Kinda scattered tonight, since I'm working on three things at once.

Lotta pretty freaky stuff going on in the world these days. If you're not right with God, you might oughtta look to that.


Proverbs 2:6-8

6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.


'Hamas trying to infiltrate IDF ranks'

Jordanian soldier fires at Israel patrol

Jews in Muslim Lands Feeling the Heat

Clinton says 'no' to Hamas talks

Indictment: Iranian network employees fed enemy sensitive information

UN chief heads to Mideast to press Gaza resolution

Israel Says Hamas Is Damaged, Not Destroyed

Clinton Pledges Tough Diplomacy and a Fast Start

Hamas accepts Egyptian proposal for Gaza cease-fire

Terrorists fire 16 rockets at Israel

3 rockets fired from Lebanon hit north Israel; IDF returns fire

Bolivia cuts ties with Israel, seeks genocide charges against Israeli officials

In a first, Gaza militants fire phosphorus bomb into Israel

Official: Greece objected to arms shipment

Anti-Israel forum in Malacca draws 10,000

France: 55 anti-Semitic acts since start of Cast Lead

Six wounded as Grads hit Beersheba

Hamas interior minister Said Siam dies in IAF air strike

Obama, Clinton Signal Willingness to Help on Israel-Syria Talks

Livni sets out to US to sign deal on preventing arms smuggling

IAF Kills Hamas Interior Minister

UN outraged after Israel shells its aid compound
[Maybe you should keep Hamas out of your precious compound.]

Report: Israel, Hamas agree on 2-week truce





Attacks Stir Another India-Pakistan Border Dispute

Turkey's Koc says signs $770 mln loan deal

False alarm over bomb scare at UNIFIL base blamed on over-enthusiastic dog

Russian navy eyes Tartous, Syria as base for Black Sea Fleet

Iran to seek influence through Iraq elections: Pentagon

Syrian Daily: Syria, Turkey Attempting To Torpedo Egyptian Ceasefire Initiative

Iran Says U.S. Helped Finance Overthrow Plot
[*headdesk*]

Iranian lawmaker slams Saudi, Egyptian positions on Gaza issue

Iraq Joins Chemical Weapons Convention

Turkey's drift away from the West

Turkey does not plan gas supply cuts - source

The Arab Economic Summit: a market approach to development

Iran concerned about new BBC Persian TV

Pakistan shares Indian dossier with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan, China vow to boost mutual to complete

Hayden: Iran near nuke decision
[I think we all know that decision has been made already.]

Pakistan arrests 124 in crackdown over Mumbai terrorist attacks

Iraq Cabinet member escapes bomb in Baghdad

Crude Oil Rises as Saudi Arabia Says It Will Make Deeper Cuts







Sri Lanka seeks closer economic integration

China Grows to World's Third-Largest Economy

Spate of Shark Attacks in Australia Rattles Nerves

Security stepped up at railway stations-Allahabad

Japan's current account surplus plunge 65.9% in November

PHILIPPINES Church helping 42 thousand flood victims

Families face eviction after Rosemeadow riots

Fiji Lashed by New Rains After Tropical Storms Kill 8 People

Masked motives in China's anti-piracy push

India reiterates commitment to economic integration in Asia

Apec to deal with crisis

Transneft says credit crisis stalks China pipeline







Biometric passports agreed to in EU

Slovak, Bulgarian PMs to visit Moscow on gas issue, says Putin

Accusations reignite Europe's gas row

BP and Russia Bury the Hatchet

Anti-government rioting hits Riga

Georgia’s Energy Minister Is Assailed for Deal With Russia

Russia seeks to expand Blue Stream gas pipeline

Nabucco alive and well despite crisis

Nabucco pipeline countries to meet in Budapest end-Jan.

Protecting our children from diseases—and ugly truths.

Gibraltar Government takes control of civil aviation

Vladimir Putin turns his hand to painting
[Oy.]

Bulgarians in anti-government protests clash with police

How the gas cutoff affects Eastern Europe

Miliband regrets 'war on terror'

Miliband endorses Pak's root-cause theorists

Bulgaria seeks gas supplies from Greece, Turkey

Turkey: restart of Russia gas via west pipe

Putin urges EU to pressure Ukraine to resolve gas crisis

Putin proposes that Europe pays to pump gas west

Spending on defense contract by 2011 to reach 4 trillion rbls-Putin

Britain and Germany press for end to gas crisis as Putin plays Mr Nice Guy

Kremlin snubbed as Russia, Ukraine plan gas crisis talks






Nigeria and the trans-Saharan gas pipeline

Zimbabwe cholera deaths more than 2,000 - WHO

UN 'should take over control of Zimbabwe's health system'

Somali pirates release Turkish ship

Pirates attack Norwegian ship off Nigeria

43 new cases of Ebola reported in Western DR Congo

Who Supplied The Missiles To The LRA?

Uganda rebels killed over 500 civilians in DR Congo: UN

UPDF captures more Kony rebels

British ship escapes pirates with help from Russian warship: IMB

Somali pirates release 21 Filipinos

Southern Africa: Region Takes Giant Step Toward African Economic Community

Fears of Bubonic Plague grow as city alleys pile up with rubbish.

NATO: Anti-Piracy Goes Hi-Tech

Sudanese Flee to UN Base as Darfur Rebels Attack Each Other







UN finds 217 sex abuse claims against blue helmets

With economic integration on their minds

IMF chief warns about deepening global slowdown

Better global governance needed in 2009: WEF







GM to cut 744 workers at Brazil plant - union

Brazil, the Least Affected by Global Economic Crisis

The Promise and Perils of South American Integration

Brazil sells $500 mln in dollar repos in auction

BG Group May Spend Up to $5 Billion on Brazil Fields

Brazil: Presidential contender undergoes makeover
[hahaha. Don't all politicians?]

Nicaragua farmers fight police, more than 160 held

Chavez: OPEC could further reduce output

Mexican Army Sends 2,000 Troops to Violent Juarez






Reality check for U.S.-Mexico relations

Military report raises concerns about social unrest fueled by globalization, urbanization

Strategic Collapse at the Army War College

Rangel to reintroduce military draft measure

American Thinker: The Meat and Potatoes of Child Indoctrination
[Do you know how protein deprivation affects your brain?]

Bush declares a 'state of emergency' in Washington as cost of Obama's swearing-in ceremony soars to £110m

Just in time for the Inauguration - an all-Obama TV channel

Obama's Permanent Grass-Roots Campaign

Analyst: Obama may spend a billion on biometrics

FBI studies biometrics to plan its future research

Clinton vows to quickly renegotiate arms treaty with Russia

Bernanke: More bank bailouts needed

Prediction: 2009 Will See More Abortion, Assisted Suicide and Human Cloning

Shaky economy means 'bye-bye baby' for some

Manhunt for Suspect After Woman, 4 Kids Found Slain in Oklahoma

Energy shares send U.S. stocks to December lows

TransCanada says delays won't hamper U.S. pipeline



Gaia worshipers launch hysterics over global warming

Blowing snow and frigid temperatures pound nation
Americans suffer record cold as temperatures plunge to -40C
Sharp cold wave shocks upper Midwest, temps to -36
ABC News: Winter Weather
Snow storms hit U.S. - Yahoo! News Photos

[We're supposed to get down to 20 tonight, maybe into the teens tomorrow night. That's scary cold for Florida, even here in the Panhandle. ]





Magnitude 7.4 - EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
Russia issues tsunami warning after quake

Magnitude 6.7 - SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS
Strong quake hits near New Caledonia

Maybe that's enough to relieve some of that pressure.


Magnitude 5.0 - COQUIMBO, CHILE

Magnitude 2.3 - VIRGINIA
Earthquake near Giles County

Magnitude 5.1 - CRETE, GREECE
Earthquake rattles southern Greece

Magnitude 5.7 - SOLOMON ISLANDS

Magnitude 5.0 - MARIANA ISLANDS REGION

Magnitude 5.0 - OFF THE EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA

Magnitude 5.0 - FLORES SEA
5.0-magnitude earthquake hits West Papua, Indonesia

Magnitude 5.0 - EASTERN SICHUAN, CHINA

Magnitude 4.7 - KAZAKHSTAN-XINJIANG BORDER REGION

Magnitude 4.6 - NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

Magnitude 5.1 - IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

Magnitude 5.4 - SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS
Earthquake Hits Papua

Two minor earthquakes shake Hollister this morning

Earthquake shakes southeast Iran - radio

Several earthquakes jolt Central America

Mourning for 19 dead, 23 still missing after Costa Rica quake

Yellowstone Earthquakes





Russia, China spur worldwide demand for wine: study

Ancient Persians who gassed Romans were the first to use chemical weapons

Beam me up: Scientists left baffled as mysterious columns of coloured light appear in the night skies

RIP, Chauncy.





















He was attacked by a dog on Sunday. He seemed to be doing better the last few days, even 'talked' when we went out to check on him, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. :(

(The dog was killed as soon as we caught it. Hateful, mean, worthless, animal that someone abandoned. I wish I could spit on its owner.)

He always used to dance and cackle at everyone. He beat up a couple of cats that tried to sneak in and get his food. He was four or five years old. I guess for a chicken that's a pretty good run.

I don't claim to know what happens to animals after they die, but I like to think of Chauncy getting payback somewhere. :)



Foghorn Leghorn Ass Whipping moments

Israel Asked U.S for Help With Strike on Iran Nuke Facility

Two well placed sources confirmed to FOX News that Israel last year made "various requests" for U.S. assistance with a planned Israeli air strike on Iran's nuclear program — and that the requests were made directly to the White House because the Israelis were "disturbed and fearful" of leaks from the U.S. intelligence community and "did not trust" Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

One source told FOX News the Israelis approached the Bush White House at least once last summer, possibly twice, and were "slammed down" because senior administration officials felt such assistance would "unravel our position in Iraq."

[No surprise there, though I wish there were. As a nation, we are so royally screwed.]



Gaza: IDF uncovers booby-trapped school, zoo

IDF: More than 650 Hamas Terrorists Killed in Gaza

3 troops lightly hurt by gunshots near Hebron

Mark Steyn: The 'oldest hatred' lives, from Gaza to Florida

Jews in Europe worry about anti-Semitism over Gaza

Israel concerned by anti-Semitic attacks in Europe

Under cover of criticizing Israel, anti-semitism has become trendy

Synagogue, Jewish building attacked in France

Violence erupts at embassy protest

Multiple Attacks on Chicago Jewish Community on Sabbath




Egypt police detain 64 in Delta protest for Gaza

63 injured in Algiers after police clash with crowd at Gaza protest

Turkey arrests 4 more army officers in plot probe

Nine more charged in Turkey over alleged coup plot

Iraqis 'capture leading militant'

Cache with old rockets found in South Lebanon

Iran calls on Brazil to join efforts for Gaza ceasefire

VP-elect Biden in Afghanistan for talks

Time for action against Pakistan: BJP

India-Pakistan: Reality Shock

Iraq pledges it won't deport Iranian group
[Because the US and Iran have common interests there, no doubt.]

What Iranians Are Saying about Gaza - Michael Rubin

Iran to Discuss Russia Swaps at Gas Forum

‘Jordan to Start Red-Dead Project Alone’



Lethal Technology Making Way From U.S. to Iran Via Front Companies

Despite multiple attempts by the Bush administration to halt illegal imports -- including sanctions against several Dubai-based Iranian front companies in 2006 -- the technology pipeline to Tehran is flowing at an even faster pace. In some cases, Iran simply opened new front companies and shifted its operations from Dubai to farther east in Asia, the officials said.

Iran in the past two years has acquired numerous banned items -- including circuit boards, software and Global Positioning System devices -- that are used to make sophisticated versions of the improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, that continue to kill U.S. troops in Iraq, according to documents released by the Justice Department and a new study by a Washington research institute. The deadly trade was briefly disrupted after the moves against Dubai companies in 2006, but it quickly resumed with a few changes in shipping routes and company names, the officials said.

"Without doubt, it is still going on," said one former U.S. intelligence official who investigated Iran's networks.

Turkey in talks with Russia, Ukraine to end gas dispute

Slovakia restarts Soviet-era nuclear reactor

Freezing conditions continue as Spain recovers from a weekend of traffic chaos

Russia Gazprom shuts wells, makes losses in gas row

Russia-Ukraine deal on gas for Europe in doubt

Europeans Clinch a Gas Agreement

[The gas is supposed to be turned back on tomorrow, last I saw. We'll see.]




Russian Officials Among 7 Killed in Copter Crash

The victims included Alexander S. Kosopkin, 51, President Dmitri A. Medvedev’s representative in the lower house of Parliament, and several other federal and local officials.
...
The helicopter was an Mi-171 owned by Gazpromavia, an airline that belongs to Russia’s state gas monopoly, Gazprom.

[Say. That's odd.]



Gas supplies to Armenia stopped by pipeline break

China Cancels Plans for Steel Stockpile

OPEC unlikely to stop expansions

ESPO oil pipeline section opened in Russia

Indian truckers call off strike

24-inch diameter gas pipeline blown up in Dera Bugti

World Bank ban on Wipro, Megasoft too

Turkey's boron exports exceed $500 million in 2008

Rio postpones Brazil iron ore expansion

Alcoa Has First Net Loss in Six Years as Demand Falls

Trans-Texas Corridor plan officially axed, at least for now

Boeing cutting 4,500 jobs

Textron’s Cessna to Cut 2,700 Jobs, 17% of Workforce

Super contango in crude oil creates record inventory level



CSX imposes temporary leave at Greenbrier

About 650 employees of CSX Corp¹s five-diamond luxury resort in West Virginia will be given temporary leave over the next two weeks due to a sharper than normal seasonal decline.

The announcement came days after the railroad company said it was seeking Goldman Sachs & Co.'s advice on what do with the Greenbrier after it lost $35 million last year.
...
The 721-room resort includes an underground bunker that was built during the Cold War to house the U.S. Congress during a nuclear war. The relocation center remained a secret until the Washington Post exposed it in the early 1990s, after which it was decommissioned by the government.

[Say, that's odd, too.]



Obama Wants Second Half of TARP Funds as ‘Ammunition’

Audacity itself as economic experiment

Capitalism Freezes in Worldwide Winter of Discontent




Zimbabwe troops 'eat elephants'
[But do they taste like chicken?]

EU threatens Africa with Precaution

Pirates release Iranian-chartered vessel

Sierra Leone: Health Ministry Reacts to Yellow Fever Outbreak in Bo

DRC: Suspected Ebola cases rise

Three die, 35 hospitalized in cholera outbreak Nigeria's Niger State

Division appears among Congo's rebel leaders

Zimbabwean opposition solicits UN, AU to help locate missing activists

Zimbabwe introduces $50 billion note

Children flee Zimbabwe to uncertain future

For Zimbabwe's Dead, a Final Indignity

Hustle and Flow: The Privatization of Water

Mexico murders soar as drug violence spirals out of control

Ecuador pays Brazil to resolve diplomatic spat

HOME-SCHOOLING: U.N. treaty might weaken families

Obama climate czar has socialist ties
[Yeah, such as Obama himself.]

Fry's VP Indicted for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering

Meltdown 101: Why are auto shows still important?
[bread and circuses, bread and circuses]

ND gets blizzard on top of December's record snow




Magnitude 4.7 - POLAND

Magnitude 5.6 - MID-INDIAN RIDGE

Two earthquakes jolt Sumatra and Papua

Earthquake strikes Victoria's east, measures 3.4 on Richter scale

3.6 earthquake recorded near Ukiah

Rising sea levels, earthquakes to hit B.C., says study

Costa Rica quake deaths reach 19



Small earthquakes continue at Yellowstone

A new series of what are described as a "modest swarm of earthquakes" began Friday in Yellowstone National Park, about 10 miles northeast of the north end of Yellowstone Lake, where a swarm of approximately 900 quakes had occurred between Dec. 26 and Thursday.

The current swarm is located on the northeast corner of the Yellowstone Caldera, according to the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

The new swarm, so far, is considerably smaller than the first series. The migration of the quakes continues in a north-northeast direction.

The largest of the new swarm of quakes was a magnitude 3.3 recorded at 11:17 a.m. Friday.

And the USGS earthquakes map is still way too quiet for comfort.

Hamas: Abbas no longer heads PA

Global protests call for end to Gaza op

More grave than Gaza


Obama and Hamas
Obama Team Denies Report He will Engage Hamas
[Obama: "Present!"]

Senior Officer: Hamas Terrorists Afraid to Come Out and Fight

Mashaal calls IDF operation in Gaza 'another holocaust'

'US abstention a warning to Israel'

Jerusalem & Babylon / The true meaning of hasbara

Terrorist Attack on Jewish Families in Lod

Judea, Samaria on High Alert over Kidnap Plans

Security Cabinet Votes to Continue Operation Cast Lead

Mortar shells fired at Kerem Shalom

Israel to step up assault on Hamas

IDF warns Gaza residents: Strikes to intensify




U.S., Iran share interests in Afghanistan: Petraeus
[My head hurts.]

Saudis say oil won't be used as a weapon to end Middle East crisis

Turkey hopes to become Europe's gas alternative

Iran gas to Turkey raised to 18 mln cubic metres

Attack on Iran would threaten U.S. army in Iraq

Afghan held for forced abortion of his sister

Istanbul's ancient past unearthed



Lloyds pays $350M to US in sanctions case
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lloyds TSB Bank has agreed to forfeit $350 million for helping customers skirt U.S. sanctions on business transactions with Sudan, Iran and Libya.

[And they're not alone:]

Ten of world's top banks laundered money for Iran


Putin to attend debutantes' ball in Germany: Berlin
[Shall we dance?]

Georgia, US sign strategic accord
[Pretty words on paper. I doubt they'll mean much when Mr. Debutante comes to call again.]

Hopes for resumption of Russian gas supplies sink
Ukraine Signs Accord on Transit Gas With EU, Russia?

Is Ukraine Next?

And when the lease on Sevastopol expires?

Renewed Riots Break Out in Greece as Protesters Clash With Police



China denies exporting stolen railway technologies

China aims to increase coal production 30 pct by 2015: govt

China sees oil import dependency rising from 50% to 60% by 2020

Strike-hit India may ask army to restore fuel supply

Rapid dengue spread



Mozambique: 317 Cholera Cases in Maputo

Dozens of new cholera cases in Limpopo

14 people die of Ebola in DR Congo

Sarkozy to visit Republic of Congo in late Jan.

Somali pirates reportedly release Saudi tanker
5 Somali pirates drown with ransom share
[Justice!]

FACTBOX - Ships held by Somali pirates



Brazil: 340 on cruise ship sickened; cause unknown

Brazil May Shut 15 Gas Turbines Before Bolivia Talks
Brazil may close 15 natural-gas-fired power plants tomorrow, reducing use of the fossil fuel in favor of cheaper hydroelectric power amid a gas dispute with Bolivia.

[Remember this?]




Obama raps Bowl Championship Series: 'We need a playoff'
[Glad to see him taking on the tough questions! On that note...]

Cultural rebel on the gridiron

Obama Calls for DTV Delay
[Hmm. Why now, all of a sudden, after this thing has been pushed for so long?]



Rubin’s Career at Citigroup Ends After $20 Billion of Losses

Market seeks to read earnings, economic tea leaves

Flu Strain Resistant to Leading Flu Treatment

Minnesota cracks another case of salmonella

Powerful Solar Storm Could Shut Down U.S. for Months



World Bank says current financial crisis a good time to review global economic order
This encompasses three trends - more densely populated cities, shorter distances between workers and cities where they can work, and the opening up of economic borders.

In the United States, 96 per cent of innovations take place in metropolitan areas where talent is concentrated - a phenomenon the World Bank calls economic density.

Its theme of "economic distance" can be illustrated in large countries such as China, where workers are increasingly able to move to cities, like Shanghai, in search of lucrative jobs.

[Again, they suggest we all cram ourselves into cities. Which is the last place I'd wanna be when TSHTF. Handy, huh?]



'Global central bank could prevent future crisis'
[Out of Dubai...]
To avoid another crisis, we need an ability to manage global liquidity. Theoretically that could be achieved through some kind of global central bank, or through the creation of a global currency, or through global acceptance of a set of rules with sanctions and a dispute settlement mechanism.




Death toll rises to 15 after Costa Rica quake, dozens still missing

Magnitude 5.0 - OFF EAST COAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND, N.Z.

Magnitude 5.1 - LUZON, PHILIPPINES

Magnitude 5.1 - OFFSHORE ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE

Volcano smoke forces PNG airport closure

2008 saw notable increase in moderate Southern California earthquakes



More quakes at Yellowstone.

Map Centered at 44°N, 110°W-Yellowstone

See that clump on the north side of the lake? Compare:

File:Yellowstone Caldera map2.jpg - Wikipedia

Those are near the north side of the caldera.

Also, quakes worldwide were too quiet today. That pressure's gotta go somewhere.

UN reaches agreement on ceasefire in Gaza Strip

I think we all knew this was coming, but it still makes me angry, especially since US support for a ceasefire is what made it possible.

The Lord will avenge.



Israel Hit by Rockets From Lebanon, Conflict Widens

'Lebanon liable for Nahariya attack'

School canceled as Nahariya, Shlomi brace for more rockets

Israel hits back after Lebanese rocket strike raises tension

[If Hizb'allah gets involved, Lebanon could go up in flames.]

Maronite bishops fear Gaza fighting might spread to Lebanon


*****

Arab Attempts Terror Attack on Gas Station, Police Kill Attacker

Israel wary of binding UNSC resolution

Mortar Attack Wounds 5 in Eshkol Region

30 reported killed in blast at UN school

Uncertainty shrouds UN driver's death

Analysis: Why has the West Bank been quiet?

Who Are the Real Nazis?--Jonah Goldberg

Israel acts because the world won't defend it

Yes, it's anti-Semitism

***

Indonesian Muslims call for ‘holy warriors’ to enter Gaza

Iraq: Cleric urges 'revenge operations' over Gaza

Pro-Palestinian protest at SF Federal Building

European Jews Attacked in Response to Gaza Conflict

Jews in Sweden under increasing threat

UK anti-semitism 'surge' since Gaza attack

Anti-Semitic attacks in Britain rise

Anti-Semitic attack on teenage girl in Paris

Wave of anti-Semitic acts hit Belgium

Attacks on city's Jews escalating

Priest condemned for defiling Rabin memorial

Norwegian police detain 27 in clashes over Gaza

Sarkozy urges Assad to press for truce

White House Calls for a 'Durable and Lasting Ceasefire'
[retch]

Obama vows to 'engage immediately' on Mideast once inaugurated

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, who has avoided commenting on foreign policy matters, said on Wednesday he will "engage immediately" in the situation in the Middle East when he becomes president.

Obama, who takes office on January 20, repeated that he was deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza but said he it would be imprudent to send signals that his incoming administration is running foreign policy.

[In other words, he's voting 'present' again. Though frankly, if I were Israel, I'd be very, very leery of letting this guy organize any treaties.]


*****

Iran and Bahrain officials call for oil as weapon

Iran says OPEC to hold meeting one month ahead of schedule

Iran seals deal to plug lower Indian gas oil supply

Syria, Jordan Review Cooperation in Railway and Road Transport

Suez Canal will not change tolls in 2009

Ship catches fire in Suez Canal, blocks oil tankers

Iran seals deal to plug lower Indian gas oil supply

High-speed train trial runs with passengers to start in February

Work continues in schedule in Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline: CNPC

Indonesia Should Embrace Urbanization, Says World Bank
[Why do they want everyone stuck in a city?]

Antony reviews security situation at top-level meeting

Truck strike begins to bite in India

Satyam Chairman Resigns After Falsifying Accounting

India inks largest-ever defence deal with US-India

Central Asia's Era Of Cheap Gas Comes To A Close

Railway construction halts in S China after villagers protest


Russia stops all gas supply to Europe via Ukraine
FACTBOX: 18 countries affected by Russia-Ukraine gas row
Production halted at three power stations in Turkey due to cut in gas
Eastern Europe Limits Gas Use; Germany Meets Demand
12 deaths blamed on snow and cold across Europe
Balkans freeze as Russia cuts gas supply

Putin insists Russia not to blame for gas crisis
[HAHAHAHAHAHA! That's a good one, Vlad!]

EU sees monitor breakthrough in Russia gas row

*****

Adolf Merckle suicide: German who lost £1bn in the financial crisis jumps under train

The Great California Fiscal Earthquake

U.S. to Place Aegis Missile Defenses on Several Warships

Venezuela cuts off oil pipeline for 200,000 US homes

Baby's Corpse Thrown Out With Hospital Trash

Not Child's Play: 'I Feel Like I Have a Real Baby'
[compact-with-death perversion]

Fatal police shooting sparks violent protests

New Orleans police sent in to remove protesting parishioners; arrests made

Highways to be closed for Inaugural

Vandals desecrate pro-gay Catholic church


Obama to Congress: Act Now, Act Boldly
Obama’s Revolutionary “Vision”
Kashmir issue leading Obama into first 'tar pit'
Discerning Light and Truth in ‘The Voice’


Heavy rain causing flooding across South

Fire heavily damages Milton's Downtown historical district
[Local, and pretty scary--could have been a lot worse.]

Threat of severe flooding as more roads are closed
Thousands in Washington state under voluntary evacuation status after massive flooding
YouTube - Heavy Rain Floods Washington Rivers
ABC News: Winter Weather (photos)


*****

Argentina's Deadly Yellow Fever Outbreak Spurs Mass Vaccination

Pakistan demands access to Mumbai crime scene

Pakistan: National security adviser fired

Turkish Authorities Detain 40 in Coup Plot Investigation

Cheney: NK helped Syria build reactor

Iraq sends 30,000 troops to guard Karbala pilgrims



China seen facing wave of unrest in 2009
China sails into new world order
China at Sea - WSJ.com


Zimbabwe demands $36,000 fee from journalists

7 Zimbabwe opposition members charged in bomb plot

Zimbabwe cholera death toll tops 1,700: WHO

Sudan says indicting president would risk bloodshed

U.N. finds traumatized villagers in Congo

DR Congo rebels 'oust Gen Nkunda'

Ebola kills two more in DRC

Ebola outbreak forces Angola to close Congo border

New ebola species threatens Africa

Somali pirates free Turkish cargo ship, ransom paid

Nigerian pirates free nine crew

French ship released as China begins anti-pirate patrols

Uganda, Kenya to build new railway from Mombasa


*****

2012 — The End of the World, or A New Beginning?

Five Ways the World Can End

[Some freaked out people in the world. Ripe for deception. I pray they find the Truth, instead.]


The top risks for 2009

More top risks for 2009



Expected cut to leave Bank of England in uncharted waters

How long? How deep? How bad?

Bear rally over, the great dying begins in corporate America


Sarkozy and Merkel tell US that Europe will lead way towards 'moral' capitalism

Calling for the creation of a new economic council to run along the lines of the UN Security Council, the chancellor said she was also in favour of a sustainable economy "world charter" which would set out new rules for long-term financial management. "No country can act alone in this day and age, not even the United States, however powerful they may be," she said.


Neelie Kroes European Commissioner speech on"Globalisation and social justice" 8-1-2009

Financial Crisis Presents Opportunity for Asia, Jeffrey Sachs Tells ADB Audience

Lack of candidates clears way for Lamy to remain at WTO



Magnitude 5.3 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.3 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 6.1 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
5.9-magnitude earthquake hits West Papua, Indonesia
Moderate Earthquake Hit Indonesia's West Region Twice
Strong earthquake shakes Indonesia province

Magnitude 5.3 - KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION

Magnitude 5.1 - OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

Magnitude 5.0 - PAPUA, INDONESIA

Magnitude 5.0 - SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN

Magnitude 4.9 - MACEDONIA
Another earthquake hits the Balkans

Magnitude 6.1 - COSTA RICA
6.1 Earthquake Hits San Jose Costa Rica

Magnitude 5.9 - CARLSBERG RIDGE

Magnitude 5.0 - GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALIFORNIA
Moderate quake shakes SoCal; centered near San Bernardino

4.4 quake strikes Sunday near The Geysers in Sonoma

Mild earthquake jolts NWFP and Punjab

Understanding Why Yellowstone’s Supervolcano Is So Dangerous
Park quakes could cause hydrothermal explosions


Earthquake deaths in 2008 highest since 2004


California Earthquake Would Accelerate US Mortgage Meltdown Reveals Aon Benfield Study


*****

And finally...

Tetris 'helps to reduce trauma'

Hee! I love Tetris.

Zechariah 9:1-8
Judgment on Israel's Enemies
An Oracle

1 The word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach
and will rest upon Damascus—
for the eyes of men and all the tribes of Israel
are on the LORD—

2 and upon Hamath too, which borders on it,
and upon Tyre and Sidon, though they are very skillful.

3 Tyre has built herself a stronghold;
she has heaped up silver like dust,
and gold like the dirt of the streets.

4 But the Lord will take away her possessions
and destroy her power on the sea,
and she will be consumed by fire.

5 Ashkelon will see it and fear;
Gaza will writhe in agony,
and Ekron too, for her hope will wither.
Gaza will lose her king
and Ashkelon will be deserted.

6 Foreigners will occupy Ashdod,
and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

7 I will take the blood from their mouths,
the forbidden food from between their teeth.
Those who are left will belong to our God
and become leaders in Judah,
and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

8 But I will defend my house
against marauding forces.
Never again will an oppressor overrun my people,
for now I am keeping watch.


IDF wary of Hizbullah attacks in North

Hezbollah Threat: Lebanon Watches Gaza Fight

Clashing Civilizations by Mark Steyn

Gov't: We won't take over Gaza Strip

Grad Rocket Strikes Ashdod Kindergarten Schoolyard

IDF confirms at least 30 gunmen killed in ground offensive

70,000 Iranian suicide bombers ready to fight Israel

'IDF prepared for urban battles'

Hamas moves on Fatah 'collaborators'


Mubarak, Abdullah condemn ground op
Riot police called out in London as protest ends in skirmishes
European protesters urge end to attacks on Gaza
Kashmir protests over assault on Gaza, 50 injured
Jordan police fire teargas at anti-Israel protesters

versus

Worldwide Rallies Support, Praise Israel's War on Gaza Terrorism

Public Prayer Assembly Slated for Tuesday in Jerusalem
[3 pm their time. That's 8 am Eastern, 7 Central.]


Iranian commander says to cut oil sales to Israel's backers

Israel's Ambassador on How to Stop Iran



Female bomber at Baghdad Shi'ite shrine kills 38

Iran's FM stays away from OIC executive meeting in Jeddah

Iran's Khameini warns Iraq over pact with US

Maliki seeks Iran help to rebuild Iraq

Lebanese parliament elections set for June 7

Turkey begins 2009 the new year with new currency

Pakistan arrests former top Taliban figure: security official

Police: Suicide attack kills 7 in Pakistan

‘Light the fire’ order set Mumbai ablaze
[Not good.]

***

Brazil Rescues 4,634 from Slavery in 2008

Uganda on alert as Ebola fever breaks out in DR Congo

SA paper reports Mukoko drugged in custody

Another oil pipeline blown up in N’Delta

Danish warship rescues cargo ship and pirates: Danish navy

Journalists freed by pirates after 38 days in caves

New year sees at least five Somalia pirate attacks: IMB

Somali pirates hijack Yemeni tanker ship in the Arabian Sea



Chrysler sales drop 53 pct; others not much better

PetroChina to expand gas pipeline network on strong demand

China violates accord with Japan over disputed gas field: report

Rlys tie up funds for dedicated freight corridor



Gazprom to sue Naftogaz

Russians Raise Ukraine Gas Bill

EU treads warily as gas supply from Russia falls off

EU fears supply cuts as Russian gas row heats up

Russia reduces gas flows to Europe via Ukraine

Ukraine: Serious gas shortages possible



Gunmen attack Greek riot police

Neo-Nazi march prompts German protest

Russia to hold wargames in Greek airspace

Russia seeks copter sales to Turkey and Venezuela



Russia: New Russian law ends jury trials for 'crimes against state'

The law does away with jury trials for a variety of offenses, leaving people accused of treason, revolt, sabotage, espionage or terrorism at the mercy of three judges rather than a panel of peers. Critics say the law is dangerous because judges in Russia are vulnerable to manipulation and intimidation by the government.

***

Shaking Up the Boardroom at World Government Inc.

Apocalypse now – could the internet seize up altogether?
End of the world still a big seller
End of the Financial World as We Know It

[And here I thought The One was going to bring us hopey change! Speaking of Obama...]


Obama picks Leon Panetta to head CIA
[Another Clintonite with no experience whatsoever. Great.]

How the city hurts your brain
[I KNEW IT!]




Magnitude 7.6 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.6 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.0 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.2 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 7.3 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.2 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.4 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.3 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.3 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 6.0 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.0 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.0 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Strong earthquakes kill 3, cut off power
Powerful Earthquakes Kill At Least 4 in Indonesia
Strong earthquake rocks Indonesia


Magnitude 4.7 - BURYATIYA, RUSSIA

Magnitude 5.1 - TAIWAN(2)

Magnitude 5.7 - SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS

Magnitude 5.5 - KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA

Magnitude 6.2 - HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
6.2-magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan

Magnitude 5.5 - SOUTH OF TONGA

Magnitude 5.0 - NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Moderate quake jolts NE Japan

Magnitude 4.3 - NEVADA

Magnitude 5.0 - PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE

Magnitude 4.2 - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
4.2 quake rattles remote area of Sonoma County

Magnitude 3.6 - NEVADA

Magnitude 5.3 - NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA REGION

Magnitude 4.9 - AZORES ISLANDS REGION

Magnitude 5.5 - GULF OF CALIFORNIA

Magnitude 4.6 - GOLFO DE FONSECA, EL SALVADOR

Magnitude 4.8 - RED SEA

Young woman dies in Greek earthquake


70 evacuated in Montserrat, Antigua experiences heavy ash fall
NASA MODIS Image of the Day: Plume from Soufriere Hills Volcano


Earthquakes at Yellowstone Supervolcano: Update
LiveScience.com Yellowstone
[The swarm has settled down, but not stopped. It's worth keeping an eye on.]


Peru could see strong earthquake due to accumulated energy

Super volcano threat on the menu for Marlow group

Had a bunch of kids over Friday night; fun, but exhaustifying.

Saturday evening as I was bringing in groceries in the dark, in the rain, I whanged myself in the head with the trunk pretty good. Everything went black for a few seconds, then hours of shakes and nausea. Yeah, probably concussion.

So I'm kinda out of it, and still not focusing clearly. Which I guess is just as well, 'cause most of the news I've seen is not really what I'd call 'good.'



God bless the IDF.

Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in Indonesia May Cause Tsunami in Pacific Ocean

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,475624,00.html


Indonesia is on tsunami watch after the region was rocked by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8.

The National Weather Service reports that the earthquake occurred in the Irian Jaya region of the country.

A tsunami warning was issued for countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, except for the coasts of Canada and the United States.




Magnitude 7.6 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
2009 January 03 19:43:54 UTC

Updates shortly.

It's on: Israeli ground troops entering Gaza.


Soldiers exchange fire with Hamas gunmen inside Strip


For the first time since the start of Operation Cast Lead, IDF ground troops entered the Gaza Strip on Saturday evening, exchanging fire with Hamas gunmen.

The IDF said that a large amount of Armored Corps, Engineering Corps and Infantry troops entered the territory with the purpose of destroying Hamas infrastructure and preventing rocket fire by taking control of launching pads in northern Gaza.

The IDF warned that terrorists using civilians as human shields would bear full responsibility for their fate.

The cabinet also approved the call-up of thousands of reservists, mostly from combat units, but also from the Home Front Command.
Several hours before the ground operation commenced, the army began to fire artillery shells into the northern part of the Strip.

According to reports, the artillery units were attacking targets in northern Gaza from where Palestinian terrorists had been firing rockets at southern Israel.







City of Tel Aviv to high-rise dwellers: Prepare shelters

Egyptian FM: Hamas must stop rocket attacks for truce to hold

IDF Strikes Second Hamas Leader

Israeli assault on Gaza enters 2nd week with no end in sight
[linking this one mostly for the map]

5 civilians lightly wounded in rocket barrage on Ashkelon

Hamas Terrorists Use Hospitals as Base, Rebuild Tunnels

Report: 3 killed, 40 injured in Rafah strike

Kabbalist Elder: Gaza War Is Serious Threat

Rocket lands in Ashdod area; several suffer shock

'Renewed truce may legitimize Hamas'

UN chief wants monitors for Gaza cease-fire
[I'm shocked.]



***


Muslims in protest over Gaza crisis
[I'm shocked.]

Protests against Gaza op sweep Mideast

Iran Nobel laureate accused of Israeli bias: activist

Iranian Pro-Israel Newspaper Banned

Saudis arrest two over pro-Gaza protest

Protesters, police clash near Arab meeting in Cairo

Teheran students riot at Jordan embassy

Turkey in Syria talks on 'ruthless' Israel Gaza assault
[*retch*]

Can Sarkozy's Syria Ties Deliver a Mideast Truce?
[While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.--1 Thess. 5]

Suicide bomb kills many in Iraq

***

Pakistani Militants Admit Role in Siege, Official Says
Pakistan says no confession in Mumbai link probe


Taliban moving in as Pakistan moves troops east

'Pakistan must be declared a terrorist state'

Kashmir crisis comes full circle

Pakistan, Iran in oil and gas talks

Taliban ambush kills 20 Afghan police


***

Russia's Gazprom Cuts All Gas Supplies to Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine gas talks collapse

Ukraine threatens to seize Russian gas, Gazprom says

Panama Canal protected by detection tech


***

Slovakia becomes eurozone member

No one hurt in bombing in Spain's Basque area

Mother has healthy baby boy despite abortion warning by doctor

Man accused of leaving Colo. bombs kills himself

Police Investigating After Dead Baby Dug Up by Family Dog
[:( Local. What a horrible story.]

Orissa govt for phased CRPF withdrawal from Kandhamal

China and Vietnam agree borders

Hundreds of migrants feared dead in Indian Ocean



Should the Military Be Called in for Natural Disasters?

Theoretically, even pacificists would probably admit that no one can respond as quickly and efficiently to a major U.S. disaster as the military. But the news that active duty soldiers fresh from a combat tour of Iraq will be gearing up to assist civilian agencies charged with responding to anything from accidental chemical spills to terrorist attacks has sparked mixed reactions from experts in emergency management and civil liberties advocates.

By 2011 the Department of Defense plans to have 20,000 uniformed troops expressly trained to assist in national disaster rapid response at a moment's notice. Since Oct. 1, some 4,700 soldiers belonging to a brigade combat team out of Fort Stewart, Ga., have already been engaged in the new assignment, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Almarah Belk, a spokeswoman at the Secretary of Defense's office. The $556 million, five-year training program is part of a broader, $2.3 billion FEMA project to have civilian authorities in states such as Massachusetts, South Carolina and Washington work with the military to develop response plans to a range of potential disasters, from a hurricane and earthquake to a terrorist attack and a pandemic flu.


***

Somali pirates seize Egyptian ship; Tanker saved

France captures 'Somali pirates'

Crew fight off pirates with water jets off Somalia

Ethiopia Begins Somalia Withdrawal After Invasion



Rains could worsen Zimbabwe cholera epidemic

Red Cross deploys more teams to fight cholera in Zimbabwe

Cholera Outbreak In Some Parts Of Accra

New Ebola strain identified in Uganda



Congo says Ugandan rebels fleeing toward CAR

Rebels 'advancing towards CAR'

SENEGAL: Scores flee town after riot over living conditions

Congolese government vows to 'destroy' Lord's Resistance rebels



***


Villager stumbles upon ancient human skeletal remains

Findings - For Good Self-Control, Try Getting Religious About It

The Apocalypse is Coming: What You Need to Pack

Argentine builders 'strike oil'



***


Yellowstone Park Hit by Hundreds of Small Earthquakes

Map Centered at 44°N, 110°W-Yellowstone

Discovery Channel :: Supervolcano: What's Under Yellowstone?

YouTube - Scenario: supervolcano eruption in the US




Moderate earthquake jolts eastern Indonesia

Two earthquakes hit W Indonesia

Small quake hits Northern California

Minor morning earthquake hits off coast of Malibu

Mild earthquake southeast of Karachi spreads panic


Magnitude 5.0 - AEGEAN SEA
Magnitude 2.0 - TENNESSEE
Magnitude 5.2 - SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Magnitude 5.1 - CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Magnitude 5.1 - CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE(2)
Magnitude 5.2 - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
Magnitude 5.3 - SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.2 - MINAHASA, SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
Magnitude 5.0 - CENTRAL PERU
Magnitude 5.3 - SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
Magnitude 5.4 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
Magnitude 4.0 - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
Magnitude 4.5 - CENTRAL PERU
Magnitude 5.9 - SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Magnitude 5.1 - SOLOMON ISLANDS
Magnitude 4.9 - NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Magnitude 4.8 - NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Magnitude 5.1 - MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
Magnitude 4.4 - HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
Magnitude 4.9 - TAIWAN REGION
Magnitude 4.8 - ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
Magnitude 4.9 - CARLSBERG RIDGE
Magnitude 5.0 - SICHUAN-GANSU BORDER REGION, CHINA
Magnitude 5.8 - HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
Magnitude 5.1 - KURIL ISLANDS
Magnitude 5.1 - SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS
Magnitude 5.4 - KURIL ISLANDS
Magnitude 5.3 - KURIL ISLANDS
Magnitude 4.5 - BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
Magnitude 4.3 - SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
Magnitude 4.8 - DAVIS STRAIT
Magnitude 4.9 - NORTH OF SVALBARD
Magnitude 4.8 - RED SEA
Magnitude 3.2 - SOUTHERN QUEBEC, CANADA