OSCE Observers Seized in Ukraine by Pro Russia Separatists

A bus carrying members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe was seized by Pro Russian separatists near Sloviansk, Ukraine.

Seven international observers belonging to the OSCE, five members of the Ukrainian military, and their driver were aboard the bus.

They have been taken to an undisclosed location, with the separatists accusing them of being spies.

International observer missions had been agreed to by the US, EU, Ukraine, and Russia, in Geneva, however not been agreed to by the separatists.

The detaining of the international observers is but one more addition to the high tensions in eastern Ukraine.

Separatists have seized several towns in the area, while Ukrainian troops have begun slowly reclaiming territory.

However, Russia continues it's threats to invade Ukraine if things aren't done peacefully.

Backing those threats are fifty thousand Russian troops who are conducting maneuvers just east of the border.

NATO nations are on increasing alert due to the deteriorating situation, which has not been helped by Russia's continued belligerence.

As part of the increased preparedness, US troops have arrived in Poland to take part in exercises with NATO nations.

25 Killed by 3 Explosions at Political Rally in Baghdad

Twenty-five people were killed when three explosions struck a political rally, in Baghdad.

Dozens more were injured.

Officials say that two truck bombs and a roadside bomb were used in the terrorist attack.

The explosions happened as the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq rally was coming to a close.


The Shiite Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq party is backed by Iran and openly supports the Syrian regime.

Their international connections have angered Sunni opponents, and terrorists from that branch of Islam are likely to blame.

Iraqi elections are set to take place on Wednesday, April 30.

The country has faced some of it's worst violence, in years, as they approach.

5 Separatists Killed as Ukraine Liberates Slovyansk

Ukrainian troops pushed into Slovyansk, on Thursday, as part of an operation to liberate eastern Ukraine from Pro Russian militants.

Five separatists were killed during the operation.

Ukraine accuses Russia of backing and instigating the separatists.

Russia denies that they have any part in it, but have repeatedly stated their "right" to "defend" Ukrainians of Russian descent.

They used the same argument during their seizing of Crimea, in March.

As many as fifty thousand Russian troops are encamped just east of the border.

On Thursday, in response to the Slovyansk raid, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that the Russian troops will conduct more military exercises.

US Troops Begin Arriving in Poland

US troops began arriving in Poland, on Wednesday.

One hundred and fifty of a planned six hundred troops, from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, were greeted in the Polish town of Swidwin.

They are to conduct exercises with the Polish military as well as the militaries of Estonia, Lativa, and Lithuania.

The goal of the exercises is further training for all those involved, as well as an assurance to the NATO nations that the US will defend them against any possibly Russian threats.

At this time the US plans to have an increased presence through out the rest of 2014.

It is yet unclear if that means restationing the 173rd from their normal base in Vicenza, Italy or if there will be a rotation of units.

Jets From Russia Approach Scotland Causing UK Fighters to Scramble

The Royal Air Force scrambled fighters on Wednesday, when Russian jets approached Scottish air space.

According to British officials, RAF Typhoons were sent up to warn Russian reconnaissance aircraft away from the UK's airspace, after they approached northern Scotland. 

Denmark and the Netherlands also scrambled fighters, during the incident.

They sent up their fighters to ensure that the Russians didn't turn their way and cross over their countries.

This comes while several Russian naval ships have been sailing within a mile of British waters.

Those ships are being shadowed by Royal Navy forces.

Denver Police Looking For Bank Robber After 3 Robberies

Police in Denver, Colorado are looking for a bank robber.

They say that the same man is behind three separate robberies, over the past year.

The first robbery took place in May of 2013 and the last was on April 18.

All three robberies occurred at banks on 38th Avenue.

He is described as being in his fifties or sixties, six foot, two hundred and ten pounds, with grey hair.

Police consider him armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP.

US Agrees to Military Exercises With Poland and Estonia

Over the next couple weeks, US troops will conduct military exercises in eastern Europe.

So far, they are scheduled to have the exercises with Poland and Estonia.

Both countries are NATO members who border Russia, and have expressed concerns about recent Russian military buildups and incursions into Ukraine.

Other countries may become involved in the same or other exercises, as much of NATO eyes Russia warily.

Ukraine, not a member of NATO, is dealing with separatists, which they say are being instigated by Russia.

In March, Russia took over Crimea, enforcing it's removal from Ukraine.

5 Killed in Fighting in Eastern Ukraine

Five people were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a separatist check point, outside of Slaviansk, Ukraine.

Slaviansk is one of several cities and towns which have been taken over by separatist gunmen.

During the attack, three separatists and two of their attackers were killed.

The separatists say they were attacked by members of Right Sector, a Ukrainian nationalist group.

A spokesman for Right Sector said their group was not involved and blamed Russian special forces for the attack.

Slaviansk's mayor called upon Russia to send in "peacekeepers" to protect his town from further violence.

Ukraine's government used the incident to one again state that Russia is trying to instigate violence as an excused to send in troops and take over more of Ukraine.

US Army: Specialist Kerry M. G. Danyluk

Specialist Kerry M. G. Danyluk, twenty-seven of Cuero, Texas, died on April 15 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, in Germany.

He was wounded in combat on April 12, in Pul-e-Alam, Logar province, Afghanistan.

It was his second deployment.

Danyluk was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, New York.

His decorations include: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge.

Among his completed courses were: Master Driver Training Course, Ranger Assessment Selection Program, Airborne School, Combatives Level I.

Review: Transcendence

Earlier today, I went to see the movie Transcendence, which hit theaters on Friday, April 18. The movie stars Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, and Paul Bettany, among others in a terrific cast list. It was directed by Wally Pfister who was the cinematographer for all the Christopher Nolan directed Batman films. Because of this, I was expecting great things from the film. I couldn't have been more wrong.

The pacing of Transcendence was extremely slow. Sure, they condensed some things and made some leaps in time saying on the screen "Two Years Later" and such, but, of the things that were shown, it seemed to drag on and on. Since the speed of the movie seemed to move like molasses, this reviewer must confess he dozed off at a few points. Whenever a movie makes me doze off, that is never good.

In addition to the lackluster pacing, I felt the special effects would be immensely more due to the subject matter. Watching the previews, they show some good action scenes and special effects. I felt they showed what they did to entice the viewer to come see the movie. Turns out, what I saw in the previews was all I was going to get. They blew their entire load in the trailer leaving nothing else. I was extremely disappointed.

After I've now ragged on about the movie, I will now tell the positives I saw. First and foremost, the idea/subject of the movie was very good. Second, I did like the sets, scenery, and colors used as they really helped define certain moods and themes of scenes. Finally, I really enjoyed the great cast. It was nice to see some big names coming together for the film.

In conclusion, Transcendence was a great idea very poorly executed. The lackluster pacing and special effects seemed to really drag the movie down. However, there were a few bright spots but they weren't bright enough for redemption.

Overall, I would give Transcendence a solid C.