Supposedly Palin's national security bona-fides come from being America's closest state to Russia, and having to deal with the "threat" of an aggressive Putin. Now, it is true Russia and America aren't very far away from each other, neighbors on the Bering Sea, as part of two most remote parts of both countries.

Meanwhile, our strategic allies in Eastern Europe deal with being invaded (Georgia), having their leaders poisoned (Ukraine) and being bullied about strategic missile bases (Poland) and Sarah Palin had to be concerned with a half-million Kamchatkans across the strait primarily concerned with fishing (to be fair there's been at least one occurrence when Russian jets strayed into Alaskan airspace, however, no one ever considered a credible threat; merely Russian muscle flexing).

Oh, the terror.

Meanwhile the Russians have secretly managed to infiltrate themselves into Anchorage on Palin's watch.

Palin's pipeline project, intended to bring about greater oil independence and which has flagged in popularity and federal funding, may have found someone willing to build it.

The Russians.

It's an invasion of some sort, but hardly of the military kind.

-Marc-

Well as Palin predicted here's the Russians - though not for war but to take part in building a gas pipeline from Alaska to Canada. And there is even a sprinkle of K.G.B in there to excite McCain. I think these Russians were saying WE COME IN PEACE !! PLEASE DON'T NUKE US !!

MOSCOW — A high-level delegation from the Russian energy company Gazprom met in Anchorage with state officials on Monday to talk about investing in Alaskan energy projects. The meeting came nearly three weeks after Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska talked in a television interview about her expertise in energy matters and took a hard line with Russia.

Senior officials of Gazprom said at a shareholder meeting in Moscow in June that the company was seeking to take part in a consortium that is building a natural gas pipeline from Alaska to Canada. The company is also interested in investing in other energy initiatives in the state, according to a statement released by Gazprom on Tuesday about the meeting in Anchorage.

“Gazprom has accumulated great experience in exploring hydrocarbon deposits, building and using gas pipelines in the far north environment,” the company said in the statement. “Gazprom’s experience will be relevant in realization of similar projects in Alaska.” 

Senior officials of Gazprom said at a shareholder meeting in Moscow in June that the company was seeking to take part in a consortium that is building a natural gas pipeline from Alaska to Canada.

The Russian delegation at the meeting on Monday in Anchorage unexpectedly included several close associates of Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin. The executives presented a slide show about the company’s business that lasted about an hour.

Eight senior Gazprom officials attended the session, including the company’s chief executive, Aleksei B. Miller, a longtime Putin ally, and Aleksandr V. Golubyev, a deputy director who, like Mr. Putin, is a veteran of the K.G.B. and who has worked with Mr. Putin for at least 17 years, according to a biography posted on the Gazprom Web site.

“We had thought initially that only one or two people would be coming,” Marty Rutherford, a deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, said in a telephone interview. “But it turned out to be about a dozen.”

Aleksandr V. Golubyev, a deputy director who, like Mr. Putin, is a veteran of the K.G.B. and who has worked with Mr. Putin for at least 17 years

The delegation met with Tom Irwin, the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, who was appointed by Ms. Palin, and with James J. Mulva, the chief executive of ConocoPhillips, a Texas oil company. Gazprom has been in talks with Conoco, which does business in Russia, about joining the Alaskan pipeline consortium.

A Gazprom official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the visit said it was rare for such a large delegation of senior executives to travel together.

Mr. Irwin said in a telephone interview that the Gazprom executives never mentioned Ms. Palin during the meeting. Nor was the company’s desire to join in the natural gas pipeline discussed, said Mr. Rutherford, the deputy commissioner.

State officials often meet with foreign energy companies that are interested in the state’s reserves, Mr. Irwin said. “A lot of companies come to Alaska because of the resources we have here,” he said.

“As Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America, where do they go? It’s Alaska,”

He characterized the Gazprom presentation as an overview of the company’s global business. “This was a very professional, well-done overview,” he said. The governor’s office was notified of the meeting, he said.

In an interview with Katie Couric of CBS News last month, Ms. Palin, in response to a question about her foreign policy expertise, explained why she thought that Alaska’s proximity to Russia had contributed to her international experience.

“As Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America, where do they go? It’s Alaska,” she said. A spokesman for Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign said the governor was referring to flights by Russian Air Force planes near the state’s borders.

Gazprom is exceptionally close to the Russian government, and political and energy analysts think its international business activities are closely coordinated with the Kremlin’s foreign policy agenda. The company, the world’s largest gas producer, has been eager to enter the North American market. Earlier this year, Gazprom bought capacity at a planned liquefied-natural-gas plant in Canada.

Gazprom is so close to the Russian government that top officials move seamlessly from the boardroom to the Kremlin and back. When Dmitri A. Medvedev replaced Mr. Putin as president in May, he resigned as chairman of Gazprom. He was replaced at the company’s helm by Viktor A. Zubkov, who stepped down as prime minister. Mr. Putin then became prime minister.

Source: NYT

Platon on the other hand, his ability to talk to the subjects and able make them comfortable in front of the camera amazes me to no degree.  The posture, expression as well as the level of confidence that all the subjects possess in his photographs, and then to capture that in a confined time and space, it is a gift that I would gladly have without a second thought.

So, I am going to try a new way to shoot portraiture.  Whenever I am shooting portraits, I am going to set up everything and then sit the subjects down and try to connect with them so that they are able to show who they are really are and at that point, take the shot.

The more I look at photographs, the more I am amazed how something that seems so simple can be the most difficult thing to achieve.  Photography takes discipline, that includes the patience, the ability to take control of the situation, the skill to see what the camera sees instead what our eyes see and the knowledge that everything can be improved upon.

Here are some images of Platon, I might try to include some of mine with the idea of mimicing Platon's style later on, but we will see =P.

President Vladimir Putin

David Beckham

Thanks Alida for a great find.

Update: Apparently, this couple is working on enough material to record a whole album of anti-Palin songs.

Putin on kuulemma kiinnostunut saaren lämpimistä lähteistä, ja tietysti kalastuksesta (ilman paitaa) - ja ratsastuksesta (ilman - ?!). Ja kukapa sellainen ei olisi lämpimästä kiinnostunut, joka on elämänsä viettänyt Siperia-tietoisuudessa. Viittaan siihen kuuluisaan esimerkkiin välimerkkien merkityksestä: armoa, ei Siperiaan; armoa ei, Siperiaan! Tiedämme, että jo pelkällä Siperia-tietoisuudella on suuri merkitys.

Toivon, että kaupat syntyvät. Islantilaisille pankeille diilillä olisi todella suurta merkitystä. Ja myös Suomelle, vaikka Lontoon Matti onkin sanonut, ettei Täydellinen Romahdus kosketa meitä suomalaisia millään tavoin.

Ja sitä paitsi: ovathan liikesuhteet olleet olemassa jo ennen Täydellistä Romahdustakin: islantilaissijoittaja Thor Björgólfsson on ollut niin aktiivinen vierailija Venäjän laajassa maassa, että joku jo ehti epäillä häntä Putinin pikkuruiseksi bulvaanipojaksi.

Siis pikkuruiseksi, onhan Putinilla isompiakin, kuten esimerkiksi Gerhard Schröder, joka on kai fyysisesti pienempi kuin Thor, joka puolestaan on pienempi kuin Paavo Lipponen. Vaikka Paavo Lipponen onkin suomalainen jättiläinen, on hän kuitenkin bulvaaniudessaan ehdottomasti pikkuruisempi kuin Thor, vaikka putken paksuus olisikin kaksi metriä ja risat.

Tästä huolimatta emme tiedä edelleenkään totuutta siitä Seppo Rädyn muotoilemasta todellisuudesta, jonka mukaan "Saksa on paska maa". Jos näin on, tullee Venäjä kilvassa aitona kakkosena. Islanti voi saada pronssia, jos oikein yrittää. Näyttö ei vielä riitä, onhan jokaisella islantilaisella velkaa pankkikriisin johdosta vasta hieman vajaat 200 000 euroa. Suomi jääneet räpiköimään hilkulle.

People need to take notice - Obama is a COMMUNIST, he is a REVOLUTIONARY who is committed to the overthrow of our Government to turn the US into the USSA (United SOVIET States of America)!  This is not about being "anti-war", it is not about "Rights", it is about REVOLUTION - and it is NOT peaceful, and their plans will DESTROY our Country, our Constitution, and everything that makes this country the great nation it really is.

This is the last bastion of true Freedom in the WORLD - do not let the Communists take over.  This is not an exaggeration.  Do the research, and follow the trails - they even lead directly to HAVANA (Fidel Castro's Communist Cuba), Huge Chavez in Venezuela (he now OWNS via his COMMUNIST takeover a Voting Machine Company that has supplied machines for OUR ELECTION in November), and directly back to MOSCOW (where PUTIN is not even putting up a front anymore - he was quoted as speaking to a COMMUNIST PARTY meeting 2 days ago!  He said he thought they should, "put back together OUR UNION" meaning the SOVIET UNION!).

Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, there is still time to stop this.  Remember - it's not paranoia if they really are out to get you and this isn't some type of "fear-mongering" effort.  The fear is REAL, the threat is REAL - Obama is NOT our FRIEND!

LEARN THE TRUTH ABOUT OBAMA & HIS COMMUNIST FRIENDS:

WEATHER UNDERGROUND DOCUMENTARY ON GOOGLE

Truly, the policies of the past are very unlikely to undergo any significant change, faced with the unyielding stubbornness of a political leadership that is entangled in its own self-imposed resentments. And especially, when the entire nation is faced with a health epidemic that threatens to sweep young and old alike, and with Moscow appearing oblivious to the seriousness of what is before them, Putin is unmistakably barking up the wrong tree. One can only hope that before it is too late, he will awaken to the plight of his own countrymen, and cease the foolish ‘bully’ tactics that will only exacerbate his own discontent and harm his people!

On Sunday, the Russian military conducted the launch of three long range Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), two of which were launched from submarines. One of these traveled 7,145 miles (a new distance record according to the Russians) and landed in the mid-Pacific region, near the equator - the first time the Russians have ever launched a missile to that location.  The news of the near simultaneous launch of three nuclear-capable ICBMs was reported by the French News Agency, Agence France-Presse (AFP), and contained quotations by Russian Defense analyst Pavel Felgenhauer, a columnist for the opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta.  Felgenhauer wrote that "This was a dry run for a war with the United States."

Wait a minute!  I thought that George Bush had looked into the eyes of Vladimir Putin and saw that they were on the same wavelength. What ever happened to detente? Could it be that Vladimir Putin looked into George Bush's eyes and didn't like what he saw?  Is this why Russia is now overtly forming a military relationship with Venezuela? Is this why two Russian Tupolev-162 strategic bombers, each of which can carry 12 cruise missiles armed with 200 megaton nuclear warheads, carried out exercises with Venezuela last month? What is going on, and why has our news media decided to give these events essentially no coverage?

According to the AFP, Russia, and Vladimir Putin, are alarmed about the U.S. plan to place our most sophisticated missile tracking radar and interceptor missiles on the border with Russia while claiming that they are  really there to protect against an attack on the U.S. from Iran (which has absolutely no ICBM capability).  Putin is also, no doubt, aware of the Bush Doctrine (the one that Sarah Palin is clueless about) that states that the U.S. reserves the right to make a preemptive strike against a country if we think we are in imminent danger.  Not only did Bush define this doctrine; he used it to attack Iraq - half a world away from the U.S. Imagine the worry in the U.S. if Russia had created a similar doctrine and used it to justify an attack on Canada or Brazil. Would we be a little concerned?

Vladimir Putin seems to be afraid - very afraid, and from the way the U.S. is behaving under George Bush, he probably should be.  George Bush showed that he has no regard for the United Nations or international law when he attacked Iraq.  George Bush launched a massive, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Iraq and now he is placing a very advanced missile tracking radar and ICBM interceptor missiles on Russia's doorstep. He has declared that he has the right to preemptive strike and abandoned the long standing policy that kept the peace for many years between the USA and the USSR. It was called Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), and while there were tensions between the countries, MAD worked because neither country endorsed the principle of preemptive strike.  Until now.

The recent ICBM tests by Russia clearly show that our relationship with Russia has deteriorated to a new and very dangerous level, a level seemingly beyond the comprehension of George Bush and beyond the interest of our news media.  I realize that our presidential election process generates news every day and the world economic meltdown (directly attributable to the now thoroughly-discredited, Republican theory of trickle-down economics) is on everyone's mind.  However, doesn't it seem that someone should be paying a little more attention to Putin's growing anxiety?

If you look into his eyes, he looks pretty serious.

That post triggered a happy reaction in the mind of my old friend, Michael Kosowsky, who, among many other attributes, possesses a quality common in his adopted home state of Maine, in that he likes to build cool stuff himself.

In this case, Michael is the author and mastermind behind HeyWhatsThat.com -- a lovely software tool/website, now usable within Google Earth as well.  The idea for the site came to him whilst hiking near his home in the Camden area.  He was looking across at some hills, and, looking at one peak, wondered to himself, "hey -- what's that?"

The result is a website and set of tools that now allow the user to figure out what they can see from any point in the US (and in beta form for the rest of the world), to study paths through geography, maplets that model contours and implications of sea level rise, among other functions and so on.  Details here.

So, when I did a rough search through web resources to find out just what points in Alaska had Russia in their sights, Michael decided to take my simple-minded survey and turn it rigorous.  The result is this new tool, Hey What's That Alaska, which takes actual geographical data and performs the calculations needed to determine from whence you can see what.

His results?  I got it a bit wrong.  There are a couple of places on the mainland of Alaska from which it is possible to glimpse Putin's place -- they are mountaintops in the back of the beyond, but they are, I guess, slightly more accessible than Little Diomede (though probably not St. Lawrence Island, which does have some kind of air service from Nome, meaning the amount of back country hiking needed to peer across the fog at some dim grey rock-bound shoreline would be slightly more under control).

So when Governor Palin returns home to continue her lonely watch, constantly vigilant against the looming threat from across the Bering Strait -- she has a couple more places on which she also can serve, standing and waiting through the night.  Or something.

But check out Hey What's That.  It's a truly wonderful time sink, and an increasingly useful, multiplatform tool, put together by one of the true good guys.

Also -- for those of you who like such things, below the jump you'll find Michael's technical explanation for what his Alaska/Russia applet is doing:

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Putting the Alaska-Russia visbility analysis together
required two things.  First, data.  I've been relying solely
on SRTM elevation data, which runs from latitude 54S to 60N
and doesn't quite get us as far north as Anchorage.  So I
grabbed all I could of Alaska from the USGS National
Elevation Dataset via the Seamless Data Server.  And please note that I haven't
yet fully integrated that data, so while you can accurately
run the mountain peak/visibility computations for Alaska,
the contours and profiles for that state will still be based
on much lower (SRTM 30" derived from GTOPO30) resolution
data for the time being.

Second, to actually try every high point in Alaska to see if
Russia is visible would take a long time at two minutes per
computation.  So I've implemented a quick and dirty way to
estimate where two regions can see each other: divide Russia
and Alaska into rectangles, look pairwise between the
highpoints of all those rectangles, and ignoring any
intervening terrain, determine if they can they see each
other.  This will generate lots of false positives, e.g.
this analysis would tell you that Vermont is quite visible
from Maine because it doesn't take into account the
intervening White Mountains.  But it does set an outer limit
-- the purple line on the above-referenced site -- and in
this case generated a small set of candidates I could then
look at more closely with the longer computation.

This could be applied to any pair of regions; this graphic

for example, shows the parts of Georgia (red) and Alabama
(crimson) that might be able to see each other. Again, we're
not taking into account any intervening terrain, so you'd
have to check individual locations by computing panoramas
under the "New Panorama" tab at www.heywhatsthat.com.

I haven't put a web interface on this -- i.e. let you draw
two arbitrary areas on the map, click, and see colored
regions representing mutually visible spots -- because I
can't think of any useful applications for it.  If you can,
please get in touch ...

Russia's Putin gets tiger cub for his birthday

Putin refused to say who gave him the cub for his 56th birthday, which was Tuesday.

He called Russian journalists to his country home late Thursday without telling them why. Past midnight, after asking them "not to make noise, make a clatter or squeal," Putin ushered the curious journalists into the room where the tiger cub was waiting.

Today's poem...

The Kitten and The Falling Leaves
by William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

See the kitten on the wall, sporting with the leaves that fall,
Withered leaves—one—two—and three, from the lofty elder-tree!
Through the calm and frosty air, of this morning bright and fair . . .
—But the kitten, how she starts; Crouches, stretches, paws, and darts!

First at one, and then its fellow, just as light and just as yellow;
There are many now—now one—now they stop and there are none;
What intenseness of desire, in her upward eye of fire!

With a tiger-leap half way, now she meets the coming prey,
Lets it go as fast, and then, has it in her power again:
Now she works with three or four, like an Indian Conjuror;
Quick as he in feats of art, far beyond in joy of heart.

Por: Sorcha Faal y sus suscriptores Occidentales

El Primer Ministro Putin ha comenzado a doblar las campanas en toque de muerte para los Estados Unidos mientras la nación líder del Occidente, continúa su desplome hacia el abismo como lo podemos leer:

"La confianza en los Estados Unidos como líder del mundo libre y de la economía libre y en Wall Street como centro de esa buena fe, se ha dañado, creo, para siempre" dijo Putin. "No habrá regreso a la situación de antes".

La espantosa evaluación que hace Putin de los Estados Unidos hace eco a las del Presidente Medvedev que a hecho un llamado a otros líderes Europeos para establecer de inmediato un Nuevo Orden Mundial que  "congele" a los Estadounidenses y los relegue a los lados de la historia como una Gran Potencia ya caída.

Hacia ese fin, los informes en el Kremlin el día de hoy están señalando que Putin ha ordenado la transferencia de enormes reservas de oro, platino y paladio de Rusia para proteger a los mercados Rusos que han caído más del 67 % en niveles no vistos desde el desplome de los mercados globales de 1929.

Este movimiento sin precedentes por parte de Rusia para proteger sus mercados del creciente colapso de los mercados mundiales parece, a primera vista, estar funcionando pues los mercados Rusos se han levantado a tales niveles que han tenido que ser cerrados por largos períodos de tiempo y llevando a Ovanes Oganisian, jefe delegado de investigación de acciones en Renaissance Capital a declarar que:

"Es muy probable que esto sea el comienzo del fin de la crisis que el fin mismo. Definitivamente se tomarán medidas para hacer al sector financiero másconfianza entre los jugadores del mercado y probablemente abriría la etapa final de la crisis". transparente y con mas información en activos malos. Esto restauraría la

Estas recientes acciones Rusas, no obstante, parecen no estarse trasladando, por lo menos no inmediatamente, a otros mercados mundiales pues las acciones Asiáticas siguen cayendo y se acercan a su peor semana en la historia con los valores Japoneses "atrapados por el miedo" que van adelante al perder otro 10 por ciento, las acciones Australianas caen a sus peores niveles desde el derrumbe de 1987, y los mercados de Londres se encaminan a seguir su caída y perder todavía un 6 por ciento más de su valor.

(OJO) Aunque lo más espantoso de estos reportes vienen de los analistas militares Rusos que continuan sus afirmaciones de que el derrumbe de los mercados globales es una 'acción deliberada' y pronto le seguirá el estallido de la Guerra Total, como ya lo hemos informando en nuestro reporte de octubre 8 titulado "Altos Generales Estadounidenses Buscan al Estado Mayor Ruso para Evitar la Guerra Mundial".

Estos temores son expresados a voces también en el Occidente pues más expertos están advirtiendo que Israel se está preparando para atacar a Irán, y estos informes indican que será el comienzo de la Guerra Total Mundial que pondrá en peligro a toda la humanidad.

Las facciones Estadounidenses que tratan de detener el colapso de su país al destruir a su sistema bancario de la Reserva Federal, que ellos afirman está controlada por las Casas Reales Británica y Europeas, han hecho otro impactante movimiento el día de hoy al retirar a la bárbara nación de Corea del Norte de su lista de los países que patrocinan el terrorismo.

La razón para este sorprendente movimiento por parte de los Estados Unidos hacia Corea del Norte, señalan estos informes, se debió al reinicio del Reino Ermitaño de sus instalaciones nucleares y ha haber lanzado una prohibición total a las inspecciones internacionales mientras que, al mismo tiempo, amenaza con entrar a hostilidades con Corea del Sur en un 'esfuerzo pagado' para 'embotellar' a las Fuerzas Navales estadounidenses en el Pacífico para evitar que se muevan hacia el Medio Oriente cuando esa región explote con los planeados ataques Israelíes sobre Irán, Siria, Líbano, Gaza, Jordania y Egipto.

Todavía peor para el mismo pueblo Estadounidense, dicen los informes de la Inteligencia Rusia, es que no solo están a punto de ver el derrumbe total de su país sino que pronto verán a su país "hecho pedazos" en un movimiento encabezado por la Gobernadora de Alaska, Sarah Palin que hace poco se trepó al escenario político Estadounidense como compañera en la Vice Presidencia del Partido Republicano de Bush.

No se le ha dicho al pueblo Estadounidense que la familia de la Gobernadora Palin tiene lazos con la Familia Real Británica y que el último Presidente Estadounidense estaba controlado por la Gran Bretaña, Franklin Roosevelt, el hombre que condujo a los Estados Unidos a través de la Gran Depresión en un proceso que destruyó su República al establecer una Democracia que al final llevó a la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

[Nota: "Estas dos formas de gobierno Democracia y República, no solo son disímiles sino anti éticos, reflejando el agudo contraste entre (a) La Mayoría Ilimitada, en una Democracia, que carece de toda salvaguarda legal de los derechos del Individuo y la Minoría y (b) La Mayoría Limitada, en una República bajo una Constitución por escrito salvaguardando los derechos del Individuo y la Minoría"]

La Gobernadora Palin es la más indicada entre todos los líderes políticos Estadounidenses para encabezar el resquebrajamiento de su país debido a sus lazos de mucho tiempo, y asociaciones, con los separatistas Estadounidenses que favorecen el completo rompimiento de todos los lazos con su gobierno Federal, y que el Fondo Investigativo del Instituto de la Nación en los Estados Unidos ha puesto en detalle e informado en el servicio noticioso del sitio Salon.com como lo podemos ver:

"En la tarde del 24 de septiembre en el centro de Palmer, Alaska, al comenzar a bajar el sol detrás de las montañas cubiertas de nieve que flanquean el pintoresco Valle Mat-Su, Mark Chryson de 51 años de edad, se sentó por una hora en la banca del parque, revelando historias de sus días como Presidente del Partido de Independencia de Alaska. El técnico de computadoras robusto y de pelo cano, se ponía nostálgico sobre las quijotescas batallas para eliminar impuestos, apoyar a la "familia tradicional" y separarse de los Estados Unidos.

Mientras Alaska continúe bajo la bota del gobierno federal, dijo Chryson, el AIP (Partido) tiene que estar en guardia para bloquear un Nuevo Orden Mundial. Él invitó al reportero de Salon a ver unas cuantas cosas dentro de su camioneta pick up que son para su protección personal. "Aquí está mi perro de ataque" dijo con una sonrisa, dándole al reportero un exuberante Papillon de 4 kilos desde el asiento del co-piloto. "Se llama Suzy". Luego sacó una pistola PM Makarov de 9 milímetros - en otros tiempos el arma standard de los policías Soviéticos- de su guantera. "Cuento con suficiente armamento para formar un pequeño ejército en mi sótano" dijo, tomando el arma en la palma de su mano. "Y al igual, muchos Alaskenses" Pero Chryson agregó un mensaje de confianza a los residentes de ese lejano lugar que algunos Alaskenses llaman "el 48". "Queremos ir por caminos separados" dijo "pero no vamos a matarlos a ustedes".

Aunque Chryson pertenece a un partido político marginal, uno que aboga por la separación de Alaska de la Unión y que se organiza con otros movimientos de ideas secesionistas del Canadá hasta el Sur Profundo, no está sin influencia peculiar en la política del Estado, especialmente el surgimiento de Sarah Palin. Una oscura figura fuera de Alaska, Chryson ha sido un baluarte político en el pueblo donde vive la nominada vice presidencial Republicana ya por más de una década. Durante los 1990's cuando Chryson dirigió al AIP, él y otro radical de extrema derecha, Steve Stoll, jugó un papel callado pero importante al elegir a Palin como Alcaldesa de Wasilla y formar su agenda política más adelante. Tanto Stoll como Chryson no sólo contribuyeron financieramente a la campaña de Palin, también jugaron importantes papeles tras bambalinas en el campo de Palin antes, durante y después de su victoria.

Palin apoyó a Chryson pues él hizo avanzar exitosamente un montón de iniciativas anti-impuestos y pro-armas, incluyendo una que alteraba el lenguaje de la constitución del estado para facilitar la formación de milicias anti-gobierno. Ella se unió a la vendetta de ellos contra varios funcionarios locales que no les caían bien y escuchó su consejo sobre el empleo. Ella intentó nombrar a Stoll, un activista de la Sociedad John Birch, conocido en el Valle Mat-Su como "Helicóptero Negro Steve" para colocarlo en una curul vacía en el Concejo de la ciudad de Wasilla. "Cada vez que yo llegaba su puerta estaba abierta" dijo Chryson. "Y esa política continuó cuando se convirtió en gobernadora".

Es mucho muy interesante notar que el actual candidato presidencial Republicano, John McCain ha jurado alianza a los Roosevelt y ha declarado que el Presidente Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevel es su 'héroe', que es recordado como el Presidente Estadounidense que dio inicio a la destrucción de los Estados Unidos hace casi exactamente 100 años al llegar al liderazgo Estadounidense después del asesinato del Presidente McKinley que era conocido como "César".

Como lo ha informado el Washington Post, la retórica fascista que están utilizando tanto la Gobernadora Palin y el Senador McCain durante sus campañas parece haber sido tomada renglón por renglón del manual Nazi Alemán sobre como incitar las manifestaciones políticas pues la rabia de estas Estadounidenses hacia los "terroristas foráneos" que buscan multitudesgobernarlos está llegando a un nivel febril y está madurando a esta insospechada gente para que siga el camino de esos líderes que buscan la destrucción de su país.

Sobre el gran significado, no obstante, para todos estos eventos uno no necesita ver más allá de la historia de los mismos Estados Unidos y cuyos líderes han fracasado al educar a sus ciudadanos sobre estas cosas por lo mismo llevándolos, sin que lo sospechen, hacia la máxima más segura de todas las épocas: "Aquellos que no conocen la historia están condenados a repetirla".

Translation to Spanish by: Sister Maru Barraza, Mazatlán, Mexico

But in the midst of all our American wants, and American worries, an old rival is carefully, systematically suiting up. Is anyone paying attention?

Russia conducts ballistic missile test

Russian Navy deploys ships to Venezuela

and then there's Iran..

Making friends,

...real good friends.

And then there's the economic component-

Relevant? Only if you're paying attention.

Here's why, in a nutshell.

Podívejte se, jak ovládá judo:

(Videosoubor má trochu horší formát, pokud se během přehrávání objeví "Replay", jen chvíli počkejte - bude to pokračovat.)

Hezké je to publikum v oblecích... ochranka nebo ministři? :-)

Recently while watching a major television news broadcast it was mentioned that Russia's stock market has fallen 25% since their invasion of Georgia.

UDATE! as of September 15, 2008 the Russian Stock market has fallen by 45%.

The 'Slavic' title cannot be challenged.

However the 'BROTHERs' portion can be highly controversial and contested.

I am a descendant of the Slovak (Slavic) and Lithuanian (Baltic) people.

During my life time I have discussed the subject of Russia and Russians with many, many people from nations that have been a victim of Russian aggression and atrocities. When speaking with these people about Russians as 'individuals' most will report favorable experiences and opinions. A few can find nothing good to say. When speaking about Russia as a Nation and former Steward of the Soviet Union there is seldom any kind word offered on their behalf.

I often ask myself "How can we seperate the individuals from the actions of the Nation that they form?"

Are they one and the same? Or simply a nation of people who's true character and identity is suppressed and misrepresented by their leaders? In modern times Russia's leaders are supposedly 'chosen' and confirmed by a Democratic Process. But how reliable and trust worthy are the practices they follow?

At first glance, one who is familiar with any of my comments posted to other blogs might incorrectly assume that I am hell bent on ushering in the total desruction of the Russian people.

This is not so. I have gone to great lenghts to establish relationships with them. More often with success than not. I know that there are many good people who call themselves Russians. And remain aware that there are probably just as many who would bring shame to their people.

Is it possible for the good people to take control of their government away from those who have severely tarnished and almost completely destroyed their standings amongst fellow Slavs and other Non-Slavic peoples as well as the greater world community?

How do Slavs from other nations view the Russian branch of the Slavic Peoples?

Are they our BROTHERS?

If not, then what will be neccessary in order for our greater Slavic Family to call them BROTHERS in the near future?

Like Stalin before him, Putin has chosen to use his accomplished team of manipulators to veil the true intentions of their selfish criminal enterprise. And is quickly leading the people of Russia towards a return to an oppressive and dangerous soviet style regime.

Many, who have been spurred on by a false sense of invincibility and the promise of continued economic growth and prosperity follow his lead blindly and without consideration for the rights of the people of surrounding nations as well as their own people.

Any attempts by those who wish to force fair practices and accountability upon the new ruling class are quickly disabled and silenced. Elections are a spectacle of smoke and mirrors. Only token fragments of true democracy are left on a plate for the masses to consume in order to draw their attention away from the lavish feast of power and enormous riches being enjoyed by Russian leaders.

Only political parties and figures which do not represent any threat to the ruling classes are allowed to remain, in order to give the appearance of the existence of democracy in Russia. Major threats within Russia and the 'Near Abroad' are often silenced or removed. Such is the dark hand of Russia.

Those who wake up to new found financial security or even fortune continue to sing songs of praise for him and all he has done for the Russian People. They have developed a ravenous hunger for any form of propaganda, misinformation or even blatant lies that will allow them to justify their support for such criminal behavior and to insure their new found comfort. Even if it is at the expense of their 'unappreciative' neighbors. Many are willing to send their sons off to war in support of their ill founded 'advancements'.

Others remain fearful and silent, as have their grandfathers and fathers and uncles during the time of Stalin. They prefer to live their lives in submissive fear rather than to risk their lives in an attempt to bring honor to those who were torn from their families, never again to be heard from.

it is only a matter of time before they will once again spend sleepless nights in anticipation of that 'knock at the door' in the middle of the night. Then only will they realize that their silence or compliance has brought horrible misfortune as they are torn away from their wives and children in the same manner as Stalin's victims. Who will guide your children in after you have been removed and silenced? The 'State' of course!

Others who bathe themselves in thoughts of glory and wealth will also come to realize that the wealth they enjoy is dependant upon the prosperity of the very nations they desire to dominate and intimidate. Most of Russia's new found wealth comes from sales of oil, gas and other less important commodities to such nations.

As Russians continue to press forward with illusions of a return to the days the 'Glory of the Empire' they will alienate the very nations that fuel their success.

Drink now from the 'well of fortune' and satisfy your unquenchable thirsts.

The well is soon to become dry.

Perhaps you will learn to turn your thoughts away from Putin the Pied Piper before he leads you to a return to misfortune and your inevitable demise.

They have often refered to the citizens of other Slavic nations as "Our Slavic Brothers'. The following article is an examination of the definitions of 'Brotherhood', the 'qualifications' or 'Brotherhood' as well as the 'Expectations' of 'Brothers' in relation to the treatment of each other!

The Merriam–Webster Dictionary has included in it’s definition of the word brother as;

“ one related to another by common ties or interests.”

And also;

“one of a type similar to another.”

As well as;

“one who shares with another a common national or racial origin.”

Some Russians as individuals may meet all of these definitions. There are many such Russia people who are indeed our Slavic Brothers. Yet history has taught us that there is also a very large portion of the Russian population who fall far below any reasonable resemblance of a brother.

Russia as a nation, both historical and by today’s standards fails miserably to meet the expectations of brotherhood.

Their only “tie” to other Slavic People is by virtue of ancient blood lines. And Russian ego prevents itself from recognizing that our people long ago separated into different branches and have since developed unique characters and identities.

This original “tie” remains relatively strong amidst most Slavic peoples and Nations to this day. Russia has done little to strengthen it’s “ties” to us. Russia has done much to sever it quite completely.

Russian “interests” also are most often in direct conflict with other Slavs which Russia has desired to subjugate for centuries on end.

The only significantly remaining “similarity” between Russia and the rest of our “Slavic Brothers” would therefore be the Slavic Languages which Russia would prefer to replace with it’s own Russian Language.

The only qualification for consideration would be “racial origin”.

Historically, Russia has played the “Slavic Brother” card only with selfish intentions. Perhaps there was a time when our people were more susceptible to believing that their intentions genuine. The truths about Russia’s intentions have been made clear in Poland, Ukraine, the former “Czechoslovak Republic” and elsewhere.

Perhaps Serbia is the only place where Russia can find those who would welcome them as brothers. Serbia is most likely draining ‘Mother’ Russia for as much milk as she is willing to offer in order to promote it’s own demented agenda. They deserve each other and together form a remarkable family. Though I suspect that none of the other Slavic Nations would react favorably to inviting them to even an informal “Family Reunion”

As we all know…”Mother” Russia is not likely to say “thank you” or even to leave when dusk approaches.

Now that the dictionary definition of “BROTHER” has been presented, I would like to present just a few of the universally accepted expectations between genuine brothers in regards to their behavior to one and each other…

BROTHERS are expected to come to the aide of each other and to have respect for each others individuality and aspirations.

Brothers DO NOT invade the other’s territories.

Brothers DO NOT seek to intimidate NOR subjugate the other.

Brothers DO NOT send the other’s family into exile or labor camps ore SLAUGHTER and STARVE the others on a MASSIVE scale.

Brothers DO NOT send their own people into the lands and even homes and farms and businesses of the ones they have removed in order to lend FALSE LEGITIMACY and to CLAIM such possessions for their own.

Brothers DO NOT threaten the other with WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION in order to deter them from forming bonds with others who share ACTUAL TIES and COMMON INTERESTS..

He has not provided specific information as to the identity of this American however my sources tell me that it could possibly belong  to a nine year old girl who is suspected of belonging  to the 'counter revolutionary' organization known as the 'Girl Scouts'. An obvious CIA operative who's work poses a very grave and serious threat to the Russian Empire and it's "HUMBLE' and "PEACE LOVING' citizens. Russia is considering a full scale invasion of the Baltic and Surrounding Slavic Nations to remove similar subversive organizations from within the boundaries of their coveted sphere of influence.

Additional sources tell me that a plastic bow and arrow were also found by his merry men. The rubber suction cup tip was removed and it is clear that an attempt was made to sharpen the end. This is more evidence that the Americans are training the Georgian people in the art of warfare and this will not be tollerated.

Russian secret police have also uncovered evidence that a six year old Polish boy was seen carrying a "SHIELD" which was cleaverly disguised as a metal waste can cover. The defensive object was made in America. Russian officials are infuriated by this obvious threat to Russia's plan to expand it's empire and impose 'Russian GOOD WILL' on it's neighbors. A nuclear response may be necessary.

A request has been made for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to offer his interpretation of such shocking evidence. He was not available for comment. Perhaps he was busy licking Putin's shoes.

The truth of the matter is that Russia is our enemy.

The 'Real' Russia (as opposed to Russia's often ridiculous self portrayals) is that of a nation people who are dominated by criminals, murderers and thieves. I state this without any exaggeration.

In my opinion, 'The' most accurate and informative source of information available can only be found at

''La RUSSOPHOBE"

I strongly recommend La Russophobe to ALL who seek the truth!

Mykolas

Here is an opportunity for the people of Slavic Nations and others to voice their support.

Some might question what good it will do given Russia's pursuit of injustice and the deaf ear that it turns to all of those who would disagree with their corrupt political machine. In view of this obvious climate I also entertain the same thoughts. However I choose not to remain silent and prefer that I be counted among those who oppose the actions of Russia's Leaders and their puppet court systems.

Please take the time to visit the following link and to give serious consideration to adding your name to the long list of people who are calling for the release of these two men!

<em><strong><a href="http://www.mbktrial.com/">Free Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev
</a></strong></em>

The author of an excellent blog called 'Lituanica' has done a good job of summing up just a few of Russia's more recent selfish acts of aggression and their timing with other major events.

Visit 'LITUANICA'

Georgian membership, he added, would be a destabilizing factor, both for the Western military alliance and for the volatile Caucasus region.

"The situation is not fair to Russia, it is humiliating for Russia. We are not going to tolerate this any longer," he added.

It never ceases to amaze me! Russia is only concerned about 'Fairness' as it pertains to Russia's selfish interests. Russia is an Nation of immature, even childish standards and practices, None the less provocative and deadly.

Poor Russia! ...