Beautiful and stupendous is how I can describe these last two days. A few white clouds with a light blue backdrop, warm temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees and little wind. Only draw back is how the insects appear to like it also. This makes it tough, as I have to wear long-sleeves. I have this strange phobia when it comes to mosquitoes, side-effect from Malaria. Even though I know our brand of flying dragons to not carry the dreadful disease. No, they simply want my blood.
Church was great today, I was back up playing my congas with Keith and Kristian during worship service. I used to play with them 4-years ago and Keith makes a great worship leader. They have a gold mine up here and came back up to spend the summer on the mine. There are a lot of Alaskans who own their own mines and they live off the rocks they bring out. Some d really great, while the majority find enough gold to keep bringing them back- gold fever. Started up here big time with the 1898 Dawson Gold Rush.
My son, John Leroy just surprised with a visit, he continues to impress me with his career choices and how he is handling the tough tasks of a police officer. Now, we've been notified that Joshua, our youngest son out of four boys, has been invited to join the FBI Uniform Service. He's waited a long time for this and will soon be attending the federal police academy on the east coast. I hoped to get a T-shirt that said, "My Son is in the FBI" , but apparently they do not sell those, for fear it might hurt in they're involved in undercover work. Personally, I never liked the undercover work I've done, I never enjoyed all the lying that's involved. Plus, my poker face usually has time clock on it. Not a good thing when your working a high volume of illegal gambling. Long ago.
Some facts `from Uncle John's Bathroom Reader, the "Tunes into TV" edition.
The first gay character shown on national television was an ABC Sit-Com, " The Corner Bar", the 1972-73 season, and the actor carrying the role was Vincent Schiavelli. He stayed in the series and was explicitly identified as a homosexual. That was 44-years ago.
First belly-button on display was in the move Gidget, 1965. Censors were still nervous about this exposure, so they allowed other women on the beach scenes could wear bathing suits that exposed their belly buttons, but Sally Field could not. I have a copy of that movie, and I conquer with this fact. My so many other TV and movie watchers we thought she wore a one piece because she was so young. In the event you didn't know, Gidget's first name in the show was Frances.
First morning show: NBC's Today show debuted on January 14th, 1952- that was 65-years ago. Hard to realize that show has been around for that long.
In the original mini-series "Roots" one of the mistakes made concerned a slave doctor examining Kunte Kinte ( played by the actor Laver Burton), in the year 1767. As he does so, he sings "Pop Goes the Weasel". But that song wouldn't exist for another 30-years. The English lyrics were not published until 1850- 83-years later.
The longest- running prime-time show of all time is "Gunsmoke", which aired 630 episodes over 20-years. It remained one of the top 30-most-watched shows for the entire span.
For you "Gilligan's Island" fans, the show's producer Sherwood Schwartz, supposedly wanted a deep meaning, where the island represented Hell and the seven people trapped there were to represent the personifies one of the seven deadly sins. Ginger- Lust, Mary-Ann- Envy, The Professor- Pride, Mister Howell- greed, Mrs. Howell- sloth, the skipper- gluttony and anger and as for Gilligan, he could represent sloth or gluttony. Or he could represent Satan. (it's his island, after all)...he bungles their escape attempts and always wears red. But, when Schwartz was asked this by people who understood his intention, he responded with, "That was never in my mind."
Tax on one of "free cars" Oprah gave away to her audience in 2004 was $7,000.00 to be paid by the receiver of the car.
TV Personality Ed McMahon who played second to Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show, was a decorated Colonel during the Korean War, flying 85-combat missions.
That's all for now in the Bathroom Readers TV book. Look for them online and these books cover a wide range of interests. A perfect place for trivia junkies.
Now some news stories: Remember, find stories you usually won't find in American major newspapers. But I do miss now and then.
Gatestone Institute News: Sweden- "Sweden: a Failed State?" Swedish state fights against Swedish Citizens who point out the obvious problems that migrants are causing. Police Officer Peter Spring was investigated for "Inciting Racial Hatred", when he said that "Migrants were committing a disproportionate amount of crime in the suburbs. Currently, a 70-year old Swedish pensioner is being prosecuted for writing on Facebook that migrants "set fire to cars, and urinate and defecate on the streets." In 2015, only 14% of all the crimes in Sweden were solved. In 2016, 80% of police officers were allegedly considering quitting the force. Still, Prime Minister Lofven refused to call it a crisis. But, the security situation in Sweden is now so critical that the National Police Chief Eliasson is now asking the public for help. The police are unable to solve the problems on their own. In June, the Swedish Police released a new report, (Vulnerable Areas 2017), commonly known as a report identifying the "No-Go Zones" or lawless areas. It shows the 55-no-go zones of 2016 have increased to 61-such zones.
Yahoo News: Philippines President Duterte stated "I will never visit the 'lousy' United States. He added he would not visit as President or after he leaves the office. ( I think you could call this a Chinese propaganda ploy. Duterte is courting China for funds and weapons.)
Taipei Times: KMT ( China's Communist Party) has called for an immediate ban on U.S. beef imports. KMT lawmakers said the government failed to follow standard procedures after a 5th case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the U.S. KMT accuses the Chinese Administration was "Negligent and used Public Health as a diplomatic bargaining chip."
The Guardian: Sumatra- PepsiCo, Unileve and Nestle have been accused of "complicity in the destruction of Sumatra's last tract of rain forest shared by elephants, orangutans, rhinos, and tigers together in one ecosystem" Plantations built on deforested land have allegedly been used to supply palm oil to scores of household brands, that also include McDonald's, Mars, Kellogg's, and Procter & Gamble. According to a new report, 420 hectares of "Protected Forest Cover just 88 hectares remain between 2016 to 2017. Sumatran elephants depend on this corridor of lowland forest for their survival . A PT(denotes limited liability company in Indonesia ) logging company delivers its wood to a mill owned by PT Ensem Sawita, which sells palm oil. PT declined requests for comments/inquiries. But, in 2015, Sumatran wildfires often linked to plantation activity, contributed to the early deaths of an estimated 100,000 people. The companies of PepsiCo and Nestle state they are sending investigation teams down into Sumatra over allegations .( Article also stated "Brands and Traders tend to hide behind supply chain difficulties ).
Thai News- The Nation: "US puts Chinese deals on ice". The American Committee that screens foreign investments is holding up growing number high-profile acquisitions involving Chinese Companies amid concerns over high risks they might pose a threat to the U.S.
Global Times: China- "The head of China's top Religious Affairs Regulator said that Party Members should not seek value and faith in Religion, and those who have religious beliefs should be persuaded to give them up, with experts saying this is meant to maintain party unity". "Party members should not have religious beliefs, which is a red line for all members"... Stated by Wang Zuoan, Director of State Administration for Religious Affairs. "Those who resist , would be punished by the Party."
Global Times: China- Chinese Naval Fleet arrived in Russia Baltic City of Kaliningrad, on Friday the 21st of July, ready for a joint training with Russia. (Egypt and Iran have said they would also be in on this joint training. But this is yet another example of China and Russia working together- as I wrote about in "A Coming Storm").
Global Times: India- "Hindu Nationalism Risks Pushing India into a War with China." Anti-China sentiments rising in India, with an upsurge of Nationalism. Recent upsurge over border incidents. In 1962, China defeated India in the Sino-Indian War, and now accuse China with an ingrained suspicion of on-going Chinese strategy to encircle India with it's "Belt and Road" Initiative. Since 2014, when Prime Minister Modi came to power it has shown in its failure to curb violent incidents against the Muslims, he has supported India's Religious Nationalists . (As I have said before in earlier stories, both sides, including Pakistan, an ally to China, -they now all have nuclear weapons.)
Global Times: Kuwait- Iran's Ambassador and 14 other Iranian Diplomats have been asked to leave Kuwait within 45-days. Iran Culture Mission will be shut down and all joint committees between Kuwait and Iran will be stopped. This all came about when Kuwait convicted an Iranian of spying for Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah Militant Group. Also convicted were some Kuwaiti people.
Global Times: Czech Republic - The will ban fur farms from 2019, after senate passed an amendment to their Animal Rights Law.
Global Times: Italy- "Italian judges Convict over 40 in Rome's 'Mafia Capital' Trail."
Global Times: United States- The Pentagon announced it is withholding $50 million in payment to Pakistan, due to Islamabad's insufficient counter-terrorism action.
Washington Free Beacon: United States- "Labor Department Whistleblower: Agency Officials Intentionally Delayed or Denied Payouts to Nuclear Workers in Hopes The Would Die." Government attorney who raised red flags said Perez, other Obama Officials ignored his complaints' about hostility toward nuclear-workers claims.. Senior Attorney for the State Department is accusing agency officials of writing and manipulating regulations to intentionally delay and deny Congressional mandated compensation to Nuclear- weapons workers who suffered from sickness- and in some cases died as a result of their work building the Nation's Cold War nuclear arsenal. ( This sort of story sickens me. Reminds me of all the Agent Orange cases. My case has been in limbo since 1994.)
Washington Free Beacon: Minnesota- state school departments have adopted a transgender tool kit for kindergartners. Teachers are told ask children their "preferred pronouns". Teachers advised to call children as "Scholars", and not boys or girls.
Gatestone News: Jerusalem, Amid the Temple Mount Security dispute, President Abbas of Palestine announces "Freezing of ties with Israel", Riots continue in Jerusalem with Muslim protestors throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli Police Forces, 4,000 Muslim Protestors prayed outside the entrance to Old Jerusalem, refusing to go through weapon's detectors, after two Israeli Police were stabbed to death inside the sacred site that both Muslim and Jewish hold holy. But outside the Mosque, Jewish authorities suspect that weapons being used by the Muslim attackers is being smuggled into the mosque. The Jewish Israeli Defense Force, fear the mosque at the Temple Mount is a launching pad to carry out terror attacks on the Israelis. But, "if the mosque were actually destroyed in the process of a weapon's search, the mosque might be destroyed in the process of the search, killing an unknown number of IDF police. But, guess who would be blamed? Possibly, that is even the real agenda for the terrorists.
Jerusalem Online: Palestinians in Gaza fired a rocket toward Israel on Sunday morning-(today), amid escalation of violence on the Temple Mount. In light of the violent clashes 3-countries have demanded an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Arab League, has warned Israel, "Jerusalem is a Red Line", also, "Israel is playing with fire." Even though the Israeli Defense Force has announced it would take the detectors down, but security cameras would be increased. This is Israel's attempt to stop the violent clashes.
Gatestone News: Middle East- "Deny the Holocaust , but Don't Question Sharia?" Why is it encouraged to deny the Holocaust , where millions went through "unimaginable suffering", and even death. To the number of more than 6-million Jews-dead. But if you even joke about Islam you risk torture, long terms of incarceration , to a swift death sentence. With all the scientific, photographic evidence, testimony of senior American Officers who stumbled upon these camps at the end of World War II, all the piles of starved bodies, mass graves, the death showers and ovens used to kill Jews by burning them alive. Plus all the testimonies of the victims who survived it all. The Islamic Leaders continue to deny this event ever occurred and they spread this belief to their people. People who cannot take the chance of even investigating these incidents, for fear they'd received a painful ending.
New Zealand Star: Europe- "Interpol circulates a list of 173 suspected ISIS Suicide Bombers, seeking vengeance for the Middle East defeats."
The Guardian: Japan- Fukushima, home to one of the worlds worst nuclear disasters, now releases a story, with photos, of robot images, that show massive deposits thought to be melted nuclear fuel. Disaster occurred during 2011 deadly earthquake and tsunami that destroyed the nuclear plant, which continues to leak nuclear waste into the sea. Other searches were called off because of damages and "extremely high radiation levels." ( And the company that owns this mess is still trying to get people to move back into the area, telling them it is all safe. Animals in the area sick with radiation sickness that shows up on Geiger-Counter.)
Iran Herald: Jordan- "Casualties reported in attack on the Israeli Embassy in the Jordanian capital. One Jordanian was killed and an Israeli National was badly injured.
Iran Herald: Iran launches new missile production line in fresh challenge to President Trump. ( All that case we sent to Iran seems to be doing a lot of good for the Iranian Defense Ministry. Thank you President Obama.)
Manila Times: Philippines - 150 rallyists ( word used in the article), almost clashed with 200 Police of the Manila Police District. Protester were attempting to get near the front gate of the U.S. Embassy. The Quezon City Police is expecting 20,000 protestors at President Duterte's Second State of the Nation Address. City schools are suspended to protect the students and allow older student to attend speech is they so want to.
I foresee it will not be too long before China's Navy and land troops of the Army, will be making their presence known in the Philippines. If the U.S. Navy is still allowed to use the old harbors, the U.S. had once built, it could make for an interesting time down in the bar districts. Add in the Russians and boy, Town Patrol units will have to be knuckle-dragging brutes, armed to the teeth and able to speak multiple languages. I once visited Laos, without weapons, they had to be turned in at the border- which we did get back. But we walked the streets with our former enemy, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops who were in the big city on their R & R. We all found it best to ignore each other. Our war had ended and the Laotians treated us pretty well. We were back to the border by sundown. I don't believe it will go as well for our Troops, Sailors and Marines. President Duterte is really trying to walk a tight rope between the nations in hopes the different nations will provide money and guns to out duel the others. But it could end in his death, by mob violence.
Time to get back in my chair. God Bless you all. BILL
My son, John Leroy just surprised with a visit, he continues to impress me with his career choices and how he is handling the tough tasks of a police officer. Now, we've been notified that Joshua, our youngest son out of four boys, has been invited to join the FBI Uniform Service. He's waited a long time for this and will soon be attending the federal police academy on the east coast. I hoped to get a T-shirt that said, "My Son is in the FBI" , but apparently they do not sell those, for fear it might hurt in they're involved in undercover work. Personally, I never liked the undercover work I've done, I never enjoyed all the lying that's involved. Plus, my poker face usually has time clock on it. Not a good thing when your working a high volume of illegal gambling. Long ago.
Some facts `from Uncle John's Bathroom Reader, the "Tunes into TV" edition.
The first gay character shown on national television was an ABC Sit-Com, " The Corner Bar", the 1972-73 season, and the actor carrying the role was Vincent Schiavelli. He stayed in the series and was explicitly identified as a homosexual. That was 44-years ago.
First belly-button on display was in the move Gidget, 1965. Censors were still nervous about this exposure, so they allowed other women on the beach scenes could wear bathing suits that exposed their belly buttons, but Sally Field could not. I have a copy of that movie, and I conquer with this fact. My so many other TV and movie watchers we thought she wore a one piece because she was so young. In the event you didn't know, Gidget's first name in the show was Frances.
First morning show: NBC's Today show debuted on January 14th, 1952- that was 65-years ago. Hard to realize that show has been around for that long.
In the original mini-series "Roots" one of the mistakes made concerned a slave doctor examining Kunte Kinte ( played by the actor Laver Burton), in the year 1767. As he does so, he sings "Pop Goes the Weasel". But that song wouldn't exist for another 30-years. The English lyrics were not published until 1850- 83-years later.
The longest- running prime-time show of all time is "Gunsmoke", which aired 630 episodes over 20-years. It remained one of the top 30-most-watched shows for the entire span.
For you "Gilligan's Island" fans, the show's producer Sherwood Schwartz, supposedly wanted a deep meaning, where the island represented Hell and the seven people trapped there were to represent the personifies one of the seven deadly sins. Ginger- Lust, Mary-Ann- Envy, The Professor- Pride, Mister Howell- greed, Mrs. Howell- sloth, the skipper- gluttony and anger and as for Gilligan, he could represent sloth or gluttony. Or he could represent Satan. (it's his island, after all)...he bungles their escape attempts and always wears red. But, when Schwartz was asked this by people who understood his intention, he responded with, "That was never in my mind."
Tax on one of "free cars" Oprah gave away to her audience in 2004 was $7,000.00 to be paid by the receiver of the car.
TV Personality Ed McMahon who played second to Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show, was a decorated Colonel during the Korean War, flying 85-combat missions.
That's all for now in the Bathroom Readers TV book. Look for them online and these books cover a wide range of interests. A perfect place for trivia junkies.
Now some news stories: Remember, find stories you usually won't find in American major newspapers. But I do miss now and then.
Gatestone Institute News: Sweden- "Sweden: a Failed State?" Swedish state fights against Swedish Citizens who point out the obvious problems that migrants are causing. Police Officer Peter Spring was investigated for "Inciting Racial Hatred", when he said that "Migrants were committing a disproportionate amount of crime in the suburbs. Currently, a 70-year old Swedish pensioner is being prosecuted for writing on Facebook that migrants "set fire to cars, and urinate and defecate on the streets." In 2015, only 14% of all the crimes in Sweden were solved. In 2016, 80% of police officers were allegedly considering quitting the force. Still, Prime Minister Lofven refused to call it a crisis. But, the security situation in Sweden is now so critical that the National Police Chief Eliasson is now asking the public for help. The police are unable to solve the problems on their own. In June, the Swedish Police released a new report, (Vulnerable Areas 2017), commonly known as a report identifying the "No-Go Zones" or lawless areas. It shows the 55-no-go zones of 2016 have increased to 61-such zones.
Yahoo News: Philippines President Duterte stated "I will never visit the 'lousy' United States. He added he would not visit as President or after he leaves the office. ( I think you could call this a Chinese propaganda ploy. Duterte is courting China for funds and weapons.)
Taipei Times: KMT ( China's Communist Party) has called for an immediate ban on U.S. beef imports. KMT lawmakers said the government failed to follow standard procedures after a 5th case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the U.S. KMT accuses the Chinese Administration was "Negligent and used Public Health as a diplomatic bargaining chip."
The Guardian: Sumatra- PepsiCo, Unileve and Nestle have been accused of "complicity in the destruction of Sumatra's last tract of rain forest shared by elephants, orangutans, rhinos, and tigers together in one ecosystem" Plantations built on deforested land have allegedly been used to supply palm oil to scores of household brands, that also include McDonald's, Mars, Kellogg's, and Procter & Gamble. According to a new report, 420 hectares of "Protected Forest Cover just 88 hectares remain between 2016 to 2017. Sumatran elephants depend on this corridor of lowland forest for their survival . A PT(denotes limited liability company in Indonesia ) logging company delivers its wood to a mill owned by PT Ensem Sawita, which sells palm oil. PT declined requests for comments/inquiries. But, in 2015, Sumatran wildfires often linked to plantation activity, contributed to the early deaths of an estimated 100,000 people. The companies of PepsiCo and Nestle state they are sending investigation teams down into Sumatra over allegations .( Article also stated "Brands and Traders tend to hide behind supply chain difficulties ).
Thai News- The Nation: "US puts Chinese deals on ice". The American Committee that screens foreign investments is holding up growing number high-profile acquisitions involving Chinese Companies amid concerns over high risks they might pose a threat to the U.S.
Global Times: China- "The head of China's top Religious Affairs Regulator said that Party Members should not seek value and faith in Religion, and those who have religious beliefs should be persuaded to give them up, with experts saying this is meant to maintain party unity". "Party members should not have religious beliefs, which is a red line for all members"... Stated by Wang Zuoan, Director of State Administration for Religious Affairs. "Those who resist , would be punished by the Party."
Global Times: China- Chinese Naval Fleet arrived in Russia Baltic City of Kaliningrad, on Friday the 21st of July, ready for a joint training with Russia. (Egypt and Iran have said they would also be in on this joint training. But this is yet another example of China and Russia working together- as I wrote about in "A Coming Storm").
Global Times: India- "Hindu Nationalism Risks Pushing India into a War with China." Anti-China sentiments rising in India, with an upsurge of Nationalism. Recent upsurge over border incidents. In 1962, China defeated India in the Sino-Indian War, and now accuse China with an ingrained suspicion of on-going Chinese strategy to encircle India with it's "Belt and Road" Initiative. Since 2014, when Prime Minister Modi came to power it has shown in its failure to curb violent incidents against the Muslims, he has supported India's Religious Nationalists . (As I have said before in earlier stories, both sides, including Pakistan, an ally to China, -they now all have nuclear weapons.)
Global Times: Kuwait- Iran's Ambassador and 14 other Iranian Diplomats have been asked to leave Kuwait within 45-days. Iran Culture Mission will be shut down and all joint committees between Kuwait and Iran will be stopped. This all came about when Kuwait convicted an Iranian of spying for Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah Militant Group. Also convicted were some Kuwaiti people.
Global Times: Czech Republic - The will ban fur farms from 2019, after senate passed an amendment to their Animal Rights Law.
Global Times: Italy- "Italian judges Convict over 40 in Rome's 'Mafia Capital' Trail."
Global Times: United States- The Pentagon announced it is withholding $50 million in payment to Pakistan, due to Islamabad's insufficient counter-terrorism action.
Washington Free Beacon: United States- "Labor Department Whistleblower: Agency Officials Intentionally Delayed or Denied Payouts to Nuclear Workers in Hopes The Would Die." Government attorney who raised red flags said Perez, other Obama Officials ignored his complaints' about hostility toward nuclear-workers claims.. Senior Attorney for the State Department is accusing agency officials of writing and manipulating regulations to intentionally delay and deny Congressional mandated compensation to Nuclear- weapons workers who suffered from sickness- and in some cases died as a result of their work building the Nation's Cold War nuclear arsenal. ( This sort of story sickens me. Reminds me of all the Agent Orange cases. My case has been in limbo since 1994.)
Washington Free Beacon: Minnesota- state school departments have adopted a transgender tool kit for kindergartners. Teachers are told ask children their "preferred pronouns". Teachers advised to call children as "Scholars", and not boys or girls.
Gatestone News: Jerusalem, Amid the Temple Mount Security dispute, President Abbas of Palestine announces "Freezing of ties with Israel", Riots continue in Jerusalem with Muslim protestors throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli Police Forces, 4,000 Muslim Protestors prayed outside the entrance to Old Jerusalem, refusing to go through weapon's detectors, after two Israeli Police were stabbed to death inside the sacred site that both Muslim and Jewish hold holy. But outside the Mosque, Jewish authorities suspect that weapons being used by the Muslim attackers is being smuggled into the mosque. The Jewish Israeli Defense Force, fear the mosque at the Temple Mount is a launching pad to carry out terror attacks on the Israelis. But, "if the mosque were actually destroyed in the process of a weapon's search, the mosque might be destroyed in the process of the search, killing an unknown number of IDF police. But, guess who would be blamed? Possibly, that is even the real agenda for the terrorists.
Jerusalem Online: Palestinians in Gaza fired a rocket toward Israel on Sunday morning-(today), amid escalation of violence on the Temple Mount. In light of the violent clashes 3-countries have demanded an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Arab League, has warned Israel, "Jerusalem is a Red Line", also, "Israel is playing with fire." Even though the Israeli Defense Force has announced it would take the detectors down, but security cameras would be increased. This is Israel's attempt to stop the violent clashes.
Gatestone News: Middle East- "Deny the Holocaust , but Don't Question Sharia?" Why is it encouraged to deny the Holocaust , where millions went through "unimaginable suffering", and even death. To the number of more than 6-million Jews-dead. But if you even joke about Islam you risk torture, long terms of incarceration , to a swift death sentence. With all the scientific, photographic evidence, testimony of senior American Officers who stumbled upon these camps at the end of World War II, all the piles of starved bodies, mass graves, the death showers and ovens used to kill Jews by burning them alive. Plus all the testimonies of the victims who survived it all. The Islamic Leaders continue to deny this event ever occurred and they spread this belief to their people. People who cannot take the chance of even investigating these incidents, for fear they'd received a painful ending.
New Zealand Star: Europe- "Interpol circulates a list of 173 suspected ISIS Suicide Bombers, seeking vengeance for the Middle East defeats."
The Guardian: Japan- Fukushima, home to one of the worlds worst nuclear disasters, now releases a story, with photos, of robot images, that show massive deposits thought to be melted nuclear fuel. Disaster occurred during 2011 deadly earthquake and tsunami that destroyed the nuclear plant, which continues to leak nuclear waste into the sea. Other searches were called off because of damages and "extremely high radiation levels." ( And the company that owns this mess is still trying to get people to move back into the area, telling them it is all safe. Animals in the area sick with radiation sickness that shows up on Geiger-Counter.)
Iran Herald: Jordan- "Casualties reported in attack on the Israeli Embassy in the Jordanian capital. One Jordanian was killed and an Israeli National was badly injured.
Iran Herald: Iran launches new missile production line in fresh challenge to President Trump. ( All that case we sent to Iran seems to be doing a lot of good for the Iranian Defense Ministry. Thank you President Obama.)
Manila Times: Philippines - 150 rallyists ( word used in the article), almost clashed with 200 Police of the Manila Police District. Protester were attempting to get near the front gate of the U.S. Embassy. The Quezon City Police is expecting 20,000 protestors at President Duterte's Second State of the Nation Address. City schools are suspended to protect the students and allow older student to attend speech is they so want to.
I foresee it will not be too long before China's Navy and land troops of the Army, will be making their presence known in the Philippines. If the U.S. Navy is still allowed to use the old harbors, the U.S. had once built, it could make for an interesting time down in the bar districts. Add in the Russians and boy, Town Patrol units will have to be knuckle-dragging brutes, armed to the teeth and able to speak multiple languages. I once visited Laos, without weapons, they had to be turned in at the border- which we did get back. But we walked the streets with our former enemy, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops who were in the big city on their R & R. We all found it best to ignore each other. Our war had ended and the Laotians treated us pretty well. We were back to the border by sundown. I don't believe it will go as well for our Troops, Sailors and Marines. President Duterte is really trying to walk a tight rope between the nations in hopes the different nations will provide money and guns to out duel the others. But it could end in his death, by mob violence.
Time to get back in my chair. God Bless you all. BILL
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