Swiss shield China's PM from protests during visit

Doubts surface about economic Viagra prescription
Bwah!

Annan: World faces 'crisis of governance'
The worldwide economic recession has exposed a "crisis of global governance" that can only be addressed by the radical reform of the United Nations, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Wednesday as the World Economic Forum got under way in Switzerland.

At Davos Forum, Russia and China Blame Capitalists for Economic Crisis

Putin Speaks at Davos - text

IMF calls for more aggressive efforts to help global economy

$10tn bill to save the planet
10,000,000,000,000. For a nonexistant problem. Jubilation!



Leftist groups meeting in Brazil call for Amazon protection

World's leftists agree it's hard to hate Obama

Conference on global economic governance, Brussels, Belgium

New APEC Business Advisory Council Members Named



Will the Real Gazprom CEO Please Stand Up

Gazprom set to make NIS payment

Gazprom shows interest in Norwegian pipeline grid

Soros says he's been shorting the pound
Soros in 1992 made billions of dollars from selling the pound as the U.K. crashed out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism.

Russia jumps to closing arguments in Bank of NY suit

Russia's Punchless Banking Bailout
The $27.4 billion package reportedly being prepared for the banking system won't resolve the crisis.
Remember when that was an unthinkably huge number?


Iceland's center-left party to lead new government
The shift portends a renewed debate over Iceland's place in Europe. Haarde's conservative Independence Party had dominated coalition governments since 1991 and has long been skeptical over the prospects of Iceland joining the 27-nation European Union.

But Ingibjorg Gisladottir, chairman of the Alliance, wants Iceland to enter the EU and supports the substantial loan from the International Monetary Fund that has helped Iceland weather its economic collapses.



Putin at Davos: Russia needs more energy export routes

Gazprom mulls plan to boost South Stream capacity

LUKOY GAZPROM, LUKOIL HAIL RESULTS OF TALKS WITH UZBEK PARTNERS

Greek farmers block borders

German Jews boycott Shoah service in protest of anti-Semitism

Putin’s Grasp of Energy Drives Russian Agenda

G8 cash not enough for arms disposal, says Russia
Hmmm.

Russian military a 'paper tiger' despite symbolic comeback, says IISS
The people of Georgia beg to differ.
Also, the "paper tiger" has managed to provide plenty of arms, money, and techonolgy to "real" threats such as Iran. They are all as one.

Report: Russia plans warplanes in Georgia rebel region

Nabucco Pipeline Conference Ends With EU Support, But No Cash

Russians want more say in currency policy

Anti-Semitic leaflets left at Ukraine synagogue

Israel foils Hizbullah attack in Europe

Russian Treason Bill to Be Revised

French envoy says Syria prevents Hezbollah from attacking Israel

Four arrested in London Gaza protest

Iceland Police Arrest Six At NATO Meeting Protest



Pakistan extends curfew as army battles Taliban

Pakistan Vows to Restore Scenic Region Swarming With Islamist Militants

Pakistan’s Partial Crackdown Lets Imams Preach Jihad

Tata Steel Q3 India ops net falls 56pct, lags f'cast

Indian Rupee Closes Near One-Week High as Exporters Sell Dollar

India plea for S Lanka civilians

Caspian Basin: Russia and Turkey Raise Obstacles for US Energy Policy

At least 30,000 to Afghanistan this year

Pakistan to release Mumbai attacks findings soon

Pakistan army 'will retake Swat'

Pakistan to US: Give us more money

Railways to raise commando force --India

Hundreds protest Indian's custodial death in Malaysia

Indonesian police fire on Papua protesters

Japanese boat seized by Russia off Sea of Japan

NKorea declares past accords with South 'dead'



Obama to hear advice of service chiefs on Iraq

Lebanon, Syria talk security

Report: 5 bodies wash ashore in Turkey

Sabanci of Turkey to Keep Liquid Amid Credit Crisis

Iranian University to open branch in Syria

Egypt refuses permit off loading Iran's aid consignment: report

Iranian leader demands US apology

Iraq to deny licence to US Blackwater guards

Iraq: Artwork dedicated to shoe thrower

Turkey urges Obama to redefine Mideast terrorism

Source: Cyprus detained Iran arms ship en route to Syria

Yemen's main oil pipeline blown up, flow not affected

Three candidates killed ahead of Iraq vote

Iraqi Elections Face Crucial Test in Violent Mosul

Iraq names first ambassador to Syria in decades

Syria's Arab Allegiance and Genocide in Darfur



Madagascar police try to stop looting in capital
Madagascar riots claim at least 34 lives, France appeals for calm
Protestors turn Madagascan capital into ghost town

Liberia army worm plague affects 400,000 people

Zimbabwe cholera deaths top 3,000

Zimbabwean teachers strike

Zimbabwe unemployment soars to 94%

French navy foils Somali pirate attack: military

CIA Station Chief's Computer Searched Following Rape Allegations

Rebels suspected in killing of 100 in DR Congo

Congo: rebel integration into army fails

Who do pirates call to get their cash?

Somali pirates hijack German gas tanker

Girl shot dead in Nigerian Delta

Hutu Rebels in Congo Send Families to Safety, Await Attacks



Gold Fields Posts Fourfold Profit Increase, Cuts Jobs

OPEC, at Davos, signals more production cuts are ahead, if needed

Mexico's Cemex nails debt refinancing


Rise of anti-Semitic incidents in Latin America troubling

Bolivia to Take Stake in Glencore Unit Within ‘Weeks´

Bolivia seeks to rebuild strained ties with US

Brazil Petrobras Finds Possible Gas Field In Bolivia -Paper

Leaders in Latin America extend terms

Chile, Argentina close to tax deal on mega gold mine



Guantanamo Judge Refuses Obama's Request For Delay

Russia ready to shelve missiles plan in conciliatory gesture to Obama
U.S. can't confirm report on Russia easing missile stance

House passes Obama economic stimulus plan

Illinois senators vote to oust Blagojevich from office

Weather Channel Founder Blasts Gore Over Global Warming Campaign

Deadly winter storm begins barrage in Northeast

Ohio Family of Four Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Bill could put Second Amendment at risk

US-Mexico border fence almost complete

Banks Agree to Transfer $535 Million to Madoff Firm Trustee

State Department taking comment on pipeline study


The Why Files | Life of the locust
What makes them swarm? Now we know!





'Iran and Syria trying to replace PLO'

The public has a right to know

Livni: Surrender Part of Israel to Keep a Jewish Majority

'Al-Qaeda would blow up Christ's burial site', says Benjamin Netanyahu
Not that He's there anymore...

Netanyahu: A divided J'lem would mean Iranian base mere meters away

U.S. releases Iranian ship said taking arms to Gaza

Israel expels Venezuelan ambassador

Two Kassam rockets fired from Gaza Strip fall land Sderot

Gaza Terrorists Fire on Negev

Israeli warplane bombs Gaza tunnels as US envoy George Mitchell warns over ceasefire

Peres tells Putin Russia can prevent Gaza arms smuggling
Sure.

Turkish PM leaves stage during debate with Peres over Gaza

Nasrallah vows revenge for Mughniyeh

First 'Kassam-proof' yeshiva to be dedicated in Sderot

UN: Oops, Hamas did fire from our facilities


UN seeks $613 million in urgent aid for Gaza
Seems low, considering how they've been going on about the damage. Btw, 613? Number of Mitzvot in Judaism.






Magnitude 5.8 - TIMOR REGION
Kupang jolted by 6.0 magnitude earthquake

Magnitude 5.4 - SAMOA ISLANDS REGION

Magnitude 4.2 - ALASKA PENINSULA

Magnitude 3.4 - OKLAHOMA
Minor earthquake reported south of Oklahoma City

Earthquake In Southern Kentucky

Magnitude 4.7 - EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Magnitude 5.2 - ANDAMAN ISLANDS, INDIA REGION

Magnitude 5.0 - TIMOR REGION

Magnitude 4.2 - CHANNEL ISLANDS REGION, CALIFORNIA
Magnitude-4.2 quake shakes isles off Calif. coast

Magnitude 5.4 - LEYTE, PHILIPPINES

Magnitude 5.6 - ACRE, BRAZIL

Magnitude 2.5 - SOUTH CAROLINA
Earthquake Confirmed in Charleston

Moderate earthquake jolts New Zealand's Bay of Plenty


Vesuvius volcano still 'very dangerous'

Scientists Fear Volcano Could Bury Anchorage in Ash

Several things worth noting in the news lately:

1) the amount of unrest. Riots, protest, looting... it's widespread. Every continent.

2) Brazil and India rising, along with China and Russia. And the Middle East connection to everyone and everything.

3) Along with energy companies, see railroads, dry ports, shipping, and mining. Odd things going on there.

Creeping totalitarianism of every stripe is always a given.

It is not flesh and blood we're up against--the meatbags are just vessels for the deeper forces at war here.

You are walking in the Word or in the World.

Life or death.

Make the choice.

Here they be, in some sorta order:


President Obama Does First Formal TV Interview as President with Al-Arabiya

Obama tells Arabic network US is 'not your enemy'

Obama tells Al Arabiya peace talks should resume --Their site, w/ transcript.
In his first interview since taking office, President Barack Obama told Arab satellite station Al Arabiya that Americans are not the enemy of the Muslim world and said Israel and the Palestinians should resume peace negotiations.

“My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy,” Obama told Al Arabiya’s Hisham Melhem in an interview broadcast Tuesday morning.

During the presidential election campaign last year, Obama vowed to improve U.S. ties with the Muslim world and after he won promised to give a speech in a Muslim capital in his first 100 days in office. The President repeated this pledge in the interview but did not give a time or specify the venue.



Obama says ready to talk to Iran



Interview - Obama's 'Window of Opportunity' for Improved Russia, EU Ties
Interviewee: Charles A. Kupchan, Senior Fellow for Europe Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

Charles A. Kupchan, CFR senior fellow for Europe studies and a professor of international relations at Georgetown University, says that because of Obama's "popularity and the departure of President Bush," there is a "window of opportunity to improve relations between the United States and Russia and between the United States and the European Union." But on the contentious issue of the deployment of missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, which has riled the Russians, Kupchan thinks the Obama administration will not cancel the project. There will, however, "be a deliberation about when and how to deploy such a system, and that might involve moving at a slower timetable to ensure that the technology is ready," Kupchan says.


Art Lessons For Obama
So he can be like Putin! Yes, really.

Two Days After Instituting Ethics Rules, President Obama Waives them for Deputy Pentagon Secretary Nominee


Hot Air » Aww: House GOP swoons over Obama after stimulus meeting

Conformity’s Seduction by Mark Steyn

Anyone not rooted in the Word is gonna bow the knee to this guy.




Peter Schiff: Let the Housing Market Crash

Harley To Cut 1,100 Jobs, 640 in Milwaukee

Miserable Monday: More Than 40,000 Layoffs

Tax-cheat Geithner Sworn in as Treasury Secretary

Voestalpine eyes two railway buys in U.S. -paper

Man uncovers sensitive US military data on secondhand MP3

One month, 14 fires, one big arson investigation

Seven bodies found in home, reports say

9 die as winter storm slams much of U.S.

Recruited for Jihad?
Old news, but new article




Int'l Holocaust Day marred by 2-decade high in anti-Semitism

Hamas to Abbas: End talks with Israel

Netanyahu: I Won't Form an Extreme Right-Wing Gov't

Hamas offers year-long truce, opening of Gaza crossings

Livni: Israeli restraint in Gaza is over

Israel's Economy 'is in Better Shape Than Most'

Week-old Gaza cease-fire is breached

Get ready for internationalization

Israel: Foreign journalists are crybabies, fig leaves for Hamas

France asks Syria to help free Israeli soldier

IAF attacks Hamas tunnels under Philadelphi Corridor


Israel Antiquities Authority -
An 1,800 Year Old Marble Figurine in the Image of a Bearded Man, probably that of a Roman Boxer, was Discovered

Herod did not rest in peace
“The sarcophagus was found shattered all over the place. It seems it was taken from its place and was destroyed in a fit of rage,” Professor Ehud Netzer’s team report. “That, among other things, is what tells us it was the sarcophagus of Herod.”

Well done, unknown vandals!



Iran objects to Caspian seabed pipeline construction

Iran says Obama's first step to change should distance from Israel

Iran sees U.S. approach at next G5+1 meeting as test for change inpolicy

Taliban Use Radio to Terrorize Pakistan’s Swat Valley, NYT Says

Obama airstrikes kill 22 in Pakistan - Times Online

Pakistan Urges Obama to Halt Drones

Two suspected Pakistani militants shot dead in India

Riots break out in northern Lebanon prison

Central Asia Poised To Become The Atomic El Dorado

Kazakhstan signs agreement to supply uranium

Obama administration warns public to expect rise in US casualties

Kuwaiti firm forms ventures with Russia's Gazprom

Iran tests air-to-air missile

Iran criticizes Obama's theory of change as doubtful
Me too. For different reasons, though.

Iran to rebuild Palestinian parliament

Iran Objects to Potential EU Terror-List Removal of Mujahedeen

Gas pipeline blown up in Dera Bugti

India to face gas crisis if Iran, Turkmenistan gas pipeline is scrapped

Lebanon rivals adjourn tricky defence talks

Mitchell’s Firm Worked for Dubai Ruler in Jockey Case

IISS: Teheran could have nukes in '09

Egypt Blocks Iranian Ship at Suez Canal

Turkey's Akkok may invest up to $1 bln in energy -paper

Jordan-- Study estimates national railway cost at JD4 billion

Iran: Dispute over islands raises tension with UAE

UAE nuclear test for Obama's America

Pakistan cycle bomb 'kills five'
Bicycle bomb? Really? What next, skateboards?

Syria: Mikdad, Japanese Officials discuss Bilateral Relation

Syria ready for dialogue with U.S.: Assad

Pakistan should exploit US missile strikes, say analysts
Oy and *headdesk*

UAE's 'once in a lifetime' snow fall

Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister: Nabucco gas pipeline project is real

Suez terminal volume up
34%. In this economy. With the pirate threat.

Riots erupt in Bahrain over activist arrests

Greece to help Iraq cultural reconstruction

Obama: Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Israeli-Palestinian Peace are Interrelated

Turkey calls on Hamas to pick politics over arms

Turkey to send civilian forces to monitor Gaza

US pays $40,000 after 15 Afghans die in raid





Congo and Belgium renew relationship

DR Congo wary despite Nkunda arrest

With Leader Captured, Congo Rebel Force Is Dissolving
Sorta.

Russia to be more active in Africa - Sudan envoy

Robert Mugabe begs Libya, Iran, Russia and China to help Zimbabwe beat sanctions
If anyone can help him, it's these guys.

Congo warlord stands trial in child soldier case

EU nations increase sanctions against Zimbabwe

The Press Association: African leaders to discuss Zimbabwe

Worst-case cholera scenario getting worse

Zimbabwe Debates Using Dollar, Rand for Budget, Herald Reports

Zimbabwe parties 'agree timeline'

Deaths as thousands riot in Madagascar

US to hand over any suspected pirates to Kenya

Angola revenue could sink by 50 percent: World Bank

Red Sea Afar rebels attack Eritrean military camp

Tz, Rwanda, Burundi seal railway deal

Somali Islamists to rule by sharia law in Baidoa




Mining meltdown

UN debates global food cost rise

Google plans to make PCs history
Yeah, like internet has made tv and radio history?

IMF may revise global economic growth forecast

Pfizer buying Wyeth for $68 bln; companies to cut 19,000 jobs

Oil tumbles 9% as market looks to rising U.S. inventories
But prices keep climbing at the pump.




Gazprom in NIS takeover next week?

Anarchists clash with Greek police in Athens march

Refugees Break Out of Italian Camp, Protest Conditions

Be very worried - rioting's coming home--Britain

Spanish accuse Gibraltar of building on 'stolen land'


‘Soviet’ Britain swells amid the recession
PARTS of the United Kingdom have become so heavily dependent on government spending that the private sector is generating less than a third of the regional economy, a new analysis has found.

The study of “Soviet Britain” has found the government’s share of output and expenditure has now surged to more than 60% in some areas of England and over 70% elsewhere.


Iceland's commerce minister resigns
The whole government has collapsed. Frickin' ICELAND, not some crappy little banana republic most Americans have never heard of.

Europe to buy new butter mountain

15 die as storms wreak havoc in France and Spain

Protests as EU to strike Iran opposition from terror list

Putin Blames Bush for Ukraine Gas War, Is ‘Optimistic’ on Obama

Pipeline Breakdown Cuts Russian Gas Flow to Georgia, Armenia

Gas pipeline conference faces tough choices

Russia planning Abkhazia naval base

Greek farmers block more roads in growing protest

Economic tensions building in Europe

Imf delegation expected in romania on tuesday

Bulgarian bus hijacker surrenders

'They say we're too old to care for our grandchildren': Social workers hand brother and sister to gay men for adoption

Germany approves €50bn stimulus package





China dams reveal flaws in climate-change weapon

State Bank of India, ICICI Profits Advance on Bond Investments

Roubini’s Gloom Gets Traction in Panicky Tokyo: William Pesek

Nonfinancial firms may get bailouts As entire industries contract, Japan's own TARP takes form

Indian police arrest two Pricewaterhouse officials: reports

Brazil Expands Investment in Offshore Drilling Projects


The Story of India’s Satyam Computers Man: Lies Unlimited
Lies aside, Ramalinga Raju picked up several awards along his “spectacular” journey, including: the 2008 Golden Peacock Global Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance by the World Council for Corporate Governance of the UK, and Asia Business Leader Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2007, by Ernst & Young.

Ironically, Satyam's internal audit team, which apparently did not do a good job over the years, was awarded a Recognition of Commitment award by the Institute of Internal Auditors from the US, in 2006.

In another stroke of irony, “Satyam” means “truth” in Sanskrit—though Raju didn’t consider himself beholden to live up to his company’s name.



Riot police called in as Australia Day celebrations turn ugly

Report: floods hit villages at foot of Mayon Volcano

Hundreds protest as govt oversees Pakistan charity

Drug-resistant malaria appearing in Cambodia





Cartels in Mexico's drug war get guns from US
Shock!

Riot injures 10 at Mexico youth detention center

Brazil’s Foreign Direct Investment Surged in December

Petrobras to pump $28bn into Brazilian pre-salt fields

Blame game as Mexico City trash piles up





Great Expectations For Davos 2009

Capacity turnout expected at crisis World Economic Forum meeting in Davos

Davos delegates gather to 'shape new world'

Davos confronted by peak of distrust

Putin to Seek New Economic Order at Davos



Global Taxes and Global TV Now on the Agenda

In addition to global taxes, "The Global Agenda 2009" report urges creation of a global television channel.

"Media has the capacity to connect the world, bridging cultures and peoples, and telling us who we are and what we mean to each other. The media can also ensure that no voice goes unheard," it says. "We believe that this new moment also calls for a new media platform, across all media channels, a global non-profit ‘CNN' providing a new form of independent journalism to inform, illuminate and deepen knowledge about issues that improve the state of the world."

The report doesn't explain how this new global TV channel will be financed. But global taxes cannot be ruled out.

Perhaps this new era of transparency and disclosure can start with disclosing details about media sponsorship and backing of the World Economic Forum and its plans for "global governance."




Can Islam Save The Economy?
Expect this to catch on.

World’s largest Islamic bank set to launch by June



Earthquake List for Map Centered at 47°N, 110°W Yellowstone
Rumble, rumble...

Magnitude 5.2 - PAPUA, INDONESIA

Magnitude 5.6 - KEPULAUAN BATU, INDONESIA

Magnitude 5.4 - KOMANDORSKIYE OSTROVA, RUSSIA REGION

Close call: weird asteroid skims Earth

Jan. 17, 2009, Scandinavian Fireball Sightings

I'll catch up on the news of today later on.

Right now: Shake, rattle and roll!


Major Earthquake in Arkansas?
Scientists say a newly discovered fault line in Arkansas could trigger a magnitude seven earthquake.

Not only is this fault line newly discovered, scientists say it's equally as powerful as the New Madrid fault.

Scientist: Fault puts east Ark. at earthquake risk
He noted in his talk that a "major" gas pipeline crosses the fault near Marianna. Al-Shukri said the company that owned the pipeline - which he declined to name - was building a new line through the area, mirroring the old one's path. The scientist said the new pipes being laid were large enough for a man to walk through.

Magnitude 2.2 - ARKANSAS
Magnitude 2.9 - ARKANSAS
Magnitude 2.0 - ARKANSAS


Magnitude 5.3 - KAZAKHSTAN-XINJIANG BORDER REGION
Thousands displaced by quake in Xinjiang, China
5.0-magnitude earthquake jolts NW China



Study finds troubling pattern of Southern California quakes
The southern stretch of the San Andreas fault has had a major temblor about every 137 years, according to new research. The latest looks to be overdue.

3.1 earthquake two miles from Northridge
Small earthquake rattles western Los Angeles



Magnitude 2.2 - GEORGIA, USA
Magnitude 3.1 - EASTERN KENTUCKY
Magnitude 4.8 - SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
Magnitude 4.8 - TAJIKISTAN
Magnitude 4.9 - MAULE, CHILE
Magnitude 4.9 - NEAR THE COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU
Magnitude 4.9 - SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
Magnitude 5.0 - EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
Magnitude 5.0 - EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN
Magnitude 5.0 - KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
Magnitude 5.0 - KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
Magnitude 5.0 - MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
Magnitude 5.0 - NIAS REGION, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - BOUGAINVILLE REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Magnitude 5.1 - GUATEMALA
Magnitude 5.1 - SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
Magnitude 5.2 - EAST TIMOR REGION
Magnitude 5.2 - FIJI REGION
Magnitude 5.2 - HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.3 - ORURO, BOLIVIA
Magnitude 5.3 - SOUTH OF SUMBAWA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.3 - SOUTHWESTERN SAKHA, RUSSIA
Magnitude 5.6 - TAIWAN REGION
Magnitude 5.8 - FIJI REGION

Magnitude 5.8 - FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA
Earthquake felt in Aleutian Islands

Magnitude MW 5.7 - SOUTHERN ALASKA
Magnitude 5.9 - FIJI REGION
Magnitude 5.9 - KEPULAUAN BATU, INDONESIA
Magnitude 6.0 - NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Magnitude 6.1 - KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA

An earthquake measuring 5.3 points occurred in the Republic of Yakutia at 06:30 local time

Earthquake jolts South Australian town

Moderate offshore earthquake jolts El Salvador

Redoubt ready to blow?: Volcano upgraded to 'orange' status
Redoubt rumbles overnight, calms again: Alaska News

Active Volcano Erupted in Europe

Small new lava flow hits ocean in national park

Chaitén's Caldera Chugging Chunks Continuously

Evacuations begin near Colombian volcano


A 9.0 quake hit Oregon 309 years ago


Indonesians Cheer On Solar Eclipse

I had a horrible, horrible dream Tuesday night.

Horrific. I woke up weeping.



But it can be summed up in two passages of scripture:


1 Samuel 13:5-14

5 The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand [a] chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Micmash, east of Beth Aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. 7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.
Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. 9 So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings. [b] " And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.

11 "What have you done?" asked Samuel.
Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, 12 I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering."

13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command."

Luke 12:35-48

35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"

42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Do not falter. Do not lose hope. Wait on the LORD. The time is at hand.

Speak light into darkness, and do not regard the temporal consequences.

Assessing Global Risks in 2009
Market players shouldn't let the financial crisis distract them from evaluating political risk. Keep an eye on these geopolitical hot spots.

A Stimulus Package for the World - NYTimes.com
*headdesk*

NAFTA's Dangerous Security Agenda


*****

World Economic Forum
"Committed to improving the state of the world"

The World Economic Forum has unveiled the programme for its 39th Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters. Under the theme “Shaping the Post-Crisis World”, more than 2,500 participants from 96 countries will convene, including a record 41 heads of state or government. Key finance, foreign affairs, trade and energy ministers will also join heads of non-governmental organizations, social entrepreneurs and religious leaders at the Meeting.

Politicians, not bankers, lead way at Davos

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva this week, the forum's chairman and founder, Klaus Schwab, said that the world was clearly unable to cope with the complexities of modern financial structures.

"The annual meeting 2009 is one of the most crucial in the near 40-year history of the World Economic Forum," he said. "The extraordinary participation in terms of political and business leaders … demonstrates that our annual meeting will be the place where key actors can address both a crisis of unprecedented scope and, at the same time, the sort of world we collectively want to see emerging once the crisis is over.

"What we are experiencing is the birth of a new era, a wake-up call to overhaul our institutions, our systems and, above all, our way of thinking."

Putin to address opening of Davos meeting in Jan

Interview: WEF proud of its positive ties with China

Financial Crisis Keeps Australian PM From Davos

Economic crisis dominates Davos agenda
Heads of state, influential politicians, business leaders and global power brokers will gather in the Swiss Alps next week for the World Economic Forum -- with the perilous state of the planet's financial system set to top this year's agenda.

Sombre mood awaits at Davos

World leaders ready for crisis forum
GENEVA (Reuters) - World leaders and policymakers will gather in record numbers at next week's annual Davos forum to discuss how to overcome the worst global economic crisis in 80 years, organizers said.



Obama economics team stay away from Davos: organisers
Say, that's odd:

GENEVA (AFP) — The new US administration will send only one of President Barack Obama's close aides to the World Economic Forum's meeting in Davos next week instead of key economic figures, the organisers said Friday.

The news dashed the WEF's hopes that the new National Economic Council chief Lawrence Summers and possibly Treasury nominee Timothy Geithner might join business and political leaders in the Swiss Alps to discuss ways out of the global economic crisis.

"Both have been cancelled and replaced by an adviser to Obama, Valerie Jarrett," a spokesman for the WEF told AFP.

Jarrett, who co-chaired Obama's transition team, is the president's assistant for intergovernmental relations and public liaison and a close associate of the former senator.

Very curious. Looking to rise above the fray, or is there something else?

Officials: Obama to reverse abortion policy
In a long-expected move, President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order ending the ban on federal funds for international groups that perform abortions or provide information on the option.


On 36th Anniversary, Obama Praises Roe v. Wade Precedent

Roe Is Only the Beginning


US FDA allows first test of human stem cell therapy

*****

Psalm 94

1 O LORD, the God who avenges,
O God who avenges, shine forth.

2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.

3 How long will the wicked, O LORD,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?

4 They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.

5 They crush your people, O LORD;
they oppress your inheritance.

6 They slay the widow and the alien;
they murder the fatherless.

7 They say, "The LORD does not see;
the God of Jacob pays no heed."

8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?

9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?

10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?

11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;

13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.

14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.

15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

17 Unless the LORD had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.

19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
one that brings on misery by its decrees?

21 They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.

22 But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

23 He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will destroy them.

*****

The great hope - Barack Obama

Gitmo closure: A welcome decision, but late

Obama's nominee defends US work in Indonesia

Intelligence Nominee Won't Say if Waterboarding Is Torture

Obama: Quit Listening to Rush Limbaugh if You Want to Get Things Done
I'm not even a fan of Rush, but man, what arrogance.

YouTube - Explosive Video Reich, Obamas economic advisor no "White Male Construction Workers"
Change you can believe in!

Obama Planning Address To Congress

Obama spy choice sees opportunity on Iran, Muslims

Obama asks Pentagon for responsible Iraq drawdown

Obama to 'aggressively' seek ME peace

Obama Envoy Mitchell Arriving Wednesday; NU Calls it Chutzpah

Obama's New Middle East Envoy
Obama names envoys for Mideast, Afghanistan

History's tragic farce

Poll: 55% of Israelis want deal with PA



Assad applauds Mashaal on Gaza 'victory'

Israel to allow Egypt to boost force on Gaza border to fight smuggling
Israel has taken a favorable view of an Egyptian request to increase the force of its border guards along the Philadelphi Route by at least 750 - and possibly as much as 1,500 - according to a senior Israeli political source.

Italian paper: Gazans say Hamas kept them in homes used by gunmen

U.S. Navy stopped Iran ship carrying weapons and headed to Gaza
Sources: US searched suspected arms-smuggling ship

Government to provide full legal backing for IDF soldiers

Iran bolstered by survival of Hamas allies in Gaza

Iran in scramble for fresh uranium supplies

U.N. Powers to Confer on Iran

EU in draft deal to take Iran group off terror list



At Least 5 Dead, Others Wounded in Blast in Western Iraq

Gunmen in Iraq kill family

Turkey wants solid steps from Iraq on PKK

More arrests in Turkey coup probe

Turkey's Middle Eastern Road to Europe

GDF Suez pays $232 million for Turkey gas grid

Guantánamo detainee resurfaces in terrorist group

Lebanon's Daily Star Shut Down

Arab rift over Gaza raises stakes in Lebanon vote

India signs BIPA with Jordan, Syria

Indian-built Afghan road opened

Jumblat Accuses Syria of Blocking the Dismantling of Palestinian Bases

Suspected U.S. Missile Strikes Kill at Least 20 in Pakistan

Is Libya Going To Boot U.S. Oil Companies?

European Commission welcomes Kuwait summit resolutions
The European Union (EU) supports economic and political integration in all world regions, particularly in Arab countries, said Christian Homan, spokeswoman for European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

Water problems ‘resurface’ in Jordan



India scandal won't spark reforms

Satyam and Goldman Sachs

India PM’s surgery successful

ASEAN-India economic integration faces difficulties

An OPEC Lesson for China
At his confirmation hearings last week, Tim Geithner branded China a currency manipulator. This is a designation that the Bush Treasury Department never formally affixed to the Chinese. It may signal a nerve-racking shift in how the United States manages its most pivotal relationship.

Thailand defies UN over migrants

Murder investigation leads to explosives stockpile
The army and bomb squad have been called in to dispose of a stockpile of explosives found in a home in Sydney s north shore by detectives investigating seven unsolved murders.

3 bishops oppose revival of nuke plant--Philippines

Philippines- Rodents attack rice farm in Albay province

Kyrgyzstan: Farmers in Distress Turn to Selling Livestock




Man Sentenced 5 Years For Smuggling African Refugees Into U.S.
WASHINGTON — A Ghanaian man was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to smuggling East African economic refugees into the United States via Latin America.

Mohammed Kamel Ibrahim, 27, was known as "Silk the Shocker" when he lived in Mexico in 2007 operating what U.S. government officials said was a major smuggling pipeline.



Congo rebel leader arrested

Kabila decision to embrace Rwanda angers Congolese

US admiral: Pact near for Somali pirate trials

Zimbabwe cholera cases pass the 50,000 mark: WHO
Cholera Strikes South Africa
Zimbabwe Cholera Cases Surge; Malaria Rises as Concern
Malaria too, now.

City workers in Zimbabwe capital on strike

Nigeria: Only Rail Connection to Port Can Solve Congestion- Railway Boss

Mozambique: Qatar to fund Beira-Malawi oil pipeline

Niger to hold election by December
The government of Africa’s biggest uranium producer, has recently come under pressure with the people staging protests against the alleged plan to extend president Mamadou Tandja's term for a further 3 years.

Caterpillars in Liberia are Destroying Crops, Causing a National Emergency



Brazil unemployment rate at 7-year low

Brazil Freezes $2 Billion Amid Money-Laundering Probe

Petrobras Unveils $174.4 Billion Spending Plan, Counts on Loans

Venezuela: No conflict over Brazil refinery

Peru to Take Bids for Gas Pipeline, Power Lines

Deadly Riot | inmates, riot, prison

Mexico man 'dissolved 300 bodies'
A Mexican arrested by police says he disposed of 300 bodies for a drugs gang by dissolving them in chemicals.

Child matador bullfight suspended in Mexico

Important Steps Made in C.A. Integration
The good news is that Central America's economic integration is racing forward. The European Union, which this month will hold its sixth round of negotiations for an association agreement with Central America, noted that the region is moving ahead on integration faster than any other part of the world.

Cowskulls and dust: Drought grips Argentina




Chávez and Putin: Partners in Crime

Russia to help Cuba with oil projects

Majority of Russians endorse president, PM despite crisis - poll

'Putinka' Vodka sells more than 'Medvedeff'

Russia's Medvedev in Uzbek talks
Gazprom satisfied with Uzbekistan's changeover to market prices
Surprise!

Dangers of defending rights in Russia
This past week, human rights lawyer Stanislaw Markelov and a journalist were walking down a Moscow street when a man with a pistol and a silencer shot and murdered them both.

Russia's Bank VTB Posts a Surprisingly Deep Loss

US judge ordering Russia to preserve Jewish texts

Bulgaria plans to seek compensation from Gazprom
Good luck with that.

Bulgaria - Gazprom Frontmen Come to Bulgaria out of the Blue

Bulgaria seeks restart of old nuclear reactors

European Union: Nabucco gas pipeline, a transit route that bypasses Ukraine, might get boost on May 7

Gazprom lobbyist suspended from EU

Gazprom: South Stream gas pipeline project to go ahead despite world crisis

Gazprom's Reserves on Arctic Shelf Grow

Slovak govt, Gazprom discussing possible joint venture

New EU gas pipeline must avoid Russia: Hungary

Georgia agrees on gas supplies to South Ossetia

Georgia President Lambasts "Relentless Enemy" Putin In TV Phone-in



80 foreign murderers welcomed to Britain: Albanian killers allowed to stay despite being on Interpol 'wanted' list

Paedophiles 'couldn't be split because of human rights'

Britain on the brink of an economic depression, say experts

Thermostat on low? The pipes are calling

UK drenched as 10 days' rain falls in 12 hours



Attacker kills 3 at Belgian nursery

Austrian authorities probe 500-million-dollar counterfeit

Austrians Alerted Prior Attack
VIENNA — Austrian authorities were warned last year that a Chechen man slain in Vienna last week was in jeopardy, an advance summary of a report in an Austrian weekly said Tuesday.

Umar Israilov was shot and killed Jan. 13. Officials said they have no proof that the murder was politically motivated, but news reports and human rights groups claim that the 27-year-old was targeted because he was a former bodyguard and critic of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov.

Vatican attacks US abortion move
Yay!

Pope could welcome Holocaust denier back into the fold
WTF?

European storm death toll mounts

'Apocalyptic' pigeons strike fear in town
The sky turned black when a massive flock of pigeons invaded a quiet town in Staffordshire.



U.S. Releases Nuclear Complex Modernization Details

A 'Bad' Bank Can Solve Our Problems - WSJ.com
As bank shares plunge to new lows around the world, it seems we have entered the next stage of the financial crisis -- most likely the last chapter in this horror story. The final word will probably be nationalization of the major financial institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom and in many other countries.

No, I'm afraid we're just getting started.


Freddie Needs Up to $35 Billion More From U.S.

Alice Rivlin: Economists are too optimistic

Roubini Predicts U.S. Losses May Reach $3.6 Trillion

Hedge Fund Assets May Fall $450 Billion After Worst Performance


Bank nationalizations: Don't bet on it - Jan. 22, 2009
Investors can't seem to shake the notion the U.S. will seize control of a big bank. But experts don't think that's likely.

"Experts" also told us the correction would be mild and would be over by spring of last year.


Citigroup, Bank of America May Look ‘Nationalized’
Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. government’s decision to pledge billions of additional dollars with strings attached to Citigroup Inc. and Bank of America Corp. may be nationalization by another name, according to former bankers and regulators.

General Electric sees more credit losses in 2009

Deere to Fire 502 in Brazil, Lay Off 190 in Iowa

The Zombie Apocalypse Will Eat Our Economy
Watch out, they're gonna chomp on you!

Salmonella peanut butter and other food scares could speed arrival of RFID kitchens
Just imagine, every item in your kitchen tagged!

Conditions breeding rodent resurgence in North Texas

Wildfire destroys 8 homes in rural West Texas

Wildfire torches 450 acres in Comanche County

Fire officials respond to grass and brush fires, urge caution



Oil rises as Opec output reduced

Fundamental Views on Metals Markets

2 Corinthians 4

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Do not lose heart.
Do not lose heart.


Peres: 'Obama Was Chosen by the Whole of Humankind'

How world leaders see Obama's coming

World Celebrates With U.S. Obama Inauguration

UN chief looks to new partnership with Obama

School children wear masks of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama

Obama Is Like Biblical Joshua, Boxing Promoter Don King Says


Do not lose heart.
Do not lose heart.


Inauguration or Worship Service?

Iowa Insider » Weird things are happening before Obama’s inauguration
-----Matthew J. Clark

Israeli PM says Obama will be 'full partner' in Mideast

Israeli officials: Obama a true friend

Obama gives call for ‘remaking America’

The Dawn Of New Hope For The World

Words Made Flesh - washingtonpost.com
---In case you need help: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.--John 1:14

Do not lose heart.
Do not lose heart.
[I'm preaching at myself here, btw.]


One Man's Suggestion - Jay Nordlinger

Unreal Expectations? --VDH

YouTube - Post-Barackalyptic Wasteland

Sources: Obama may quickly reverse abortion policy

Obama gets to keep 'enhanced' BlackBerry
Sounds like a great way to keep stuff under the table, IMNSHO.

U.S. Stocks Slide to Worst Inauguration Day Drop in Dow Industrial History


Obama calls Middle East leaders

Ex-envoys: Israel has nothing to worry about
Hahahahahahahahahahaha...

Lebanon claims natural gas well
Avner Oil refutes Lebanese claim to gas field find

Olmert Prepared to Pay 'Terrible Price' for Shalit

Construction sparks talk of U.S. embassy

Report: Olmert privately proposed division of Jerusalem to Arab leaders


So here's what I'm thinking, and I realize it sounds like crazy talk:

Obama negotiates the release of Gilad Schalit, moves the official embassy to Jerusalem, vows help in protecting and maybe extracting that gas, and makes deals with Hamas, Iran, and Syria, in return for dividing Jerusalem.




Minister Says: We May Need a Billion Desalinated Liters

Emboldened Hamas declares victory

Iran: Ahmadinejad lauds Hamas chief on Gaza 'victory'

Iran renews efforts to supply Hamas

'Bogey' Ya'alon to Address 6th Jerusalem Conference Monday

Catalunya cancels Shoah memorial ceremony over Gaza op


'Member the plague story?
Al Qaeda bungles arms experiment

A Top Sunni Survives an Attack in Iraq

Iraq minister: Arabs unable to agree on Gaza

Taliban warn Obama: Leave Afghanistan

U.S. Secures New Supply Routes to Afghanistan

It’s in world’s interest to help Pakistan: Petraeus

Pakistan kills 22 militants near Afghan border: officials

'7/7 bombings suspect' arrested in Pakistan

India tests missile amid tensions with Pakistan

Pakistan - School Attacks Tied to Taliban

Iranian AIDS doctors sentenced to prison

Iran calls for more OPEC meetings

Iran-Russia gas co-op benefits all, Gazprom says

Iran shuts gas pipeline to Turkey for maintanance

Gaddafi says looking at oil firm nationalization

Syria attracts Gulf retail investors as it opens up economy

Syria holds Israeli war crimes exhibition

Erdoğan will not attend Nabucco pipeline meet

Turkey links pipeline to EU membership talks

Turkey seeks 15 pct of Nabucco gas, partners opposed

Turkey says energy chapter not precondition for Nabucco project

Turkey’s first nuclear tender to be cancelled due to high price-report

Global recession to dim Turkey's 2009 gold demand
"Gold imports by Turkey, one of the top three consumers of bullion, dropped 30 percent in 2008, while its gold jewellery exports fell around 14 percent."

Armenia Says Close To Mending Ties With Turkey

Israel-Turkey diplomatic spat worsens, despite end of Gaza fighting

Qassem: Defense Strategy is to Strengthen Lebanon and Not Score Political Points


Researchers find Moors built with powdered bones
Moors, of course, were the Muslim hordes that covered Spain from 711 to 1492.

"Cardell said there is evidence that the bone powder, mostly from pigs, may have been used in other Moorish structures in the area but so far there is nothing to indicate it was used in the Alhambra itself."

So pigs are horrible and unclean, but you can cook them and use their bones for building? Nice.




Steel prices: Ready to recover ?

World oil demand expected to contract sharply in 2009

Spain says Algeria gas pipeline for European market

Slovenia backs South Stream gas pipeline

Russia likely to join OPEC soon - Pickens

Russia restarts gas, Europe sighs with relief
Flow of natural gas from western line of Russia to Turkey restarts
Tying in with the Ascension, you'll note.

Putin Emerges From Gas Wars With Yushchenko Sidelined

GDF Suez Says Mobilized To Supply Gas To Central Europe

Russia: arms sales to Georgia will draw sanctions

Putin urges keeping up housing construction rates 2009

London newspaper to be sold to Russian tycoon

Russia plans 'circle of energy security'

Russia to drop nickel, copper cathode duties

Ukraine, Russia to hold Kiev talks on maritime borders

Ukraine, Belarus could deepen cooperation in energy transit, say presidents

Georgians in support of Israel

France could order two nuclear power plants

Looters descend on Kent beach to collect the timber lost by Russian ship

Burglary, fraud and knife-point robbery rise as recession sees crime increase

Police fire pepper spray at Iceland protesters

Envious of Obama, Icelanders hurl yogurt and stage riots for new leaders
What, they don't have tomatoes there?


PSOE says, it too, claims Gibraltar's sovereignty
While Gibraltar doen't sit exactly on the strait that bears its name, it's pretty darn close, and everybody is wanting a piece of it.




Cholera moves to rural Zimbabwe
"The UN says at least 2,755 people have now died - a 20% rise in a week.

The rainy season could lead to even more infections, as water sources become contaminated, aid workers warn.

MSF Zimbabwe representative Manuel Lopez said that small villages off the main roads were now being affected following the Christmas holidays, when urban residents went home. "


Congo says it invited in Rwandan forces
KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo said on Tuesday it had invited in Rwandan forces onto Congolese soil as observers for an offensive against Rwandan Hutu rebels which would last 10-15 days.

Men held for railway explosives: South Africa



Mining Company Announces Potential Find

WINDHOEK – Canadian mining company Etruscan Resources announced that additional surface samples from its Lofdal permit in northern Namibia have indicated that rare earth elements (REEs) occur and could be of potential economic significance.

The company, which has been exploring for gold and diamonds in Africa for over 13 years, has been exploring for iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) in two areas in Namibia: in the northern part along the southern and eastern margins of a large basement complex (Kamanjab Project), and in the central area covering a volcano-sedimentary belt of the Rehoboth Volcano-Sedimentary Sequence (Witvlei Project), east of the capital.

The continuing search for IOCG deposits has gained momentum in Canadian mineral exploration due to their large size potential and polymetallic grades of mineralization, including sizeable amounts of uranium.

India plans to triple trade with Africa, deepen ties
"India expects to triple trade with Africa over the next five years to reach $100 billion, officials said on Wednesday, as it tries to strengthen ties in a region where Asian rival China has made rapid inroads."

Obama brings sense of foreboding to India

India’s Rupee Strengthens on Speculation Exporters Sold Dollar

China plays maritime chess

China mounts big raid on illegal weapons factories

China, EU should 'unite' to tackle economic crisis: foreign minister

SKorean officials probe clash that left 6 dead



Bringing population back into focus at World Bank

Nazi angel of death Josef Mengele 'created twin town in Brazil'

Venezuelan Students March to Protest, Support Chavez Amendment


Terror At Hugo Chavez's Hand

Both Colombia and Venezuela house Lebanese merchant communities where affinity and extortion have fashioned compliant agents for Hezbollah, which is also known to be allied with the FARC narco-guerillas of Colombia, the government of Venezuela and arms dealers like Viktor Bout of Russia.

Clandestine transportation of Hezbollah agents, money and technology--even for nuclear weapons--became much easier in 2007 when Chavez and Ahmadinejad instituted weekly Iran Air flights between Caracas and Tehran (with one stop, Damascus). There is no immigration and passport control on either side, and in Caracas the plane has its own entrance and exit monitored by Chavez's secret police.

VW Mexico to lay off 900 temporary workers - union

MRSA rising in kids' ear, nose, throat infections

Prison locked down following 100-inmate riot

BNSF Announces $2.7 Billion Capital Commitment Program

A $17 Trillion Alliance Can Save World Economies: William Pesek




Evacuations amid fears for eruption Nevado del Huila

Scientist: New fault could mean major Ark. temblor



Magnitude 6.2 - KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA
Strong quake hits Indonesia

Magnitude 4.6 - CRETE, GREECE

Magnitude 4.9 - REYKJANES RIDGE

Magnitude 5.1 - GUATEMALA

Magnitude 6.0 - NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Strong quake off PNG

Magnitude 5.0 - EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS

Magnitude 5.2 - HALMAHERA, INDONESIA

Magnitude 1.7 - NEW YORK

Magnitude 5.1 - MAURITIUS - REUNION REGION

Magnitude 6.3 - SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS

Magnitude 4.7 - NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF MYANMAR

Magnitude 4.9 - COSTA RICA

Magnitude 4.7 - OFF THE COAST OF EL SALVADOR

Magnitude 5.5 - BANDA SEA

Quake near Hollister measures at magnitude-3.8

Notice three 6+ in the last 15 hours.
Strong quakes becoming more frequent.
Labor pangs.