(2019-12-31). My Favorite Albums of 2019. counterpunch.org Another year with more unlistenable, corporate crap. Fortunately, there's still plenty of good music out there. Here are the albums that were on heavy rotation in my home this year. Purple Mountains, Purple Mountains, Drag City, 2019 David Berman's Purple Mountains is my favorite album of the year. Shortly after its release, Berman, who long More
(2019-12-31). Clean sweep: Ustiugov wins again as Russia take top three spots at Tour de Ski in Italy. rt.com 
Russia's Sergey Ustiugov continued his superb form as he won the 15km freestyle final at the Tour de Ski stage in Toblach, Italy, while teammates Ivan Yakimushkin and Alexander Bolshunov completed the podium. | Ustiugov finished the 15km course in 31 minutes 2.5 seconds, while Yakimushkin followed in second, 22.6 seconds behind, and Bolshunov rounded out an all-Russian top three, 29 seconds behind the winner. | For Ustuigov it continues his fine recent form, adding to his victory in the mass start in Switzerland earlier in December. | It's a special day for the Russian team in Toblach today! Sergey Ustiugov fi…
(2019-12-31). Hong Kong residents 'overwhelmingly' against independence from China — poll. rt.com 
Only 17 percent of Hong Kong residents are in favor of seeking independence from China and almost half blame the city government for civil unrest, rather than the government in Beijing, a new poll shows. | The Reuters survey conducted by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute shows that, while 59 percent of residents support the anti-government protest movement, they are still "overwhelmingly" against independence from China. | A solid majority of 57 percent said they wanted to see city leader Carrie Lam, who has been a major target of the demonstrators, step down. | The unrest was triggered by a now…
(2019-12-31). Best films and television of 2019 and the decade. wsws.org The difficulties and obstacles confronting the sensitive and thoughtful artist in our day should not be underestimated or regarded unsympathetically.
(2019-12-31). UN Researcher Hails ICC's Pursuit of War Crimes Probe in Palestine as 'Momentous Step' for Accountability. commondreams.org A United Nations human rights researcher on Tuesday hailed the International Criminal Court's recent decision to pursue a formal investigation of alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories occupied by Israel as a "momentous step forward in the quest for accountability." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gaza_11_0.jpg …
(2019-12-31). Community Allies Ready to Stand in Defense of Moms' House. indybay.org The Moms 4 Housing were in court on December 30, attempting to establish a human right to housing that supersedes a company's "right" to flip houses for profit at the community's expense. At the same time outside of the moms' house in West Oakland, organizers and allies strategized and practiced home defense tactics in preparation for a potential eviction by sheriff's deputies. Eviction will not be allowed to happen without civil disobedience arrests.
(2019-12-31). This F&$%ing Decade. thenation.com 
For years, media and political elites refused to acknowledge the growing racism and radicalism of the Republican party. Their "both-sidesism" led to Trump's GOP takeover.
(2019-12-31). Please Donate Before Midnight! therealnews.com 
On this final day of our 2019 fundraiser, please donate before midnight! Your donation is tax-deductible, and you'll help the Real News team continue to bring you uncompromising news and analysis. Thanks!
(2019-12-31). Diversity Film Series 'The Long Shadow'. indybay.org Ellen Driscoll Playhouse | 325 Highland Avenue, near Oakland Avenue | Piedmont, CA 94611…
(2019-12-31). As Honduras Collapses, Its People are Forced to Flee. counterpunch.org 
Honduras is collapsing. The thousands of migrants who flee every day are direct testimony to a political, economic and social crisis that the world ignores and the U. S. government seems bent on perpetuating. Instead of examining the crisis behind the exodus, the Trump administration has set an intercontinental human trapline that captures thousands of the world's poorest and most persecuted men, women and children, and then converts their suffering into campaign fodder. More
(2019-12-31). 5G Deployment and Wireless Radiation Safety: 2019 Year in Review. globalresearch.ca The three top wireless safety stories in 2019 were … | 1) widespread public opposition to the rollout of 5G; | 2) revision of national and international radio frequency radiation exposure limits, and | 3) cell phones that exceed the safety limits. | 5G …
(2019-12-31). Bernie Songs and Revolution-Making. zcomm.org "No revolutionary movement is complete without its poetical expression"
(2019-12-31). Did Pompeo Go Off Reservation in Iraq Attack? iranian.com I have to wonder who Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is actually loyal to. Because, the U.S. strike of Kata'ib Hizbullah forces near the Al Qaim border crossing with Syria in Iraq is a dangerous escalation there. And it's completely at odds with Trump's goals of wanting us out of the Middle East. The Al …
(2019-12-31). We Need (Cross) Stitches. thenation.com 
Winter wish.
(2019-12-31). Writers With Drinks featuring guest host Baruch Porras-Hernandez. indybay.org The Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St.
(2019-12-31). Afghan refugee living in Turkey, pursuing dream of becoming doctor. yenisafak.com An Afghan boy taken under state protection by Turkey dreams of becoming a doctor someday."Becoming a doctor is my lifelong dream. Turkey has become my second home by giving this chance to me," Ayed Mohamed Mousa said.Two years ago, the 17-year-old was detained by Turkish security forces as he attempted to cross the Turkish border to Europe.He was taken under state protection as he was a minor.Moussa recalled being born in a poor family that migrated to Iran from Afghanistan in the pursuit of a better life.Next, they wanted to cross to Turkey and onward to Europe.But things did not go as planned. Only Moussa was a…
(2019-12-31). Am I Dead Yet. indybay.org Reclaimed Room at Building REsources | 701 Amador Street | San Francisco, CA 94124…
(2019-12-31). Blair Imani: Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration & Black Dream. indybay.org St. Paul's Episcopal Church | 114 Montecito Avenue | Oakland, CA 94610…
(2019-12-31). 'They would even ruin Maradona and Pele!': Pogba agent Raiola slams Manchester United. rt.com 
Football agent Mino Raiola, who counts Paul Pogba among his clients, has issued a stunning rebuke of Manchester United claiming that the Old Trafford club isn't the right destination for a player to grow their career. | Raiola's statement comes amid rumors that World Cup winner Pogba is again angling for a move away from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team, with Real Madrid and former club Juventus understood to be among his suitors. | Also on rt.com | | Don't waste your money, Real Madrid — Paul Pogba isn't worth it | Stunningly Raiola, who…
(2019-12-31). Police in Hong Kong Brutalized by Rioters While Attacked by the Western Press. dissidentvoice.org 
It is much more than what you are allowed to see. The Hong Kong police force are heroically fighting both the rioters and a complex and extremely dangerous international network which is aiming at destabilizing the People's Republic of China. Uighur, Taiwan, USA, EU — united against socialism and China I never saw such cynicism …
(2019-12-31). Opposing Charter Schools Equals Defending the Common Good. dissidentvoice.org 
There is no shortage of convoluted and bizarre "arguments" for creating and multiplying privately-operated non-profit and for-profit charter schools. The rich and their conscious and anti-conscious allies in politics, the media, think tanks, higher education, and many other spheres have spent an astonishing amount of time, energy, and money promoting and imposing privately-operated non-profit and …
(2019-12-31). 'China's GDP to Reach $14.37 Trillion in 2019', President Xi. telesurenglish.net During the New Year speech delivered on Tuesday, China's President Xi Jinping reviewed the economic, social, political, and scientific achievements of his country and announced that over 10 million people were lifted out of poverty in 2019. | RELATED: | China, Russia, Iran Hold Drills at The 'Maritime Safety Belt' | "Thanks to our steady pursuit of high-qualit…
(2019-12-31). Rights group says 80 civilians killed in Kashmir in 2019. yenisafak.com A local human rights group has documented 69 killings in Kashmir since the revocation of the region's special status on Aug. 5.Challenging Indian government claims that no civilian death took place in Kashmir after August, a report compiled by Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) said that out of 69 killings 33 were civilians.The dead also included 20 militants and 16 security forces personnel."In October alone, 17 civilians were killed," said the report.The annual review of human rights situation released by the group in Srinagar, capital of Indian administered Kashmir on Tuesday has mentioned th…
(2019-12-31). How the US Made the So-Called 'Safe Third Countries' Unsafe. commondreams.org While the US arms industry is presumably feeling pretty secure right about now, it is safe to say many people in "safe third countries" are not. (Photo: Edgard Garrido/Reuters) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/clashes-honduras.jpg …
(2019-12-31). Israeli court dismisses attempts to block Netanyahu's reelection campaign over charges. rt.com 
Three Israeli High Court judges have rejected a petition attempting to bar PM Benjamin Netanyahu from seeking reelection due to the indictments hanging over him, arguing that the matter only becomes an issue if he wins. | There are no legal reasons Netanyahu cannot run for reelection, Supreme Court President Esther Hayut declared in Tuesday's court session, dismissing the petition filed in response to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's decision to indict the embattled PM last month. The panel agreed that it would be irrelevant and quite unprecedented to discuss the matter before the March 2 election results…
(2019-12-31). Israel/Palestine war crimes probe 'momentous step forward', says UN rights expert. news.un.org An independent UN human rights expert hailed on Tuesday, the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to consider a formal criminal investigation into allegations of war crimes in Palestine as a "momentous step forward in the quest for accountability" in the five-decade-long Israeli occupation.
(2019-12-31). India: Protests against anti-Muslim citizenship law in Kolkata. wsws.org "It's the BJP government and its brutal inhuman policy that has forced me to stand up and protest against it."
(2019-12-31). India plans to restore text messaging services in Kashmir — local govt. rt.com 
Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir will restore text messaging services in the disputed region on Wednesday, an official said. Local government spokesman Rohit Kansal said the decision was made after a review of the situation, AP reports. | India's government downgraded Kashmir's semi-autonomy and imposed a strict security and communications lockdown almost five months ago. | The spokesman said broadband internet services in government-run hospitals will also be restored. The curbs on broadband internet and mobile internet services for other users will remain. | Authorities fear that insurgents and separ…
(2019-12-31). Protest at Facebook Headquarters. indybay.org Facebook HQ | 1601 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, California 94025…
(2019-12-31). #MeToo Made Me Reconsider My Wartime Affair. thenation.com #MeToo Made Me Reconsider My Wartime Affair…
(2019-12-31). Dirty Air and Water Is Killing Us. commondreams.org One of the top countries for pollution-related death is among the richest: the United States ranks number seven, with some 197,000 deaths due to pollution. (Photo: ribarnica/Flickr/cc) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/pollution_2.jpg …
(2019-12-31). The Mystical Magical Harmonic Music Collection. indybay.org This may appear to look like a blood soaked guitar, but it is a handmade guitar built by Oakland's famed Master Luthier Ervin Somogyi with inlay that makes it look like it is splattered with red paint!
(2019-12-31). Bolivia a military coup. Coup leader Fernando Camacho boasting. indybay.org It was a military coup. Coup leader Fernando Camacho boasting about how his father coordinated with military so they wouldn't be mobilised against the anti-Evo protests before the coup.
(2019-12-31). In Trump World, Fiction Is Just as Strange as Truth. commondreams.org There's no escape from the vortex of lies and transgressions.
(2019-12-31). CHILLING VIDEO captures snow-covered passengers traveling on Russian bus with broken vent window. rt.com 
Muscovites have been complaining about a lack of snow this winter, but people in other regions of Russia have experienced no such shortage. Commuters in Norilsk even got caught in a blizzard while traveling inside a bus. | 'Rainy Taxi' is a famous work by Salvador Dali, which comprises an actual car, equipped with a system of pipes that create rainfall inside the vehicle. In a case of life imitating art, a passenger vehicle in the city of Norilsk, inside the Arctic Circle, could similarly be described as 'Snowy Bus.' | It may sound funny to some, but surely not to the passengers of one local bus. Bizarre foota…
(2019-12-31). Mothers' sit-in against YPG/PKK marks four months in Turkey. yenisafak.com Dozens of mothers in Turkey's southeast have been continuing to stage sit-in protest for around four months against the terrorist group YPG/PKK, who they say kidnapped their children.The protest started on Sept. 3 outside the offices of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), a party accused by the government of having links to the terrorist YPG/PKK, in Diyarbakir when Fevziye Cetinkaya, Remziye Akkoyun, and Aysegul Bicer said their children had been forcibly recruited by PKK terrorists.Since then, the number of protesting mothers has been growing, as they demand the return of their children, who, they say, were dec…
(2019-12-31). India's Democracy is Facing an Existential Threat. zcomm.org Peaceful protests have been taking place across the country. Every public event seems to be transformed into a demonstration against not only these laws, but the government itself…
(2019-12-31). Chinese-built Teslas just 'a publicity stunt,' auto industry expert tells RT's Boom Bust. rt.com 
Tesla's stock tanked nearly five percent this week on concerns the company will miss its sales target in the fourth quarter. Stock fell despite the electric car-maker's rolling out its first Chinese-made Model 3 vehicles. | Tesla just wanted to say that it has delivered cars in 2019, according to auto industry expert Lauren Fix. | "That's more of a publicity stunt than anything else," she told Boom Bust, adding that any company needs sales because "if there are no sales then you're just producing product that just sits." | The automotive expert notes "That's what happened in the US with a lot of vehicles si…
(2019-12-31). The State of USS Titanic. globalresearch.ca This writer is a manufacturer's rep for various products, one of which is selling sanding belts to Mom and Pop cabinetmakers nationwide. I do most of my sales via the phone, the 'old fashioned way'. | Yesterday I was speaking to …
(2019-12-31). Israeli gunfire martyrs 149 Palestinians in 2019. yenisafak.com Israeli forces martyred 149 Palestinians during the year 2019 in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian group said Tuesday.The National Gathering of Palestinian Martyrs' Families said the martyrs include 33 children and 12 women.According to the group, the Israeli authorities continue detaining the bodies of 306 martyrs including 15 from this year.
(2019-12-31). Video: Syrian Army Prepares for Operation in Aleppo, Turkish Proxies Move to Libya. globalresearch.ca The Syrian Army is preparing for a ground operation against radical militants in western Aleppo, sources close to the Damascus government claim. According to reports, the Syrian military was preparing for this operation during the past two months. | The operation …
(2019-12-31). Group Discussion: 2019-2020: The Year in Review and Preview‚Ä®. indybay.org NPML | 6501 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | (just North of Alcatraz Ave.)…
(2019-12-31). Fighting with pens in Rojava's "war of education" zcomm.org Rojava's revolutionary education system is built around a homegrown curriculum promoting gender equality, ecology and social and cultural inclusivity.
(2019-12-31). Greta Thunberg offers advice to young people, dismisses climate-denying politicians in BBC radio program. nationofchange.org "Be an active democratic citizen…because democracy is not only on election day, it's happening all the time."
(2019-12-31). US Uses False Flag Op to Legitimize Bombing Iraq, Syria. globalresearch.ca In warfare, the False Flag is a ruse, used to legitimize the abandonment of military rules of engagement. Its name derives from ancient cheaters in nautical warfare. The Nazi Reichstag fire and the US Gulf of Tonkin are two infamous …
(2019-12-31). 5G Wireless Technology Is War against Humanity. globalresearch.ca This phoney war is also silent, but this time shots are being fired — in the form of laser-like beams of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from banks of thousands of tiny antennas[1] — and almost no one in the firing line knows that they are being silently, seriously and irreparably injured.
(2019-12-31). Hexavalent chromium contamination likely leaking onto Detroit-area freeway since 2016. wsws.org As more details emerge about the oozing of the known carcinogen from the basement of a small metal plating company over the Christmas holiday, it is becoming clear that government environmental agencies are also directly responsible.
(2019-12-31). Assange Said, "I'm slowly dying here" dissidentvoice.org WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange claims he's 'slowly dying' in a UK jail and is often tranquilized and kept in solitary confinement 23 hours a day. He made the disturbing revelations in a phone call to his friend Vaughan Smith on Christmas Eve. | Read more: on.rt.com/a85u
(2019-12-31). Colombia arrests released ELN leader who rebels say was mediating with government. colombiareports.com Police in Cali said Monday that they have arrested a leader Colombia'last-standing guerrilla group, the ELN, who was released from prison in 2017 to negotiate peace. In a press release,…
(2019-12-31). FIRST PERSON: 'You can't get paid for staring out of the window' – How I proved my teacher wrong. news.un.org The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called "Dignity at Work: The American Experience" to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.