Poland - New Appointments & Coal Miners Strike

POLAND New Appointments #Poland - Grzegorz Schetyna appointed Foreign Min. / Radoslaw Sikorski candidate for speaker of the lower house - http://goo.gl/9ymZvr - hahahahaa .. Pres Komorowski favours 'continuity' of Radek ... Too bad. Suck it Radek!! President Komorowski has officially sworn in the new cabinet under Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz - http://goo.gl/9ymZvr Prime Minister Kopacz is to seek a vote of confidence in the new government in parliament on 1 October. Spot of Anti-Russian Propaganda 69th session of the #UN General Assembly / #Poland wants limit to #Russia's UN veto / http://goo.gl/ljl3p0  / Pres Bronislaw Komorowski Next to impossible: two-thirds of the General Assembly and the consent of all five permanent Security Council members. >> So it's an anti-Russian smear for the press? Massive US Arms Deal US sells mid-range missiles to #Poland - 40 SAMs AGM 158-missiles, low radar profile/1,000lb warhead/ http://goo.gl/ZdnrCj  43 miles "pounds €390 million package incls. upgrades to Poland's 48 F-16 jets" /Valery Heletey = Defence Minister / excuse Russian 'aggression' Spot of Trade Union Bother - Coal Mines  #Poland - Trade unions strike Warsaw 1 Oct - http://goo.gl/6GMGlE  - 4 biggest mines low revenue - want clear stance coal mining sector - Coal provides #Poland will over 55 percent of its primary energy consumption. >> #environment #energy >> 4 biggest running @ loss = state owned .. one sold off to Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa - A privatisation lobby?? - JSW - holding company / US$ 1.78 billion revenue/ looks like it might also be state owned?? - http://www.jsw.pl/en/about-us/about-jsw/ … NO, JWS = private: >> x2 = state owned / x2 = private coys: Jastrzębska SW SA & Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka SA. #Business - Coal - #Poland 2012-2013, market conditions worsened 4 largest players/cheap imports applied downward pressure on coal prices coal seams in Poland too deep to mine cost effectively / http://goo.gl/5e4n1A  / By 2030 will be10-15 working mines in Poland >> x2 State + x2 private coys = the 4 mining = account for about 92% of all coal mining in Poland. #Business - Slump in coal prices has hit New Hope Corp’s annual profit, which dropped 21.2 per cent to $58.4 million. [wikinvest] >> Noooo! Price slump!! -- Check out the PROFITS, will ya?!!! That's an obscene amount of money!! - Slump my ass. > So business whines when they're not making an even more obscene amount of money? No economic 'downturn'. Just GREED. #Business /coal slump / imports by China (1/4 of global trade in coal) fell for 2nd mnth - 6yr low - 1. slowed eco. 2. hydropower /reuters Fears #China policies 2 restrict imports - chill on industry - http://goo.gl/nv8Yc6  - uncertainty Hey, China did ban imports of poorer quality thermal coal & it sent WAVES .. it was ahead of UN Climate Change talks / SMH -- Hey, China did ban imports of poorer quality thermal coal & it sent WAVES .. it was ahead of UN Climate Change talks / SMH - China 2 get points for above ... but real reason is it is bailing out its local miners & pwer generators / eco slowing ------------------------------------------ COMMENT Above's probably not easy to follow. Not sure I'm in the mood to summarise.  Been a long day and I'm a bit perlexed about something, so I'm not much in the mood for going back to my 'coal study'. Should also point out that some of this stuff with the coal sounds familiar to me, so I might have covered the coal information before. Anyway, new appointments in government.  Tusk has gone to European Commission, looks like Radek's been demoted and there could be a touch of tension between the Prime Minister and the President -- either that or they often contradict in public.  Hey, maybe that's Europeans -- perhaps they like to talk. Not looking good for the coal miners.  Yes, there's a slowing of the market because a big hunk of the world's coal market is imported by China, which is having an economic downturn and looking to support its own coal industry.  Furthermore, Poland's coal mines have a limited life span because it becomes too expensive to extract (at some point, I don't recall & couldn't be stuffed looking up .. even if at the top of this page :)). From my perspective, there's plenty of profit to be made and the very nature of capitalism, which demands greater and greater profits, is obscene.  Basically, they're not making as much as they'd like to -- ie whatever it was 6 years ago (or more than that).  So what?  They're making plenty. The coal miners are working to survive. No idea about Polish coal mines in question that are presumably running unprofitably.  Odds are, their idea of unprofitable is the same:  just making less profit than they'd like to. The 4 big coal mines produce virtually all of the coal and two are state owned and two have been privatised. The first thought I had is that someone's got the miners to agitate so that it becomes too much to handle and the mines get privatised.  But I'm always looking for some negative angle and haven't read up any further on the reasons there's industrial action. So that's today's look at Poland covered, I guess.

Greenwald Article: Australia's Prime Minister gives a Master Class in Exploiting Terrorism Fears to Seize New Powers

AUSTRALIA Tony Abbott >> Gives a Master Class in Exploiting Terrorism Fears to Seize New Powers http://interc.pt/1r1sgC0  >> #auspol >> #FreeAssangeNow Glenn Greenwald is so funny: greater chance of being killed by following causes than you do by terrorist attack: slipping in bathtub ...LOL #auspol "It’s our acceptance that ppl can live & worship in the way they choose that bothers them, not our foreign policy” - [ABBOTT] LOL > “a sweeping suppression order will prevent reporting of ..preventative detention orders.." / No Press = No democracy #auspol -----------------------------------------  COMMENT The Greenwald article was informative and made its point; but it was also very funny.  Well, to me, it was.   The need to broaden existing powers of authorities is questionable, when they have extensive powers already. And, yes, I would have to agree that those in power use the fear-factor and 'matters of national security' to pronounce whatever laws they want. Mind you, governments tend to rush through whatever they want once they're in power, so this is probably just the extreme version of what goes on -- the extreme version that involves widening powers to ridiculous degrees (eg 'preventative detention') AND, worse yet, muzzling the press who are prohibited from reporting what's going on.   That right there is a recipe for abuse of power by the state. The state can basically do whatever it wants to do with you and there's nobody out there that can even report on it! Is this Stalinist Australia?

USA - Bombing of Syria

SYRIA #Syria bombing - US partners = Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan & Bahrain (+ x1 more??) -- al Arabiya (said x5) US-Libya Business Association, org funded primarily by US oil companies—including Chevron, Exxon Mobil & Marathon - #Libya's abundant supply > lawyer David Goldwyn, H/Clinton's envoy / lobbied Congress 4 pro-Libyan policies + battled [against] leg'n re Lockerbie suit of Libya govt >source http://goo.gl/EvS4An  - WikiLeaks H/Clinton cables: shale gas / re potential for fracking in their host countries [this off-topic article refers to US_Libya Business Assoc & parties relevant to Libya] >> I'm gonna take a guess: everyone's out to get al-Assad because of something to do with oil? #Syria "strikes focused on Isil positions in Raqa, a stronghold for the Sunni extremists, + targets along the Iraq-Syria border" /gulfnews >"Last wk US Congress endorsed Obama’s plan 2 train & arm moderate Syrian rebels 2 battle Isil group" - http://goo.gl/ob2cFE NOTE:  THERE HAVE BEEN DENIALS THAT SYRIA WAS ADVISED IN ADVANCE RT (AP) "Damascus says Washington informed Syria's UN envoy before striking Islamic State in #Syria." >> Doesn't qualify as CONSENT NBC >> "U.S. strikes will help Syria rebels defeat Assad, opposition says" ... er, why are they quoting the OPPOSITION of a govt ? COMMENT The big story of the day is the bombing of Syria.   Claims were made that the US notified Syria in advance.  Other stories indicate Syria wasn't advised.  Either way, notification doesn't amount to having obtained consent. It occurred to me that the weekend talks with Iran in NY may have been to obtain Iran's approval to go ahead with violating Syrian sovereignty. Bear in mind, I'm new to watching this stuff and this is just a guess on my part (which could be completely wrong). Others thought that the big US drive to draw allies into IS dispute was because of the Iran bogeyman.  It didn't occur to me that Iran would challenge the US, so I don't know if this is likely or not. By the time I got a hold of a couple of good articles on the subject, I was well over digesting information that involved reading pages on a subject:  all I wanted was the simple facts. Was quite shocked that the US went ahead and bombed when Syria was adamant that its consent would be required.  It struck me as immoral. Was also shocked to see photos (later in the day) of what looks like an urban region that's been bombed, as I imagined they'd be bombing somewhere in the desert and not civilians (some of whom were killed and injured). From what I've read, Congress consent was a mere formality -- it wasn't a requirement.  That's pretty shocking as well.  It shouldn't be (now that I've come across instances where congress as been left out of the loop etc), but it is nonetheless.  What happened to the democratic process -- or isn't there one? Was shocked to read that the IS group had issued an audio urging adherents to kill members of the public of countries that are involved in the alliance.  Also quite indignant about that, as members of the public are hardly to blame for things the public has no say in. Addendum:  The material relating to Goldwyn is COMPLETELY off-topic and, today, I'm wondering why I've linked it to Syria!!  Rookie error, I guess.  For some dumb reason, I keep confusing Libya and Syria.   Retract!  Retract! In an article that I was reading in relation to shale and fracking, there was indication that all was amicable between the US and Syria at one time -- but, obviously, something's soured and the West appears intent on unseating the al-Assad regime. It would have to have something to do with resources in the region, I'm guessing.  [Sticking with that conclusion] Very odd that the US media is reporting what the 'opposition' have to say on a matter concerning the government of a country.  Actually, it's also odd that those seeking to take down the government by military means would be referred to as the 'opposition', as if they were merely the opposing political party.

VIDEO -- CALLE 13 - MULTI VIRAL

Source Calle13VEVO -YouTube #FreeAssangeNow

UNITED NATIONS - Women's Empowerment Script

UNITED NATIONS #UN Campaign “HeForShe” - no, not X-dressing - Emma Watson spokesmouth for "achieve equality between the sexes" .. [src Independent] >> Anyone else sick of this preachy, establishment-endorsed 'gender equality' crap? >> Last week Watson travelled to Uruguay to deliver petition urging 4 more women to be employed in politics >>US wants it? >>> "Uruguay ... regarded as one of the most liberal nations in the world" ... [wikipedia] >> Has a TIFA with US. TIFA - desiring, recognising, seeking, taking ... more desiring, acknowledging ... http://www.ustr.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/agreements/tifa/asset_upload_file566_15163.pdf … >> #Uruguay / see protocols too RT >> "Men - Emma Watson has some important words for you" [Independent] ... The corporate agenda propaganda never stops streaming ---------------------------------------- #UN's Ki-moon meets & commends #Finland PM Sauli Niinistö/help re disposal #Syria chem/weapons /Ukraine crisis /UN wants Ebola help increase Now Ki'moon is hitting up Chile re 'women's empowerment' ... among other things ... LOL ... It's a UN script! UN & co are hypocrites ... UN has a beheadings regime on the UN Council & they're 'worried' Uruguay women's numbers in politics? ---------------------------------------- COMMENT The UN interference in other nations' internal culture, choices, customs etc is suspect. It's not their business how many women are in politics anywhere.  Why are they seeking to exert influence beyond US borders? The UN may as well be the US.  It serves US purposes, in my view.  Too tired right now to expand on this. I've messed up my body clock with my internet addiction and I'm not feeling too good. Been busy blog 'housekeeping' and posting to the blog.  I've not seen what's going on, and it's irritating me because I'm  hanging to get check things out online. PS - Yes, it's an 'international' organisation.  But who does it really serve?

Brief - West, Middle East, Eastern Europe

BRIEF - MISC The West #Latvia - after Sweden pimps out the princess, Vatican pimps out the Pope: "Pope Francis meets with President of Latvia" - radiovaticana.va Christine Chilver ('Fifi') WWII British-Latvian seductress - SEO spy - http://goo.gl/ojGcrd  - said 2 bedded trainees / sleep talking #EU open borders joy >> 30-40 Latvian former prisoners now living in #UK (only obliged 2email probation officers) - http://goo.gl/2MZc1s  > EU law does allows requests 4 criminal history - if essential - but by law such enquires NOT allowed as ROUTINE !!! - #EU FRANCE France’s Sarkozy announces political comeback http://dlvr.it/6z2zLX NZ New Zealand Jewish PM wins third term http://toi.sr/1tLpnoH  via @timesofisrael >> #NZpol “Key’s victory comes just weeks after Israel rejected Wellington’s proposed non-resident envoy to Israel, Jonathan Curr”  [TimesofIsrael] Look-up:  rejected b/c also envoy to Palestine Authority. [abcnews/net/au] Middle East YEMEN BREAKING NEWS: #Yemen Shiite rebels seize government HQ: AFP via @jerryliet #cdnpoli #BREAKING: #Yemeni prime minister submits resignation http://ara.tv/m3a6v Yemen PM [Prime Minster Mohammad Basindawa] quits as violence rages in capital #Yemen - Houthis = Zaidi branch of Shia Islam aka Fivers - sect almost excl/ present in Yemen - similar 2 Sunni - Believe prophet / Imam ? - Iraq, Lebanon & Iran = Twelvers Shia - which different.  Houthis in Yemen described as 'powerful clan'. Alleged Iran backed. - Yemeni govt backing allegedly al-Qaeda + Saudi Arabia. Looks like Houthis have taken control of Yemen - PM resigned. #NATO’s "Terror Hordes in Iraq a Pretext for #Syria Invasion" >> http://goo.gl/jcx9ua  >> bit involved 4 me but good info on Middle East #Iran Facebook, Twitter & YouTube inaccessible w/out illegal software. Viber, Tango and WhatsApp 2 be banned - http://goo.gl/8nxcII -----------------------------------------  Eastern Europe #Novorossiya >> What's with the disarm deal? Sounds like a double-cross trap being set up by Ukr. & friends. #Russia - anti-war protests - Igor Irtenyev Russian poet agitates >> "In 2011, he emigrated to Israel in opposition to Vladimir Putin" PEN Intl - w/wide assoc. of writers, formed London, comm. 1920s to promote 'friendship' etc - One of 1st NGOs / intl HR advoc/ AFP "#Russian national TV has portrayed Kiev authorities as a "fascist junta" bent on persecuting Russian-speakers during the conflict." >> But fail to clarify that this is EXACTLY what the Ukies are! What a joke! >> "I believe that the war has been provoked by Putin" .. Is there an Obama blackout over there? Dude can't see what US did. -------------------------------------- COMMENT Just random bits of information and comments. Really don't think it's a good idea to disarm for anyone fighting over independence and territory. Yemen seems to be where all the action was.  At first I thought that the Houthis have taken over.  But maybe I'm wrong and they just wanted a change of government.    Discovered that it's easier to remember information about countries if you see some photos associated with the country. In my mind's eye I can see downtown Sana'a, so it helps remember the news (I think). Hmmm ... just had a look at Google images and, boy, was I wrong imagining Sana'a as a modern city.  Guess you've got to look at more than one photo.  LOL.   The city isn't familiar, like I imagined. It's very old and 'alien' looking (from my western urban perceptive).  I'm taking a guess that large parts of the city and, maybe the customs, are unchanged from biblical times.  What else? Surprised Russia isn't clamping down on foreign agitator NGOs in their midst. I've not read the Sarkozy come-back article yet.    Bling Bling should get elected no problems in France, as they've got a history of political figures associated with corruption allegations who remained in power. The Israelis are funny.  Surprised to see the word 'c*cksucker' in Times of Israel.  The impression I get of them is that they're people who kind of let it all hang out -- and from snippets I've encountered here and there, I also get the impression they've got a sense of humour.   Surprised anyone (non-western) allows PEN International to operate within their borders.   When I see NGO, all I can think is:  stirring up trouble by stealth.  NZ’s Jonathan Curr’s now ambassador in Turkey.  Turkey’s nice and slack.  No danger of kidnap.   Don’t know who wound up with the Middle East appointment.  Too lazy too check.  Expect it will pop up some time during online travels.

USA - Miscellaneous

USA McAfee dude retweeted by IISS .. on dealing with cyber threat @ national level .. strategic challenge >> Oh, dear .. there goes the internet 'P/ship 4 Civil Justice' challenge #USA State Dept /Ray McGovern's brutal arrest & "Be On the Look-Out"> RESCINDED http://goo.gl/cyN8TK ISIS - Private 'Security' & or. Contractor Why does #USA allow private corporations to effectively behave as government? Check out this bizarre video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=80ZzBko3XGg … Video associated with site below: http://beforeitsnews.com/war-on-terror/2014/09/what-isis-has-a-website-in-america-thats-linked-to-our-gov-watch-before-its-removedbecause-it-will-be-2444882.html?utm_content=awesm-publisher&utm_source=direct-b4in.info&utm_medium=facebook-share&utm_campaign=&utm_term=http%3A%2F%2Fb4in.info%2Fpfgh COMMENT International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) "Some observers have argued that certain policies advocated by the IISS have increased Muslim hostility toward the United States and undermined global security." [Wikipedia - here] The above's a mixed bag of what caught my attention. IISS is the British pro-American 'think tank'. Guessing it's a kind of 'old boys' establishment (corporate interests) 'club' lobby group that meddles in 'international relations', behind the scene. Partnership for Justice Fund "nonprofit progressive legal organization based in Washington DC" "focuses on cases regarding free speech and dissent, domestic spying and surveillance, police misconduct, government transparency, and educating the public about their rights" [Wikipedia - here] No doubt both Ray McGovern and the PFJ are happy with their win. Stumbled on the private 'security' (and other) contractor video.   What's interesting to me is that such organisations even exist.   It's curious that private contractor companies are taking over the role of government functions in the US  -- ie corporations perform government functions, as I see it. The first thing I think is that it's a great way for governments to hide what they're doing:  it's not like you're going to get government accountability and transparency out of arm's length contractors. I've not gone to the site on the video to check it out for myself.   The whole thing creeps me out too much.  Will leave it for another time.