Saturday, November 13, 2021

Iraq: No final vote, protests continue

We'll start with this Tweet:

Vehicles loaded with concrete castings for the purpose of closing the entire interior of the green zone in Baghdad. Iran backed political groups who lost the election and posted threats to US embassy are protesting against American interference in Iraq election.


MEMO notes:


Hundreds of Iraqi demonstrators protesting the results of the parliamentary elections have closed one of the three gates of the Green Zone in Baghdad, following failed attempts to storm the heavily-guarded area, Anadolu Agency reported on Friday.

Iraqi security forces ramped up reinforcements at the gate near the Ministry of Planning as a precautionary measure.

The demonstrators erected tents following their attempt to burst into the Green Zone, which includes government and ministries' headquarters, as well as foreign missions and officials' residences.

The protesters claim that the results of the 10 October elections were inaccurate and are calling for a manual count of the results.


The vote took place October 10th and there's still no final result.  Over a month ago.  Were there irregularities?  Possibly.  Was there disenfranchisement?  Absolutely.  A week before the elections, it was announced that many militia members would not be allowed to vote in the early elections the Friday before.  Which meant?  They wouldn't be allowed to vote.  The militias had been folded into the Iraqi security forces.  Iraqi security forces were deployed around Iraq to protect polling stations.  That's why security forces were voting early, they wouldn't be able to vote on election day.  As prime minister and commander of the security forces, Mustafa al-Kahdimi should have protested immediately but instead, he didn't even speak out.  Why?  He knew they weren't going to support him.  He knew they weren't going to vote for him so he ignored his responsibilities as commander-in-chief and did and said nothing.  Pathetic.


PRESS TV notes:


A top Iraqi lawmaker says he’s confident that last month’s parliamentary elections were rigged, stressing that the possibility of interference by the Israeli regime cannot be ruled out.

There is “certainty” that electoral fraud occurred, , the head of the Fatah (Conquest) Alliance in Iraq’s Parliament, said on Saturday, the Iraqi al-Ayyam website reported

Ameri said he believes voter fraud and irregularities took place via a cyber attack involving Israel.

“The election fraud was carried out via the cyberspace and its goal was to infiltrate Iraq ... and we do not rule out interference by the Zionist entity,” he stated.

Some 3,600 electronic ballot machines stopped working during the elections and failed to send in results, he added.


Ameri is Hadi al-Ameri




That's him when he was invited to the White House by then-president Barack Obama in 2011.


In 2019, he was said by many, including the White House, to have been behind an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad.  


He is a militia leader, the Badr Brigade.  ARAB WEEKLY notes:


Hashed supporters gathered on Friday near one of the entrances to the Green Zone chanting slogans against Kadhimi and “death to America,” correspondents said.

The faced off against security forces deployed to prevent them from storming the highly protected area, which is also home to the electoral commission, government offices and the US embassy.

Several dozen pro-Hashed protesters had set up camp at the same location last Friday after violent clashes with police that left one protester dead, according to a security source. One of the Hashed factions said two demonstrators were killed.


AL-AHAD TV Tweets:


Al-Amiri: The demonstrations are not targeting the winners in the election , but rather against the Commission for its failure to manage the electoral process. #Iraq
Image



And THE CRADLE notes:


The demonstrators are demanding a manual recount of votes, as they believe that the electronic system led to “fraud” and “manipulation”.

Different political factions have also protested the election results, in particular the Fatah Alliance led by Hadi al-Ameri, as well as Iraqi National Accord party, led by Ayad Allawi.



 Isaiah's THE WORLD TODAY JUST NUTS "That Moment Nancy Can't Live Down" went up last Sunday.  The following sites updated:





CBS Network - The Mary Tyler Moore Show -"The Last Show" - WBBM-TV (Complete Broadcast, 3/19/1977) 📺

 


Here's the original, first-run airing of The Mary Tyler Moore Show's series finale, aptly titled "The Last Show," as broadcast over WBBM Channel 2. The ending credit sequence of this was presented in a way that would not be reflected in the show's subsequent life in syndication. (see below for more detail on that) Includes: "Silver Rotating in Space" WBBM Channel 2 animated station ID (voiceover by Jerry Harper) Show opening titles (brief; as shown on syndicated episodes originating from 1974-75 season) Commercials for: Aviance perfume by Prince Matchabelli (not Machiavelli) Amana refrigerators (with Barbara Hale and a young girl with a dog) Act I of episode Commercials for: Volkswagen Rabbit (a woman test drives car on racetrack) Nature Valley Granola Bars (in Honey 'n' Oats, Coconut and Cinammon flavors) - "Snack Goes Granola" Act II of episode (and the last one to turn off the lights . . . ) Promo for "The Wizard of Oz" for Sunday at 7pm (6pm Central) (voiceover by Alan Berns) "Mary Tyler Moore" bumper Commercials for: Improved Gravy Train dog food (with June Lockhart) - "A Big Improvement in Taste" Avon - "You Never Looked So Good" Ending segment and credits, the sequence as follows (and thus, no CBS staff announcer voiceover): Shot of studio audience assembled at the CBS Studio Center (where the series was filmed throughout its 7-year run), standing up and applauding, with unnamed voiceover introducing Mary "for the last time"; she comes out and, in a still shaky voice, introduces "the best cast ever" who, one by one, then join her on stage in the WJM newsroom set: Ed Asner (Lou Grant, who would carry on to an entirely different, i.e. dramatic, series that would run through 1982), Ted Knight (Ted Baxter), Gavin MacLeod (Murray Slaughter), Betty White (Sue Ann Nivens), Georgia Engel (Georgette Franklin Baxter), Valerie Harper (Rhoda Morgenstern Gerard; her own show would last one more season after this), and Cloris Leachman (Phyllis Lindstrom; her own spin-off series would also reach the end of its run after this season). [Not included in that final curtain call, but who are listed onscreen, are Vincent Gardenia (station manager Frank Coleman, who fired everyone but Ted) and Robbie Rist (David Baxter).] Followed by MTM Enterprises' cat Mimsie meowing on this show for the last time Promo slide for Loves Me, Loves Me Not (to come after Bing Crosby special) (voiceover by Pat Connell) Promo for "Bing!" (see aforementioned clip link for description and significance of this show) (ending voiceover with animated 'Fire and Sparks' CBS 'Eye-D' by Pat Connell) Commercial: The Northern Trust Bank - "Bring Your Future to Us" Animated "Fire and Sparks" WBBM-TV / CBS station ID (voiceover by Ed Roberts) This was followed by the "You're Having My Hartley" episode of The Bob Newhart Show (posted separately here: https://youtu.be/jmWVEdMAI0I), and likewise presented in a manner different from what it would eventually be represented in repeats and syndication. How? See the video description of that clip for more information. This aired on local Chicago TV on Saturday, March 19th 1977 during the 7:00pm to 7:30pm timeframe. About The Museum of Classic Chicago Television: The MCCTv (FuzzyMemoriesTV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose primary mission is the preservation and display of off-air, early home videotape recordings (70s to early 80s, mostly) recorded off of TV (in Chicago or other cities now too); things which would likely be lost if not sought out and preserved digitally. If you have any old 1970s videotapes recorded off of TV please email: tapes@fuzzy.tv Even though (mostly) short clips are displayed here, we preserve the entire broadcasts in our archives - the complete programs with breaks (or however much is present on the tape), for historical preservation. For information on how to help in our mission, to donate or lend tapes to be converted to DVD, please e-mail tapes@fuzzy.tv Thank you for your help!



Ex CIA analyst on hidden realities of Syria war and new novel 'Damascus Station'


Pushback with Aaron Maté Support Pushback at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aaronmate As a CIA analyst, David McCloskey covered Syria from 2008 to 2014. He draws on his experience for his new spy thriller, "Damascus Station," set during the early years of the Syrian war. David McCloskey joins Aaron Maté to discuss "Damascus Station"; the early years of the Syrian war; the role of foreign powers including the US; the US decision to support the insurgency despite knowing that Al Qaeda and other Salafi jihadist groups were its "primary engine"; allegations of chemical weapons attacks in Syria; and the direction of US policy in post-war Syria. Guest: David McCloskey. Former CIA analyst who covered Syria for six years, from 2008 to 2014. Wrote memos for the President’s Daily Brief (PDB), lived and worked in CIA field stations throughout the region, and briefed senior White House officials, members of Congress, and Arab royalty. His new book is "Damascus Station", a spy thriller set during the early years of the Syrian war. "Damascus Station", by David McCloskey https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881042 Transcript of this interview: https://thegrayzone.com/2021/11/09/fm... ||| The Grayzone ||| Find more reporting at https://thegrayzone.com Support our original journalism at Patreon: https://patreon.com/grayzone Facebook: https://facebook.com/thegrayzone Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegrayzonenews Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegrayzonenews Minds: https://minds.com/thegrayzone Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@thegrayzone


 

Diana Ross The Boss [Extended Remix]

 Diana Ross: The Boss [Exended Remix]

Remix by David Morales 1994





Home Tips for a Cozy Winter

 

 

Leisurely reads. Quirky tips. Meet your weekend BFF with the lowdown on the coolest art, culture, food, travel, TV shows, music and more.

Nov 13, 2021TODAY

Hosting is exciting. But if you’re like me, you’ve struggled to get back into the swing of things after hosting nothing for over a year. For the longest time, the notion of dinner parties has felt consigned to the pre-pandemic world. No longer. As people open their homes up to friends and family again, interior design is now a top pursuit of many an intrepid host. So what’s new, cool and intriguing this winter? Break out the chardonnay or IPAs and join us for a dive into must-have furniture ideas worth your cash, the rising designer stars to know and the trends to take home.

-Based on Reporting by Isabelle Lee and Liam Jamieson

MUST-HAVES

1 - A Hot Seat

For many, the bench in your entryway is the first piece of furniture that guests see. But you heard it here, folks — don’t discount the value of a bench as a hosting feature for outside. San Francisco inventor Aaron Jones has come up with a heated, outdoor bench to make hosting toasty even in the chilliest of climes. If you’re still not comfortable with indoor hang-outs, then that heated bench would certainly come in handy this winter as La Nina moves in.

2 - Foster Conversation

Let’s face it, learning to re-socialize isn’t going to be straightforward at first. What could make it easier is ensuring your home has lots of conversation starters. We’re talking about something as simple as having the seats in your living room face each other or having the seating serve as the room’s focal point. It could be as unique as a fancy fish tank, filled with lots of finned friends. It might also be smart to throw in a pinball machine or pool table to give yourself something to do when the conversation fades.

3 - Stay Hip with your Art

Wall art is another fantastic conversation starter and, of course, a way to look cultured in front of your friends. One of the surprising consumer trends of 2020 was that people were still buying art, whether it was physical paintings or non-fungible tokens (NTFs). British artist Damien Hirst’s latest work found a way to combine the two. His piece, The Currency, comprises 10,000 individual NFTs that correspond with 10,000 physical paintings. You buy the NFT, but you can trade it in for the physical painting if the online version is too Blade Runner for you. Has he cracked the code for the future of art sales?

4 - Simplicity is Best

Feeling lackluster after sitting behind your makeshift home office desk for 18 straight months? Then, according to visionary William Morris, your best first step is to go back to basics. Morris abhorred the Victorian-era opulence that prevailed in the U.K. during the 19th century and beyond, so he decorated his London home, known as Red House, in a style of quiet, handmade elegance. It’s a form that has influenced generations of designers since. His rule? “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” We have Morris to thank for functional interior design, not to mention spectacular textiles. In a world where even decluttering expert Marie Kondo is encouraging you to buy stuff you might not need, we could all use a little more Morris in our lives.

BLACK DESIGNERS SHAKING IT UP

1 - Malene Barnett

An accomplished designer and ceramic artist, New York-based Barnett’s groundbreaking projects including her most recent, Redemption, confront the complexities of social relevance and inequality. How? In part by featuring a series of layered clay sculptures inspired by Nigerian gele head wraps and patterns inspired by adire textiles. But being an artist wasn’t enough for her. Unsatisfied with the lack of representation of Black designers in the industry, Barnett created the Black Artist and Designers Guild (BADG) in 2018 to provide resources for Black creatives across the globe. When the pandemic hit, Barnett’s leadership of BADG became even more crucial as she helped her community apply for the Paycheck Protection Program and small-business loans.

2 - Tosin Oshinowo

Someone told this Nigerian entrepreneur she couldn’t do it. Luckily, she paid no attention. An award-winning architect and photographer who focuses on socially responsive approaches to her craft, Oshinowo started her own furniture line, Ilé-Ilà, in 2017. Meaning “House of Lines” in her native Yoruba language, Oshinowo designs distinct and minimalist chairs and table sets. Her colorful collections reflect a modern architectural style influenced by her Nigerian heritage.

3 - Corey Damen Jenkins

An icon of the LGBTQ+ community in the design world, the Detroit native has come a long way since losing his job at an auto manufacturer a decade ago. Jenkins has since risen through the ranks as an interior designer, debuting on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list this year. His first book, Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Roomswas released in March. Jenkins employs audacious wallpapers and prints, and shades of greens, reds and blues in a way that, despite their obvious boldness, manages to feel classic and timeless. “I would define my design philosophy as new maximalist: a bold, Continental mix of elegance and modernity,” he told AD.

4 - Boa

Growing up on the lush (and part nature preserve) of St. John, a U.S. Virgin Island in the Caribbean, she has a firsthand understanding of the importance of balance between humanity and the environment. This harmony inspires Boa’s work. A trailblazer in green furniture arrangements, Boa’s Oi Studio designs slick, modern furniture pieces that are built to last.

WATCH URSULA BURNS:

The First Black Female Fortune 500 CEO on America’s “Soul-Crushing” Race Problem

 

SMALL JOYS

1 - Micro-Projects

Gone are the days when big-name designers and whole-house collections dominated the interior design world. Thanks in part to social media, smaller-scale collaborations and projects are now flourishing. Designers today are focusing on single rooms and “micro-decorating ” select corners of homes. This is a key change, as the shift is providing a new platform for small-scale designers while placing equal emphasis on content and product. Take Boston-based interior designer Katie Rosenfeld. She collaborated with a local Massachusetts store called Bespoke of Winchester to design her home kitchen in exchange for promoting the shop on Instagram to her 28,000 followers. That’s a win all around.

2 - Etsy Boosts Small Business

It’s not only social media that is helping bring success to small businesses and designers. Online stores have further bolstered the rise of the small artist, none more so than the craft- and vintage-focused e-commerce site Etsy. The Brooklyn-headquartered company recorded an astonishing 132% year-over-year sales growth in the first quarter of 2021. Consumers have been able to shift away from the brand names and all-consuming corporations to search for hidden gems and niche craft products made by the small-scale creators the website promotes. Etsy has helped launch the careers of designers such as Ross and Carie Gauvin, a couple from Maine whose woodworking business grew 700% during the pandemic, thanks largely to the soaring popularity of their stunning floating shelves.

3 - Online Everything

Boston-based interior designer Catherine Daley tells OZY that using online design platforms became more “critical and popular than ever” when the pandemic hit last year. The rolling lockdowns and store closures have allowed her to reach and interact with clients not previously on her radar and who lived in far-flung countries and states. Tellingly, some platforms have even been established to address challenges presented by the pandemic, such as The Expert, a virtual design hub launched in April 2020 where interior designers can meet clients. Platforms such as this and Pinterest are making freelancing in the ever-expanding gig economy easier than ever. Daley says she has been able to take on more one-off consultations to boost her business, and all from the “comfort of my favorite chair.”

TANTALIZING TRENDS

1 - Mid-Century Modern

Once belittled for its excessive shag carpeting and gutsy creations such as the conversation pit, mid-century modern interior design is seeing a revival from millennials and Gen-Zers. Propped up by social media interest (#midcenturymodern has over 100 million views on TikTok), youths are falling in love with the style’s timeless furniture, large windows and open floor plans pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright and Paul Rudolph. So much so that many are thrifting and repurposing groovy vintage pieces in a sustainable bid to time travel back to the swinging ’60s.

2 - Japandi

Japanese and Scandinavian (Scandi) interior design flavors have much in common. Harmoniously blend them together and you get Japandi. The style beautifully fuses the pale sensibilities of Scandi design with the darker tones of Japanese design, resulting in a neutral look that is comfortable, minimalist and timeless. From sleek Japanese soaking tubs to warm Scandinavian light fixtures, this aesthetic is all the rage in interior design and could make your IKEA set jealous.

3 - Set Dressing

In some parts of the world COVID-19 might not be the threat it once was, but working from home looks like it’s here to stay. Regardless of your preferred aesthetic, the most observed part of your house right now may very well be the home office, so why not show off some of your style in the background of your Zoom meetings? Multifunctional rooms and furniture are key. Shiny clean windows, eclectic pieces of art and colorful dried flowers make for relaxed conversations as you review spreadsheets with your boss.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The cocktail party is probably America's greatest contribution to the world of entertaining.’’ - Martha Stewart

COMMUNITY CORNER

What's elevated your home design aesthetic? Share your thoughts, shoot us an email at ozycommunity@ozy.com!

 

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