The CIA's Former Deputy Director Speaks: The VICE News Interview

ski Tell Senate Democrats: Stand strong, stop Fast Track for TPP Petition to Senate Democrats: "The White House and Republican allies are using procedural gimmicks to try and jam through 'Fast Track trade authority' for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The Senate Democrats must stand strong against this corporate power grab and vote against Fast Track for job-killing, secret trade agreements such as the TPP." Add your name: Dear STJEPAN, Supporters of dangerous, job-killing trade treaties have regrouped after failing to pass a trade package last week. They’ve changed up their tactics and just passed a so called “clean” version of Fast Track for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in the House of Representatives. Now they are desperately trying to jam this bill through the Senate, where there could be votes as early as next week. If the Senate Democrats stand strong, and block fresh attempts by Senator Mitch McConnell to railroad through this “clean” version of Fast Track, we can once again stop the TPP. But, we need your help to pressure the Senate Democrats to step up in this fight now. Tell Senate Democrats: Stop Fast Track for the TPP. Click here to sign the petition. Our campaign to stop Fast Track is being watched around the world. Just days ago the Associated Press reported that Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb told local media that “TPP nations could be just one week's negotiation away from completing the agreement, but if fast track isn't resolved in the next two or three weeks, ‘I think we've got a real problem with the future of the TPP.’"1 The failure of the White House and the Republican leadership in Congress to jam Fast Track through Congress so far shows that the hundreds of thousands of CREDO members who spoke out against job-killing trade deals are making a big difference despite an all-out effort by Wall Street lobbyists, and the Chamber of Commerce. But, we cannot let up now because President Obama and his allies from the Republican leadership and corporate lobbyists have not given up. They are scrambling, and using gimmicky legislative procedure in a last ditch attempt to save this titanic corporate power grab. If we stop Fast Track this week, we will stop the TPP. Tell Senate Democrats: Stop Fast Track for the TPP. Click here to sign the petition. It's the job of Congress to fully vet trade deals and ensure they work for everyone, not just giant corporations. And it would be a deeply irresponsible abdication of responsibility for Congress to pass Fast Track when we know the TPP is coming down the pike, especially when we know the consequences of the TPP could be disastrous. That is why the overwhelming majority of House Democrats voted against the package of bills that would have advanced Fast Track Authority for the TPP. And dozens of House Republicans voted against Fast Track because it takes power away from Congress and gives it to President Obama. You have proven that even in an era where big money rules our political process, your voice still can make a difference. Click below to sign our petition: http://act.credoaction.com/sign/senate_stop_tpp/?t=7&akid=14762.8386330.OfrF5K Thank you for speaking out. Murshed Zaheed, Deputy Political Director CREDO Action from Working Assets Add your name: Matthew Pennington, "Analysis: Trade bill poses toughest test to credibility of Obama's Asia policy," AP, June 18, 2015              THE LATEST FROM   Christopher Closeup June 22, 2015   Christmas in June: Win DVD of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas”  by Tony Rossi Hallmark Movies and Mysteries and Martha Williamson were kind enough to donate DVD copies of their Christopher Award-winning movie “Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas” for our gift bags at the awards ceremony last month. We have a few DVDs left so I wanted to give our blog readers and fans of the show the opportunity [Read More...] Most Recent How the Murders in Charleston Reflect Two Ways of Looking at the World  by Tony Rossi (Photo of Rev. Clementa Pinckney from website of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.) The nine murders that took place at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charles, SC, on Wednesday shocked the country and the world. The fact that they occurred in a house of worship during an hour of prayer and Bible study just [Read More...] Faith, Redemption, and Survival Highlighted in Trailer for Upcoming Movie “Captive”  by Tony Rossi When I interviewed writer/producer Brian Bird a few months ago about his Hallmark Channel series “When Calls the Heart,” we also discussed his upcoming feature film “Captive.” Starring Kate Mara and David Oyelowo, it tells the true story of Ashley Smith, a young mother who was taken hostage by escaped murderer Brian Nichols in 2005 [Read More...] Helping People Live and Die with Dignity: A Look at the Film “The American Nurse”  by Tony Rossi Inside the Villa Loretto Nursing Home in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin, Sister Stephen Bloesl gathers the staff in the room of a dying woman whose daughter sits by her side. Everyone, from nurses and administrators to those who mow the lawn and deliver food, circle around her bed and begin singing the hymn “How Great Thou [Read More...] More from Christopher Closeup How an Angry Letter to a Priest Led to a Life-Changing Friendship and Job A Military Family Fights to End Stigma Around Mental Illness & PTSD After Their Son’s Suicide Real Hope Isn’t Happy Talk; It’s a Force Born Out of Suffering “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris with Love” Brings Romance, Comedy & Wisdom Staying Positive Around Negative People Three Viewing Suggestions in Case Pope Francis Wants to Start Watching TV Again VIDEO: The 2015 Christopher Awards ceremony now on Youtube A Memorial Day Prayer from The Christophers Sirius-XM’s The Catholic Channel (129) to Air Christopher Awards Ceremony on May 26 VIDEO: Father Jonathan Morris on Overcoming Envy Patheos Head to Head At Patheos Head to Head, our writers enter into timely debate, expressing opposing viewpoints about current controversial issues. This week, the Progressive Christian Channel's John Shore debates the Faith and Work Channel's Bill Peel. The question: Is evangelism in the workplace ever appropriate? Read both viewpoints here and watch this page for new debates: Patheos Head to Head. Now Featured in Patheos Store Patheos' online store offers a unique selection of books, videos, seminars, and unique products for a wide range of interests and beliefs. Here are just a few: More Catholic Blogs MARINE Wärtsilä's new 31 becomes the most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine in the world Already holding the Guinness Book of Records nod for the world's largest engine, Finnish engine manufacturer Wärtsilä has just claimed another record with the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine.  read more WEARABLE ELECTRONICS Torque ads tunable twist to headphone modularity Torque Audio's t402v headphones feature a proprietary bio-cell diaphragm and will come with supra-aural and circumaurul ear pads that can be tuned for bass response.  read more GAMES Sony follows the Xbox One's lead, announces PS4 with twice the storage Sony has announced a new version of its PlayStation 4 home console that offers twice the storage of the launch version of the system. The announcement comes just days after the E3 expo wrapped up in Los Angeles, where the company focused entirely on upcoming games.   read more DIGITAL CAMERAS Canon reveals the zoom-centric PowerShot G3 X The Canon PowerShot G3 X is a relatively compact camera with a massive zoom and a big sensor. The shooter combines a 24-600-mm equivalent lens with a 20-megapixel one-inch-type CMOS sensor to offer a balance of versatility and quality in a compact form. read more AUTOMOTIVE Samsung creates "transparent" truck Samsung has created a prototype camera and monitor system that allows drivers traveling behind large trucks to see the road ahead and be able to safely pass without having to risk swaying into oncoming traffic. read more ARCHITECTURE RIBA selects Britain's best new buildings The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed the winners of its 2015 National Awards. This year is marked by an increase in housing projects, which make up a quarter of the overall winners.  read more AUTOMOTIVE Mercedes GLC joins the premium SUV crowd Mercedes has taken the wraps off its new midsize soft roader. Joining the GLA and GLE in Mercedes’ rapidly expanding model range, the GLC is designed to tackle the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.  read more SCIENCE Owl-inspired material to reduce wind turbine noise Researchers have analyzed and mimicked the structure of owl wings to develop a prototype coating that they claim could significantly reduce the noise generated by wind turbines, computer fans and airplanes.  read more ENVIRONMENT Researchers say Earth is entering a sixth mass extinction event In 1982, Jack Sepkoski and David M. Raup published a paper identifying five mass extinction events throughout Earth's history. Now a team of researchers claims that we are now entering a sixth mass extinction event, which threatens our very existence.  read more SPACE ESA successfully tests 3D printed thruster The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully test fired a 3D printed platinum alloy thruster combustion chamber and nozzle. The world first test is further evidence that the 3D printing approach is a viable one for the aerospace industry.  read more ROBOTICS Robo-Mate exoskeleton aims to lighten the load for industry Until now, powered exoskeletons have been largely restricted to the laboratory, the military, and rehabilitation therapy. Recently in Stuttgart, the Robo-Mate project unveiled the first exoskeleton for industry that allows a worker to lift ten kilos as if it was one. read more SPACE NASA testing MRAP armored vehicles for launch pad evacuations To help protect astronauts and ground crews in a launch emergency, NASA is testing a 45,000-pound MRAP armored vehicle as an evacuation carrier for upcoming manned missions.  read more GOOD THINKING Scalevo wheelchair uses retractable tracks to climb stairs We've seen tracked wheelchairs before, that are able to take on steep or uneven terrain. For regular surfaces, however, wheels make more sense. That's why a group of students are creating the Scalevo electric wheelchair, which features wheels for cruising and tracks for climbing stairs.  read more DIGITAL CAMERAS DxO One lets your iPhone take DSLR-like photos Your DSLR may take great photos, but it's a hassle to carry around. Your smartphone is easy to carry, but its photos aren't as good. What do you do? Well, you'll soon have the option of using the DxO One.   read more WEARABLE ELECTRONICS Oculus Rift vs. Project Morpheus, StarVR and Gear VR: Post-E3 thoughts Traditional game consoles may still have the biggest presence at E3, but this year virtual reality was there in full force, showing that the future of gaming is becoming less distant by the day. After trying the biggest headsets on display at E3, we have a few thoughts on how things are stacking up.  read more URBAN TRANSPORT Moto Pogo enters the one-wheeled electric scooter marketplace The Moto Pogo is a new one-wheeled self-balancing scooter. It's slower than some (but cheaper), while a little pricier than others (but arguably better-looking).  read more SPACE New research on Saturn's polar cyclones could allow for a better understanding of distant exoplanets A team of scientists from MIT has put forward a theory that would explain the presence of enormous polar cyclones present on the gas giant Saturn. The research may lead to better characterization of the atmosphere of distant exoplanets.  read more GAMES E3 2015: Could peripherals define the current generation of console gaming? While we've come to expect a host of new and exciting games from E3, this year saw focus shift a little. The big, glossy new games were still there, but certain companies – Microsoft in particular – offered a second focus – one of augmenting the gaming experience with meaningful peripherals.   read more HEALTH AND WELLBEING Electrospun nanofibers may make for better delivery of healthfood supplements Scientists claim that coating health food ingredients such as vitamins and nutrients in nanofibers, created through a process called electrospinning, can serve to better protect them as they pass through the digestive system.  read more HOME ENTERTAINMENT BBC develops mind-controlled TV Mind-controlled prosthetics, drones and exoskeletons are all very forward-thinking, but what about a more mundane use for the technology? The BBC's "Mind Control TV" prototype hints at a future where couch potatoes need not even lift the remote. Users can open an app and select a program to watch.  read more AUTOMOTIVE Jaguar monitoring brainwaves to keep drivers focused Jaguar has turned to mind-reading tech to detect distracted or sleepy drivers, tracking brainwaves and then vibrating the steering wheel if their focus drifts off the task at hand.  read more ARCHITECTURE $2,500 home built for low-income Cambodians Building Trust international, Atelier COLE, and Habitat for Humanity Cambodia have collaborated on a project to create low-cost housing for low-income Cambodians. Framework House is a basic but safe home that is built primarily from bamboo and wood, and costs just US$2,500 to build.  read more GAMES New games, hardware and adding value: Which console "won" E3 2015? With big press events from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, it's all too easy to get lost in the tidal wave of announcements at E3. Read on as Gizmag assesses this year's E3 offerings, and provides musings on what the announcements might mean for the current and future landscape of console gaming.  read more AUTOMOTIVE World land speed record attempt Bloodhound SSC to begin test runs this year The team behind the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car (SSC) has announced that the first test run will take place in November. The test is part of the team's preparation for a new world land speed record attempt. The ultimate targeted speed is a spritely 1,000 mph (1,609 km/h).  read more SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR GIZMAG READERS Pay What You Want To Master Video Game Design Creativity, an eye for aesthetics, and a sense of humor — that is all you need to learn how to create games for others to enjoy. This bundle of over 115 hours of content gives you a head start on the art of game design, and you can pay whatever you want for it. read more The CIA's Former Deputy Director Speaks: The VICE News Interview (Trailer) Coming soon: Former Deputy Director of the CIA Michael Morell sat down with VICE News for a candid discussion about the Iraq war and the CIA's enhanced interrogation program. Rebel Soldiers Hold the Buffer Zone: Russian Roulette (Dispatch 109) VICE News follows the 8th Separate Mobile Brigade, a group of pro-Russia rebel soldiers, as they hold their positions at the buffer zones in Shyrokyne. During an intense exchange of fighting, one of their fighters does not make it back alive. North Korea Has Blocked Instagram Mystery surrounds the blacklisting of Instagram by North Korea, after warnings appeared on accounts notifying its users that they cannot access the website due to harmful content. New European Police Team Will Go After Islamic State on Social Media Officers in different European countries will work with social media companies to identify and block accounts linked to the Islamic State, and attempt to track down the key users. VICE News Capsule - Monday, June 22 Four Al-Shabaab militants are killed while attacking a Somali government building, poisoned alcohol kills at least 94 in Mumbai, migrants in Calais try to make their way to England, and Venezuela's jailed opposition members are on hunger strike.