The US is not working to create a “NATO for the Pacific” as a way to target China, the White House has claimed, after President Joe Biden declared a “new era” of security cooperation with South Korea and Japan.
Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at Camp David on Friday for the first summit of its kind, where the heads of state agreed on several new initiatives in the military, economic, and technological spheres. “This is the first summit I’ve hosted at Camp David, and I can think of no more fitting location to symbolize our new era of cooperation,” Biden said at a joint press conference, adding that Washington’s commitment to Seoul and Tokyo remains “ironclad.” The US president went on to state that the three allies would enhance their “trilateral defense collaboration” in the Indo-Pacific region, including with “annual multi-domain military exercises.” The drills would build on periodic wargames already staged in the area, which have triggered the ire of both Chinese and North Korean officials. During a separate media briefing earlier on Friday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked whether the three-way partnership would be “the beginning of some kind of mini-NATO for the Pacific,” but replied in the negative. “It’s explicitly not a NATO for the Pacific. We’ve said that. We will continue to underscore that and so will both Japan and Korea,” Sullivan said, adding that Friday’s summit was “not against anyone.” Though Biden also claimed the meeting was “not about China,” the president and his allied counterparts referred to the People’s Republic repeatedly in comments to reporters. During a one-on-one meeting with Kishida earlier in the day, Biden said the two leaders would work together to combat Beijing’s “dangerous behavior in the South China Sea,” and stressed the need for “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” Asked whether Tokyo’s stepped-up military ties with Washington might trigger an “economic cold war” with Beijing, Kishida said Japan would continue to cooperate with China on “common challenges” and “strongly request responsible conduct.” President Yoon also outlined what this new defense cooperation would entail, stating that the three allies would create a framework to respond to attacks on any of their countries, as well as sharing information about North Korean ballistic missile launches in “real time.” He also announced plans for “systematic training and drills” to be carried out on a regular basis.
0 Comments
Ibanez and Paul Gilbert go way back. It is one of the most essential brand-artist collaborations in the world of electric guitar, and that world has just gotten a little bigger with the release of two more built-for-speed signature guitars, the PGM50 and PGM1000T. These might look familiar as Ibanez and Paul Gilbert revert to the sharpened offset S-style RG body shape with the painted-on f-holes, but there are some surprises in store. Let's start with the limited edition PGM1000T. It arrives in a buttery yellow Aged Cream Burst finish and, in a first for the series, it has a neck-through build. Gilbert’s PGM models, including this new PGM50 in Black, have all been bolt-ons. His FRM300 having a set-neck. The PGM1000T’s three-piece maple neck thus extends right through the body and is flanked by two ash wings. It is equipped with a pair of DiMarzio Air Classics – Gilbert’s favourite DiMarzio humbucker – that are selected via a three-way blade switch that alongside a single black volume pot is discretely positioned on that ornamental f-hole. You could even say the Air Classics, voiced perfectly for creamy high-gain rock tones, match the finish. Gilbert has gone for a 16.9” radius ebony fingerboard with abalone dot inlays, 22 jumbo frets with J Custom edge treatment to make it feel even more smooth. His signature neck profile is whip-thin, measuring just 18.5mm at the first fret and 20.5mm at the 12th. This really is a high-performance electric. Elsewhere, the PGM1000T has a 25.5” scale, a Duracon nut, black hardware, Gotoh tuners and a Gotoh GTC101 hard-tail bridge and gold pickup coverings. The PGM50, meanwhile, follows a more familiar recipe with a bolt-on five-piece maple and walnut neck, an American basswood body, a rosewood fingerboard with white dot inlays, 22 medium frets and Premium fret edge treatment. The neck is listed on the Ibanez site has measuring 20mm at the 1st fret, 22mm at the 12th, with a fingerboard radius of 15.7”. Again we have a pair of DiMarzio Air Classics at the neck and bridge, with a DiMarzio PGM single-coil in the middle position, and a five-way switch to make this one versatile shred platform.
Complementing the black finish nicely, the no-fuss F106 hard-tail bridge and Gotoh MG-T locking tuners are finished in gold. The PGM1000T ships in a hardshell guitar case, price TBC, while the PGM50 ships in a gig-bag and has a street price of $1,399. For more details, head over to Ibanez. And for a face-melting demonstration of what these guitars can do when played through a dimed Marshall guitar amp, check out Paul Gilbert demoing them in the video at the top of the page.
Why? Because Kissinger was one of the key figures in the construction of the US-China diplomatic relationship which followed on from Richard Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to the country in 1972 and his meeting with Mao Zedong. This marked one of the biggest geopolitical shifts of the 20th century, leading to the opening up of China and its integration into the global economy. For this legacy, Beijing is extraordinarily grateful to Kissinger and treats him as an “old friend.” This of course, provides the backdrop as to precisely why he is visiting now, and what this means politically.
Kissinger’s legacy paved the way for an open, stable, and cooperative relationship between the US and China which lasted over 40 years, but that era is now gone. In fact, the mood among some in Washington is to try and dismantle this legacy, framing US engagement with China as a mistake which emboldened a hostile power. That is the message Mike Pompeo sought to convey in 2020 when he was secretary of state. Attempting to reset the US-China relationship into a new “epoch,” Pompeo gave a provocative speech at the Richard Nixon Presidential library in California titled ‘Communist China and the Free World’s Future’. Since the Trump administration, US-China ties have been going steadily downhill, as strategic competition in the fields of military, diplomacy, and technology have accelerated. The Biden presidency has arguably been more aggressive than its predecessor in some of the measures it has taken. It is little surprise that US politicians see engagement with China as a form of appeasement and politically unfavorable. Therefore, while officials talk of so-called ‘guardrails’ in dialogue with China, their strategic intentions do not change, and neither do they make any concessions in the diplomacy they pursue. Given this, China is courting Henry Kissinger for a critical reason. He is a living symbol of the relationship Beijing would like to have with Washington, and of what diplomatic ties ought to be like. His presence in Beijing is a political statement. China is displeased with the actions of the US, but ultimately continues to seek engagement, stability, cooperation and openness in its relationship, and nobody is a bigger representation of that than the man with whom it all began, who now believes the US and China must find a path to co-existence to avoid conflict. In doing so, Beijing calculates that it is a waste of time to try to engage with US politicians directly. The mudslinging and paranoia such attempts are met with is of such a scale that it is damaging for anyone, especially at the level of Congress. Instead, it has utilized a pragmatic strategy of targeting individuals that it believes can promote stability in the relationship, and inviting them on highly publicized visits. This has included businessmen and public figures such as Tim Cook, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates, who have all visited China in recent months. They are used to convey a message that China is open and still willing to do business, and that ties with the US do not have to be the way they currently are. In addition, these individuals act as back channels. They may not have direct political power, but through their networks and ties they wield influence, especially when it comes to lobbying. Kissinger is elderly, but he is a highly respected member of the foreign policy community. Despite the geopolitical competition with the US, China is above all cautious of rocking the boat. It is aware that the US political class cannot be swayed in its disposition, but Beijing seeks to contain and minimize its influence through diplomacy, as opposed to confrontation. Empowering Washington’s hawks is one of the worst strategic mistakes China can make. Thus, it is critical to Beijing’s objectives to slow down the ‘decoupling’ and prevent the US from gaining political capital to force other countries, in both Europe and Asia, to get on board with its agenda. Beijing does not see this as a sprint, but as a marathon. From its perspective, the use of Kissinger sends a message of hope and reconciliation, an idealistic perspective on how US-China ties should be. Of course, there is no turning back the clock, and stability might be all there is to hope for at this stage. In the realm of music, there are few figures as influential, innovative, and versatile as Nile Rodgers. A guitarist, composer, producer, and co-founder of the legendary disco band Chic, Nile Rodgers has left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. His prolific career spans decades and genres, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences around the world.
Born on September 19, 1952, in New York City, Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr. was exposed to music from an early age. Raised by his mother, who worked as a seamstress, Rodgers found solace in music during his formative years. His first foray into the world of music began with learning to play the guitar, which would become his lifelong passion and the cornerstone of his musical journey. Rodgers' breakthrough moment arrived in the mid-1970s when he co-founded Chic, a band that would soon become synonymous with the disco era. Chic's distinctive blend of funk, soul, and disco rhythms set them apart in an era marked by exuberant dance music. The band's debut single, "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)," released in 1977, was an instant hit and established Rodgers' prowess as a songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Chic's meteoric rise continued with their chart-topping hits like "Le Freak" and "Good Times." Nile Rodgers' guitar work, characterized by its rhythmic precision and infectious grooves, became a defining element of the band's sound. The crisp guitar riffs on tracks like "Le Freak" and "Everybody Dance" showcased his ability to craft instantly recognizable hooks that resonated with listeners. However, Nile Rodgers' impact extended beyond his work with Chic. He became an in-demand producer, collaborating with a diverse range of artists across genres. One of his most iconic collaborations was with David Bowie on the album "Let's Dance," released in 1983. The album's title track and "Modern Love" not only marked a departure from Bowie's previous sound but also highlighted Rodgers' ability to adapt his production style to suit different artists' visions. Rodgers' production work extended to other luminaries such as Madonna, Duran Duran, and Diana Ross, among others. His productions were marked by their polished sound, infectious grooves, and a knack for creating timeless hits. His work in the 1980s, often characterized by its fusion of pop, funk, and dance elements, left an indelible imprint on the music of the era. Nile Rodgers' influence is not confined to a particular time period. His ability to evolve with the changing musical landscape is a testament to his versatility and innovative spirit. In recent years, he has continued to collaborate with contemporary artists, infusing his signature style into their work. His collaboration with Daft Punk on the hit single "Get Lucky" reintroduced his music to a new generation, reminding the world of his enduring impact. Beyond his musical achievements, Nile Rodgers' journey has been one of resilience and triumph over adversity. He faced health challenges, including a battle with cancer, which he emerged from with renewed determination. His autobiography, "Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco, and Destiny," delves into his life's ups and downs, providing insights into the man behind the music. The writing and creation of the well known song "Get Lucky" involved collaboration between several talented musicians. Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, the members of Daft Punk, initiated the project with the intention of paying homage to the disco and funk music of the 1970s and 1980s. They wanted to capture the essence of those eras while infusing their signature electronic style. The duo began by creating the instrumental base of the track, which features Nile Rodgers' distinctive guitar playing. Nile Rodgers, a renowned musician, songwriter, and producer known for his work with the band Chic, contributed the iconic guitar riff that became a hallmark of "Get Lucky." His funky guitar work added a rich layer of groovy authenticity to the song. Pharrell Williams, a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer, was brought in to provide the vocals. Pharrell's smooth and soulful voice perfectly complemented the retro-inspired sound that Daft Punk was aiming for. The lyrics of the song center around themes of celebration, fun, and the joy of living in the moment, which further contributed to the song's infectious appeal. The collaborative effort resulted in a captivating and danceable track that blended electronic elements with live instrumentation. The production of "Get Lucky" emphasized a meticulous attention to detail, with Daft Punk's signature electronic manipulation combined with Nile Rodgers' guitar, Pharrell's vocals, and other subtle sonic layers. Upon its release, "Get Lucky" achieved widespread success, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. The song's retro and infectious vibe resonated with listeners across different generations, making it a staple at parties and dance floors. Its popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in various media, commercials, and live performances. "Get Lucky" not only solidified Daft Punk's status as electronic music pioneers but also demonstrated their ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres to create a fresh and accessible sound. The song's success reaffirmed the timeless appeal of disco and funk influences, and its impact continues to be felt in the music landscape even years after its release. In conclusion, Nile Rodgers' life and work represent a multifaceted tapestry of creativity, innovation, and influence. From his formative years in Chic, through his groundbreaking collaborations, to his enduring relevance in contemporary music, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. Nile Rodgers' guitar prowess, production genius, and ability to craft timeless hits have cemented his place as a true musical luminary. As his music continues to resonate with new generations, his legacy remains an inspiration for aspiring artists and a testament to the transformative power of music.
In an undated video shared on Sunday by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, President Vladimir Zelensky is seen signing a missile attached to a Su-24 jet. The projectile is marked as SCALP-EG with the French flag and a mix of the Ukrainian coat of arms with the Eiffel Tower inside. It remains unclear how many French missiles were delivered and when. Ukraine's Defense Ministry referred to the missiles by their British name Storm Shadow, and hinted that the Zelensky-signed projectile was used in a recent strike on two bridges connecting the Crimean Peninsula to Russia’s Kherson Region.
The British-French Storm Shadow / SCALP-EG is an air-launched cruise missile with a firing range of around 250 kilometers (155 miles). It was developed in the 1990s and used in a number of Western military operations, including the NATO intervention in Libya and a strike in Syria that the US, the UK and France conducted jointly in 2018. Kiev has repeatedly used the missiles to target civilian facilities, since receiving an unspecified number of Storm Shadows from the UK. According to Russian officials, they were fired at two civilian plants in the Russian city of Lugansk in May, injuring several people, including six children. On Saturday, Ukraine launched some 12 Storm Shadows / SCALP-EGs at bridges connecting Crimea to the Kherson Region. At least three missiles made it through Russian-air defenses, according to local authorities, damaging two bridges across the Strait of Chongar and the Tonkiy Strait. The attack also damaged a rural school and ruptured a local gas pipeline, leaving the nearby town of Genichesk without supply, according to the Kherson region’s acting governor, Vladimir Saldo. The damaged bridges have also hardly been used for military needs and are purely civilian infrastructure installations, he stressed. After 38 years, the Netherlands has another world champion on the road with Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutchman won on the 271 kilometer wet course between Edinburgh and Glasgow after a solo of 22 kilometers.
Joop Zoetemelk was the last Dutchman to become world champion in 1985. The 28-year-old Van der Poel crashed in rainy Scotland 16 kilometers from the finish, but the victory was not in danger. Van der Poel is the first man to become world champion on the road and in cyclocross. Wout van Aert was second and Tadej Pogacar third. The best Dutchman after Van der Poel was Dylan van Baarle. He finished in twelfth place. The ride had to be stopped after 80 kilometers because four climate activists were on the track and had glued themselves to the asphalt. The nine riders in the leading group and then the entire peloton had to get off their bikes. After a fifty-minute delay, the match continued. After the break, the course was set for the Glasgow circuits. Ten laps of 14.3 kilometers had to be completed. Each lap contained a whopping 39 turns. The 'Col de Montrose' also had to be conquered. The steep climb up Montrose Street. There was a strong race early on and at more than 100 kilometers the first big names had to release. Julian Alaphilippe (France), Kasper Asgreen (Denmark), Jasper Philipsen (Belgium) dropped out. Mathieu van der Poel placed an attack at about 90 kilometers, but he was unable to drive away. After a crash by Matteo Trentin, the Dutchman attacked again. This time he made a bigger gap with the peloton. However, Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, Tadej Pogacar and Alberto Bettiol, among others, were able to connect. Moments later, Remco Evenepoel also competed for the title. Together with his Belgian compatriots, he handed out pinpricks. In the end it was Bettiol who showed the boldest. The Italian took off more than 50 kilometers from the line and moments later had a lead of 45 seconds. A group including Van der Poel, Van Aert, Pogacar and Pedersen - Evenepoel had already been released earlier - successfully pursued. When they had caught the Italian again, the Dutchman attacked again at 22 kilometers from the finish. No one could follow him and even a fall didn't bother him. The fall resulted in a bloodied and torn shirt and a broken shoe, but no damage to the bike. This allowed Van der Poel to finish the ride sovereignly. One of the leaders of last week’s coup in Niger has reportedly sought the assistance of Russian defense contractor Wagner Group PMC as the junta nears a deadline to either return the ousted president to power or face a possible military intervention by neighboring states.
General Salifou Moody allegedly made the request during a visit to Mali, where he met with a Wagner representative, the Associated Press reported on Saturday, citing French journalist Wassim Nasr, a senior research fellow at the Soufan Center. The meeting was first reported by France 24, and Nasr said he had confirmed the talks with a French diplomat and three people familiar with the matter in Mali. “They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power,” Nasr told AP, claiming that Wagner is considering the request. Neither Wagner nor Russian government officials have commented on the junta’s alleged request for help from the contractor. The Kremlin said on Friday that any interference in Niger from powers outside the region would be unlikely to improve the situation. “We continue to favor a swift return to constitutional normality without endangering human lives,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has called the coup a “justified rebellion of the people against Western exploitation.” The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to send troops into Niger if the coup leaders don’t return President Mohamed Bazoum to power by Sunday. Bazoum has been under house arrest since his ouster and has asked the US “and the entire international community” to restore his government. The militaries of several ECOWAS members, including Nigeria, have agreed on a plan for their intervention in Niger. Wagner has become a major player in the African security landscape, though it’s unclear how its influence on the continent stands after its mutiny against Moscow in June. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the future of the contracts Wagner signed with various African countries is a matter for those client governments to decide. The firm’s troops have reportedly operated in such countries as Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Mozambique and the Central African Republic. Mali and Burkina Faso are among the ECOWAS member states that have sided with the Niger junta following the coup. Bazoum accused the two neighbors of employing “criminal Russian mercenaries.” African Freedom Institute President Franklin Nyamsi warned in an RT interview on Thursday that if ECOWAS carried out its threat to send troops into Niger, it would be seen as a declaration of war on the junta’s allies, including Mali and Burkina Faso. Such a conflict could escalate dramatically as the warring factions seek help from the world’s leading military powers, he said, adding, “We are now at the door of a world African war.” Both the White House and the US Treasury Department raised objections on Tuesday to the decision by credit rating company Fitch to downrank the long-term US rating from AAA to AA+.
We strongly disagree with this decision,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, claiming it “defies reality” because President Joe Biden has led the American economy to a “robust recovery.”Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also “strongly disagreed” with Fitch’s decision, arguing it was “arbitrary and based on outdated data” and that US Treasury securities remained the world’s “preeminent safe and liquid asset.” Fitch is one of the big three US credit rating agencies, next to Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. On Tuesday afternoon, it announced that Washington’s “long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating” would be downgraded, citing issues with governance, rising deficits, and a looming recession, among other things. The decision “reflects the expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years, a high and growing general government debt burden, and the erosion of governance” relative to other countries with the similar rating over the past 20 years, “that has manifested in repeated debt limit standoffs and last-minute resolutions,” Fitch said. The company predicted a growing government deficit, noting that the US debt-to-GDP ratio was currently at 100.1%, two and a half times higher than the AAA-rated countries’ median of 39.3%. Fitch also cited the Federal Reserve’s recent credit rate hikes, “weakening business investment, and a slowdown in consumption” to predict a “mild recession” in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.
2023 FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
A 1980s Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer that once belonged to Stevie Ray Vaughan has been sold for an undisclosed amount, just days after it was listed. The well-worn vintage overdrive pedal surfaced in a listing via Chicago Music Exchange last week (27 July). It is thought to have been one of several used by Vaughan and passed on to his guitar tech Cesar Diaz (who has certified its authenticity). In addition, the sale also includes a note from an unnamed previous owner, stating: “This TS-808 Ser # N/A was owned by SRV (Stevie Ray Vaughan). I purchased it as a pair along with TS-808 #111179 from Cesar Diaz. We were friends and I paid $5,000 for the pedal, I also paid $5,000 for the #111179 as well. These were used for recordings, gigs etc. “When Stevie passed it was a shock and Cesar had these in his house. This is exactly the shape, condition etc. that I bought it years ago. Has been in bank vault and is a sweet pedal. Enjoy!" The store hosted the sale at an unlisted price via its site and also demoed it in a YouTube clip – comparing it to a vintage Maxon OD-808 (the first Tube Screamer build, produced from 1979 before it was licensed to Ibanez) and a modern day TS808 reissue. In the clip, you can see Chicago Music Exchange’s vintage/used buyer Dan Lump discuss the item acknowledging that it was one of a few. As Lump puts it: “If he stepped on his pedals the same way he played guitar, I imagine he broke quite a few.” CME demo man Nathaniel Murphy then puts it through its paces and contrasts it with the vintage and modern equivalents with a 1960 Fender Stratocaster and 1966 Super Reverb amp for the full SRV flavor – extracting a very convincing take on ‘that’ tone, in the process.
|
Thank you for choosing to make a difference through your donation. We appreciate your support.
This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of CookiesCategories
All
Archives
April 2024
|