8.8 in Chile and aftershocks
64 as I'm typing this.
Water receding in Long beach, one surge in Hilo.
Looks very, very bad.
Pray for the folks at risk.
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Oy.
Bingo.
This is not going to end well. The branding continues.
What percentage will be amenable? What percentage are in it for power? What percentage will embrace identity politics? What percentage will join the personality cult? What percentage will go back to sleep after the elections? Will there be enough remaining to accomplish even a slowing of the decline and fall?
Look, Sarah can get up there and talk about small government, but she is supporting John-Cap-And-Trade-Amnesty-McCain(-Feingold). And lest you claim it's payback for being on his ticket in 2008, she's also supporting the truly awful Lindsey Graham.
Politics as usual.
She can wear her Israeli flag pin and talk about supporting Israel, but she endorsed the "two-state solution". Yeah, because turning Judea and Samaria over to the Arabs is a great idea, they've done so well ruling Gaza.
You know what? God's not down with that. And she's claiming His name.
You still wanna support her, go right ahead. But as for me, I shun this kinda crap.
This is not going to end well. The branding continues.
What percentage will be amenable? What percentage are in it for power? What percentage will embrace identity politics? What percentage will join the personality cult? What percentage will go back to sleep after the elections? Will there be enough remaining to accomplish even a slowing of the decline and fall?
Look, Sarah can get up there and talk about small government, but she is supporting John-Cap-And-Trade-Amnesty-McCain(-Feingold). And lest you claim it's payback for being on his ticket in 2008, she's also supporting the truly awful Lindsey Graham.
Politics as usual.
She can wear her Israeli flag pin and talk about supporting Israel, but she endorsed the "two-state solution". Yeah, because turning Judea and Samaria over to the Arabs is a great idea, they've done so well ruling Gaza.
You know what? God's not down with that. And she's claiming His name.
You still wanna support her, go right ahead. But as for me, I shun this kinda crap.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Prince Charles vs. Enlightenment
The thing about this article that disturbs me most is that he's out in the open about it. And how many of the commenters there agree with him.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7013764.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=1515793
rea⋅son
/ˈrizən/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ree-zuhn] Show IPA
–noun
1. a basis or cause, as for some belief, action, fact, event, etc.: the reason for declaring war.
2. a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action.
3. the mental powers concerned with forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences.
4. sound judgment; good sense.
5. normal or sound powers of mind; sanity.
6. Logic. a premise of an argument.
7. Philosophy.
a. the faculty or power of acquiring intellectual knowledge, either by direct understanding of first principles or by argument.
b. the power of intelligent and dispassionate thought, or of conduct influenced by such thought.
c. Kantianism. the faculty by which the ideas of pure reason are created.
–verb (used without object)
8. to think or argue in a logical manner.
9. to form conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.
10. to urge reasons which should determine belief or action.
–verb (used with object)
11. to think through logically, as a problem (often fol. by out).
12. to conclude or infer.
13. to convince, persuade, etc., by reasoning.
14. to support with reasons.
You know what happens when you stop using reason? You behave irrationally, insanely, without good sense. You become illogical, unable to form conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.
You can no longer support your beliefs or actions with facts, so you are left with emotion and blind faith.
And when you can't convince or persuade people by reason, you resort to manipulation---through guilt, shame, or intimidation. And when you can't push someone's buttons, you resort to use of force.
Dictators love this.
The opposite of enlightenment is bewilderment, confusion, ignorance.
The Enlightenment was about building, edifying, establishing order. Declaring war on it will bring destruction and chaos.
Wacky fun!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7013764.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=1515793
The Prince of Wales has never been a man to suffer from a lack of enemies, from modern architecture to intensive farming. Yesterday, however, he declared war on a new — but also ancient — adversary: the Enlightenment.
Even by the Prince’s standards, his opposition to the system of beliefs that came to dominate thinking in the 18th century and has held sway ever since is an ambitious one, if a little tardy.
Long regarded as the foundation of contemporary political and intellectual culture, by way of influences ranging from the American Declaration of Independence to the scientific method as embraced from Isaac Newton on, the Enlightenment was based on the belief that all society’s ills could be vanquished by the application of reason.
Its seminal figures included the likes of Descartes, Leibniz, Locke, Voltaire and Rousseau. To Prince Charles, however, it is old hat. “I was accused once of being the enemy of the Enlightenment,” he told a conference at St James’s Palace. “I felt proud of that.”
...
“We cannot go on like this, just imagining that the principles of the Enlightenment still apply now. I don’t believe they do. But if you challenge people who hold the Enlightenment as the ultimate answer to everything, you do really upset them.”
rea⋅son
/ˈrizən/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ree-zuhn] Show IPA
–noun
1. a basis or cause, as for some belief, action, fact, event, etc.: the reason for declaring war.
2. a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action.
3. the mental powers concerned with forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences.
4. sound judgment; good sense.
5. normal or sound powers of mind; sanity.
6. Logic. a premise of an argument.
7. Philosophy.
a. the faculty or power of acquiring intellectual knowledge, either by direct understanding of first principles or by argument.
b. the power of intelligent and dispassionate thought, or of conduct influenced by such thought.
c. Kantianism. the faculty by which the ideas of pure reason are created.
–verb (used without object)
8. to think or argue in a logical manner.
9. to form conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.
10. to urge reasons which should determine belief or action.
–verb (used with object)
11. to think through logically, as a problem (often fol. by out).
12. to conclude or infer.
13. to convince, persuade, etc., by reasoning.
14. to support with reasons.
You know what happens when you stop using reason? You behave irrationally, insanely, without good sense. You become illogical, unable to form conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.
You can no longer support your beliefs or actions with facts, so you are left with emotion and blind faith.
And when you can't convince or persuade people by reason, you resort to manipulation---through guilt, shame, or intimidation. And when you can't push someone's buttons, you resort to use of force.
Dictators love this.
The opposite of enlightenment is bewilderment, confusion, ignorance.
The Enlightenment was about building, edifying, establishing order. Declaring war on it will bring destruction and chaos.
Wacky fun!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
RIP Miep Gies.
Woman who hid Anne Frank dies at 100
...
***
Anne Frank Helper Miep Gies Dies at 100
***
Obituary - Miep Gies
...
***
Isaiah 56:1-8
1 This is what the LORD says:
"Maintain justice
and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man who does this,
the man who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps his hand from doing any evil."
3 Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say,
"The LORD will surely exclude me from his people."
And let not any eunuch complain,
"I am only a dry tree."
4 For this is what the LORD says:
"To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant-
5 to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will not be cut off.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
to serve him,
to love the name of the LORD,
and to worship him,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant-
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations."
8 The Sovereign LORD declares—
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
"I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered."
***
On a related note:
'Operation Attic' aims to rescue Holocaust artifacts
...
Meanwhile, Haiti's got problems.
Haiti quake witnesses speak of devastation
...
Keep in mind that's on the heels of the 6.5 off the Cali. coast:
Woman who hid Anne Frank dies at 100
...
Gies' Web site reported that she died Monday after a brief illness. The report was confirmed by museum spokeswoman Maatje Mostar, but she gave no details. The British Broadcasting Corp. said she died in a nursing home after suffering a fall last month....
Gies was the last of the few non-Jews who supplied food, books and good cheer to the secret annex behind the canal warehouse where Anne, her parents, sister and four other Jews hid for 25 months during World War II.
After the apartment was raided by the German police, Gies gathered up Anne's scattered notebooks and papers and locked them in a drawer for her return after the war. The diary, which Anne Frank was given on her 13th birthday, chronicles her life in hiding from June 12, 1942 until August 1, 1944.
Gies refused to read the papers, saying even a teenager's privacy was sacred. Later, she said if she had read them she would have had to burn them because they incriminated the "helpers."
***
Anne Frank Helper Miep Gies Dies at 100
Miep Gies helped hide Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis for two years in a secret Amsterdam annex. She also saved Anne's diaries from destruction, allowing the world a glimpse into the day-to-day realities of Jews during World War II. On Monday evening, she died at the age of 100....She never wanted special recognition for her heroism. In her memoir, Miep Gies wrote "there is nothing special about me."
***
Obituary - Miep Gies
She was born Hermine Santrouschitz on February 15 1909 into a German Roman Catholic family in Vienna, but was sent to the Netherlands when she was 11 to escape the food shortages in Austria. The family with which she lived in Leiden gave her the nickname Miep and later adopted her. By the outbreak of the Second World War she was working as an assistant to Otto Frank, the owner of a pectin manufacturing company in Amsterdam.
After the Nazi invasion of 1940, Frank prepared a secret annex behind a swinging bookcase in a room above the firm's offices at 263 Prinsengracht; and in July 1942 the family of four – Otto, his wife Edith and their daughters Margot and Anne – went into hiding, leaving a false trail indicating that they had fled to Switzerland. Soon afterwards they were joined by other Jews, the van Pels family and Miep Gies's family dentist, Fritz Pfeffer – eight people in all.
...
***
Isaiah 56:1-8
1 This is what the LORD says:
"Maintain justice
and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man who does this,
the man who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps his hand from doing any evil."
3 Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say,
"The LORD will surely exclude me from his people."
And let not any eunuch complain,
"I am only a dry tree."
4 For this is what the LORD says:
"To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant-
5 to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will not be cut off.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
to serve him,
to love the name of the LORD,
and to worship him,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant-
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations."
8 The Sovereign LORD declares—
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
"I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered."
***
On a related note:
'Operation Attic' aims to rescue Holocaust artifacts
The Ghetto Fighters House last week initiated Operation Attic, a rescue of documents, including letters, diaries and testimonies, and photographs and other artifacts from the Holocaust period that are lying in attics, basements and closets in communities around the world.
The Ghetto Fighters House (its full name is the Itzhak Katzenelson Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Heritage Museum and Study Center) was the first museum commeratingthe Holocaust and Jewish heroism, and was founded in 1949 by survivors who were members of Kibbutz Lohamei Hagetaot, between Acre and Nahariya.
Operation Attic is a response to the many instances of loss, destruction and disposal of artifacts from the Holocaust period that have historical value, Rami Hochman, director of the museum, said on Monday.
"Lately, we have been hearing about valuable materials that are located in Jewish homes in communities throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Canada and the USA," Hochman said. "One example of document rescue and restoration is the diary of Pola Elster, who was a fighter in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising [in 1943]."
...
Meanwhile, Haiti's got problems.
Haiti quake witnesses speak of devastation
Eyewitnesses have spoken of scenes of devastation after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti, toppling buildings in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Reuters reporter Joseph Guyler Delva said when the quake hit the city "everything started shaking, people were screaming, houses started collapsing".
Mr Delva said he had seen dozens of casualties. "I saw people under the rubble, and people killed. People were screaming 'Jesus, Jesus' and running in all directions." He described the scene as one of total chaos.
Henry Bahn, an official for the US Agriculture Department visiting Haiti, said everybody there was "just totally freaked out and shaken", the Associated Press news agency reported.
...
Keep in mind that's on the heels of the 6.5 off the Cali. coast:
The day after a powerful earthquake rocked the Northern California city of Eureka, residents woke today to a mess: toppled chimneys, downed traffic signals and shattered nerves as minor aftershocks continued to rattle windows.
About 30 people visited hospitals for minor injuries, but there were no reports of major injuries caused by the magnitude-6.5 temblor, which struck offshore at 4:27 p.m. about 33 miles southwest of the coastal city of 26,000.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Late Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year
Not typical, but then, neither am I. ;)
Lord, I want to feel your heart
And see the world through your eyes
I want to be your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise
Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
And as the day draws near, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Lord, let your sleeping giant arise
Catch the demons by surprise
Holy nation sanctified
Let this be our battle cry
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise
Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
And as the day draws near, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
I want to be your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads
To see you set the captives free
Until the whole world hears
And I pray the day will see
More of you and less of me
Lord I want my life to be the song you sing
Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
And as the day draws near, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Who knows when or if I'll get back to blogging. Constantly losing internet and/or majorly busy in the off-line world.
Study your Bible, pray, love your neighbor but get a whip to them as need it.
Fear God and keep His commandments.
That is what you really need to know.
Lord, I want to feel your heart
And see the world through your eyes
I want to be your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise
Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
And as the day draws near, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Lord, let your sleeping giant arise
Catch the demons by surprise
Holy nation sanctified
Let this be our battle cry
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night
Ready yourselves, Ready yourselves
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise
Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
And as the day draws near, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
I want to be your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads
To see you set the captives free
Until the whole world hears
And I pray the day will see
More of you and less of me
Lord I want my life to be the song you sing
Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
And as the day draws near, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Whoa, whoa, we'll sing until the whole world hears
Who knows when or if I'll get back to blogging. Constantly losing internet and/or majorly busy in the off-line world.
Study your Bible, pray, love your neighbor but get a whip to them as need it.
Fear God and keep His commandments.
That is what you really need to know.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Long thyme no type.
It just seems kinda pointless right now. I mean, you know the world's going to hell in a handbasket by now, don't you? I mean, really.
Given the trouble we've had with internet lately, and given that there's a hurricane bearing down on us that may knock out the satellite again, I'ma go ahead with the Thanksgiving post.
"But unless you repent, you too will all perish."--Some guy.
Matthew 13:24-43
24 Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27 "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28 " 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
29 " 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "
31 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
33 He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:
"I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."
36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
37 He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
40 "As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Revelation 14:14-20
14 I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one "like a son of man" with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
17 Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, "Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth's vine, because its grapes are ripe." 19 The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. 20 They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses' bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.
(They're using different words in this vid, but I do so love the sound of a pipe organ.)
1. Come, ye thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home;
all is safely gathered in,
ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
for our wants to be supplied;
come to God's own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.
2. All the world is God's own field,
fruit as praise to God we yield;
wheat and tares together sown
are to joy or sorrow grown;
first the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.
3. For the Lord our God shall come,
and shall take the harvest home;
from the field shall in that day
all offenses purge away,
giving angels charge at last
in the fire the tares to cast;
but the fruitful ears to store
in the garner evermore.
4. Even so, Lord, quickly come,
bring thy final harvest home;
gather thou thy people in,
free from sorrow, free from sin,
there, forever purified,
in thy presence to abide;
come, with all thine angels, come,
raise the glorious harvest home.
2 Chronicles 7
The Dedication of the Temple
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying,
"He is good;
his love endures forever."
4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5 And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the people dedicated the temple of God. 6 The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the LORD's musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the LORD and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, "His love endures forever." Opposite the Levites, the priests blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.
7 Solomon consecrated the middle part of the courtyard in front of the temple of the LORD, and there he offered burnt offerings and the fat of the fellowship offerings, because the bronze altar he had made could not hold the burnt offerings, the grain offerings and the fat portions.
8 So Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. 10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel.
The LORD Appears to Solomon
11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the LORD and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the LORD and in his own palace, 12 the LORD appeared to him at night and said:
"I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.
13 "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
17 "As for you, if you walk before me as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, 18 I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to rule over Israel.'
19 "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. 21 And though this temple is now so imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and say, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?' 22 People will answer, 'Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this disaster on them.' "
Given the trouble we've had with internet lately, and given that there's a hurricane bearing down on us that may knock out the satellite again, I'ma go ahead with the Thanksgiving post.
"But unless you repent, you too will all perish."--Some guy.
Matthew 13:24-43
24 Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27 "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28 " 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
29 " 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "
31 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
33 He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:
"I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."
36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
37 He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
40 "As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Revelation 14:14-20
14 I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one "like a son of man" with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
17 Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, "Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth's vine, because its grapes are ripe." 19 The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. 20 They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses' bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.
(They're using different words in this vid, but I do so love the sound of a pipe organ.)
1. Come, ye thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home;
all is safely gathered in,
ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
for our wants to be supplied;
come to God's own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.
2. All the world is God's own field,
fruit as praise to God we yield;
wheat and tares together sown
are to joy or sorrow grown;
first the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.
3. For the Lord our God shall come,
and shall take the harvest home;
from the field shall in that day
all offenses purge away,
giving angels charge at last
in the fire the tares to cast;
but the fruitful ears to store
in the garner evermore.
4. Even so, Lord, quickly come,
bring thy final harvest home;
gather thou thy people in,
free from sorrow, free from sin,
there, forever purified,
in thy presence to abide;
come, with all thine angels, come,
raise the glorious harvest home.
2 Chronicles 7
The Dedication of the Temple
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying,
"He is good;
his love endures forever."
4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5 And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the people dedicated the temple of God. 6 The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the LORD's musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the LORD and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, "His love endures forever." Opposite the Levites, the priests blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.
7 Solomon consecrated the middle part of the courtyard in front of the temple of the LORD, and there he offered burnt offerings and the fat of the fellowship offerings, because the bronze altar he had made could not hold the burnt offerings, the grain offerings and the fat portions.
8 So Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. 10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel.
The LORD Appears to Solomon
11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the LORD and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the LORD and in his own palace, 12 the LORD appeared to him at night and said:
"I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.
13 "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
17 "As for you, if you walk before me as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, 18 I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to rule over Israel.'
19 "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. 21 And though this temple is now so imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and say, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?' 22 People will answer, 'Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this disaster on them.' "
Friday, September 25, 2009
king of the world! Or so he thinks.
Hope he's wrong, but he might be right.
Bin Laden reportedly calls Obama 'powerless'
dead man talking!
Obama’s UN Gambit: King of the Universe and the Polls
Obama names IMF official to U.S. Treasury post
Obama Will Play A Major Role at UN General Assembly
Lehman collapse: Barack Obama unveils biggest regulatory overhaul 'since the Depression'
EXCLUSIVE: W.H. collects Web users' data without notice
Is this news? Really?
Obama Seeks National Oversight of Waters
Just great.
U.S. to push for new economic world order at G20
doo bee doo bee doo...
The Bigger Scandal: Catholic Church Funding of ACORN
Aaaaarrrggghhh!
The White House - Press Office - Remarks by the President to the United Nations General Assembly
I myself haven't been able to stay awake long enough to read it.
Obama's UN General Assembly Speech Epic in Its Own Awfulness
American Thinker Blog: Andersen Book Blows Ayers' Cover on 'Dreams'
HA ha! Not that anyone cares, but it's funny it came out by accident.
Obama to Usher In New World Order at G-20
Lah di dah di dah...
UN and G20 meetings: One week and the world
UN wants new global currency to replace dollar
The dollar should be replaced with a global currency, the United Nations has said, proposing the biggest overhaul of the world's monetary system since the Second World War.
Dollar Gets Roughed Up In Unusually Heated World Economic Forum Panel
Enthusiasm Builds for Financial Tax Idea
No longer just a hopeless cause for anti-capitalist activists, the idea of a global tax on financial transactions is gaining ground in Europe.
Sarkozy may quit G20 if limitation on bankers bonuses failed
Looks like he got his way.
IMF: G20 Leaders To Agree To Keep Economic Stimulus
Libyan takes helm of UN General Assembly
China wants support on IMF voting at G20
China wants the G20 summit next week to throw its support behind an increased role for Beijing and other developing countries in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Clinton Sees Need For 'Global Architecture Of Cooperation'
G-20 opponents, police clash on Pittsburgh streets
But the tea parties are mobs. Ugh.
New world order after Pittsburgh?
doodoo doo doodoo (mnah-mnah!)...
Upbeat G20 takes new lead role on global economy
Bin Laden reportedly calls Obama 'powerless'
dead man talking!
Obama’s UN Gambit: King of the Universe and the Polls
Obama names IMF official to U.S. Treasury post
Obama Will Play A Major Role at UN General Assembly
Lehman collapse: Barack Obama unveils biggest regulatory overhaul 'since the Depression'
EXCLUSIVE: W.H. collects Web users' data without notice
Is this news? Really?
Obama Seeks National Oversight of Waters
Just great.
U.S. to push for new economic world order at G20
doo bee doo bee doo...
The Bigger Scandal: Catholic Church Funding of ACORN
Aaaaarrrggghhh!
The White House - Press Office - Remarks by the President to the United Nations General Assembly
I myself haven't been able to stay awake long enough to read it.
Obama's UN General Assembly Speech Epic in Its Own Awfulness
American Thinker Blog: Andersen Book Blows Ayers' Cover on 'Dreams'
HA ha! Not that anyone cares, but it's funny it came out by accident.
Obama to Usher In New World Order at G-20
Lah di dah di dah...
UN and G20 meetings: One week and the world
UN wants new global currency to replace dollar
The dollar should be replaced with a global currency, the United Nations has said, proposing the biggest overhaul of the world's monetary system since the Second World War.
Dollar Gets Roughed Up In Unusually Heated World Economic Forum Panel
Enthusiasm Builds for Financial Tax Idea
No longer just a hopeless cause for anti-capitalist activists, the idea of a global tax on financial transactions is gaining ground in Europe.
Sarkozy may quit G20 if limitation on bankers bonuses failed
Looks like he got his way.
IMF: G20 Leaders To Agree To Keep Economic Stimulus
Libyan takes helm of UN General Assembly
China wants support on IMF voting at G20
China wants the G20 summit next week to throw its support behind an increased role for Beijing and other developing countries in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Clinton Sees Need For 'Global Architecture Of Cooperation'
G-20 opponents, police clash on Pittsburgh streets
But the tea parties are mobs. Ugh.
New world order after Pittsburgh?
doodoo doo doodoo (mnah-mnah!)...
Upbeat G20 takes new lead role on global economy
So here's what I got so far.
Yeah, still way behind. At the rate things are happening these days I may never catch up.
Anyway.
***
Zimbabwe's Diamond Production Draws Scrutiny
A diamond-trade watchdog ratcheted up scrutiny of alleged human-rights violations by the Zimbabwean army and police tied to diamond production.
Nigeria rebels 'to end ceasefire'
Kenya: Highway Robbers Steal Arms from UN Convoy
Libya to buy Canadian oil producer Verenex
Special Report : Mugabe's new land grab
Government report recommends 'acquiring' white-owned land and prosecution of resistant farmers
***
***
China issues all clear in syringe attack tests
Blood tests taken from alleged victims of mysterious syringe attacks which sparked panic in the restive Chinese province of Xinjiang have not revealed the presence of any toxic substances, local health officials have confirmed.
Armenia to Deepen Ties with China, Says Nalbandian
Armenia is seeking a “comprehensive development” of its friendly relationship with China in all possible fields, Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian said Monday in an interview with the state run Xinhua news service.
See also:
Is the Red Dragon snarling again?
China wants support on IMF voting at G20
BEIJING (Reuters) - China wants the G20 summit next week to throw its support behind an increased role for Beijing and other developing countries in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank
South China Sea piracy hits five-year high: agency
United Korea economy could pass Japan: Goldman Sachs
hmm.
Gorgon natural gas project will loom large off Australia
***
***
Turkey denies fine for media group is political
Patriot Missiles Offered to Turkey in $7.8 Billion Arms Deal
Georgia worried about Turkey, Armenia talks, says expert
Azerbaijan: Baku Refuses to Elect a Mayor
Russia: Officials say 7 die in Caucasus violence
Russia to detain Georgian ships off Abkhazia
Russia, Georgia to seek deal on non-use of force
***
***
Turkmenistan Grabs Energy Spotlight As Caspian Leaders Gather
Russia seeks base in Tajikistan
Sources within the Tajik Foreign Ministry said the sides discussed the lease of a Russian military base near Tajik-Afghan border and the legal status of Russian military personnel in Tajikistan
Bin Laden's Strategy Shift
Uzbekistan Baptist Union Leaders Face Up to 3 years in Jail
Lawmaker: Kazakhstan could have president-for-life
Turkmenistan, Russia's Itera sign energy deal
Four-way street in Kazakhstan
The presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan ended their meeting in Kazakhstan's resort city of Kenderly last weekend with its purpose and consequences as clear as distant figures in an early autumn mist.
Two elements did emerge more clearly than others - Turkmenistan's determination to diversify its energy export routes and to make future price talks with Russia tough going, and Iran's displeasure at not being invited to the party.
Pakistan Army Said to Be Linked to Swat Killings
Two months after the Pakistani Army gained control of the Swat Valley, bodies have been dumped on the streets in what rights advocates and residents say is the work of the military.
Israel warns India of more 26/11s
New evidence of widespread fraud in Afghanistan election uncovered
Pakistan raids security firm hired by US: police
Uh-oh.
Turkmenistan to open China, Iran gas pipelines
Rare glimpse inside hidden Turkmenistan
How U.S. Removed Half a Ton of Uranium From Kazakhstan
***
***
60 injured, 130 held during extremist violence in Germany
Arrests following Hamburg clashes
Left-wing demonstrators clash with police following a street festival in the German city of Hamburg.
German ships blaze Arctic trail
Greek opposition backs oil pipeline
***
***
Iran insists on nuclear 'right'
Iran's president says he is ready to hold talks with world powers, but that Tehran's nuclear programme is non-negotiable.
Sneh: We may have to attack Iran by end of 2009
Former MK Sneh says Israel will be compelled to strike nuke sites if West doesn't sanction Teheran.
Thousands march in Iran opposition protests
Major Protests Erupt in Iran
Brezinski Calls for Obama to Shoot Down Israeli Jets; "A Liberty in Reverse"
Screw you, Zbigniew.
What bothers me is that it wouldn't surprise me if we did just that.
Kremlin says Israel promised not to strike Iran
Iran Agrees to Talks With Six Powers, Warns Against Attack on Its Nuclear Sites
Iran warns India on gas pipeline
Gulfnews: Iran hopes for a new world order
Once upon a time I laughed at people who got freaked out and rambled nonsense over the NWO. You know what, though? I ain't laughing anymore. You can't get away from it. Gaah.
Iran says 'new framework of cooperation' agreed with IAEA
***
***
PM heads to Egypt to discuss regional peace initiative
Al-Qaeda Continues Attacking Israel From Lebanon
Obama Is Pushing Israel Toward War
Bret Stephens writes in The Wall Street Journal that the longer the U.S. delays playing hardball with Iran, the sooner Israel is likely to strike. But an Israeli strike could mean higher gas prices and a Middle East war.
Lack of Progress in Mideast Defies Obama’s Hopes
How dare you defy the Bringer of Hope!
Rabid animals due to Lebanese and Syrian neglect | Israel
***
***
Graves desecrated in Argentina, Russian skinhead lights shul
Russia to Finance $2.2 Billion for Venezuelan Arms
Honduras envoy says "ordered out" of U.N. rights body
Mexico orders Bolivian jailed in plane hijacking
A court has ordered a Bolivian preacher kept in jail during the investigation into sabotage and kidnapping charges in the hijacking of a jetliner from the resort city of Cancun.
U.S. fears Venezuela could trigger regional arms race
Brazil proposes banning sugarcane in Amazon
I've seen a lot of empty space on the sugar aisle, lately.
Vale Pressured by Lula to Invest as Brazil Recovers
***
***
Assad to visit Turkey for talks on peace process
EGYPT: Thousands of Christians gather to pray for equality in a Muslim land
Lehman collapse: Dubai and Gulf give a glimpse of a new world order
There it is again!
Turkey-Syria leaders hold Middle East peace talks
SKorean destroyer rescues 3 ships from pirates
***
***
Saudis lose out to Russia in oil cuts
New Opel to invest 170 million euro in Russia: Magna
Obama Missile Plan Wins Russia Praise, No Iran Shift
ya think?
Russia's Putin praises Obama's missile defense decision
Mark Steyn: Obama helping Putin restitch Iron Curtain
NATO chief calls for closer ties with Russia: report
Putin risks becoming new Brezhnev: Medvedev aide
I would be very surprised if this aide is still around. Accidents happen, comrade!
Arctic Sea investigation 'over'
Say. That's odd.
Russia starts talks to buy French warship: minister
Putin to meet global majors on Yamal gas projects
Russia Sberbank expects strong rise in 2010 profit
***
***
Pittsburgh, Secret Service sued over G-20 permits
New Government Policy Imposes Strict Standards on Garage Sales Nationwide
Barry, keep your stinking hands OFF my yardsales!!!!!
Americans who slap $1 pricetags on their used possessions at garage sales or bazaar events risk being slapped with fines of up to $15 million, thanks to a new government campaign.
DHS to review report on vulnerability in West Coast power grid
Spate of terrorism arrests not connected, analysts say
Oh really? 'Cause they all seem to have the same religion. Coincidence, I'm sure.
Local DHS worker headed to federal prison - Atlanta
A former U.S. Department of Homeland Security worker from McDonough, Ga., was sentenced Monday to federal prison for three years and four months on a dozen counts related to a fraud and bribery scheme and a conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States.
Hasmukh Patel was convicted in April.
Robert Knight : What I Saw at the (Muslim Prayer) Revolution
***
***
Coins with Joseph's name found in Egypt
'Chip on the shoulder' medication reminder
Eeps.
***
***
At Least 31 Die in Flash Floods Around Istanbul
Scoop: Around 88,000 People Displaced By African Floods
An estimated 48,000 people uprooted by severe flooding in Burkina Faso are sheltering in temporary accommodation such as schools, churches and public buildings while another 40,000 are living with host families, the United Nations reported today.
Mexico Now Enduring Worst Drought in Years
Dust Turns Sydney Sky Red
Dust storms hit Sydney
Creepy freaky pics!
Coyotes shot after attacks on visitors in Los Angeles
Earth approaching sunspot records
Not good.
Anyway.
***
Zimbabwe's Diamond Production Draws Scrutiny
A diamond-trade watchdog ratcheted up scrutiny of alleged human-rights violations by the Zimbabwean army and police tied to diamond production.
Nigeria rebels 'to end ceasefire'
Kenya: Highway Robbers Steal Arms from UN Convoy
Libya to buy Canadian oil producer Verenex
Special Report : Mugabe's new land grab
Government report recommends 'acquiring' white-owned land and prosecution of resistant farmers
***
***
China issues all clear in syringe attack tests
Blood tests taken from alleged victims of mysterious syringe attacks which sparked panic in the restive Chinese province of Xinjiang have not revealed the presence of any toxic substances, local health officials have confirmed.
Armenia to Deepen Ties with China, Says Nalbandian
Armenia is seeking a “comprehensive development” of its friendly relationship with China in all possible fields, Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian said Monday in an interview with the state run Xinhua news service.
See also:
- China, Moldova eye closer military ties
- China, New Zealand vow to further military cooperation
- Defense chiefs of China, Tanzania pledge closer military ties
Is the Red Dragon snarling again?
China wants support on IMF voting at G20
BEIJING (Reuters) - China wants the G20 summit next week to throw its support behind an increased role for Beijing and other developing countries in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank
South China Sea piracy hits five-year high: agency
United Korea economy could pass Japan: Goldman Sachs
hmm.
Gorgon natural gas project will loom large off Australia
***
***
Turkey denies fine for media group is political
Patriot Missiles Offered to Turkey in $7.8 Billion Arms Deal
Georgia worried about Turkey, Armenia talks, says expert
Azerbaijan: Baku Refuses to Elect a Mayor
Russia: Officials say 7 die in Caucasus violence
Russia to detain Georgian ships off Abkhazia
Russia, Georgia to seek deal on non-use of force
***
***
Turkmenistan Grabs Energy Spotlight As Caspian Leaders Gather
Russia seeks base in Tajikistan
Sources within the Tajik Foreign Ministry said the sides discussed the lease of a Russian military base near Tajik-Afghan border and the legal status of Russian military personnel in Tajikistan
Bin Laden's Strategy Shift
Uzbekistan Baptist Union Leaders Face Up to 3 years in Jail
Lawmaker: Kazakhstan could have president-for-life
Turkmenistan, Russia's Itera sign energy deal
Four-way street in Kazakhstan
The presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan ended their meeting in Kazakhstan's resort city of Kenderly last weekend with its purpose and consequences as clear as distant figures in an early autumn mist.
Two elements did emerge more clearly than others - Turkmenistan's determination to diversify its energy export routes and to make future price talks with Russia tough going, and Iran's displeasure at not being invited to the party.
Pakistan Army Said to Be Linked to Swat Killings
Two months after the Pakistani Army gained control of the Swat Valley, bodies have been dumped on the streets in what rights advocates and residents say is the work of the military.
Israel warns India of more 26/11s
New evidence of widespread fraud in Afghanistan election uncovered
Pakistan raids security firm hired by US: police
Uh-oh.
Turkmenistan to open China, Iran gas pipelines
Rare glimpse inside hidden Turkmenistan
How U.S. Removed Half a Ton of Uranium From Kazakhstan
***
***
60 injured, 130 held during extremist violence in Germany
Arrests following Hamburg clashes
Left-wing demonstrators clash with police following a street festival in the German city of Hamburg.
German ships blaze Arctic trail
Greek opposition backs oil pipeline
***
***
Iran insists on nuclear 'right'
Iran's president says he is ready to hold talks with world powers, but that Tehran's nuclear programme is non-negotiable.
Sneh: We may have to attack Iran by end of 2009
Former MK Sneh says Israel will be compelled to strike nuke sites if West doesn't sanction Teheran.
Thousands march in Iran opposition protests
Hard-liners attacked senior pro-reform leaders in the streets as tens of thousands marched in competing mass demonstrations by the opposition and government supporters. Opposition protesters, chanting "death to the dictator," hurled stones and bricks in clashes with security forces firing tear gas.
The opposition held its first major street protests since mid-July, bringing out thousands in demonstrations in several parts of the capital. In some cases only several blocks away, tens of thousands marched in government-sponsored rallies marking an annual anti-Israel commemoration.
The commemoration, known as Quds Day, is a major political occasion for the government — a day for it to show its anti-Israeli credentials and its support for the Palestinians. Quds is the Arabic word for Jerusalem. During a speech for the rallies, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad railed against Israel and the West, questioning whether the Holocaust occurred and calling it a pretext for occupying Arab land.
...
Opposition supporters poured onto main boulevards and squares, wearing green T-shirts and wristbands and waving green banners and balloons — the color of the reform movement. They waved their fingers in the air in V-for-victory signs along with pictures of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, chanting "death to the dictator."
Others chanted, "Not Gaza, not Lebanon — our life is for Iran" — a slogan directly challenging the government's support for anti-Israeli Palestinian militants in Gaza and Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrilla. Some shouted for Ahmadinejad's government to resign. Some women marched with their children in tow.
...
The opposition claims that Ahmadinejad won the June election by fraud and that Mousavi is the rightful victor. Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Mousavi in the weeks after the vote, until police, Basij and the elite Revolutionary Guard crushed the protests, arresting hundreds. The opposition says 72 people were killed in the crackdown, thought the government puts the number at 36. The last significant protest was on July 17.
In sheer numbers, the opposition turnout was far smaller than the mass pro-government Quds Day marches — not surprising given the state's freedom to organize the gathering.
Major Protests Erupt in Iran
Brezinski Calls for Obama to Shoot Down Israeli Jets; "A Liberty in Reverse"
Screw you, Zbigniew.
What bothers me is that it wouldn't surprise me if we did just that.
Kremlin says Israel promised not to strike Iran
Iran Agrees to Talks With Six Powers, Warns Against Attack on Its Nuclear Sites
Iran warns India on gas pipeline
Gulfnews: Iran hopes for a new world order
Once upon a time I laughed at people who got freaked out and rambled nonsense over the NWO. You know what, though? I ain't laughing anymore. You can't get away from it. Gaah.
Iran says 'new framework of cooperation' agreed with IAEA
***
***
PM heads to Egypt to discuss regional peace initiative
Al-Qaeda Continues Attacking Israel From Lebanon
Obama Is Pushing Israel Toward War
Bret Stephens writes in The Wall Street Journal that the longer the U.S. delays playing hardball with Iran, the sooner Israel is likely to strike. But an Israeli strike could mean higher gas prices and a Middle East war.
Lack of Progress in Mideast Defies Obama’s Hopes
How dare you defy the Bringer of Hope!
Rabid animals due to Lebanese and Syrian neglect | Israel
***
***
Graves desecrated in Argentina, Russian skinhead lights shul
Russia to Finance $2.2 Billion for Venezuelan Arms
Honduras envoy says "ordered out" of U.N. rights body
Mexico orders Bolivian jailed in plane hijacking
A court has ordered a Bolivian preacher kept in jail during the investigation into sabotage and kidnapping charges in the hijacking of a jetliner from the resort city of Cancun.
The Attorney General's Office says a federal court issued the order Monday for Jose Flores.
Flores has said he does not regret threatening to detonate a fake bomb aboard an Aeromexico plane last week. He says he was acting on a divine revelation and wanted to warn Mexican President Felipe Calderon an earthquake could occur in 2012.
U.S. fears Venezuela could trigger regional arms race
Brazil proposes banning sugarcane in Amazon
I've seen a lot of empty space on the sugar aisle, lately.
Vale Pressured by Lula to Invest as Brazil Recovers
***
***
Assad to visit Turkey for talks on peace process
EGYPT: Thousands of Christians gather to pray for equality in a Muslim land
Lehman collapse: Dubai and Gulf give a glimpse of a new world order
There it is again!
Turkey-Syria leaders hold Middle East peace talks
SKorean destroyer rescues 3 ships from pirates
***
***
Saudis lose out to Russia in oil cuts
New Opel to invest 170 million euro in Russia: Magna
Obama Missile Plan Wins Russia Praise, No Iran Shift
ya think?
Russia's Putin praises Obama's missile defense decision
Mark Steyn: Obama helping Putin restitch Iron Curtain
NATO chief calls for closer ties with Russia: report
Putin risks becoming new Brezhnev: Medvedev aide
I would be very surprised if this aide is still around. Accidents happen, comrade!
Arctic Sea investigation 'over'
Say. That's odd.
Russia starts talks to buy French warship: minister
Putin to meet global majors on Yamal gas projects
Russia Sberbank expects strong rise in 2010 profit
***
***
Pittsburgh, Secret Service sued over G-20 permits
New Government Policy Imposes Strict Standards on Garage Sales Nationwide
Barry, keep your stinking hands OFF my yardsales!!!!!
Americans who slap $1 pricetags on their used possessions at garage sales or bazaar events risk being slapped with fines of up to $15 million, thanks to a new government campaign.
DHS to review report on vulnerability in West Coast power grid
Spate of terrorism arrests not connected, analysts say
Oh really? 'Cause they all seem to have the same religion. Coincidence, I'm sure.
Local DHS worker headed to federal prison - Atlanta
A former U.S. Department of Homeland Security worker from McDonough, Ga., was sentenced Monday to federal prison for three years and four months on a dozen counts related to a fraud and bribery scheme and a conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States.
Hasmukh Patel was convicted in April.
Robert Knight : What I Saw at the (Muslim Prayer) Revolution
***
***
Coins with Joseph's name found in Egypt
'Chip on the shoulder' medication reminder
Eeps.
***
***
At Least 31 Die in Flash Floods Around Istanbul
Scoop: Around 88,000 People Displaced By African Floods
An estimated 48,000 people uprooted by severe flooding in Burkina Faso are sheltering in temporary accommodation such as schools, churches and public buildings while another 40,000 are living with host families, the United Nations reported today.
Mexico Now Enduring Worst Drought in Years
Dust Turns Sydney Sky Red
Dust storms hit Sydney
Creepy freaky pics!
Coyotes shot after attacks on visitors in Los Angeles
Earth approaching sunspot records
Not good.
Friday, September 11, 2009
never forget
Have you forgotten?
***
11 The angel of the LORD also said to her:
"You are now with child
and you will have a son.
You shall name him Ishmael,
for the LORD has heard of your misery.
12 He will be a wild donkey of a man;
his hand will be against everyone
and everyone's hand against him,
and he will live in hostility
toward all his brothers."
***
47 Because you did not serve the LORD your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, 48 therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the LORD sends against you. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you.
49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young.
***
Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
***
13 "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
***
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Romanian mayor in Nazi dress row
A Romanian mayor who appeared at a local fashion show dressed in a Nazi uniform is sharply criticised by Jewish groups.
Bad news for Brown as IMF says Britain's debt crisis is the worst among major economies
Search is on for "pirate attackers" in Baltic Sea
Stockholm - Swedish police Friday treating very seriously reports of a mysterious presumed pirate attack on a Maltese-registered freighter in the Baltic Sea.
UK: Non-Muslims turning to Sharia courts to resolve civil disputes
Ukraine May Get $1.7 Billion From International Lenders for Gas
***
Venezuelans protest dramatic rise in kidnappings
Venezuela begins shutdown of 34 radio stations
Venezuela OKs election law, foes say favors Chavez
Shocker!
Honduras’s Zelaya Not Welcome in Nicaragua, Lawmakers Say
The head of Nicaragua’s largest opposition party said deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya should find another country from which to stage a return to power.
haha! Nobody wants him.
Soldiers Deployed In Mexico After Cartel Attacks Police
About 2,500 soldiers spread out across the western state on Monday, adding to 1,500 police and 1,000 military personnel already deployed in the area.
Archaeologists find 20 ancient human skeletons with their offerings in Mexico
TG Daily - End of the world postponed until Christmas
The long-awaited restart of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has been postponed until the winter of 2009.
Dude! As often as this gets put off, maybe it really would end the world.
Aerial Photos of Italian Farms Reveal Outline of An Ancient City
Texas Scorched by Worst Drought in 50 Years
Texas droughts force serious measures
$60 million in federal grants to ease Valley water shortages - Bakersfield, CA
India - Jharkhand farmers despair at drought
Researchers Project Intense Fire Season in the West
Fires rage across Canary island (check out the link to pics on the sidebar.)
Up to 4,000 people are evacuated from their homes as fires rage out of control on the Spanish island of La Palma.
Meteor Showers / For sky lights, put big city behind you
PA - Flooding forces evacuations near Watsontown
One dead and up to 40 injured after storm rips through Canadian music festival
Nigeria: Nema Allays Fear Over Poisonous Gas From Lake Nyos
Blame Canada: Source of booming sounds revealed?
A Romanian mayor who appeared at a local fashion show dressed in a Nazi uniform is sharply criticised by Jewish groups.
Bad news for Brown as IMF says Britain's debt crisis is the worst among major economies
Search is on for "pirate attackers" in Baltic Sea
Stockholm - Swedish police Friday treating very seriously reports of a mysterious presumed pirate attack on a Maltese-registered freighter in the Baltic Sea.
UK: Non-Muslims turning to Sharia courts to resolve civil disputes
Ukraine May Get $1.7 Billion From International Lenders for Gas
***
Venezuelans protest dramatic rise in kidnappings
Venezuela begins shutdown of 34 radio stations
Venezuela OKs election law, foes say favors Chavez
Shocker!
Honduras’s Zelaya Not Welcome in Nicaragua, Lawmakers Say
The head of Nicaragua’s largest opposition party said deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya should find another country from which to stage a return to power.
haha! Nobody wants him.
Soldiers Deployed In Mexico After Cartel Attacks Police
About 2,500 soldiers spread out across the western state on Monday, adding to 1,500 police and 1,000 military personnel already deployed in the area.
Archaeologists find 20 ancient human skeletons with their offerings in Mexico
TG Daily - End of the world postponed until Christmas
The long-awaited restart of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has been postponed until the winter of 2009.
Dude! As often as this gets put off, maybe it really would end the world.
Aerial Photos of Italian Farms Reveal Outline of An Ancient City
Texas Scorched by Worst Drought in 50 Years
Texas droughts force serious measures
$60 million in federal grants to ease Valley water shortages - Bakersfield, CA
India - Jharkhand farmers despair at drought
Researchers Project Intense Fire Season in the West
Fires rage across Canary island (check out the link to pics on the sidebar.)
Up to 4,000 people are evacuated from their homes as fires rage out of control on the Spanish island of La Palma.
Meteor Showers / For sky lights, put big city behind you
PA - Flooding forces evacuations near Watsontown
One dead and up to 40 injured after storm rips through Canadian music festival
Nigeria: Nema Allays Fear Over Poisonous Gas From Lake Nyos
Blame Canada: Source of booming sounds revealed?
China arrests 7 in gun plot against HK democrat: report
Report: China stops mining project with NKorea
Big chunk of Australian tin off to China
TIN is one of the least fathomable base metals market at present, due partly to recent Chinese stockpiling of the metal.
China summons Aussie ambassador over Uighur visit
Meanwhile, China is still holding the Rio Tinto exec.
BHP Billiton Says Uranium Sales to China to Start Within a Year
ENRC pulls out of Kazakh-China railway
China dips its toe in the Black Sea
***
Christians arrested, 1 executed in N. Korea
U.S. Ships in Sim North Korea Missile Smackdown
N.Korea 'helping Myanmar build nuclear plant': report
Clinton in NKorea on apparent bid to free journalists
Hey, buddy, how'd that agreement to get them to stop the weapons program go?
Take Bush while you're at it, since he did squat when the inspectors were kicked out.
10,000 defy Malaysia police, protest detention law
***
Shifting Tides Of Influence In Central Asia
Eighteen years after the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia became independent, outsiders continue to jockey for position in the traditional contest for influence in the region.
The great powers -- Russia, the United States, China, and Europe -- follow two main strategies to gain or hold sway in the region: the provision of mutual security, and the use of financial measures and trade incentives in exchange for access to enormous energy reserves.
Officials fall to Kazakh corruption drive
Drive, purge, whatever...
Kazakhstan's uranium boss ill in detention: wife
Kazakhstan's most prominent uranium industry figure, whose arrest has alarmed foreign investors in Central Asia's biggest economy, is in poor health and requires urgent medical attention, his wife said on Friday.
Turkmenistan-Iran gas pipeline to be finished end-2009
Taliban vow to disrupt Afghanistan election
US general may ask for more troops for Afghan war
Pakistan Objects to U.S. Plan for Afghan War
Pakistan judge says won't try Musharraf for treason
Pakistan's top judge turned down a request on Thursday to launch a treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, saying the Supreme Court lacked the authority.
Where the Mullahs Are the Upper Crust
Pakistan’s Taliban seeks class war, but in the heartland, there is a surprisingly comfortable coexistence between the mullahs, the landlords and the political elite.
Man Tied to Group in Pearl Murder Arrested in Pakistan, AP Says
***
Six Christians killed in Pakistan over Koran 'insult' (early report)
An angry mob of Muslims on Saturday killed six Christians and wounded dozens after burning 40 houses and a church over the alleged desecration of the Koran in a remote Pakistani town, officials said.
PAKISTAN Muslims burn 75 Christian homes and 2 churches in Punjab
An alleged accusation of blasphemy sparks violence. The Pakistani president Zardari assures compensation for damages to the victims and sent the Minister for Minorities and Human Rights to express the government’s solidarity with the Christian community attacked.
Muslims burn Christians alive in Pakistani city after rumour about a defaced Koran sparked riots
Hundreds of Muslims torched and looted Christian homes in Gorja. A man, a woman and four children were burned to death in their house, and two other men were shot dead by the rioters.
Eight Christians burnt to death in Pakistan after Koran is ‘defiled’
Paramilitary troops patrolled the streets of a town in eastern Pakistan yesterday after Muslim radicals burnt to death eight members of a Christian family, raising fears of violence spreading to other areas.
***
Somali insurgents loot U.N. compounds
EU anti-piracy force to move some planes south
Monsoon season is almost over.
Caritas aid worker shot dead in Congo
PARIS, July 21 (Reuters) - A Congolese employee of French charity Caritas France was shot dead in Democratic Republic of Congo after being stopped by two men in army uniforms, the charity's umbrella organisation said on Tuesday.
Uganda: Seven Local Girls Sold Into Slavery Missing
Libya eyes a new arsenal
The Libyan coast guard is now operating Croatian-built patrol boats in the western Mediterranean as Russia and Western governments elbow each other for substantial orders for new equipment to update Col. Moammar Gadhafi's armed forces.
Al Qaeda claims deadly attack in Algeria - web
Al Qaeda's north African wing said on Saturday its fighters were behind an attack in Algeria earlier this week in which several soldiers were killed.
Lawmaker from Zimbabwe PM's party arrested for song
Mockery through music!
***
Nigeria on the brink
Four days of violence in Nigeria have left hundreds dead, destroyed towns and villages across the north, brought the cold-blooded police shooting of an Islamist rabble-rouser and left the outside world horrified.
Bodies litter streets after unrest in Nigeria
Nigeria clashes bode ill for west Africa
Nigeria: Boko Haram Leader, Yusuf, Killed
700 have died in Nigeria unrest
A Nigerian military official said Saturday that about 700 people were killed in the northern city of Maiduguri during recent fighting between police and a radical Islamist sect. The toll was previously thought to be around 300.
Make that 800:
Nigeria Violence Sparks New Concerns
More than 800 people were killed last week during fighting between an Islamic fundamentalist group calling itself Boko Haram, and Nigerian security forces. The clashes spread across several northern states.
Report: China stops mining project with NKorea
Big chunk of Australian tin off to China
TIN is one of the least fathomable base metals market at present, due partly to recent Chinese stockpiling of the metal.
China summons Aussie ambassador over Uighur visit
Meanwhile, China is still holding the Rio Tinto exec.
BHP Billiton Says Uranium Sales to China to Start Within a Year
ENRC pulls out of Kazakh-China railway
China dips its toe in the Black Sea
***
Christians arrested, 1 executed in N. Korea
U.S. Ships in Sim North Korea Missile Smackdown
N.Korea 'helping Myanmar build nuclear plant': report
Clinton in NKorea on apparent bid to free journalists
Hey, buddy, how'd that agreement to get them to stop the weapons program go?
Take Bush while you're at it, since he did squat when the inspectors were kicked out.
10,000 defy Malaysia police, protest detention law
***
Shifting Tides Of Influence In Central Asia
Eighteen years after the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia became independent, outsiders continue to jockey for position in the traditional contest for influence in the region.
The great powers -- Russia, the United States, China, and Europe -- follow two main strategies to gain or hold sway in the region: the provision of mutual security, and the use of financial measures and trade incentives in exchange for access to enormous energy reserves.
Officials fall to Kazakh corruption drive
Drive, purge, whatever...
Kazakhstan's uranium boss ill in detention: wife
Kazakhstan's most prominent uranium industry figure, whose arrest has alarmed foreign investors in Central Asia's biggest economy, is in poor health and requires urgent medical attention, his wife said on Friday.
Turkmenistan-Iran gas pipeline to be finished end-2009
Taliban vow to disrupt Afghanistan election
US general may ask for more troops for Afghan war
Pakistan Objects to U.S. Plan for Afghan War
Pakistan judge says won't try Musharraf for treason
Pakistan's top judge turned down a request on Thursday to launch a treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, saying the Supreme Court lacked the authority.
Where the Mullahs Are the Upper Crust
Pakistan’s Taliban seeks class war, but in the heartland, there is a surprisingly comfortable coexistence between the mullahs, the landlords and the political elite.
Man Tied to Group in Pearl Murder Arrested in Pakistan, AP Says
***
Six Christians killed in Pakistan over Koran 'insult' (early report)
An angry mob of Muslims on Saturday killed six Christians and wounded dozens after burning 40 houses and a church over the alleged desecration of the Koran in a remote Pakistani town, officials said.
PAKISTAN Muslims burn 75 Christian homes and 2 churches in Punjab
An alleged accusation of blasphemy sparks violence. The Pakistani president Zardari assures compensation for damages to the victims and sent the Minister for Minorities and Human Rights to express the government’s solidarity with the Christian community attacked.
Muslims burn Christians alive in Pakistani city after rumour about a defaced Koran sparked riots
Hundreds of Muslims torched and looted Christian homes in Gorja. A man, a woman and four children were burned to death in their house, and two other men were shot dead by the rioters.
Eight Christians burnt to death in Pakistan after Koran is ‘defiled’
Paramilitary troops patrolled the streets of a town in eastern Pakistan yesterday after Muslim radicals burnt to death eight members of a Christian family, raising fears of violence spreading to other areas.
***
Somali insurgents loot U.N. compounds
EU anti-piracy force to move some planes south
Monsoon season is almost over.
Caritas aid worker shot dead in Congo
PARIS, July 21 (Reuters) - A Congolese employee of French charity Caritas France was shot dead in Democratic Republic of Congo after being stopped by two men in army uniforms, the charity's umbrella organisation said on Tuesday.
Uganda: Seven Local Girls Sold Into Slavery Missing
Libya eyes a new arsenal
The Libyan coast guard is now operating Croatian-built patrol boats in the western Mediterranean as Russia and Western governments elbow each other for substantial orders for new equipment to update Col. Moammar Gadhafi's armed forces.
Al Qaeda claims deadly attack in Algeria - web
Al Qaeda's north African wing said on Saturday its fighters were behind an attack in Algeria earlier this week in which several soldiers were killed.
Lawmaker from Zimbabwe PM's party arrested for song
Mockery through music!
***
Nigeria on the brink
Four days of violence in Nigeria have left hundreds dead, destroyed towns and villages across the north, brought the cold-blooded police shooting of an Islamist rabble-rouser and left the outside world horrified.
Bodies litter streets after unrest in Nigeria
Nigeria clashes bode ill for west Africa
Nigeria: Boko Haram Leader, Yusuf, Killed
700 have died in Nigeria unrest
A Nigerian military official said Saturday that about 700 people were killed in the northern city of Maiduguri during recent fighting between police and a radical Islamist sect. The toll was previously thought to be around 300.
Make that 800:
Nigeria Violence Sparks New Concerns
More than 800 people were killed last week during fighting between an Islamic fundamentalist group calling itself Boko Haram, and Nigerian security forces. The clashes spread across several northern states.
A Red Cross worker in the northern city of Maiduguri, where most of the fighting occurred, said that 780 bodies had been collected in the past few days, and that at least 3,600 Maiduguri residents had been displaced. Officials in Bauchi, where the violence began, had earlier confirmed more than 50 deaths.
Rights groups say many civilians were among those killed, though exact figures remain unknown. Police say most of the dead were militants.
Powder keg.
Iraq's farms in shambles
Iraq PM flies to US to meet Obama, seek investment
Death toll reaches 12 in Iraqi refugee camp violence
At least 12 people have died in clashes between Iraqi police and members of an exiled Iranian opposition group at an Iraqi refugee camp, a group spokesman told CNN Friday.
***
Lebanon arrests 10 for plotting attacks on UN troops
What the Romans Wrought in Lebanon
Baal and Bacchus and Hizb'allah, oh my!
Sadr pushes bilateral ties in Syria
The visit to Damascus by Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr was part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the two Arab neighbors, officials said.
Assad: Golan will yet return to Arab hands
Saudi Minister Rejects Incremental Steps Toward Mideast Peace
Why Yemen could become Al Qaeda haven
***
Why Israel is Nervous
Tension is escalating between the U.S and Israel. The problem: The administration views the Israeli-Palestinian issue as the root of all problems, while Israel is focused on Iran’s nuclear threat, says Elliott Abrams.
Sheikh Khatib: We'll never give up al-Aqsa
Islamic Movement leader tells Arab children Israeli occupation of Jerusalem must end
Why Israel is Nervous!
Turkish leader presses Israel to return Golan
Why Israel is Nervous!
Saudi Minister Rejects Incremental Steps Toward Mideast Peace
Saudi Arabia praised the Obama administration Friday for its "early and robust focus" on the Middle East while rebuffing its efforts to push Riyadh to take confidence-building steps toward Israel.
Why Israel is Nervous!
Fatah to reject Israel as Jewish state at congress: document
Do I need to say it?
Anti-Settlement Group Takes Palestinian Property Claims to Israel's High Court
Ugh.
Poll: Israel is only country where support for US dropped
Israel is the only country paying attention to what's going on.
Europeans seeking $100m. investment in W. Bank power grid | Middle East | Jerusalem Post
***
For Iran’s Opposition, ‘Death to Russia’ Is the New ‘Death to America’
In Iran, opposition supporters who attended the Friday Prayer service in Tehran last week responded to calls to chant "Death to America!" by chanting "Death to Russia!" instead.
'Cause the government in curling up with the bear.
Iran activists dread midnight knock of police raid
Iran begins mourning cycle that could deepen unrest
Thousands of people clashed with security forces in the streets after a symbolic 40-day period since the death of protesters. Thirty years ago, such protests helped bring down the Shah.
Iran witnesses: Neda memorial
German Firm Withdraws Threat to Fire Employees in Iran
Knauf, a German building materials company that last week told its employees in Iran they would be fired if they participated in political demonstrations, withdrew the threat.
Iran detains US hikers who strayed across border from Iraq
Details are still emerging, but Kurdish officials say the tourists had been warned that the border was poorly marked.
Iran is ready to build an N-bomb - it is just waiting for the Ayatollah's order
Iran has perfected the technology to create and detonate a nuclear warhead and is merely awaiting the word from its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to produce its first bomb, Western intelligence sources have told The Times.
Iraq PM flies to US to meet Obama, seek investment
Death toll reaches 12 in Iraqi refugee camp violence
At least 12 people have died in clashes between Iraqi police and members of an exiled Iranian opposition group at an Iraqi refugee camp, a group spokesman told CNN Friday.
***
Lebanon arrests 10 for plotting attacks on UN troops
What the Romans Wrought in Lebanon
Baal and Bacchus and Hizb'allah, oh my!
Sadr pushes bilateral ties in Syria
The visit to Damascus by Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr was part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the two Arab neighbors, officials said.
Assad: Golan will yet return to Arab hands
Saudi Minister Rejects Incremental Steps Toward Mideast Peace
Why Yemen could become Al Qaeda haven
***
Why Israel is Nervous
Tension is escalating between the U.S and Israel. The problem: The administration views the Israeli-Palestinian issue as the root of all problems, while Israel is focused on Iran’s nuclear threat, says Elliott Abrams.
Sheikh Khatib: We'll never give up al-Aqsa
Islamic Movement leader tells Arab children Israeli occupation of Jerusalem must end
Why Israel is Nervous!
Turkish leader presses Israel to return Golan
Why Israel is Nervous!
Saudi Minister Rejects Incremental Steps Toward Mideast Peace
Saudi Arabia praised the Obama administration Friday for its "early and robust focus" on the Middle East while rebuffing its efforts to push Riyadh to take confidence-building steps toward Israel.
Why Israel is Nervous!
Fatah to reject Israel as Jewish state at congress: document
Do I need to say it?
Anti-Settlement Group Takes Palestinian Property Claims to Israel's High Court
Ugh.
Poll: Israel is only country where support for US dropped
Israel is the only country paying attention to what's going on.
Europeans seeking $100m. investment in W. Bank power grid | Middle East | Jerusalem Post
***
For Iran’s Opposition, ‘Death to Russia’ Is the New ‘Death to America’
In Iran, opposition supporters who attended the Friday Prayer service in Tehran last week responded to calls to chant "Death to America!" by chanting "Death to Russia!" instead.
'Cause the government in curling up with the bear.
Iran activists dread midnight knock of police raid
Iran begins mourning cycle that could deepen unrest
Thousands of people clashed with security forces in the streets after a symbolic 40-day period since the death of protesters. Thirty years ago, such protests helped bring down the Shah.
Iran witnesses: Neda memorial
German Firm Withdraws Threat to Fire Employees in Iran
Knauf, a German building materials company that last week told its employees in Iran they would be fired if they participated in political demonstrations, withdrew the threat.
Iran detains US hikers who strayed across border from Iraq
Details are still emerging, but Kurdish officials say the tourists had been warned that the border was poorly marked.
Iran is ready to build an N-bomb - it is just waiting for the Ayatollah's order
Iran has perfected the technology to create and detonate a nuclear warhead and is merely awaiting the word from its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to produce its first bomb, Western intelligence sources have told The Times.
Monday, August 03, 2009
North Korea to host Russian gas pipeline?
South Korean officials are set to visit Russia in August to discuss the potential for laying a gas pipeline through North Korean territory.
Putin marks construction of new pipeline
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attended opening ceremonies Friday for construction of the first leg of a new natural gas pipeline in Russia's Far East.
Moscow, Baku relations linked to energy
Moscow, [insert any national capital here] relations linked to energy.
Ex-Soviet states meet for 'Russian NATO' summit
In Russia, witnesses risk their lives
Valery Kazakov was almost to the prosecutor's office when the killers caught him. He was shot as he cut through an alleyway, and when he stumbled bleeding into the street, a man bent down to stab the final breaths out of him.
Riot police use brute force to break up Moscow rally
"What kind of country is this? They're all bandits," cried Yekaterina Veselovskaya, 60, as riot police dragged off a friend. "We're going back to the Stalinist 1930s." In a new tactic, undercover agents and police arrested people for giving interviews to the press.
"Ever since Putin came to power, all his decisions have led to murder," Alexei Korostyshevsky told The Daily Telegraph before being grabbed by two undercover police. At least three similar arrests were made.
Russia to upgrade its naval base in Syria
Iran and Russia: No Love Lost
Yet they're now coming together.
Canada watching Russian Arctic moves closely
I would hope so.
***
Putin dives to new depths
Vladimir Putin has dived to the bottom of the world's deepest lake in Siberia, aboard a mini-submarine.
Putin dons wetsuit, gets cozy with whale: reports
You know what interests me about these PR stunts? The contrast with our own dear leader.
Putin carefully controls his image to come across as an aggressive manly-man.
Obama carefully controls his image to come across as a metrosexual intellectual.
Consider what that says about their target audiences. Oy.
***
A Hot Summer in Europe (short read, very good)
Russia Says Georgia Fired on South Ossetia, Threatens Force
Russia accused Georgia of firing at South Ossetia and warned that its troops may fight back, as the countries prepare for the first anniversary of the war over the separatist region. Georgia denied the claims.
Russia Accused of Altering Border
Georgia said Russian reconnaissance teams entered the village of Kveshi in a disputed region in an attempt to move the boundary several hundred yards to a strategically better position.
South Ossetia one year on: Georgians wait in fear for Russians to return
A year ago, the Kremlin shocked the world when it sent troops into Georgia. Today, the war clouds over South Ossetia are gathering once more.
INTERVIEW - Saakashvili says Russia still wants him out
Threat of war hangs over Georgian energy routes
BASHKOI, Georgia (Reuters) - More than 800,000 barrels of high-quality Caspian crude oil flow daily to the Mediterranean beneath this Georgian village, 42 km (26 miles) from breakaway South Ossetia.
Georgia’s Leader Escapes Damage in Biden Visit
But is his teleprompter still okay?
***
UN experts ask Azerbaijan to stop free speech curbs
Scuffle in wedding place in Baku, five knifed
Azerbaijan to start gold exports
Turkish oil exploration rankles Greeks
An oil exploration plan by Turkey increased tension created when Turkish jets violated Greek air space, officials told the news agency Kathimerini.
8,000-year-old human skeleton found in a Turkey tomb
An 8,000-year-old human skeleton was found during excavations in one of the oldest residential areas in southern Turkey, a media report said.
South Korean officials are set to visit Russia in August to discuss the potential for laying a gas pipeline through North Korean territory.
Putin marks construction of new pipeline
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attended opening ceremonies Friday for construction of the first leg of a new natural gas pipeline in Russia's Far East.
Moscow, Baku relations linked to energy
Moscow, [insert any national capital here] relations linked to energy.
Ex-Soviet states meet for 'Russian NATO' summit
In Russia, witnesses risk their lives
Valery Kazakov was almost to the prosecutor's office when the killers caught him. He was shot as he cut through an alleyway, and when he stumbled bleeding into the street, a man bent down to stab the final breaths out of him.
Riot police use brute force to break up Moscow rally
"What kind of country is this? They're all bandits," cried Yekaterina Veselovskaya, 60, as riot police dragged off a friend. "We're going back to the Stalinist 1930s." In a new tactic, undercover agents and police arrested people for giving interviews to the press.
"Ever since Putin came to power, all his decisions have led to murder," Alexei Korostyshevsky told The Daily Telegraph before being grabbed by two undercover police. At least three similar arrests were made.
Russia to upgrade its naval base in Syria
Iran and Russia: No Love Lost
Yet they're now coming together.
Canada watching Russian Arctic moves closely
I would hope so.
***
Putin dives to new depths
Vladimir Putin has dived to the bottom of the world's deepest lake in Siberia, aboard a mini-submarine.
Putin dons wetsuit, gets cozy with whale: reports
You know what interests me about these PR stunts? The contrast with our own dear leader.
Putin carefully controls his image to come across as an aggressive manly-man.
Obama carefully controls his image to come across as a metrosexual intellectual.
Consider what that says about their target audiences. Oy.
***
A Hot Summer in Europe (short read, very good)
Can President Obama and the European Union contain Moscow’s ambitions and whims? Or will they purchase a fallacious and precarious tranquility by sacrificing Georgia’s independence? At stake is the very sovereignty of Europe: its energy independence. Energy has become decisive because for Putin, gas is now a weapon as powerful as a deterrent arsenal. Consider a popular song performed by a military choir in Moscow. Its chorus depicts the “radiant future” that Gazprom is preparing: “Europe has a problem with us? We will cut off its gas; a big smile will rise in our eyes and happiness will leave us no more.” Similar sentiments are expressed toward the Ukraine and its desire to join NATO, as well as toward American forces all over the world. The Russian public loves the song.
If Tbilisi falls, there will be no way to get around Gazprom and guarantee autonomous access to the gas and petroleum wealth of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. As for the global credibility of President Obama, it will amount to no more than the empty-sleeved gestures of someone whose arms have been amputated.
Russia Says Georgia Fired on South Ossetia, Threatens Force
Russia accused Georgia of firing at South Ossetia and warned that its troops may fight back, as the countries prepare for the first anniversary of the war over the separatist region. Georgia denied the claims.
Russia Accused of Altering Border
Georgia said Russian reconnaissance teams entered the village of Kveshi in a disputed region in an attempt to move the boundary several hundred yards to a strategically better position.
South Ossetia one year on: Georgians wait in fear for Russians to return
A year ago, the Kremlin shocked the world when it sent troops into Georgia. Today, the war clouds over South Ossetia are gathering once more.
INTERVIEW - Saakashvili says Russia still wants him out
Threat of war hangs over Georgian energy routes
BASHKOI, Georgia (Reuters) - More than 800,000 barrels of high-quality Caspian crude oil flow daily to the Mediterranean beneath this Georgian village, 42 km (26 miles) from breakaway South Ossetia.
Georgia’s Leader Escapes Damage in Biden Visit
But is his teleprompter still okay?
***
UN experts ask Azerbaijan to stop free speech curbs
Scuffle in wedding place in Baku, five knifed
Azerbaijan to start gold exports
Turkish oil exploration rankles Greeks
An oil exploration plan by Turkey increased tension created when Turkish jets violated Greek air space, officials told the news agency Kathimerini.
8,000-year-old human skeleton found in a Turkey tomb
An 8,000-year-old human skeleton was found during excavations in one of the oldest residential areas in southern Turkey, a media report said.
Long hot summer...
UN agency: Saudi Arabia to fund world summit on food security in Rome in November
US signs disabled rights treaty
The United States on Thursday signed a U.N. treaty enshrining the rights of the world's 650 million disabled people, saying it symbolized President Barack Obama's commitment to upholding human rights through international agreements.
'$10 trillion' credit crunch cost
The global credit crunch has cost governments more than $10 trillion, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.
House Approves $636 Billion Defense Spending Bill
U.S. judge rules for Fed in Fox News Network request
G-20 police planning a puzzle for Pittsburgh chief
Arabic teacher at Clemson faces immigration charge
Clemson scholar moved to Alabama
After Bomb Scare, Tempers Flare at La Guardia
Even after terminals had reopened at La Guardia Airport, scores of flights were delayed and tempers were flaring.
Pentagon, Eyeing Iran, Wants to Rush 30,000-Pound Bomb Program
Regulators crack down on 3 Georgia banks
Regulators have served three small Georgia banks, including the Bank of Georgia in Peachtree City, with 'cease and desist' orders.
News From USJFCOM: Situational awareness experiment prepares for real world crises
During the recently completed Interagency Shared Situational Awareness (IA SSA) Limited Objective Experiment (LOE), U.S. Joint Forces Command and its partners addressed standards, policies and procedures involving sharing of information with interagency, multinational and non-government agencies during crisis operations.
Mystery ends: Pilot's remains found in Iraq desert
Capt. Speicher, finally coming home.
1 Month, 24 Bank Failures: Random Event or Wilting Economy?
Biggest revenue drop since 1932
Stocks Rally is "Excessive", Financial System "Very Damaged" Says Roubini
No, really? My take: over 10k by the time we get a "peace in our time" statement.
***
Northwest Arctic, North Slope villages to have cell coverage by September
Like many small Alaska villages, Buckland is still waiting for running water and a sewer system. But long before a single flush toilet is installed, it will have connectivity of a different kind.
Buckland, along with every village in the North Slope Borough, Northwest Arctic Borough and a handful of other communities, is getting cell phone service this September through GCI.
Cell phones before sewers?
Nazi concentration camp survivor, 90, found strangled
A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor was found strangled Thursday in his Upper East Side apartment, a spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner said Friday.
Cash for Clunkers may take over your computer - Glenn Beck
And now today: Glenn Beck - The Government Removes Disclaimer,But Not The Law
It gives me the heebie-jeebies because I got a warning on another government site. See, I saw this story:
Florida man sees security exercise, calls police
and thought, gosh, there have been a lot of these drills lately. Maybe June or July is Disaster preparedness month or something?
So I went to FEMA's site (http://www.fema.gov/). They didn't have a 'news' section, so I clicked on Training. Once there I got there, I got distracted by this:
Well, shiny. That's not so terribly far from me. So I clicked on the link, and got a Java pop-up box and this:
Well, okay. So I backed away slowly.
Instead, here's the wikipedia entry on the CDP.
I wonder how many sites have such warnings?
Meanwhile, the natives are getting restless:
YouTube - Lloyd Doggett's meeting on Obamacare in south Austin, TX, 1 Aug 2009
***
YouTube - Crowd Explodes When Arlen Specter Urges That We "Do This Fast"
***
YouTube - US Soldier Demands Apology From Senator Claire McCaskill at Town Hall
***
YouTube - Obama Town Hall Meeting Protest Bristol Virginia July 29, 2009
***
Cops suspended for Obama check
Two DeKalb County Officers are being investigated for allegedly performing a background check on President Barack Obama.
Suborned in the U.S.A. by Andrew C. McCarthy
Mark Steyn: No turning back from Obamacare
US signs disabled rights treaty
The United States on Thursday signed a U.N. treaty enshrining the rights of the world's 650 million disabled people, saying it symbolized President Barack Obama's commitment to upholding human rights through international agreements.
The signing by U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice marked a dramatic shift from the Bush administration, which refused to take part in negotiations on the treaty, arguing that it would dilute protections for U.S. citizens under the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.
'$10 trillion' credit crunch cost
The global credit crunch has cost governments more than $10 trillion, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.
The IMF says that rich countries have provided $9.2tn in government support for the financial sector, while emerging economies spent $1.6 tn.
House Approves $636 Billion Defense Spending Bill
U.S. judge rules for Fed in Fox News Network request
A U.S. judge on Thursday denied a bid by Fox News Network LLC seeking details from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve about the central bank's loans to companies affected by the financial crisis.
...
"I rule that one document, which the Board determined is not a record, is indeed, a record. The Board shall identify this document and either produce it or claim an exemption," Hellerstein said in a written order.
"In all other respects, I grant the Board's motion and deny Fox's motion, finding that the Board performed an adequate search and that Exemption 4 permits the Board not to disclose the documents that Fox seeks."
Under Exemption 4 of the FOIA, an agency must demonstrate that the information sought is a "trade secret" or "commercial or financial" in character and "obtained from a person" and "privileged and confidential."
G-20 police planning a puzzle for Pittsburgh chief
Arabic teacher at Clemson faces immigration charge
Clemson scholar moved to Alabama
After Bomb Scare, Tempers Flare at La Guardia
Even after terminals had reopened at La Guardia Airport, scores of flights were delayed and tempers were flaring.
Pentagon, Eyeing Iran, Wants to Rush 30,000-Pound Bomb Program
Regulators crack down on 3 Georgia banks
Regulators have served three small Georgia banks, including the Bank of Georgia in Peachtree City, with 'cease and desist' orders.
News From USJFCOM: Situational awareness experiment prepares for real world crises
During the recently completed Interagency Shared Situational Awareness (IA SSA) Limited Objective Experiment (LOE), U.S. Joint Forces Command and its partners addressed standards, policies and procedures involving sharing of information with interagency, multinational and non-government agencies during crisis operations.
Mystery ends: Pilot's remains found in Iraq desert
Capt. Speicher, finally coming home.
1 Month, 24 Bank Failures: Random Event or Wilting Economy?
Biggest revenue drop since 1932
Stocks Rally is "Excessive", Financial System "Very Damaged" Says Roubini
No, really? My take: over 10k by the time we get a "peace in our time" statement.
***
Northwest Arctic, North Slope villages to have cell coverage by September
Like many small Alaska villages, Buckland is still waiting for running water and a sewer system. But long before a single flush toilet is installed, it will have connectivity of a different kind.
Buckland, along with every village in the North Slope Borough, Northwest Arctic Borough and a handful of other communities, is getting cell phone service this September through GCI.
Cell phones before sewers?
Nazi concentration camp survivor, 90, found strangled
A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor was found strangled Thursday in his Upper East Side apartment, a spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner said Friday.
Cash for Clunkers may take over your computer - Glenn Beck
And now today: Glenn Beck - The Government Removes Disclaimer,But Not The Law
It gives me the heebie-jeebies because I got a warning on another government site. See, I saw this story:
Florida man sees security exercise, calls police
and thought, gosh, there have been a lot of these drills lately. Maybe June or July is Disaster preparedness month or something?
So I went to FEMA's site (http://www.fema.gov/). They didn't have a 'news' section, so I clicked on Training. Once there I got there, I got distracted by this:
FEMA Training Organizations
Center for Domestic Preparedness
The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) is the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s only federally chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training center. The CDP is located in Anniston, Alabama. The Noble Training Facility is also a component of the CDP.
Well, shiny. That's not so terribly far from me. So I clicked on the link, and got a Java pop-up box and this:
WARNING
The use of this U.S. Government system is restricted to authorized users only. Unauthorized access, use, or modification of this computer system or of the data contained herein or in transit to/from this system constitutes a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030 and state criminal and civil laws. These systems and equipment are subject to monitoring to ensure proper performance of applicable security features or procedures. Such monitoring may result in the acquisition, recording and analysis of all data being communicated, transmitted, processed or stored in this system by a user. If monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, such evidence may be provided to law enforcement personnel. Anyone who accesses a Federal computer system without authorization or exceeds their access authority, and by any means of such conduct obtains, alters, damages, destroys, or discloses information, or prevents authorized use of information on the computer, shall be subject to fine or imprisonment, or both.
The use of this U.S. Government system is restricted to authorized users only. Unauthorized access, use, or modification of this computer system or of the data contained herein or in transit to/from this system constitutes a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030 and state criminal and civil laws. These systems and equipment are subject to monitoring to ensure proper performance of applicable security features or procedures. Such monitoring may result in the acquisition, recording and analysis of all data being communicated, transmitted, processed or stored in this system by a user. If monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, such evidence may be provided to law enforcement personnel. Anyone who accesses a Federal computer system without authorization or exceeds their access authority, and by any means of such conduct obtains, alters, damages, destroys, or discloses information, or prevents authorized use of information on the computer, shall be subject to fine or imprisonment, or both.
Well, okay. So I backed away slowly.
Instead, here's the wikipedia entry on the CDP.
I wonder how many sites have such warnings?
Meanwhile, the natives are getting restless:
YouTube - Lloyd Doggett's meeting on Obamacare in south Austin, TX, 1 Aug 2009
***
YouTube - Crowd Explodes When Arlen Specter Urges That We "Do This Fast"
***
YouTube - US Soldier Demands Apology From Senator Claire McCaskill at Town Hall
***
YouTube - Obama Town Hall Meeting Protest Bristol Virginia July 29, 2009
***
Cops suspended for Obama check
Two DeKalb County Officers are being investigated for allegedly performing a background check on President Barack Obama.
Suborned in the U.S.A. by Andrew C. McCarthy
Mark Steyn: No turning back from Obamacare
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