Dear friends,
A boring but important post today about housekeeping issues along with a news update. First the housekeeping:
1) We are working on the new blog and we will display most of the logos/pictures you have sent me. These are the ones selected so far:
Can I ask each one of you who sent me these pictures to please email my webmasters at saker-webmaster@yandex.com and say which picture you sent and how you want to be identified (real names, alias, nickname, anonymous – whichever).
2) The next blogs to join our Community will be: Italian and Latin American (Spanish). Both are being worked on, so please be patient, but rest assured that “it is happening” – the teams have been organized, they have chosen a leader.
3) Complaints: at least two people have complained that I was not posting as many military updates about the Ukraine as before. Guys, this is due to the fact that right now there is a kind of an ugly-non-full-war taking place where the Ukies are shelling Donetsk up to 8 hours in a row, but with no real offensive and no other purpose than terror. I cannot make up events to keep things interesting, sorry. At least when the Net flooded with rumors of a Ukie attack I told you that this was not so. That is also what I get “paid for” – to say that nothing happens when nothing happens. But I assure you that my information sources are every bit as good before and that I am keeping a very close (hourly) eye on what is happening (or not happening).
4) Charge: “you are too busy”. Plea: “Guilty as charged, your honor”. Right now my schedule includes:
i) a full time job in meatspace
ii) a family (including 3 teenagers and health problems)
iii) 8 hours of sleep (in theory)
iv) writing for this blog and monitoring the Ukraine
v) working on the new blog (giving input to the team working on it)
vi) trying to get the ball rolling on the Italian and Latin American blogs
vii) trying to get several translations done
viii) preparing the podcast
ix) working on the upcoming book
x) replying to no less than 50 emails each day (out of over 200)
xi) writing for Russia-Insider (I try do to that once a week)
xii) deal with submissions to the blog
xiii) moderating (including the recent surge of nasty comments)
xiv) research on a topic which, I promise, will generate plenty of controversy
xv) assorted corresponence with good people I don’t want to offend by not replying
As for my thesis – I had to put in on hold until January.
Finally, I will be gone for 3 days (19-20-21) to celebrate my birthday with my wife (We need the time alone, together in nature and away from all of the i-xv above).
So yes, I am over-worked and over-stretched, but please remember that most of that is done on your behalf, to deliver to you want you appreciate in this blog, and to strengthen and grow our global community. And remember this: I love doing what I do, I love every second of it, I finally am doing what I wanted to do all my life: be free to do analysis and writing with no boss to censor me. So while I am outlining the reasons why I am over-stretched, I am not complaining. I am happier today than every before in my life :-)
5) Donations: new update here: besides the podcast which I shamelessly use as a reminder for donations, and the book which I am working on with some fantastic folks to help me out with, there will also be a few other things I will offfer soon to donor. But I must come back to the true deluge of donation which followed my appeal of October 21st: if before this appeal the donations had shrunk to a truly *tiny* trickle, after that they surged and in one month I got more donations than in the previous several months combined. The number of first-time donors, in particular, truly exploded and if most donations were modest, a few were not, and all of this combined really has helped me out in a tough situation. For that I want to thank you all!
The only drawback form that is that there are so many donors to list that I have decided to refrain from doing this in November as that would take up too much of my time. Of course, If you have any doubt or want to check whether I got your donation (electronically or by snail mail) just please email me and I will let you know. But since now I am really in a race for time and each minute counts, I will forgo the usual “list of initials” donation acknowledgement, okay?
6) Several of you have requested a transcript of the podcast. Okay – if any of you are court-reporters or stenographers or simply fast typist and if you are willing to help, please email me and let me know.
That’s it for today “housekeeping and news update”.
Kind regards to all,
The Saker
I will be gone for 3 days (19-20-21) to celebrate my birthday with my wife (We need the time alone, together in nature and away from all of the i-xv above).
Have a Great Time away:)
Oouch. This is very profound and will hurt immensely beyond what can be imagined..
Oh those sanctions – Mr. Cameron, be ever so careful what you wish: Just watch the long line of joiners to get on board and by pass the AZ’s financial system. Not too long before there is a BRIICS currency [BRIICS = Brazil Russia India Iran China South Africa]
Russia will launch own international inter-bank system as alternative to SWIFT bank transaction in spring 2015
RT
Russia intends to have its own international inter-bank system up and running by May 2015. The Central of Russia says it needs to speed up preparations for its version of SWIFT in case of possible ”challenges” from the West.
“Given the challenges, Bank of Russia is creating its own system for transmitting financial messaging… It’s time to hurry up, so in the next few months we will have certain work done. The entire project for transmitting financial messages will be completed in May 2015,” said Ramilya Kanafina, deputy head of the national payment system department at the Central Bank of Russia (CBR).
~ ~ ~
AM
“So yes, I am over-worked and over-stretched, but please remember that most of that is done on your behalf, to deliver to you want you appreciate in this blog, and to strengthen and grow our global community. And remember this: I love doing what I do, I love every second of it, I finally am doing what I wanted to do all my life: be free to do analysis and writing with no boss to censor me. So while I am outlining the reasons why I am over-stretched, I am not complaining. I am happier today than every before in my life“
Don’t worry. It shows! ;-)
All the best to you and your family. Have a great mini-break and many happy returns.
Upwards and outwards!
PS; so… Sag, or Capricorn?
-TL2Q
‘I will be gone for 3 days (19-20-21) to celebrate my birthday with my wife…’
hmm, plenty of time to send donations and presents then!
What would you like, that Chalet by the Ocean? the Kawasaki Ninja 1000?
if you don’t have a dream how you gonna have a dream come true…
Offensive for tomorrow?
Several times a Ukie offensive has been announced, but this time, the Ukies themselves have announced that the Russian were preparing a great offensive.
In the white phosphorus affair as well as in others, we have seen that such language could very well mean “we are preparing a great offensive”.
And it is likely to be for tomorrow, as for the white phosphorus.
Don’t you think so?
TR
May well be when putin is attending G20 and is supposed to be too embarased to come to Donbass rescue if ukies order assault on anglos instruction.
Czech president shocked the pro-Western public words about Putin and Khodorkovsky Pussy Riot
Forced to swallow the bitter pill of Western partners Czech President Milos Zeman. Speaking at the weekly ether Czech Radio, the president talked about the situation in the modern world politics by going to voice thoughts about Vladimir Putin, Khodorkovsky and even the infamous group Pussy Riot.
Czech president shocked the pro-Western public words about Putin and Khodorkovsky Pussy Riot
Milos Zeman several times in the course of ether used the profanity, commenting “political prisoners” Maidens of PR:
You know that means «pussy»? This … (obscene expression). And in the texts of this group: (obscene expression) and here (obscene expression) there.
Milos Zeman:
I’m not sure that some people in Russia who call themselves political prisoners, such are in fact. (…) Pussy Riot … More some Russian political prisoners … In my opinion, this is a pornographic group that is at least guilty of hooligan trick in the Orthodox Cathedral. Moreover, one of the participants engaged in sex in a public place in a high degree of pregnancy. They are ordinary hooligans associated with pornography.
In addition, Zeman said that he supports the policy of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the circumstances. During his speech, the president of the Czech Republic said they support and prosecution of Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
The President of the Czech Republic:
Mr Khodorkovsky in the 90s went to Russia with plastic bags stuffed with millions of rubles, and he got the property (…) I think that he is a thief. If I do not like something in the Putin regime is the fact that Khodorkovsky planted only and not the other oligarchs.
Full version performances Czech President is available at Radio Prague.
Among the representatives of the pro-Western audiences that statement Milos Zeman has caused a real shock.
I do not think it is a good idea to use the Ribbon of Saint George unless you plan to only cover just Russia and Slavic neighbours.
@Anonymous:What would you like, that Chalet by the Ocean? the Kawasaki Ninja 1000?
Nah, those I don’t need. But I device to deflect the hostility of ignorant people would be great :-)
Cheers and kind regards,
The Saker
Happy most likely Sagittarian B-day!. My grip about the news coverage is that the continually shelling and killing of people IS news and should never be accepted as commonplace in Donbass ( or Gaza or anywhere else for that matter). A war crime is a war crime is a war crime. And, yes Putzy Riot is at the least a group that did illegal trespass in a rude manner for a profane purpose. It was NOT a political but rather an anti social act and certainly NOT a feminist act. How anyone with a political consciousness or a functioning brain cell can support these folks is beyond me. It is anarchism gone mod/mad or a form of degenerate ultra leftism or ?…my list of pre 21st century categories fails me.
@”Mr Khodorkovsky in the 90s went to Russia with plastic bags stuffed with millions of rubles, and he got the property”
The Czech Republic was looted and impoverished that way by the West, too.
“Address by Václav Havel, President of the Czech Republic, before the Members of Parliament Prague, 9 December 1997
…
Did we really have to pay for the fast progress of our privatization, which certainly was a good and desirable thing, a price in the form of stolen billions, or rather of tens of billions? If it was inevitable let somebody clearly say it.
…
I am convinced that the more clearly and understandably this is explained, the more acceptance can be won among the people for temporary sacrifices that may still be required. In the present situation, marked by a strange, almost cryptic silence, it is quite likely that the next attack on their living standard, be it progressing liberalization of rents or of electricity tariffs, may bring a real social unrest, not just a would-be one, as has been mostly the case until now.”
http://www.vaclavhavel.cz/showtrans.php?cat=projevy&val=144_aj_projevy.html&typ=HTML
One comment made it, one did not. so a re-send
Mr. Saker. Have a great refresher, you are very deserving of the ultimate best.
Cheers
AM
= = = = = = =
Either The Vineyard of the Saker was read or it confirms the Saker’s previous UKie SITREP post depicting the same photo.
OSCE mission in Ukraine reports military convoy In Donetsk
The trucks were towing howitzers and multi-launch rocket systems. Unmarked military vehicles seen on a road near Donetsk Nov. 8
One comment made it, one did not. so a re-send
Mr. Saker. Have a great refresher, you are very deserving of the ultimate best.
Cheers
AM
= = = = = = =
Either The Vineyard of the Saker was read or it confirms the Saker’s previous UKie SITREP post depicting the same photo.
OSCE mission in Ukraine reports military convoy In Donetsk
The trucks were towing howitzers and multi-launch rocket systems. Unmarked military vehicles seen on a road near Donetsk Nov. 8
MSM; the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth [in a parallel universe]
“Ukraine rebels: a disunited front run by warlords.” – Brought to you by the ‘Ministry of Truthful Propaganda’
dreary situation in ol’ Blighty, which even now always manages to find a bottomless change jar for running wars & warmongering.
http://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/editors-blog/2014/nov/06/zero-hours-contracts-security-work-home
Zero-hours contracts: no security at work and no security at home
Landlords are abandoning people employed on zero-hours contracts. It’s an inevitability that ministers should have predicted
another key ‘socioeconomic’ trend change.
EU, even the ‘rich’ members, are BROKE!
ECJ–aren’t they supposed to be trying war criminals?
The European court of justice (ECJ) has ruled that Germany can refuse welfare benefits to EU migrants if they have never held a job in the country.
In a landmark ruling on “benefit tourism” that could set an EU-wide legal precedent, the Luxembourg court announced on Tuesday that “economically inactive” migrants from other EU nations can be refused German unemployment benefits under certain conditions.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/11/germany-deny-benefits-welfare-jobless-eu-migrants
Maybe you are a Scorpio, which is really the sign of the Eagle.
I will send a Saker falcon to you, with magical powers and ‘with golden feathers and eyes like crystal’ like the Russian Firebird, who will deflect all hostility and harm from you.
I never knew a better situation in which to say that everything is perfect. Saker, I’m so glad you’re happy. I suspect you have thousands of readers who never want anything more than what they find when they come here. I strive to be counted in their number.
I wish for you, that all readers of this blog will strive simply to be grateful for your blog, and desire nothing more beyond an enlarged understanding that comes from their own efforts.
Saker, hopefully, you and your wife will enjoy the time together.
Here is an example of how politicians of the only real opposition party in the German Parliament are treated.
Alexander S. Neu, representative of the party “DIE LINKE” in the Defense Committee, complained on the 5th November 2014 about how the Defense Committee deals with the rights of its members. First, there was a controversy when Mr. Neu said that the West is at least as involved in the escalation and intensification of the conflict in Ukraine as Russia. This led to tumultuous clashes and ended with the deposition of the scheduled briefing by the President of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) Dr. Schindler about the shooting down of the aircraft MH17 over the Ukraine. CDU and SPD representatives argued that it involves secrets, for which he was untrustworthy. This is a censorship, which intends to allow exclusively the Federal Government’s position on the Ukraine conflict in the public debate.
https://www.jungewelt.de/abgeschrieben/verschlusssache
In this way, the left party is handled by the Government coalition, although their politicians since the start of the Ukraine crisis mostly argue that both the West and Russia are to blame.
@Anonymous: Maybe you are a Scorpio, which is really the sign of the Eagle.
Scorpio + ascendant Scorpio really. Something like “Scorpio squared” I suppose :-)
LOL, cheers,
The Saker
Have a wonderful break, Saker.
Not to bring you down, but this is well said on Libya over at the Intercept; it truly breaks my heart this Armistice Day in the west.
Oh when shall we have an end to war?
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/11/11/happened-humanitarians-wanted-save-libyans-bombs-drones/
Saker: I am very glad to read this:
“And remember this: I love doing what I do, I love every second of it, I finally am doing what I wanted to do all my life: be free to do analysis and writing with no boss to censor me. So while I am outlining the reasons why I am over-stretched, I am not complaining. I am happier today than every before in my life :-)”
Just caught a glimpse of a new tv commercial with the ‘Most Interesting Man in the World,’ and he has what looks like a European Saker that takes flight while he is sitting at a table with his usual bottles of beer and two female companions. What a great synchronicity just as all these new Saker blogs are taking flight. Happy Birthday!
Dear Saker: Regarding transcribing your podcasts, there is software which could aid you in this effort.
A certain friend of mine sits down in front of his computer and rants about whatever is bothering him that day, then he hits a button and it arrives in my mailbox as a text message…I believe that it is called Siri.
So..you speak, and a microphone receives it and the program produces the speech as a written transcription.
contrast that nov 10 ECJ decision out of germany posted earlier with this–something is seriously out of step, & you have to wonder if all those people who for years have warned for years that the final sellout & collapse of the usa under barry is a completely planned agenda, now almost done, are correct?
http://freedomoutpost.com/2014/11/sheriffs-plan-massive-opposition-obamas-executive-amnesty-washington/
In light of Barack Obama’s defiance to institute amnesty to tens of millions of illegal aliens in America, following his public spanking on Tuesday, constitutional sheriffs from across America are planning a massive meeting in Washington to oppose his usurpation of power.
HI Saker ! Wow, what an astrological sign…I’ve never heard of that before…your wife must be a hero….but you’re double Scorpio is also heroic…to put it one way…
My brother is a Scorpio, but to have a Scorpio rising as well…sheesh…
Also, I can type really fast…so if you need some help I can try…
Ann
Well, not everybody is brainwashed in Croatia, Darijo Srna, a football player from Croatia is donating tangerines for children of Donbass.
http://shakhtar.com/en/news/33766
How would those be delivered?
russian humor about ukraine:
“Ukraine is the most educated country in the world! Its entire population speaks a “foreign language” and often better than the native one”.
http://novorossia.today/publications/world/politics/russian-jokes-help-germans-to-understand.html
@anonymous
hmm, plenty of time to send donations and presents then!
What would you like, that Chalet by the Ocean? the Kawasaki Ninja 1000?
I think he needs a set of golf clubs. Just make sure they have swimming pools :)
Damn Saker, don’t you remember what happened last time you took a break for your birthday? The whole situation in Ukraine began? Oh well, I guess what they say is true. When the Saker’s away, the AngloZionists will play!
Have a great time while away. We’ll try to keep those troublemakers under control while you’re gone.
An interesting analysis at http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article40188.htm.
go ahead, brave saker!
You are an important ally and anchor to us.
but do not overstretch your tasks.
These sanctions are like adding insult to injury. It was the Americans who helped drive the forces that were responsible for the putsch in Kiev – Svoboda abd Pravy Sektor heavies mainly. The CIA was involved in the ousting of Yanukovych and in organizing after the sniper attacks.
The Americans think they can go anywhere and push their “freedom” and “democracy” con in order to overthrow governments and create havoc. It has nothing to do with freedom and everything to do with their geopolitical power grab. When you look at their dysfunctional society it seems like the lunatic trying export the asylum.
It is outrageous that after their role in creating this crisis they are now making the Russian people suffer through sanctions.
Happy birthday Saker, good health lots of happiness and lots of patience with idiots online attacking you.
We are getting to the final stage of the fight and we need your knowledge, humble opinion and of course your good humor.
“… I love doing what I do, I love every second of it, I finally am doing what I wanted to do all my life: be free to do analysis and writing with no boss to censor me. So while I am outlining the reasons why I am over-stretched, I am not complaining. I am happier today than every before in my life :-)”
Your personality is what shapes this blog: very openminded, curious and refusing to be manipulated. And that is why you attract truth-seekers worldwide. Happy birthday and sincere regards to your wife who certainly needs a very large dose of understanding and patience :-)