EU plots transatlantic bank regulator
The European Union is to push for an agreement on banking and financial services as a key part of this week’s historic trade talks with the US which could see the introduction of an American-European super-regulator.
Switzerland Will Join Race to Be Trading Hub for China’s Yuan
Switzerland plans to bid to become an offshore yuan trading center in Europe, competing with Frankfurt and London to corner trade in the Chinese currency. “It is in Swiss interest to have a renminbi hub in the center of Europe,” Economy Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann said in Beijing today after signing a free trade agreement with Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng. While no official talks have taken place, Schneider-Ammann said he hopes the idea will become “more serious” in the coming weeks or months.
China Radio: "The U.S. And Europe Have Always Suppressed The Rising Price Of Gold"
The U.S. and Europe have always suppressed the rising price of gold. They intend to weaken gold's function as an international reserve currency. They don't want to see other countries turning to gold reserves instead of the U.S. dollar or Euro. Therefore, suppressing the price of gold is very beneficial for the U.S. in maintaining the U.S. dollar's role as the international reserve currency.
Greek close to getting latest bailout payout
Greece's government has said it is close to agreeing a deal to gain the latest payment of bailout money from its international lenders. Eurozone finance ministers meet on Monday to decide whether to release the next instalment of rescue funds worth 6.3bn euros ($8.1bn; £5.4bn).
North and South Korean talks on Kaesong economic zone
Officials from North and South Korea are holding talks on reopening the Kaesong industrial complex. The two sides sat down together on Saturday at the truce village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone. Work at the factory park was halted in April amid high regional tensions.
Monday, July 08, 2013
EU threatens to suspend data-sharing with U.S. over spy reports
The European Union is threatening to suspend two agreements granting the United States access to European financial and travel data unless Washington shows it is respecting EU rules on data privacy, EU officials said on Friday.
Snowden gets Venezuela, Nicaragua asylum offers
The quest by NSA leaker Edward Snowden for a safe haven has taken a turn toward Latin America, with offers for asylum coming from the leftist presidents of Nicaragua and Venezuela. \
Studies: Cyberspying targeted SKorea, US military
The hackers who knocked out tens of thousands of South Korean computers simultaneously this year are out to do far more than erase hard drives, cybersecurity firms say: They also are trying to steal South Korean and U.S. military secrets with a malicious set of codes they've been sending through the Internet for years.
The European Union is threatening to suspend two agreements granting the United States access to European financial and travel data unless Washington shows it is respecting EU rules on data privacy, EU officials said on Friday.
Snowden gets Venezuela, Nicaragua asylum offers
The quest by NSA leaker Edward Snowden for a safe haven has taken a turn toward Latin America, with offers for asylum coming from the leftist presidents of Nicaragua and Venezuela. \
Studies: Cyberspying targeted SKorea, US military
The hackers who knocked out tens of thousands of South Korean computers simultaneously this year are out to do far more than erase hard drives, cybersecurity firms say: They also are trying to steal South Korean and U.S. military secrets with a malicious set of codes they've been sending through the Internet for years.
Muslim Brotherhood calls for uprising against Egyptian army after dozens killed
The Muslim Brotherhood called on Egyptians to rise up against those who "want to steal" the revolution, a statement by its political wing said on Monday, after Egyptian state television said 42 people were killed in shooting outside the Cairo headquarters of the Republican Guard.
Dozens dead as Egyptian Islamists rally to defend Morsi
42 protesters have been killed, including children in the overnight clashes, Egypt’s state TV reported. A spokesperson of the Muslim Brotherhood said at least 37 of its members have been killed, with as many as 500 injured. Egypt’s Health Ministry confirmed that women and children were among the 42 killed overnight in Cairo.
Law requires Obama administration to cut off Egyptian aid
The $1.5 billion in U.S. foreign aid slated for Egypt next year is in jeopardy after the Egyptian army deposed...President Mohamed Morsi on Wednesday. Section 508 of the...Foreign Assistance Act stipulates that “none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by a military coup or decree.”
Morsi Muslims 'Rage' Against Copts
Mobs of Muslims enraged over the forceful removal of the Muslim Brotherhood-backed Mohamed Morsi from office have retaliated against Christians across Egypt, according to Morning Star News. The attacks came as part of nation-wide protests that culminated Friday in what Morsi supporters called a "Day of Rage".
Egypt army preparing for Sinai operation
Egypt's army is preparing for a large-scale military operation in Sinai, an army official said Sunday, as forces sealed more smuggling tunnels along the Gaza border. An Egyptian military official told Ma'an the army was preparing for a major operation in Sinai "to clean it up from terrorist and criminal cells."
Shooting of pro-Morsi protesters deepens Egypt crisis
At least 15 people were killed in Cairo on Monday, medical sources said, when the Muslim Brotherhood said shots were fired at supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi near the military building where he is being held.
Egyptian protesters renew fears of street violence with calls for mass rallies
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is calling for protests to denounce the military’s toppling of President Mohammed Morsi, while opponents of the ousted Islamist leader also are urging supporters to take to the streets for mass rallies.
'Muslim Brotherhood claims interim Egyptian president is Jewish'
The Muslim Brotherhood claimed in a post on its official website that Egypt's new interim president Adli Mansour is Jewish, The Washington Post reported on Friday. The article on IkhwanOnline was subsequently removed.
The Muslim Brotherhood called on Egyptians to rise up against those who "want to steal" the revolution, a statement by its political wing said on Monday, after Egyptian state television said 42 people were killed in shooting outside the Cairo headquarters of the Republican Guard.
Dozens dead as Egyptian Islamists rally to defend Morsi
42 protesters have been killed, including children in the overnight clashes, Egypt’s state TV reported. A spokesperson of the Muslim Brotherhood said at least 37 of its members have been killed, with as many as 500 injured. Egypt’s Health Ministry confirmed that women and children were among the 42 killed overnight in Cairo.
Law requires Obama administration to cut off Egyptian aid
The $1.5 billion in U.S. foreign aid slated for Egypt next year is in jeopardy after the Egyptian army deposed...President Mohamed Morsi on Wednesday. Section 508 of the...Foreign Assistance Act stipulates that “none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by a military coup or decree.”
Morsi Muslims 'Rage' Against Copts
Mobs of Muslims enraged over the forceful removal of the Muslim Brotherhood-backed Mohamed Morsi from office have retaliated against Christians across Egypt, according to Morning Star News. The attacks came as part of nation-wide protests that culminated Friday in what Morsi supporters called a "Day of Rage".
Egypt army preparing for Sinai operation
Egypt's army is preparing for a large-scale military operation in Sinai, an army official said Sunday, as forces sealed more smuggling tunnels along the Gaza border. An Egyptian military official told Ma'an the army was preparing for a major operation in Sinai "to clean it up from terrorist and criminal cells."
Shooting of pro-Morsi protesters deepens Egypt crisis
At least 15 people were killed in Cairo on Monday, medical sources said, when the Muslim Brotherhood said shots were fired at supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi near the military building where he is being held.
Egyptian protesters renew fears of street violence with calls for mass rallies
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is calling for protests to denounce the military’s toppling of President Mohammed Morsi, while opponents of the ousted Islamist leader also are urging supporters to take to the streets for mass rallies.
'Muslim Brotherhood claims interim Egyptian president is Jewish'
The Muslim Brotherhood claimed in a post on its official website that Egypt's new interim president Adli Mansour is Jewish, The Washington Post reported on Friday. The article on IkhwanOnline was subsequently removed.
While Egypt Burns
“What happened in Egypt was not a military coup. It was the army listening to the voice of millions and millions of Egyptians on the street. Many people seem to confuse one election with a democracy.
“What happened in Egypt was not a military coup. It was the army listening to the voice of millions and millions of Egyptians on the street. Many people seem to confuse one election with a democracy.
Egypt clashes after army fire kills Morsi supporters
More than 30 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured in Friday's violence following the ousting of Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, it has emerged. At least 12 died in Alexandria, and eight in two separate clashes in Cairo, the Health Ministry said. The army removed Mr Morsi from power on Wednesday after millions of people protested over his leadership.
More than 30 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured in Friday's violence following the ousting of Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, it has emerged. At least 12 died in Alexandria, and eight in two separate clashes in Cairo, the Health Ministry said. The army removed Mr Morsi from power on Wednesday after millions of people protested over his leadership.
TROOPER USES TASER ON AUTISTIC GIRL
(KDRV-TV) NEAR ASHLAND, Ore. — The father of a girl with autism who was tased by an Oregon State Trooper is calling the action excessive. Oregon State Police say the action may have saved her life.
The 11-year-old girl was found naked, wandering along Interstate 5 in the early morning hours. She was spotted by a passing cab driver, who stopped and called 911. That man says he was there when the State Trooper tased the girl. Aram Hampson was not there when his daughter was tased, but says after hearing the witness account, he believes triggering a taser was too aggressive, “from his report, she warned my daughter twice, who doesn’t respond verbally at all, and then tased her.”
Hampson says — his daughter has a severe case of autism. He says she cannot carry on a conversation and she tends to run away from home often. “You can just tell you’re not dealing with a regular person who’s either on drugs or anything else,” explained Hampson. “Physically (she) does not look like an average 11-year-old. She’s kind of, you know, husky,” he added. Hampson believes this is why his pre-teen daughter was mistaken for a woman by authorities.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/06/trooper-uses-taser-on-naked-autistic-girl/#DHlUYbkMWxvFrlHd.99
The 11-year-old girl was found naked, wandering along Interstate 5 in the early morning hours. She was spotted by a passing cab driver, who stopped and called 911. That man says he was there when the State Trooper tased the girl. Aram Hampson was not there when his daughter was tased, but says after hearing the witness account, he believes triggering a taser was too aggressive, “from his report, she warned my daughter twice, who doesn’t respond verbally at all, and then tased her.”
Hampson says — his daughter has a severe case of autism. He says she cannot carry on a conversation and she tends to run away from home often. “You can just tell you’re not dealing with a regular person who’s either on drugs or anything else,” explained Hampson. “Physically (she) does not look like an average 11-year-old. She’s kind of, you know, husky,” he added. Hampson believes this is why his pre-teen daughter was mistaken for a woman by authorities.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/06/trooper-uses-taser-on-naked-autistic-girl/#DHlUYbkMWxvFrlHd.99
Powerful Forces Promote Rand Paul
Asserting that Paul “is talked about as a credible Republican presidential contender in 2016,” who is “no longer marginalized by his party—or dismissed by the opposition,” the story promoting Paul appeared on the very day (though the Post didn’t mention it at the time) Paul was the keynote speaker at a fundraising banquet for the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington.
Asserting that Paul “is talked about as a credible Republican presidential contender in 2016,” who is “no longer marginalized by his party—or dismissed by the opposition,” the story promoting Paul appeared on the very day (though the Post didn’t mention it at the time) Paul was the keynote speaker at a fundraising banquet for the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington.
BIG SUNSPOT FACES EARTH
Colossal sunspot AR1785 is now directly facing Earth. The active region has a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class flares, yet so far the sunspot has been mostly quiet. Could it be the calm before the storm? NOAA forecasters estimate a 55% chance of M-flares and a 10% chance of X-flares on July 8th.
7.2 earthquake recorded off PNG
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Papua New Guinea in the early hours of Monday, according to the US Geological Survey, after a 7.2 quake struck off the country's northeast coast just hours before.
Colossal sunspot AR1785 is now directly facing Earth. The active region has a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class flares, yet so far the sunspot has been mostly quiet. Could it be the calm before the storm? NOAA forecasters estimate a 55% chance of M-flares and a 10% chance of X-flares on July 8th.
7.2 earthquake recorded off PNG
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Papua New Guinea in the early hours of Monday, according to the US Geological Survey, after a 7.2 quake struck off the country's northeast coast just hours before.
Iwo-Tori-shima volcano news & activity updates:
A possible small eruption occurred this morning. Tokyo VAAC received a (pilot) report of an ash plume rising to 7,000 ft (2.1 km) and drifting 40 nautical miles to the north of the small island.
A possible small eruption occurred this morning. Tokyo VAAC received a (pilot) report of an ash plume rising to 7,000 ft (2.1 km) and drifting 40 nautical miles to the north of the small island.
Popocatépetl volcano (Mexico): alert level raised
The intensity of the current eruptive phase remains high. A phase of particularly strong tremor accompanying continuous explosions and ash emissions occurred this morning. As a consequence of the elevated activity,CENAPRED raised the alert level to Yellow, Phase 3. An exclusion zone of 12 km radius around the volcano is in place.
The intensity of the current eruptive phase remains high. A phase of particularly strong tremor accompanying continuous explosions and ash emissions occurred this morning. As a consequence of the elevated activity,CENAPRED raised the alert level to Yellow, Phase 3. An exclusion zone of 12 km radius around the volcano is in place.
Earthquake hits East Java
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck southeast of Malang, East Java, on Monday at 9:13 a.m. local time, at a depth of 10 kilometers. “The quake’s epicenter was in the Indian Ocean, about 112 kilometers from Malang or 202 kilometers from Surabaya,” said National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, as quoted by Antara news agency.
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck southeast of Malang, East Java, on Monday at 9:13 a.m. local time, at a depth of 10 kilometers. “The quake’s epicenter was in the Indian Ocean, about 112 kilometers from Malang or 202 kilometers from Surabaya,” said National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, as quoted by Antara news agency.
Earthquake strikes El Salvador, no damage reported
There were no immediate reports of damage from the 5.9 magnitude quake, which according to the U.S. Geological Survey was centered 24 miles south-southeast of the capital, just off shore and 60 miles below ground.
There were no immediate reports of damage from the 5.9 magnitude quake, which according to the U.S. Geological Survey was centered 24 miles south-southeast of the capital, just off shore and 60 miles below ground.
6.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia on Saturday, days after a temblor left dozens dead in the nation. The quake struck off the island of Sumatra, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It had earlier stated it was a 6.4-magnitude quake, but revised the number.
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia on Saturday, days after a temblor left dozens dead in the nation. The quake struck off the island of Sumatra, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It had earlier stated it was a 6.4-magnitude quake, but revised the number.
Huge waves hit Chile and Peru
Waves as high as 7m (22 ft) have hit parts of Chile and coastal areas are on alert as high winds and tidal currents sweep across parts of South America's coast. Footage showed huge waves surging onto the streets of Antofagasta in Chile where at least one injury was reported following the dangerous weather.
Waves as high as 7m (22 ft) have hit parts of Chile and coastal areas are on alert as high winds and tidal currents sweep across parts of South America's coast. Footage showed huge waves surging onto the streets of Antofagasta in Chile where at least one injury was reported following the dangerous weather.
Russian Emergency Ministry and FEMA Join Operations
Several documents signed during joint work of Russian Emergency Ministry and FEMA
The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry and the USA Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are going to exchange experts during joint rescue operations in major disasters. In addition, the parties approved of U.S.-Russian cooperation in this field in 2013-2014, which envisages exchange of experience including in monitoring and forecasting emergency situations, training of rescuers, development of mine-rescuing and provision of security at mass events.
The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry and the USA Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are going to exchange experts during joint rescue operations in major disasters. In addition, the parties approved of U.S.-Russian cooperation in this field in 2013-2014, which envisages exchange of experience including in monitoring and forecasting emergency situations, training of rescuers, development of mine-rescuing and provision of security at mass events.
Friday, July 05, 2013
EU accuses 13 banks of derivatives collusion
EU accuses 13 banks of derivatives collusion
EU investigators accused 13 top banks including Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs on Monday of colluding over derivatives trading, in a new move to tighten banking standards. "If it is confirmed that banks collectively blocked exchanges from the derivatives market, the Commission could decide to impose sanctions," Almunia said at a press briefing. "Exchange trading of credit derivatives improves market transparency and stability," he said. Collusion between banks to prevent this type of trading would be "a serious breach of our competition rules", he said. Almunia declined to give an estimate of the size of possible fines on the banks but he said the CDS market at the moment was worth about 10 trillion euros ($13 trillion).
EU investigators accused 13 top banks including Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs on Monday of colluding over derivatives trading, in a new move to tighten banking standards. "If it is confirmed that banks collectively blocked exchanges from the derivatives market, the Commission could decide to impose sanctions," Almunia said at a press briefing. "Exchange trading of credit derivatives improves market transparency and stability," he said. Collusion between banks to prevent this type of trading would be "a serious breach of our competition rules", he said. Almunia declined to give an estimate of the size of possible fines on the banks but he said the CDS market at the moment was worth about 10 trillion euros ($13 trillion).
Crucial Obama’s Health Law Rule Is Delayed until after elections
Crucial Rule Is Delayed a Year for Obama’s Health Law
In a significant setback for President Obama’s signature domestic initiative, the administration on Tuesday abruptly announced a one-year delay, until 2015, in his health care law’s mandate that larger employers provide coverage for their workers or pay penalties. The decision postpones the effective date beyond next year’s midterm elections.
White House Violates Law With Obamacare Delay
Obama administration officials are illegally delaying enforcement of a central provision in the president’s namesake legislation in a desperate attempt to manipulate the 2014 midterm elections and swell the ranks of those who look to government for healthcare.
In a significant setback for President Obama’s signature domestic initiative, the administration on Tuesday abruptly announced a one-year delay, until 2015, in his health care law’s mandate that larger employers provide coverage for their workers or pay penalties. The decision postpones the effective date beyond next year’s midterm elections.
White House Violates Law With Obamacare Delay
Obama administration officials are illegally delaying enforcement of a central provision in the president’s namesake legislation in a desperate attempt to manipulate the 2014 midterm elections and swell the ranks of those who look to government for healthcare.
Obama’s Change – A Brand Of Evil
Obama’s Change – A Brand Of Evil
What contribution has Barack Obama made to American greatness and her way of life on any level? Honesty would convulse if we named any area at all – but one. The prurient, perverted lifestyle and practices of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population is the only thing noticeably promoted in the first and second term of Barack Obama.
What contribution has Barack Obama made to American greatness and her way of life on any level? Honesty would convulse if we named any area at all – but one. The prurient, perverted lifestyle and practices of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population is the only thing noticeably promoted in the first and second term of Barack Obama.
Putin signs gay adoption ban
Putin signs gay adoption ban
President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a law banning gay and lesbian couples in foreign countries from adopting Russian children.
President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a law banning gay and lesbian couples in foreign countries from adopting Russian children.
Human liver grown inside a mouse
Human liver grown inside a mouse
A human liver has been grown inside a mouse, giving hope that patients could receive new organs created from their own skin cells within a decade. The breakthrough would eradicate donor waiting lists and the risk of the body rejecting a replacement organ. Japanese scientists used stem cells to create liver ‘buds’ within mice which grew into a piece of human tissue measuring 5mm.
A human liver has been grown inside a mouse, giving hope that patients could receive new organs created from their own skin cells within a decade. The breakthrough would eradicate donor waiting lists and the risk of the body rejecting a replacement organ. Japanese scientists used stem cells to create liver ‘buds’ within mice which grew into a piece of human tissue measuring 5mm.
Portugal, Greece risk reawakening euro zone beast
Analysis: Portugal, Greece risk reawakening euro zone beast
A teetering Portuguese government has underlined the threat that the euro zone debt crisis, in hibernation for almost a year, may be about to reawaken. From Greece to Cyprus, Slovenia to Spain and Italy, and now most pressingly Portugal, where the finance and foreign ministers resigned in the space of two days, a host of problems is stirring after 10 months of relative calm imposed by the European Central Bank.
A teetering Portuguese government has underlined the threat that the euro zone debt crisis, in hibernation for almost a year, may be about to reawaken. From Greece to Cyprus, Slovenia to Spain and Italy, and now most pressingly Portugal, where the finance and foreign ministers resigned in the space of two days, a host of problems is stirring after 10 months of relative calm imposed by the European Central Bank.
A SLOW CME APPROACHES
A SLOW CME APPROACHES
NOAA forecasters estimate a 60% chance of minor geomagnetic storms on July 5th when a slow-moving CME is expected to sweep languidly past Earth. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras on July 5-6.
NOAA forecasters estimate a 60% chance of minor geomagnetic storms on July 5th when a slow-moving CME is expected to sweep languidly past Earth. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras on July 5-6.
July Tropical Outlook
July Tropical Outlook by Meteorologist Rob Guarino July 3, 2013
July is typically an inactive month for tropical storm and hurricane formation. However, on average, the first named storm in the Atlantic Basin (which includes the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean) occurs by July 10th. Tropical systems are most likely to develop in July across the Gulf of Mexico, off the Southeast U.S. coast, or near the Lesser Antilles
July is typically an inactive month for tropical storm and hurricane formation. However, on average, the first named storm in the Atlantic Basin (which includes the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean) occurs by July 10th. Tropical systems are most likely to develop in July across the Gulf of Mexico, off the Southeast U.S. coast, or near the Lesser Antilles
Church of England to Build “Pagan Church”
Church of England to Build “Pagan Church”
What would it be like to worship the Goddess inside a Christian cathedral, or to hold a Christian sermon inside a prehistoric stone circle? The Church of England (CoE) has announced plans to make such a scenario into reality by forming a church which incorporates pagan styles of worship and ritual, but the efforts have drawn criticism from Christians and pagans alike.
What would it be like to worship the Goddess inside a Christian cathedral, or to hold a Christian sermon inside a prehistoric stone circle? The Church of England (CoE) has announced plans to make such a scenario into reality by forming a church which incorporates pagan styles of worship and ritual, but the efforts have drawn criticism from Christians and pagans alike.
Pediatricians to fight "heterosexism"?
Pediatricians have a new mission: Fight ‘homophobia’
In its first sexual-orientation policy update in nearly a decade, the nation’s largest pediatricians group said its members should do more to fight “heterosexism” and “homophobia,” as well as step up their care of teens with same-sex attractions. “Sexual-minority youth should not be considered abnormal,” the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said...
In its first sexual-orientation policy update in nearly a decade, the nation’s largest pediatricians group said its members should do more to fight “heterosexism” and “homophobia,” as well as step up their care of teens with same-sex attractions. “Sexual-minority youth should not be considered abnormal,” the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said...
Summertime Mournful History: Tammuz 17 to Tisha B’av
By Cynthia Nuara
Throughout history summertime has been a woeful time for the Jewish people, particularly beginning on Tammuz 17, which occurs right after the summer solstice. This day begins a three-week mourning period.
The last nine days (1st to the 9th of Av) are days of increased mourning. Spiritually, this time is marked by a renewed call for repentance – a time during which the rabbis read weekly from the prophets of the Bible, who warn them of imminent judgment from God.
The Sabbath before the 9th of Av (Tisha B’Av) is sometimes referred to as “black sabbath” due to the harsh warnings from the prophet Isaiah because of their apostasy (Isaiah 1:1-17). Various calamities have befallen the Jewish people during this period throughout the centuries. Therefore, it is considered to be an ominous season.
TAMMUZ 17
Tammuz 17 is an annual Jewish fast day, marking the beginning of this three-week period of sorrows for the lost vision of Zion, which leads up to the tragic fast day of Tisha B’Av. This year the fast of Tammuz 17 began at sunset on June 24th and ended at sunset on June 25th.
Holidays are celebrated on the same day of the Jewish calendar every year, but the Jewish year is not the same length as a solar year on the civil calendar used by most of the western world. Therefore, the date shifts on the civil calendar.
Throughout Jewish recorded history, the following ten calamitous events all occurred on Tammuz 17:
1. In 1313 B.C. Moses broke the tablets of the Law when he came down from Mt. Sinai and saw the golden calf the people had built to worship. This breaking of God’s spiritual symbol of giving the law recorded in Exodus 32:19 was a very significant moment for Israel, because it signified God’s coming judgment.Subsequently, they kept sinning against God. Therefore, most did not get to see the Promised Land.
2. In 586 B.C., three weeks before the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, the Babylonians breached the walls and stopped the daily sacrifice. It was impossible for the Jews to get sheep for the morning and evening sacrifice.
3. In 70 A.D., three weeks before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple, the Romans attacked the city, stopping the supply of sheep for the morning and evening sacrifice.
The fighting in Jerusalem continued for three weeks until the 9th of Av, when the Holy Temple was set aflame.
4. King Manasseh, one of the worst of the Jewish kings, had an idol placed in the Holy Sanctuary of the Temple, defiling it (2 Kings 21:7).
5. In 135 A.D, prior to Bar Kokhba's revolt, the Torah was burned, by Roman military leader, Apustomus.
6. In 1239 Pope Gregory IX ordered the seizing of all Talmud manuscripts.
7. In 1391 over 4000 Spanish Jews were killed in Toledo and Jaen, Spain.
8. In 1559 the Jewish Quarter of Prague was looted and burned.
9. In 1944 the whole population of the Kovno ghetto was taken to the death camps.
10. In 1970, Libya ordered the seizing of all Jewish property.
TISHA B’AV (Ninth Of Av)
Tisha B'Av is an annual Jewish fast day, named for the ninth day (Tisha) of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar. It is the culmination of the three-week period of mourning that is associated with the breaking of a spiritual symbol of God’s favor.
The 9th day of Av is known as the saddest day of the Jewish year. Every time this anniversary has come up for thousands of years, Jews have mourned for the loss of their temple. This year it begins at sundown on July 15 and ends at sundown on July 16.
The following 17, recorded disasters have befallen the Jewish people on this day throughout history. The list is not complete:
(Depending on the source, a couple of these “year dates” may vary by one or two years, but all sources agree that they occurred on the 9th of Av).
1. In 1313 B.C. the first recorded 9th of Av disaster began when Moses and the Israelites neared Canaan, the land that God promised Abraham He would give to his descendants (Genesis 12:1-8; Exodus 6:2-8). Canaan included what we know today as Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, northwestern Jordan, and some western areas of Syria.
As Moses and the Israelites approached Canaan, he sent 12 spies (one from each of the 12 tribes) to report back on the agriculture and lay of the land. After 40 days Joshua and Caleb brought back a good report and believed that God would help them succeed in conquering the land from the wicked Canaanites.The other ten spies brought back an evil report of giants (Nephilim) in the land and deemed it to be unconquerable.
That night, on the 9th of Av, the people cried, saying they’d rather go back to Egypt than be killed by the Canaanites. They also wanted to stone Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb. Even after all the miraculous things God had done for them leading up to and during their exodus from Egypt, they had no faith in His promise.
When this happened, God declared His judgment on that generation of Jews: Everyone age 20 and older (Numbers 14:29) would not live to see the Promised Land. They would have to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until their death.Only their children would enter the Promised Land along with Joshua and Caleb.
According to the Hebrew Talmud: "God said, 'You wept in vain. I will establish this date for you as a time of real weeping for all generations'" (Taanis 29a).
2. In 586 B.C. the city of Jerusalem and the First Temple (Solomon’s Temple) were both destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar.
The Jews had been warned for a long time to cease from their idolatry, but they didn't listen. They had even stoned the prophet Zechariah to death in the temple courtyard for rebuking them. All things made of gold and silver were taken by the Babylonians; including the beautiful works of art with which King Solomon had once decorated the temple. The holy vessels of the temple that could be found were also taken to Babylon.
In addition to the 940,000 people Nebuchadnezzar had already killed, millions more were killed both inside and outside of the city. Many thousands who had escaped the sword were taken into captivity in Babylon, where some of their very best leaders had already preceded them. Only the poorest of Jerusalem were permitted to stay and plant vineyards and work in the fields.
3. In 70 A.D. the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans lead by Titus, scattering the people of Judea and commencing the Jewish exile from the Holy Land.
The Arch of Titus, located in Rome and built to commemorate Titus's victory in Judea, depicts a Roman victory procession with soldiers carrying spoils from the Temple, including the Menorah; which were used to fund the construction of the Roman Colisseum.
In Antiquities of the Jews, Flavius Josephus (a Jewish historian who was a contemporary of the apostle Paul) said that when the burning of the Second Temple happened on the very same day in history as the destruction of the First Temple, it was the finger of God.
4. In 71 A.D. the Romans plowed Jerusalem with salt so that nothing would be able to grow there for centuries.
5. In 135 A.D. Simon bar Kokhba, who was hailed as a Messiah by the Jews (the heroic figure they were looking for to restore Israel) led a rebellion against Rome, which was the last rebellion of the Jews in history. Emperor Hadrian’s six full legions of armies brutally destroyed the Jewish army, killing 100,000. Outside of Jerusalem, 1.5 million people were killed.
The Romans then barred Jews from Jerusalem, except to attend Tisha B'Av.Although Jewish Christians hailed Jesus as the Messiah and did not support Bar Kokhba, they were barred from Jerusalem along with the rest of the Jews. It is said that the war and its aftermath helped differentiate Christianity as a religion distinct from Judaism.
6. In 136 A.D. the Roman emperor erected a pagan temple on the site of the destroyed Jewish Temple. He made Jerusalem, the holiest city for the Jews, into a pagan city.
7. In 1096 A.D. the First Crusade officially commenced, killing 10,000 Jews in its first month and destroying Jewish communities in France and the Rhineland. A total of 1.2 million Jews were killed by this crusade.
8. In 1290 A.D. King Edward I of England signed an edict that expelled all the Jews from England, accompanied by pogroms (organized killings) and confiscation of books and property.
Interestingly, England had been growing in power up until it expelled the Jews, but their power waned significantly afterward. It was not until the Cromwell Revolution of Parliament against the king─when the Jews were allowed to come back─that England began to arise as a world power again.
How nations have treated the Jews in history determined whether they rose or fell. But has the world learned this lesson? No! As the old saying goes, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” So many either want to attack and destroy Israel, or keep dividing this tiny little state until there’s nothing left of it.
9.In 1306 A.D. right after the Fast on the 9th of Av, 100,000 Jews were arrested in France, all in one day. King Phillip IV had planned this so he could confiscate their property and sell it. They were sentenced to exile and had to leave behind their belongings, leaving with only the clothes they were wearing and a small sum of money.
10. In 1492 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella declared a decree that all Jews were to be expelled from Spain and all Spanish territories or be killed. That is the day that Columbus, an Italian Jew, set out from Spain. The last boat of Jews was beside Columbus’s ship waiting for the tide, to set sail.
11. In 1914 World War I was declared. On that day Russia started a program of persecution against the Jews in eastern Russia, killing up to 100,000.
12. In 1941 SS commander Heinrich Himmler formally received approval from the Nazi Party for "The Final Solution." Almost 50% of the Jews on the face of the earth were captured and killed as a result.
13. In 1942 the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka, where they were gassed in the ovens.
14. In1989 Iraq walked out of talks with Kuwait, which set the stage for the Gulf Wars.
15. In 1994 the bombing of the building of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina killed 86 people and wounded some 300 others.
16. In 2005, the 9th of Av was a mournful day for the Jewish people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as the deadline to voluntarily vacate their homes was the next day. Israel's unilateral disengagement plan, also known as the "Gaza expulsion plan," was a proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, adopted by the government on June 6, 2004 and enacted in August 2005, to resettle all Israelis from the Gaza Strip and from four settlements in the northern West Bank.Israeli citizens refusing to accept government compensation packages and voluntarily vacate their homes were forcefully evicted by Israeli security forces.
17. In 2012 opening ceremonies began at the London Olympics. The request to honor the 40th anniversary of the massacre of 11 athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics was refused.
According to an article on the National Jewish Outreach Program website (NJOP), other smaller tragedies have occurred at this time in Jewish history throughout the world.
God’s chosen people brought these judgments upon themselves because of their unbelief and disobedience, but has God abandoned them? No, He hasn’t. See the following selections from Romans chapter 11:
“I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! …at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, as it is written:
‘God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.’ …Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.”
God’s compassion and love for the Jewish people are revealed in the Scriptures. Even after all His judgments against them, God still encourages, His chosen people─Israel─to seek Him again. The book of Lamentations is a cry from God, revealed through the prophet, Jeremiah.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ceases, and His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
“In all their affliction He was afflicted…” (Isaiah 63:9a).
Despite worldwide persecution a remnant survives to this day, and God has brought them back into their land in this last generation. And He says that they will never be forced to leave it again!
“For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land” (Joel 3:1-2).
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14).
The Jewish fasts and feasts are “a shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2:17).As Christians, we know what that means, according to the Bible – and not just for Israel, but for the nations as well.
The last three feasts (Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles) are celebrated in the fall season and are yet to be fulfilled. It is clear that significant events will occur to ultimately fulfill them in the near future.
There are Bible scholars who believe the Rapture will fulfill the Feast of Trumpets. One reason they believe this is because this feast day is also known as: “No Man Knows the Day or the Hour” due to the brief time period when the sliver of the New Moon occurs, which is the signal for the feast to begin. If the watchmen miss it for some reason, the feast is automatically celebrated the next day.
However, the Lord tells us in His Word that we are to be watching and waiting for our deliverance from the wrath to come to occur at any moment. On whatever day this occurs, it will end the Age of Grace, and God will then turn his full-focus toward the Jews; 144,000 of them (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes) will come to recognize Christ as their Messiah and will go throughout the world preaching the gospel during the Tribulation.
The Bible tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We know that a short window of false peace will occur with which the Antichrist will delude the world.But true peace will happen when Jesus Christ─the Messiah─returns and establishes His Kingdom here on earth for 1000 years. It is then that the saved Jews and Arabs will live in harmony.
After the 1000 years are up, Satan will be loosed from the bottomless pit to make his final stand for control, but he and his armies will be quickly defeated.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’
He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’
He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children’” (Revelation 21:1-7).
Come, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
DOJ: GOVERNMENTS CAN PUNISH HOMESCHOOLERS
Mom, dad objected to teachings that violated faith
US Dept of Justice believes that the general public has a justified interest in counteracting the development of religiously or philosophically motivated ‘parallel societies’ and in integrating minorities in this area.
The U.S. Department of Justice has revealed in a court filing it agrees with the philosophy of the German government that bureaucrats can punish homeschooling parents.
The agency contended parental rights to keep children free from instruction that violates faith essentially are negligible when the government’s goal is an “open society.”
The arguments were made in a pleading before the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that urges the judges to send a German homeschooling family, the Romeikes, back to Germany where members likely would face persecution.
“The goal in Germany is for an ‘open, pluralistic society,’” wrote the government’s pleading, signed by Senior Litigation Counsel Robert N. Markle in Washington.
German law, he argued, requires attendance at government schools, and punishment is levied against anyone failing to comply, even due to religious objections.
His argument to the appellate court cited a German court decision, which stated: “The general public has a justified interest in counteracting the development of religiously or philosophically motivated ‘parallel societies’ and in integrating minorities in this area. Integration does not only require that the majority of the population does not exclude religious or ideological minorities, but, in fact, that these minorities do not segregate themselves and that they do not close themselves off to a dialogue with dissenters and people of other beliefs. Dialogue with such minorities is an enrichment for an open pluralistic society. The learning and practicing of this in the sense of experienced tolerance is an important lesson right from the elementary school stage. The presence of a broad spectrum of convictions in a classroom can sustainably develop the ability of all pupils in being tolerant and exercising the dialogue that is a basic requirement of democratic decision-making process.”
Markle insisted the punishment is fair, because it’s the same for homeschoolers and truants alike.
The Romeikes withdrew their children from German schools over teachings on sex, violence and other issues that conflicted with their Christian faith.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/07/doj-governments-can-punish-homeschoolers/#5WQjKFfvlr7aM0VY.99
US Dept of Justice believes that the general public has a justified interest in counteracting the development of religiously or philosophically motivated ‘parallel societies’ and in integrating minorities in this area.
The U.S. Department of Justice has revealed in a court filing it agrees with the philosophy of the German government that bureaucrats can punish homeschooling parents.
The agency contended parental rights to keep children free from instruction that violates faith essentially are negligible when the government’s goal is an “open society.”
The arguments were made in a pleading before the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that urges the judges to send a German homeschooling family, the Romeikes, back to Germany where members likely would face persecution.
“The goal in Germany is for an ‘open, pluralistic society,’” wrote the government’s pleading, signed by Senior Litigation Counsel Robert N. Markle in Washington.
German law, he argued, requires attendance at government schools, and punishment is levied against anyone failing to comply, even due to religious objections.
His argument to the appellate court cited a German court decision, which stated: “The general public has a justified interest in counteracting the development of religiously or philosophically motivated ‘parallel societies’ and in integrating minorities in this area. Integration does not only require that the majority of the population does not exclude religious or ideological minorities, but, in fact, that these minorities do not segregate themselves and that they do not close themselves off to a dialogue with dissenters and people of other beliefs. Dialogue with such minorities is an enrichment for an open pluralistic society. The learning and practicing of this in the sense of experienced tolerance is an important lesson right from the elementary school stage. The presence of a broad spectrum of convictions in a classroom can sustainably develop the ability of all pupils in being tolerant and exercising the dialogue that is a basic requirement of democratic decision-making process.”
Markle insisted the punishment is fair, because it’s the same for homeschoolers and truants alike.
The Romeikes withdrew their children from German schools over teachings on sex, violence and other issues that conflicted with their Christian faith.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/07/doj-governments-can-punish-homeschoolers/#5WQjKFfvlr7aM0VY.99
KATY PERRY - E.T. LYRICS
is your daughter singing this song of invitation for demon possession?
You're so hypnotizing
Could you be the devil? Could you be an angel?
Your touch magnetizing
Feels like I am floating, leaves my body glowing
They say be afraid
You're not like the others, futuristic lover
Different DNA
They don't understand you
You're from a whole other world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go, lead me into the light
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison
Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial
You're so supersonic
Wanna feel your powers, stun me with your lasers
Your kiss is cosmic
Every move is magic
You're from a whole other world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go, lead me into the light
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/et-lyrics-katy-perry.html ]
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison
Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial
This is transcendental
On another level
Boy, you're my lucky star
I wanna walk on your wavelength
And be there when you vibrate
For you I'll risk it all
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison
Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial, extraterrestrial, extraterrestrial
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial
You're so hypnotizing
Could you be the devil? Could you be an angel?
Your touch magnetizing
Feels like I am floating, leaves my body glowing
They say be afraid
You're not like the others, futuristic lover
Different DNA
They don't understand you
You're from a whole other world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go, lead me into the light
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison
Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial
You're so supersonic
Wanna feel your powers, stun me with your lasers
Your kiss is cosmic
Every move is magic
You're from a whole other world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go, lead me into the light
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/et-lyrics-katy-perry.html ]
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison
Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial
This is transcendental
On another level
Boy, you're my lucky star
I wanna walk on your wavelength
And be there when you vibrate
For you I'll risk it all
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison
Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial, extraterrestrial, extraterrestrial
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial
Fourth of July terror alert in the U.S.
Fourth of July terror alert in the U.S.
The U.S. is on high alert, fear of Fourth of July terror attacks has law enforcement officials across the U.S on the lookout for potential terrorists on Thursday. According to the Daily Mail the notice was issued in a ‘Roll Call Release’ by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, and obtained by ABC News.
The U.S. is on high alert, fear of Fourth of July terror attacks has law enforcement officials across the U.S on the lookout for potential terrorists on Thursday. According to the Daily Mail the notice was issued in a ‘Roll Call Release’ by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, and obtained by ABC News.
Abortionists chanting 'Hail Satan'
Abortionists Declare Their Team: Chant “Hail Satan” as Christians Sing Amazing Grace
As Texas gears up to push legislation that would prohibit late term abortions — those conducted after 20 weeks — Christian activists in the Texas State Capitol sang “Amazing Grace.” Abortion rights activists, there to support killing kids, tried to shout down the Christians by chanting “Hail Satan.” Yes, there is video.
As Texas gears up to push legislation that would prohibit late term abortions — those conducted after 20 weeks — Christian activists in the Texas State Capitol sang “Amazing Grace.” Abortion rights activists, there to support killing kids, tried to shout down the Christians by chanting “Hail Satan.” Yes, there is video.
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
turtles all the way down...
In Stephen Hawking's 1988 book A Brief History of Time, which starts out with the following:
A well-known scientist (some say it was Bertrand Russell) once gave a public lecture on astronomy. He described how the earth orbits around the sun and how the sun, in turn, orbits around the center of a vast collection of stars called our galaxy. At the end of the lecture, a little old lady at the back of the room got up and said: "What you have told us is rubbish. The world is really a flat plate supported on the back of a giant tortoise." The scientist gave a superior smile before replying, "What is the tortoise standing on?" "You're very clever, young man, very clever," said the old lady. "But it's turtles all the way down!"
How 'Harmless' is Compiled 'Metadata'
Wondering What Harmless ‘Metadata’ Like the NSA Compiles Can Actually Reveal? German Politician Shows You
“In Germany, whenever the government begins to infringe on individual freedom, society stands up. Given our history, we Germans are not willing to trade in our liberty for potentially better security. Germans have experienced firsthand what happens when the government knows too much about someone,” Spitz wrote. “Three weeks ago, when the news broke about the National Security Agency’s collection of metadata in the United States, I knew exactly what it meant. My records revealed the movements of a single individual; now imagine if you had access to millions of similar data sets. You could easily draw maps, tracing communication and movement. You could see which individuals, families or groups were communicating with one another. You could identify any social group and determine its major actors,”
“In Germany, whenever the government begins to infringe on individual freedom, society stands up. Given our history, we Germans are not willing to trade in our liberty for potentially better security. Germans have experienced firsthand what happens when the government knows too much about someone,” Spitz wrote. “Three weeks ago, when the news broke about the National Security Agency’s collection of metadata in the United States, I knew exactly what it meant. My records revealed the movements of a single individual; now imagine if you had access to millions of similar data sets. You could easily draw maps, tracing communication and movement. You could see which individuals, families or groups were communicating with one another. You could identify any social group and determine its major actors,”
Monday, July 01, 2013
if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great
French philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville put it this way:
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers─and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce─and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution─and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.
the root cause
I do not think there is any financial formula that we can use to fix our economy. All of our monetary problems can be traced back to moral failings. Unless we deal with the root cause─sin─the stagnation will only continue to grow worse.
Full article:
http://raptureready.com/rap16.html
...I’m very concerned about what will happen in the coming financial calamity. If President Obama is able to clip away at our rights in good times, I hate to think what will happen when things turn desperate. Some of the most sinister words one can hear today, “ I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).
Full article:
http://raptureready.com/rap16.html
Sodomite couple sexually abused adopted boy for years
Gay couple sexually abused adopted Russian boy for years
An American pedophile has been convicted to 40 years in prison for years of sexual abuse of adopted Russian boy. His boyfriend who assisted in meticulously recording acts of sexual offence is going on trial at home.
Croatia celebrates entry to the European Union
Croatia celebrates entry to the European Union
Fireworks lit the sky and festive crowds gathered on the streets to mark Croatia's entry into the European Union, a major milestone some 20 years after the country won independence in a bloody civil war.
Eurozone unemployment hits fresh high
The unemployment rate across the eurozone hit a fresh record in May, as the recession continued to affect workers around the region and young people again suffered most.
Fireworks lit the sky and festive crowds gathered on the streets to mark Croatia's entry into the European Union, a major milestone some 20 years after the country won independence in a bloody civil war.
Eurozone unemployment hits fresh high
The unemployment rate across the eurozone hit a fresh record in May, as the recession continued to affect workers around the region and young people again suffered most.
Obama to Save Presidency by Bombing Iran?
Obama to Save Presidency by Bombing Iran? Round Two
I wrote an article 3½ years ago (see article below), at a low moment in Obama’s first term, when his ratings tanked and his party just lost Edward Kennedy’s senate seat to a Republican, that usefully suggested that Obama could “salvage his tottering administration” by taking “dramatic gesture to change the public perception of him as a lightweight, bumbling ideologue, preferably in an arena where the stakes are high, where he can take charge, and where he can trump expectations.” He could do well and do good, I offered, by taking out the Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Anti-Muslim Brotherhood Protests in Egypt: Largest Political Event in World History
The demonstrations that began Sunday in Cairo, Egypt against the Muslim Brotherhood government of President Mohamed Morsi have attracted "millions" of supporters and many counter-demonstrators as well, making the protest the largest political event in the history of the world, according to the BBC.
I wrote an article 3½ years ago (see article below), at a low moment in Obama’s first term, when his ratings tanked and his party just lost Edward Kennedy’s senate seat to a Republican, that usefully suggested that Obama could “salvage his tottering administration” by taking “dramatic gesture to change the public perception of him as a lightweight, bumbling ideologue, preferably in an arena where the stakes are high, where he can take charge, and where he can trump expectations.” He could do well and do good, I offered, by taking out the Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Anti-Muslim Brotherhood Protests in Egypt: Largest Political Event in World History
The demonstrations that began Sunday in Cairo, Egypt against the Muslim Brotherhood government of President Mohamed Morsi have attracted "millions" of supporters and many counter-demonstrators as well, making the protest the largest political event in the history of the world, according to the BBC.
Egypt crisis: Mass protests over Morsi grip cities
Huge protests across Egypt calling for the resignation of President Mohammed Morsi have taken place through the night, with some outbreaks of violence. In the capital, Cairo, tens of thousands of people massed in Tahrir Square and outside the presidential palace in the biggest demonstration there since the 2011 revolution.
Huge protests across Egypt calling for the resignation of President Mohammed Morsi have taken place through the night, with some outbreaks of violence. In the capital, Cairo, tens of thousands of people massed in Tahrir Square and outside the presidential palace in the biggest demonstration there since the 2011 revolution.
UN's Mali peace force begins operations
The United Nations is beginning its military mission in Mali by bringing the 6,000 West African troops already in the country under its command. By December it will reach full strength with 12,640 uniformed personnel. The UN will take over security duties from the French forces which led an operation to oust Islamist militants from the north in January.
The United Nations is beginning its military mission in Mali by bringing the 6,000 West African troops already in the country under its command. By December it will reach full strength with 12,640 uniformed personnel. The UN will take over security duties from the French forces which led an operation to oust Islamist militants from the north in January.
Egypt protesters storm Muslim Brotherhood headquarters
Anti-government protesters in Egypt have stormed the national headquarters of President Mohammed Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood in the capital, Cairo. People are reported to have ransacked the building in the eastern Moqattam district and also set it on fire. Eight people have been killed outside since Sunday, security sources say.
Anti-government protesters in Egypt have stormed the national headquarters of President Mohammed Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood in the capital, Cairo. People are reported to have ransacked the building in the eastern Moqattam district and also set it on fire. Eight people have been killed outside since Sunday, security sources say.
US warns against Egypt travel after deadly clashes
The US has warned Americans not to travel to Egypt and has told non-emergency diplomatic staff to leave, as clashes continue in the country. The state department also urged US nationals in Egypt "to remain alert". The warning came as at least three people - including a US citizen - died in clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi.
The US has warned Americans not to travel to Egypt and has told non-emergency diplomatic staff to leave, as clashes continue in the country. The state department also urged US nationals in Egypt "to remain alert". The warning came as at least three people - including a US citizen - died in clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi.
Iraq: Blasts Kill at Least 22 as Militant Attacks Rise
A series of bombs near a bakery, at a funeral, inside a senior police officer’s car and at a football stadium killed at least 22 people across Iraq on Friday, the police and medics said.
A series of bombs near a bakery, at a funeral, inside a senior police officer’s car and at a football stadium killed at least 22 people across Iraq on Friday, the police and medics said.
Syrian army launches offensive in Homs city
Troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched a military offensive on Saturday against rebel-held areas of Homs, the country's third-largest city and a centre of the two-year-old uprising against his rule.
Troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched a military offensive on Saturday against rebel-held areas of Homs, the country's third-largest city and a centre of the two-year-old uprising against his rule.
The Philippines said that an increasing Chinese military and paramilitary presence in the disputed South China Sea was a threat to regional peace. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario made the statement in a press release issued at a regional security forum attended by his counterparts from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China.
China media warns Philippines of 'counterstrike' in South China Sea
China's state media warned on Saturday that a "counterstrike" against the Philippines was inevitable if it continues to provoke Beijing in the South China Sea, potentially Asia's biggest military troublespot. The warning comes as ministers from both countries attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in Brunei, starting Saturday, which hopes to reach a legally binding code of conduct to manage maritime conduct in disputed areas.
China's state media warned on Saturday that a "counterstrike" against the Philippines was inevitable if it continues to provoke Beijing in the South China Sea, potentially Asia's biggest military troublespot. The warning comes as ministers from both countries attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in Brunei, starting Saturday, which hopes to reach a legally binding code of conduct to manage maritime conduct in disputed areas.
Dozens succumb to heat in western US
Dozens succumb to heat in western US
Dozens of people across western US states have been treated for exhaustion and dehydration, as the region is continuing to bake in a heat wave. A man in Las Vegas is believed to have died from a heat-related illness. Air-conditioned "cooling centres" have been set up in California, Nevada and Arizona, as officials warn the heat could be life-threatening.
More Elite Fire Teams On Way to Deadly Ariz. Wildfire
A sudden windstorm turned an Arizona forest fire into an out-of-control inferno that trapped and killed 19 firefighters, nearly all of them members of an elite crew of "hotshots," authorities said Monday. It was the nation's biggest loss of firefighters in a wildfire in 80 years.
Dozens of people across western US states have been treated for exhaustion and dehydration, as the region is continuing to bake in a heat wave. A man in Las Vegas is believed to have died from a heat-related illness. Air-conditioned "cooling centres" have been set up in California, Nevada and Arizona, as officials warn the heat could be life-threatening.
More Elite Fire Teams On Way to Deadly Ariz. Wildfire
A sudden windstorm turned an Arizona forest fire into an out-of-control inferno that trapped and killed 19 firefighters, nearly all of them members of an elite crew of "hotshots," authorities said Monday. It was the nation's biggest loss of firefighters in a wildfire in 80 years.
Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador): increasing earthquake numbers
IGPEN reports an increase of seismic activity over the past days which might herald a new phase of activity in the near future. The number of earthquakes associated with fluid movement within the volcano has risen from 10 daily earthquakes on June 20 to 54 earthquakes on 29 June.
IGPEN reports an increase of seismic activity over the past days which might herald a new phase of activity in the near future. The number of earthquakes associated with fluid movement within the volcano has risen from 10 daily earthquakes on June 20 to 54 earthquakes on 29 June.
Intense episode with large ash emissions at Shiveluch volcano, Kamchatka
The event was most likely a partial collapse of the existing dome with possible explosions, since the ash emitted was mostly red (indicating it originated from old, altered lava). Because of the lack of visibility experts at Tokyo VAAC estimated the height of the ash plume at about 10 to 12 km, using the seismic record from the volcano. KVERT reported ashfall SW of the volcano reaching villages Klyuchi (2mm of ash measured) and Lazo (1mm of ash). Ash plumes were extending to the south-east and south-west of the volcano.
The event was most likely a partial collapse of the existing dome with possible explosions, since the ash emitted was mostly red (indicating it originated from old, altered lava). Because of the lack of visibility experts at Tokyo VAAC estimated the height of the ash plume at about 10 to 12 km, using the seismic record from the volcano. KVERT reported ashfall SW of the volcano reaching villages Klyuchi (2mm of ash measured) and Lazo (1mm of ash). Ash plumes were extending to the south-east and south-west of the volcano.
'Founding Fathers Would Be Ashamed' of Supreme Court Ruling
Chick-fil-A CEO: 'Founding Fathers Would Be Ashamed' of Supreme Court Ruling
Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy has spoken out against gay marriage once again. Following the Supreme Court rulings Wednesday striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and opening the door for same-sex marriages in California, Cathy took to Twitter to criticize the rulings, CBS reports. "Sad day for our nation; founding fathers would be ashamed of our gen. to abandon wisdom of the ages re: cornerstone of strong societies,
Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy has spoken out against gay marriage once again. Following the Supreme Court rulings Wednesday striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and opening the door for same-sex marriages in California, Cathy took to Twitter to criticize the rulings, CBS reports. "Sad day for our nation; founding fathers would be ashamed of our gen. to abandon wisdom of the ages re: cornerstone of strong societies,
Catholic Priest Beheaded in Syria by Al-Qaeda-Linked Rebels as Men and Children Take Pictures and Cheer
Catholic Priest Beheaded in Syria by Al-Qaeda-Linked Rebels as Men and Children Take Pictures and Cheer
Syrian Catholic priest Francois Murad killed last weekend by jihadi fighters was beheaded, according to a report by Catholic Online which is linking to video purportedly showing the brutal murder. ...Murad, 49, was setting up a monastery in Gassanieh, northern Syria. Last Sunday, on the Christian leader’s Sabbath, extremist militants trying to topple President Bashar Assad breached the monastery and grabbed Murad.
Syrian Catholic priest Francois Murad killed last weekend by jihadi fighters was beheaded, according to a report by Catholic Online which is linking to video purportedly showing the brutal murder. ...Murad, 49, was setting up a monastery in Gassanieh, northern Syria. Last Sunday, on the Christian leader’s Sabbath, extremist militants trying to topple President Bashar Assad breached the monastery and grabbed Murad.
Germans Loved Obama. Now We Don’t Trust Him.
Germans Loved Obama. Now We Don’t Trust Him.
In May 2010, I received a brown envelope. In it was a CD with an encrypted file containing six months of my life. Six months of metadata, stored by my cellphone provider, T-Mobile. This list of metadata contained 35,830 records. That’s 35,830 times my phone company knew if, where and when I was surfing the Web, calling or texting.
EU concern over Der Spiegel claim of US spying
The head of the European Parliament has demanded "full clarification" from the US over a report that key EU premises in America have been bugged. Martin Schulz said that if this was true, it would have a "severe impact" on ties between the EU and the US.
Kerry responds to US bugging claims
US Secretary of State John Kerry has responded to allegations that the US bugged the offices of its allies, saying its activities were "not unusual" in international relations. There has been outrage in Europe following claims that the US bugged EU embassies and targeted allies like France, Italy and Greece. A top EU official has warned the affair could put a massive trade pact at risk.
Ordinary Americans Targeted in the Government's Anti-Terrorism Crosshairs
“The government has granted itself power it is not entitled to. There is no public oversight. The result is people like me have the latitude to go further than they are allowed to. My sole motive is to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.”
Britain 'under attack' in cyberspace
Britain is seeing about 70 sophisticated cyber espionage operations a month against government or industry networks..
In May 2010, I received a brown envelope. In it was a CD with an encrypted file containing six months of my life. Six months of metadata, stored by my cellphone provider, T-Mobile. This list of metadata contained 35,830 records. That’s 35,830 times my phone company knew if, where and when I was surfing the Web, calling or texting.
EU concern over Der Spiegel claim of US spying
The head of the European Parliament has demanded "full clarification" from the US over a report that key EU premises in America have been bugged. Martin Schulz said that if this was true, it would have a "severe impact" on ties between the EU and the US.
Kerry responds to US bugging claims
US Secretary of State John Kerry has responded to allegations that the US bugged the offices of its allies, saying its activities were "not unusual" in international relations. There has been outrage in Europe following claims that the US bugged EU embassies and targeted allies like France, Italy and Greece. A top EU official has warned the affair could put a massive trade pact at risk.
Ordinary Americans Targeted in the Government's Anti-Terrorism Crosshairs
“The government has granted itself power it is not entitled to. There is no public oversight. The result is people like me have the latitude to go further than they are allowed to. My sole motive is to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.”
Britain 'under attack' in cyberspace
Britain is seeing about 70 sophisticated cyber espionage operations a month against government or industry networks..
UVA student jailed for possession of bottled water, ice cream
A University of Virginia student spent a night and good part of the next day in jail after seven plain-clothes agents from the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control division ambushed her.
The student, 20-year-old Elizabeth Daly, made the mistake of walking to her car with bottled water, cookie dough and ice cream in a dark supermarket parking lot near the UVA campus, reports The Daily Progress.
The seven agents sprung aggressively into action, suspecting that the student was carrying was a 12-pack of beer. She was actually carrying a sky-blue carton of LaCroix sparkling water.
Police admit that one of the high-strung agents vaulted onto the hood of Daly’s car. She contends that one of them also drew a gun.
It’s not clear what about Daly’s appearance gave the six police officers the belief that they had probable cause to confront her en masse.
Daly, along with two roommates who were in the car, did what reasonable, unarmed people usually do when violently pounced upon by seven people. They tried to get away.
“They were showing unidentifiable badges after they approached us, but we became frightened, as they were not in anything close to a uniform,” Daly said in a written account, according to The Daily Progress.
“I couldn’t put my windows down unless I started my car, and when I started my car they began yelling to not move the car, not to start the car. They began trying to break the windows. My roommates and I were … terrified,” the student also wrote.
According to court records obtained by the Charlottesville paper, Daly “grazed” two agents with her vehicle. At this time, the records state, the unidentified passenger in the front seat of her SUV was yelling “go, go, go” and simultaneously diving into the back seat.
Once the three students managed to make it out of the parking lot, they called 911. Daly testified that her goal was to drive immediately to a police station. However, she was stopped by a vehicle with identifiable sirens and lights.
Daly had just left an annual UVA “Take Back the Night” vigil on the famous campus founded by the man who drafted the Declaration of Independence. She was eventually able to explain that she had purchased the water and junk food for a sorority benefit. She also apologized.
The seven Alcoholic Beverage Control agents were not satisfied. They charged Daly with three felonies: one count of eluding police and two counts of assaulting a law enforcement officer. In Virginia, each of these Class Six felonies carries up to five years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
The seven agents then had her hauled to the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
The incident occurred April 11. Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Chapman deigned to drop the criminal charges this week.
“You don’t know all the facts until you complete the investigation,” Chapman told The Daily Progress in defense of his own actions and the actions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control agents.
It’s unclear why Chapman’s investigation took some 80 days.
The Charlottesville broadsheet also does not mention how much Daly paid her defense attorney, Francis Lawrence.
A spokeswoman for Alcoholic Beverage Control’s regional office, Carol Mawyer, refused to provide details other than saying that the bureau’s agents cunningly wear plainclothes.
“This has been an extremely trying experience,” Daly wrote in her statement. “It is something to this day I cannot understand or believe has come to this point.”
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