set up!

“They call us the terrorists? But everyone is terrorizing our people!”-Sarah Jacob, Australian protestor

15 September 2012, in Australia, police tear gassed hundreds of protestors. At least six cops and several protestors were wounded.  Eight people arrested.

The producer of the movie, Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, surrendered himself to Los Angeles county sheriff’s deputies, in California. He is being questioned about violating his federal probation.

It also turns out that he did not actually direct the anti-Islam movie.  Gawker.com claims they’ve talked to many of the actors in the movie, and they say it was directed by porn man Alan Roberts.

In Belgium, 120 people detained during protests.

The U.S. Department of State has ordered all non-essential diplomatic personnel to evacuate Sudan and Tunisia!

The Federal Bureau of Investigation put on hold their trip to Libya, citing the ongoing violence!  This after the Obama administration said they would comment no longer on the anti-U.S. violence: “I’m going to frustrate all of you, infinitely, by telling you that now that we have an open FBI investigation on the death of these four Americans, we are not going to be in a position to talk at all about what the U.S. government may or may not be learning about how any of this happened, not who they were, not how it happened, not what happened to Ambassador Stevens, not any of it, until the Justice Department is ready to talk about the investigation.”-Victoria Nuland, spokeswoman

U.S. Representatives on the House Intelligence Committee revealed that this was not the first time the U.S. consulate in Libya was attacked, in fact they said it was attacked four previous times in the past few months: “It’s clearly a target that they wanted to hit and they wanted to cause casualties…..It’s just too many coincidences here.”–Mike Rogers, Representative for Michigan’s 8th congressional district

President Obama had said that there was no “actionable intelligence” that the consulate was going to be attacked. 

On 14 September a report by the Office of Management and Budget said budget cuts under sequestration will reduce funding for U.S. embassy/consulate security by $129 million USD: “Members of Congress should work together to produce a balanced plan that achieves at least the level of deficit reduction agreed to in the BCA that the President can sign to avoid sequestration.”

The United Nations evacuated personnel from Libya, for security reasons.

A few days ago the airport in Benghazi, Libya, had been closed to allow U.S. drones to patrol.  Apparently the airport was closed again, for several hours, this time due to security issues.

In France, dozens of people were detained for questionable identifications, during protests outside the U.S. embassy.

Al Qaeda in Yemen is demanding the deaths of all U.S. diplomats!

In Lebanon,  police surrounded a Burger King when they heard it was going to be attacked.

In China, an official government statement said they would never piss off Muslims: “We are against of any actions to vilify the image of Islam or to hurt the feelings of Muslims. We believe the dignity of a religion should not be vilified or defamed.”–Hong Lei, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman

However, there are thousands of Muslims (even Buddhists) in China that would dispute that claim.