President Obama and his administration told Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during a meeting last week the U.S. foresees the creation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, according to a top PA official speaking to WND.
"The American administration was very friendly to the position of the PA," said Nimer Hamad, Abbas' senior political adviser.
"Abu Mazen (Abbas) heard from Obama and his administration in a very categorical way that a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is in the American national and security interest," Hamad said.
Another PA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told WND today that Obama informed Abbas he would not let Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "get in the way" of normalizing U.S. relations with the Arab and greater Muslim world.
"We were told from this new administration they will not allow a Netanyahu government to hurt their efforts of rehabilitating U.S. relations with the Arab and Islamic world, which is a high priority of Obama," the official said, speaking during a visit to Cairo.
Story Here
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
COUPLE ORDERED TO STOP HOLDING BIBLE STUDY AT HOME WITHOUT PERMIT
“Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a Bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.
‘On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the Bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county.’ David Jones told FOX News.
‘We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a Bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all,’ Jones said.
A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited ‘unlawful use of land,’ ordering them to either ‘stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit,’ the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.
But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.
For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.
‘The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion,’ Broyles told FOX News. ‘I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple Bible study in their own home.’
‘The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved,’ Mary Jones said. ‘There are thousands and thousands of Bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future.’…”
Full Story Here
‘On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the Bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county.’ David Jones told FOX News.
‘We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a Bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all,’ Jones said.
A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited ‘unlawful use of land,’ ordering them to either ‘stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit,’ the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.
But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.
For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.
‘The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion,’ Broyles told FOX News. ‘I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple Bible study in their own home.’
‘The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved,’ Mary Jones said. ‘There are thousands and thousands of Bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future.’…”
Full Story Here
Friday, May 29, 2009
Scientists identify new lethal virus in Africa
Scientists have identified a lethal new virus in Africa that causes bleeding like the dreaded Ebola virus. The so-called "Lujo" virus infected five people in Zambia and South Africa last fall. Four of them died, but a fifth survived, perhaps helped by a medicine recommended by the scientists.
It's not clear how the first person became infected, but the bug comes from a family of viruses found in rodents, said Dr. Ian Lipkin, a Columbia University epidemiologist involved in the discovery.
"This one is really, really aggressive" he said of the virus.
A paper on the virus by Lipkin and his collaborators was published online Thursday on in PLoS Pathogens.
The outbreak started in September, when a female travel agent who lives on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia, became ill with a fever-like illness that quickly grew much worse.
She was airlifted to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she died.
A paramedic in Lusaka who treated her also became sick, was transported to Johannesburg and died. The three others infected were health care workers in Johannesburg.
Investigators believe the virus spread from person to person through contact with infected body fluids.
"It's not a kind of virus like the flu that can spread widely," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which helped fund the research.
The name given to the virus—"Lujo"—stems from Lusaka and Johannesburg, the cities where it was first identified.
Full Story Here
It's not clear how the first person became infected, but the bug comes from a family of viruses found in rodents, said Dr. Ian Lipkin, a Columbia University epidemiologist involved in the discovery.
"This one is really, really aggressive" he said of the virus.
A paper on the virus by Lipkin and his collaborators was published online Thursday on in PLoS Pathogens.
The outbreak started in September, when a female travel agent who lives on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia, became ill with a fever-like illness that quickly grew much worse.
She was airlifted to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she died.
A paramedic in Lusaka who treated her also became sick, was transported to Johannesburg and died. The three others infected were health care workers in Johannesburg.
Investigators believe the virus spread from person to person through contact with infected body fluids.
"It's not a kind of virus like the flu that can spread widely," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which helped fund the research.
The name given to the virus—"Lujo"—stems from Lusaka and Johannesburg, the cities where it was first identified.
Full Story Here
Thursday, May 28, 2009
N. Korean Christians Pray amid Gov't Military Aggression
The underground Christian body in North Korea has launched a prayer campaign for evangelization in the country in response to the government’s recent missile testing and threat to attack its southern counterpart, South Korea.
Church leaders in the country say the situation is extremely unstable inside and urge North Korean Christians to become more united during this difficult time, according to Open Doors sources.
Not only is the country supposedly restarting its nuclear weapons program and threatening war against its neighbor, but North Korean authorities have reportedly intensified tactics to expose underground church members.
“Christians in North Korea are suffering terribly for their faith,” said Open Doors USA president/CEO Carl Moeller. “Of the estimated 200,000 in political prison camps, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 are Christians.”
He added, “Now with the firing of several missiles and the on-going war footing, the scrutiny of believers has increased.”
Open Doors ranked North Korea as the No. 1 persecutor of Christians for the seventh year in a row in its latest World Watch List. Earlier this month, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended that the State Department re-designate North Korea on its list of “countries of particular concern” (CPCs) for its systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom.
Full Story Here
Church leaders in the country say the situation is extremely unstable inside and urge North Korean Christians to become more united during this difficult time, according to Open Doors sources.
Not only is the country supposedly restarting its nuclear weapons program and threatening war against its neighbor, but North Korean authorities have reportedly intensified tactics to expose underground church members.
“Christians in North Korea are suffering terribly for their faith,” said Open Doors USA president/CEO Carl Moeller. “Of the estimated 200,000 in political prison camps, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 are Christians.”
He added, “Now with the firing of several missiles and the on-going war footing, the scrutiny of believers has increased.”
Open Doors ranked North Korea as the No. 1 persecutor of Christians for the seventh year in a row in its latest World Watch List. Earlier this month, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended that the State Department re-designate North Korea on its list of “countries of particular concern” (CPCs) for its systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom.
Full Story Here
7.1 magnitude earthquake off Honduras coast
Honduras – A strong earthquake struck early Thursday off the coast of Honduras, sending people running into the streets throughout northern Honduras and as far away as Guatemala. No major damage was immediately reported.
Across Honduras' Caribbean coast, people ran into the streets in their pajamas when the magnitude-7.1 quake struck at at 3:24 a.m. (0824 GMT), according to Ana Maria Rivera, spokeswoman for Honduras' emergency commission.
The quake struck at the relatively shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers), according to the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado. The epicenter was 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of La Ceiba, Honduras, and 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the capital, Tegucigalpa.
A tsunami watch was in effect for Honduras, Belize and Guatemala, according to the Pacific tsunami warning center.
Rivera said a stadium wall collapsed in Puerto Cortez, on the Caribbean coast. A major bridge across the Ulua River suffered major damage in the northern town of El Progreso, mayoral spokesman Osman Hernandez told Radio Satelite.
Full Story Here
Across Honduras' Caribbean coast, people ran into the streets in their pajamas when the magnitude-7.1 quake struck at at 3:24 a.m. (0824 GMT), according to Ana Maria Rivera, spokeswoman for Honduras' emergency commission.
The quake struck at the relatively shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers), according to the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado. The epicenter was 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of La Ceiba, Honduras, and 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the capital, Tegucigalpa.
A tsunami watch was in effect for Honduras, Belize and Guatemala, according to the Pacific tsunami warning center.
Rivera said a stadium wall collapsed in Puerto Cortez, on the Caribbean coast. A major bridge across the Ulua River suffered major damage in the northern town of El Progreso, mayoral spokesman Osman Hernandez told Radio Satelite.
Full Story Here
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Russia fears Korea conflict could go nuclear
Moscow official quoted as saying his country taking precautionary security measures because it fears tensions over North Korea's atomic test could descend into nuclear war
Reuters
Russia is taking precautionary security measures, including military ones, because it fears tensions over North Korea's atomic test could descend into nuclear war, news agencies quoted an official as saying on Wednesday.
Interfax quoted an unnamed security source as saying that a stand-off triggered by Pyongyang's nuclear test on Monday could affect the security of Russia's far eastern regions, which border North Korea.
"The need has emerged for an appropriate package of precautionary measures," the source said.
"We are not talking about stepping up military efforts but rather about measures in case a military conflict, perhaps with the use of nuclear weapons, flares up on the Korean Peninsula," he added.
North Korea has responded to international condemnation of its nuclear test and a threat of new UN sanctions by saying it is no longer bound by an armistice signed with South Korea at the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Itar-Tass news agency quoted a Russian foreign ministry official as saying the "war of nerves" over North Korea should not be allowed to grow into a military conflict, a clear reference to Pyongyang's decision to drop out of the armistice deal.
Full Story Here
Reuters
Russia is taking precautionary security measures, including military ones, because it fears tensions over North Korea's atomic test could descend into nuclear war, news agencies quoted an official as saying on Wednesday.
Interfax quoted an unnamed security source as saying that a stand-off triggered by Pyongyang's nuclear test on Monday could affect the security of Russia's far eastern regions, which border North Korea.
"The need has emerged for an appropriate package of precautionary measures," the source said.
"We are not talking about stepping up military efforts but rather about measures in case a military conflict, perhaps with the use of nuclear weapons, flares up on the Korean Peninsula," he added.
North Korea has responded to international condemnation of its nuclear test and a threat of new UN sanctions by saying it is no longer bound by an armistice signed with South Korea at the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Itar-Tass news agency quoted a Russian foreign ministry official as saying the "war of nerves" over North Korea should not be allowed to grow into a military conflict, a clear reference to Pyongyang's decision to drop out of the armistice deal.
Full Story Here
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Is this God's Final Warning to America?
By Jan Markell
America is at a crossroads. Many are asking if she can be saved, or has God abandoned America? What a pitiful conclusion, if so, for a nation that has been a beacon of hope for the oppressed of the world. How often has America banded to fight off aggression or traveled to the ends of the earth to aid the less fortunate? How many missionaries has she provided to the world saving an untold number of lost souls?
Some say America must be punished for her sins, but are they really that much more grave than other wealthy nation? Luke 12:48 reminds us that from those given a great deal will be required much more. Have we used our God-given assets properly?
Right now America is torn in two, and the more Obama pushes the division of Israel, the more division there will be in our country. It has far surpassed the clever little red state-blue state illustration of a few years ago. Now it is hard-core secular humanist liberalism vs. traditional values and biblical values' people butting heads. Just this rampant division in our country is judgment. We cannot all get along! The chasm of division grows more each day!
America is trillions of dollars in debt. More than 60% of the country is experiencing a drought. Two million houses are in foreclosure. Read Deuteronomy 28 to see how God dealt with a rebellious Israel. Why would He do less to a rebellious America?
Recently Homeland Security declared millions of good people "right-wing extremists." Janet Napolitano has now pulled that position paper due to the outcry. Nonetheless, very good people were called evil with overtones of Isaiah 5:20 at play. Let's be honest and say this kind of labeling was going on long before the Obama administration came to power but now it is on fast-forward.
Dr. James Dobson stated that "America is awash in evil." He also stated in WorldNetDaily on May 14, 2009, "There is utter evil coming out of the U.S. Congress." Rep. Louis Gohmert (R-TX) has been reporting on the "pedophile protection act" being promoted by Congress. He states, "If we don't have another awakening, I'm not sure what's left (of America)." Dobson concurs and says that the threat to religious rights "keeps me awake at night."
Under certain circumstances, names for Jesus or symbols of Jesus must be covered up as ordered by the Obama administration. If any prayer is to be used in any service or ceremony, it must be approved and likely will be stricken out. There is almost unbelievable news that our Pentagon is burning Bibles. Do we even have a right to expect God's favor on America?
Full Article Here
America is at a crossroads. Many are asking if she can be saved, or has God abandoned America? What a pitiful conclusion, if so, for a nation that has been a beacon of hope for the oppressed of the world. How often has America banded to fight off aggression or traveled to the ends of the earth to aid the less fortunate? How many missionaries has she provided to the world saving an untold number of lost souls?
Some say America must be punished for her sins, but are they really that much more grave than other wealthy nation? Luke 12:48 reminds us that from those given a great deal will be required much more. Have we used our God-given assets properly?
Right now America is torn in two, and the more Obama pushes the division of Israel, the more division there will be in our country. It has far surpassed the clever little red state-blue state illustration of a few years ago. Now it is hard-core secular humanist liberalism vs. traditional values and biblical values' people butting heads. Just this rampant division in our country is judgment. We cannot all get along! The chasm of division grows more each day!
America is trillions of dollars in debt. More than 60% of the country is experiencing a drought. Two million houses are in foreclosure. Read Deuteronomy 28 to see how God dealt with a rebellious Israel. Why would He do less to a rebellious America?
Recently Homeland Security declared millions of good people "right-wing extremists." Janet Napolitano has now pulled that position paper due to the outcry. Nonetheless, very good people were called evil with overtones of Isaiah 5:20 at play. Let's be honest and say this kind of labeling was going on long before the Obama administration came to power but now it is on fast-forward.
Dr. James Dobson stated that "America is awash in evil." He also stated in WorldNetDaily on May 14, 2009, "There is utter evil coming out of the U.S. Congress." Rep. Louis Gohmert (R-TX) has been reporting on the "pedophile protection act" being promoted by Congress. He states, "If we don't have another awakening, I'm not sure what's left (of America)." Dobson concurs and says that the threat to religious rights "keeps me awake at night."
Under certain circumstances, names for Jesus or symbols of Jesus must be covered up as ordered by the Obama administration. If any prayer is to be used in any service or ceremony, it must be approved and likely will be stricken out. There is almost unbelievable news that our Pentagon is burning Bibles. Do we even have a right to expect God's favor on America?
Full Article Here
Iran watching US reaction to N. Korea
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spent Monday engaged in "intensive diplomacy" concerning North Korea's reported nuclear test, according to the State Department.
She had spoken by phone to her Japanese and South Korean counterparts by press time and was due to consult with Chinese and Russian leaders later in the day.
While it wasn't immediately clear what steps the US would be taking in response to the test, US President Barack Obama paused before his Memorial Day visit to Arlington Cemetery Monday morning to denounce the "blatant violation of international law."
He called the test a threat to the populations in the region and a violation of North Korea's own commitments made under multilateral negotiations - known as the six-party talks - over ending its nuclear program.
"The United States and the international community must take action in response," he declared. "North Korea will not find security and respect through threats and illegal weapons."
Obama added, "We will work with our friends and our allies to stand up to this behavior and we will redouble our efforts toward a more robust international nonproliferation regime that all countries have responsibilities to meet."
Story Here
She had spoken by phone to her Japanese and South Korean counterparts by press time and was due to consult with Chinese and Russian leaders later in the day.
While it wasn't immediately clear what steps the US would be taking in response to the test, US President Barack Obama paused before his Memorial Day visit to Arlington Cemetery Monday morning to denounce the "blatant violation of international law."
He called the test a threat to the populations in the region and a violation of North Korea's own commitments made under multilateral negotiations - known as the six-party talks - over ending its nuclear program.
"The United States and the international community must take action in response," he declared. "North Korea will not find security and respect through threats and illegal weapons."
Obama added, "We will work with our friends and our allies to stand up to this behavior and we will redouble our efforts toward a more robust international nonproliferation regime that all countries have responsibilities to meet."
Story Here
Monday, May 25, 2009
Atheists roll out ad campaign-"In the Beginning, Man Created God."
This provocative twist on the Bible’s opening line was plastered on the side of 25 Chicago buses this week as part of an advertising crusade by the Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign.
The ads have been cruising between downtown and the city’s North and South sides, including the No. 56 Milwaukee route, since the beginning of the week and will run through June.
"The intent of the campaign is to stimulate discussion of religion and its place in our society," said Charlie Sitzes, a spokesman for the Indiana group who with help from the American Humanist Association has collected more than $10,000 in private donations to buy the ad space in Indiana and Illinois.
The group brought its message to Chicago after a similar campaign in Indiana – to post the slogan "You can be good without God" – was rejected by transit authorities in Bloomington and stalled by officials in South Bend, who didn’t want the ads posted in time for President Barack Obama’s speech at Notre Dame.
Indiana's chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has sued the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation on the atheist group's behalf. Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan has denounced his own transit system, saying he does not condone government censorship.
"It would appear that where there is more opposition to the message that maybe that would be the place where we needed dialogue more," Sitzes said, maintaining that the slogan is a simple fact.
Full Story Here
The ads have been cruising between downtown and the city’s North and South sides, including the No. 56 Milwaukee route, since the beginning of the week and will run through June.
"The intent of the campaign is to stimulate discussion of religion and its place in our society," said Charlie Sitzes, a spokesman for the Indiana group who with help from the American Humanist Association has collected more than $10,000 in private donations to buy the ad space in Indiana and Illinois.
The group brought its message to Chicago after a similar campaign in Indiana – to post the slogan "You can be good without God" – was rejected by transit authorities in Bloomington and stalled by officials in South Bend, who didn’t want the ads posted in time for President Barack Obama’s speech at Notre Dame.
Indiana's chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has sued the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation on the atheist group's behalf. Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan has denounced his own transit system, saying he does not condone government censorship.
"It would appear that where there is more opposition to the message that maybe that would be the place where we needed dialogue more," Sitzes said, maintaining that the slogan is a simple fact.
Full Story Here
NKorea declares it conducted nuclear test
North Korea claimed it carried out a powerful underground nuclear test Monday — much larger than one conducted in 2006 — in a major provocation in the escalating international standoff over its rogue nuclear and missile programs.
Pyongyang announced the test, and Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed an atomic explosion at 9:54 a.m. (0054 GMT) in northeastern North Korea, estimating the blast's yield at 10 to 20 kilotons — comparable to the bombs that flattened Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The regime also test-fired three short-range, ground-to-air missiles later Monday from the same northeastern site where it launched a rocket last month, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed sources. The rocket liftoff, widely believed to be a cover for a test of its long-range missile technology, drew censure from the U.N. Security Council.
North Korea, incensed by the condemnation of the April 5 rocket launch, had warned last month that it would restart its rogue nuclear program, conduct an atomic test and carry out long-range missile tests.
Story Here
Pyongyang announced the test, and Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed an atomic explosion at 9:54 a.m. (0054 GMT) in northeastern North Korea, estimating the blast's yield at 10 to 20 kilotons — comparable to the bombs that flattened Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The regime also test-fired three short-range, ground-to-air missiles later Monday from the same northeastern site where it launched a rocket last month, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed sources. The rocket liftoff, widely believed to be a cover for a test of its long-range missile technology, drew censure from the U.N. Security Council.
North Korea, incensed by the condemnation of the April 5 rocket launch, had warned last month that it would restart its rogue nuclear program, conduct an atomic test and carry out long-range missile tests.
Story Here
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Australia's east coast a disaster zone after severe floods
Emergency services estimated that 21,500 people were isolated by the flooding, which has caused widespread evacuations from the Gold Coast in Queensland to the northern rivers region of New South Wales (NSW).
One man, aged 70, died when his car was swamped by raging torrents that swept through the NSW town of Coffs Harbour, 340 miles north of Sydney, overnight.
The discovery of his body in the floodwaters brought the death toll from the storms, which were the worst to hit Queensland since 1974, to two. Earlier in the week a man was killed when freak winds flung a sheet of metal through an office window on the Gold Coast tourist strip.
While the extreme weather was easing there was still a risk of further flash-floods, the weather bureau warned.
"We could be talking weeks of inundation for some areas, if not longer," said an emergency service spokesman.
Flood warnings were in place for ten rivers in northern NSW. Residents of the coastal town of Kempsey were ordered to evacuate in the early hours of the morning before the Macleay River breached its levy, cutting off the town.
Full Story Here
One man, aged 70, died when his car was swamped by raging torrents that swept through the NSW town of Coffs Harbour, 340 miles north of Sydney, overnight.
The discovery of his body in the floodwaters brought the death toll from the storms, which were the worst to hit Queensland since 1974, to two. Earlier in the week a man was killed when freak winds flung a sheet of metal through an office window on the Gold Coast tourist strip.
While the extreme weather was easing there was still a risk of further flash-floods, the weather bureau warned.
"We could be talking weeks of inundation for some areas, if not longer," said an emergency service spokesman.
Flood warnings were in place for ten rivers in northern NSW. Residents of the coastal town of Kempsey were ordered to evacuate in the early hours of the morning before the Macleay River breached its levy, cutting off the town.
Full Story Here
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wash. state woman 1st death under new suicide law
Linda Fleming was diagnosed with terminal cancer and feared her last days would be filled with pain and ever-stronger doses of medication that would erode her mind.
The 66-year-old woman with late-stage pancreatic cancer wanted to be clear-headed at death, so she became the first person to kill herself under Washington state's new assisted suicide law, known as "death with dignity."
"I am a very spiritual person, and it was very important to me to be conscious, clear-minded and alert at the time of my death," Fleming said in a statement released Friday. "The powerful pain medications were making it difficult to maintain the state of mind I wanted to have at my death. And I knew I would have to increase them."
With family members, her physician and her dog at her side, Fleming took a deadly dose of prescription barbiturates and died Thursday night at her home in Sequim, Wash.
Chris Carlson, who campaigned against the new law with the Coalition Against Assisted Suicide, called the death unfortunate.
Story Here
The 66-year-old woman with late-stage pancreatic cancer wanted to be clear-headed at death, so she became the first person to kill herself under Washington state's new assisted suicide law, known as "death with dignity."
"I am a very spiritual person, and it was very important to me to be conscious, clear-minded and alert at the time of my death," Fleming said in a statement released Friday. "The powerful pain medications were making it difficult to maintain the state of mind I wanted to have at my death. And I knew I would have to increase them."
With family members, her physician and her dog at her side, Fleming took a deadly dose of prescription barbiturates and died Thursday night at her home in Sequim, Wash.
Chris Carlson, who campaigned against the new law with the Coalition Against Assisted Suicide, called the death unfortunate.
Story Here
Friday, May 22, 2009
Palestinian government: Christians being 'watched'
Christians in the Palestinian territories are being "watched," a spokesman for the Palestinian Authority admitted to WND.
"We have been watching this Christian organization and for the moment there is nothing special in their activity," said Adnan Dmeire, spokesman for the PA's security organizations in West Bank.
Dmeire was referring to the Association of the Holy Book, one of the main groups that attends to the needs of Christians in the Palestinian territories. The group has been accused by both the PA and Hamas of carrying out missionary activities. A Bible store the association sponsored in the Gaza Strip – the only Christian bookstore in the territory – was attacked by Islamists several times. The store's owner, Rami Ayyad, was found shot to death in 2007, his body riddled with bullets.
Dmeire was responding to a WND inquiry regarding a Hamas accusation earlier this week that the PA was allowing the Christian association to carry out missionary activity in the West Bank.
Christian persecution trend
Christians living in the Palestinian territories have not faired well under PA or Hamas rule.
In 2006, a YMCA in the northern West Bank was attacked. Gunmen destroyed the locks on the YMCA's entrance gates, crushed the gates, then entered the building and set it ablaze. Local fire brigades reportedly rushed to the scene and stopped the blaze before it spread to neighboring buildings. The attack occurred just after a PA-linked preacher accused the YMCA of missionary activity.
Following the YMCA attack, one Christian leader, an aide to Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch Michel Sabah who asked his name be withheld for fear of Muslim retaliation, called the rampage part of a general trend of Christian persecution in Palestinian areas.
Full Story Here
"We have been watching this Christian organization and for the moment there is nothing special in their activity," said Adnan Dmeire, spokesman for the PA's security organizations in West Bank.
Dmeire was referring to the Association of the Holy Book, one of the main groups that attends to the needs of Christians in the Palestinian territories. The group has been accused by both the PA and Hamas of carrying out missionary activities. A Bible store the association sponsored in the Gaza Strip – the only Christian bookstore in the territory – was attacked by Islamists several times. The store's owner, Rami Ayyad, was found shot to death in 2007, his body riddled with bullets.
Dmeire was responding to a WND inquiry regarding a Hamas accusation earlier this week that the PA was allowing the Christian association to carry out missionary activity in the West Bank.
Christian persecution trend
Christians living in the Palestinian territories have not faired well under PA or Hamas rule.
In 2006, a YMCA in the northern West Bank was attacked. Gunmen destroyed the locks on the YMCA's entrance gates, crushed the gates, then entered the building and set it ablaze. Local fire brigades reportedly rushed to the scene and stopped the blaze before it spread to neighboring buildings. The attack occurred just after a PA-linked preacher accused the YMCA of missionary activity.
Following the YMCA attack, one Christian leader, an aide to Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch Michel Sabah who asked his name be withheld for fear of Muslim retaliation, called the rampage part of a general trend of Christian persecution in Palestinian areas.
Full Story Here
PM: Jerusalem will always be ours
The State ceremony marking Jerusalem Day was held Thursday at the capital's Ammunition Hill.
"Unified Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Jerusalem always has been and always will be ours and it will never be divided again," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to the sounds of roaring applause.
"I stand here today… saying what I said in my visit to the US: Jerusalem will never be divided again. Only Israeli sovereignty over the city would ensure the freedom of religion for the three faiths, and it is the only thing that can guarantee that all minorities and congregations could continue living in it," he said.
Rafik Husseini, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in response to Netanyahu's speech that "Israeli occupation of east Jerusalem is illegal," adding that an Israeli attempt to keep control of east Jerusalem would be a "major obstacle to peace."
President Shimon Peres took the stage before Netanyahu, saying that Jerusalem is the only capital Israel and the Jewish people have ever known.
"Jerusalem's greatness does not stem from its geography, but rather from its history. No other city in the world has created such an abundance of spiritual and political history.
"Jerusalem is held sacred by half of mankind. It has and always will be Israel's capital. We never had another and it has never been the capital of any other people."
Full Story Here
"Unified Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Jerusalem always has been and always will be ours and it will never be divided again," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to the sounds of roaring applause.
"I stand here today… saying what I said in my visit to the US: Jerusalem will never be divided again. Only Israeli sovereignty over the city would ensure the freedom of religion for the three faiths, and it is the only thing that can guarantee that all minorities and congregations could continue living in it," he said.
Rafik Husseini, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in response to Netanyahu's speech that "Israeli occupation of east Jerusalem is illegal," adding that an Israeli attempt to keep control of east Jerusalem would be a "major obstacle to peace."
President Shimon Peres took the stage before Netanyahu, saying that Jerusalem is the only capital Israel and the Jewish people have ever known.
"Jerusalem's greatness does not stem from its geography, but rather from its history. No other city in the world has created such an abundance of spiritual and political history.
"Jerusalem is held sacred by half of mankind. It has and always will be Israel's capital. We never had another and it has never been the capital of any other people."
Full Story Here
Thursday, May 21, 2009
American Christians to Declare 'Dependence' on God
American Christians across the nation will band together the day after Independence Day to repent and pray for God to heal the country.
The newly launched initiative Call2Fall, organized by the conservative Christian group Family Research Council, will focus on the spiritual and moral problems growing in the nation.
"America is a nation in moral crisis,” says FRC President Tony Perkins. “Four out of every ten children are born out of wedlock, and every day roughly 3,000 unborn children are aborted in our county. From homosexual 'marriage' to proposed curbs on religious speech, there are serious matters for the church to address, humbly and with great earnestness, before God.”
Held a day after Americans celebrate their “independence,” Call2Fall will be a day when Christians declare their “dependence” on God, Perkins explains. The name of the initiative means call to fall on our knees.
Supporters of the July 5 prayer initiative echoed FRC’s concerns during a media teleconference on Tuesday. They called on churches to mobilize members in prayer and repentance and for pastors to lead by example.
“We are seeing the crumbling of our nation economically, spiritually, and perhaps even militarily,” said the Rev. Larry Stockstill, senior pastor of Bethany World Prayer Center in Louisiana.
“I feel that our only hope as a nation – there really isn’t a new political agenda we can pull out of the hat or any other form of medicine for America – is prayer and fasting,” he said.
Dr. Richard Land, head of the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention – the nation’s largest Protestant denomination – said he believes Southern Baptists will be receptive to the initiative.
Full Story Here
The newly launched initiative Call2Fall, organized by the conservative Christian group Family Research Council, will focus on the spiritual and moral problems growing in the nation.
"America is a nation in moral crisis,” says FRC President Tony Perkins. “Four out of every ten children are born out of wedlock, and every day roughly 3,000 unborn children are aborted in our county. From homosexual 'marriage' to proposed curbs on religious speech, there are serious matters for the church to address, humbly and with great earnestness, before God.”
Held a day after Americans celebrate their “independence,” Call2Fall will be a day when Christians declare their “dependence” on God, Perkins explains. The name of the initiative means call to fall on our knees.
Supporters of the July 5 prayer initiative echoed FRC’s concerns during a media teleconference on Tuesday. They called on churches to mobilize members in prayer and repentance and for pastors to lead by example.
“We are seeing the crumbling of our nation economically, spiritually, and perhaps even militarily,” said the Rev. Larry Stockstill, senior pastor of Bethany World Prayer Center in Louisiana.
“I feel that our only hope as a nation – there really isn’t a new political agenda we can pull out of the hat or any other form of medicine for America – is prayer and fasting,” he said.
Dr. Richard Land, head of the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention – the nation’s largest Protestant denomination – said he believes Southern Baptists will be receptive to the initiative.
Full Story Here
Iran claims missile test with Europe in range
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed to have sucessfully tested another ballistic missile capable of reaching Europe.
Speaking in the northern Iranian city of Semnan, where the Sajil-2 missile was allegedly test-fired, Mr Ahmadinejad said the blast was a success and "met the predetermined target."
If its alleged range of almost 2,000 kilometers is true, the missile could reach Athens, southern Italy and the Black Sea coast of new EU members Romania and Bulgaria.
A similar test was carried out in November, while in February Iran launched a domestically-made satellite that prompted France and Great Britain to express their concerns over the missile capabilities of the Islamic state.
Full Story Here
Speaking in the northern Iranian city of Semnan, where the Sajil-2 missile was allegedly test-fired, Mr Ahmadinejad said the blast was a success and "met the predetermined target."
If its alleged range of almost 2,000 kilometers is true, the missile could reach Athens, southern Italy and the Black Sea coast of new EU members Romania and Bulgaria.
A similar test was carried out in November, while in February Iran launched a domestically-made satellite that prompted France and Great Britain to express their concerns over the missile capabilities of the Islamic state.
Full Story Here
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Dengue fever epidemic hits South America
While the world continues to be on alert for a potential swine flu pandemic, South Americans have been suffering for months from one of the worst viral epidemics on record. Hundreds of thousands of people have been sickened by dengue fever this year; more than 70 have died. "This is the largest epidemic in many years"
This is the largest epidemic in many years," said Dr. Eddy Martinez, the director of epidemiology for Bolivia's Ministry of Health in the capital city of La Paz.
By mid-April, he said, there had been more than 55,000 suspected cases in Bolivia's eastern and southern lowlands, with 25 fatalities. Most of those were in Santa Cruz in eastern Bolivia.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus endemic in lowland tropical regions around the world but little known in the northern hemisphere, struck particularly hard this year in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.
Health officials say the disease is increasingly a problem in the region's densely-populated cities, and is spreading.
Full Story Here
This is the largest epidemic in many years," said Dr. Eddy Martinez, the director of epidemiology for Bolivia's Ministry of Health in the capital city of La Paz.
By mid-April, he said, there had been more than 55,000 suspected cases in Bolivia's eastern and southern lowlands, with 25 fatalities. Most of those were in Santa Cruz in eastern Bolivia.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus endemic in lowland tropical regions around the world but little known in the northern hemisphere, struck particularly hard this year in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.
Health officials say the disease is increasingly a problem in the region's densely-populated cities, and is spreading.
Full Story Here
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Brazil and China eye plan to axe dollar
Brazil and China will work towards using their own currencies in trade transactions rather than the US dollar, according to Brazil’s central bank and aides to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president.
The move follows recent Chinese challenges to the status of the dollar as the world’s leading international currency.
Mr Lula da Silva, who is visiting Beijing this week, and Hu Jintao, China’s president, first discussed the idea of replacing the dollar with the renminbi and the real as trade currencies when they met at the G20 summit in London last month.
An official at Brazil’s central bank stressed that talks were at an early stage. He also said that what was under discussion was not a currency swap of the kind China recently agreed with Argentina and which the US had agreed with several countries, including Brazil.
“Currency swaps are not necessarily trade related,” the official said. “The funds can be drawn down for any use. What we are talking about now is Brazil paying for Chinese goods with reals and China paying for Brazilian goods with renminbi.”
Henrique Meirelles and Zhou Xiaochuan, governors of the two countries’ central banks, were expected to meet soon to discuss the matter, the official said.
Full Story Here
The move follows recent Chinese challenges to the status of the dollar as the world’s leading international currency.
Mr Lula da Silva, who is visiting Beijing this week, and Hu Jintao, China’s president, first discussed the idea of replacing the dollar with the renminbi and the real as trade currencies when they met at the G20 summit in London last month.
An official at Brazil’s central bank stressed that talks were at an early stage. He also said that what was under discussion was not a currency swap of the kind China recently agreed with Argentina and which the US had agreed with several countries, including Brazil.
“Currency swaps are not necessarily trade related,” the official said. “The funds can be drawn down for any use. What we are talking about now is Brazil paying for Chinese goods with reals and China paying for Brazilian goods with renminbi.”
Henrique Meirelles and Zhou Xiaochuan, governors of the two countries’ central banks, were expected to meet soon to discuss the matter, the official said.
Full Story Here
Christians Join Jews in Washington to Fight PA State
A powerful Christian activist group joined thousands of Jews Monday at a massive rally in Washington DC to protest the Obama administration’s pressure on Israel to accept the establishment of a Palestinian Authority state within its current borders.
The Christian Friends of Israeli Communities (CFOIC Heartland), which links Israeli towns in Judea and Samaria with Christian churches and individual sponsors around the world, launched its internet initiative over the weekend.
The group urged its members to contact the White House and oppose President Barack Obama’s plan to pressure Israel into dividing the country with the Palestinian Authority.
It also urged members to show up en masse for the rally, scheduled to last from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – the same time, approximately, that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Obama at the White House.
The email, sent to a list of tens of thousands of people, informed members that the White House has been pressuring Israel to agree to a two-state solution in exchange for U.S. cooperation against Iran.
“Iran poses an existential threat to Israel and to the entire free world,” noted the statement, signed by U.S. CFOIC director Kimberly Troup and Israeli office director Sandra Oster Baras.
“The two-state solution is synonymous with full Israeli withdrawal from the heart of Biblical Israel. This poses an existential threat as well as a spiritual threat to the Nation of Israel.
Full Story Here
The Christian Friends of Israeli Communities (CFOIC Heartland), which links Israeli towns in Judea and Samaria with Christian churches and individual sponsors around the world, launched its internet initiative over the weekend.
The group urged its members to contact the White House and oppose President Barack Obama’s plan to pressure Israel into dividing the country with the Palestinian Authority.
It also urged members to show up en masse for the rally, scheduled to last from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – the same time, approximately, that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Obama at the White House.
The email, sent to a list of tens of thousands of people, informed members that the White House has been pressuring Israel to agree to a two-state solution in exchange for U.S. cooperation against Iran.
“Iran poses an existential threat to Israel and to the entire free world,” noted the statement, signed by U.S. CFOIC director Kimberly Troup and Israeli office director Sandra Oster Baras.
“The two-state solution is synonymous with full Israeli withdrawal from the heart of Biblical Israel. This poses an existential threat as well as a spiritual threat to the Nation of Israel.
Full Story Here
Monday, May 18, 2009
"The Worst Is Yet to Come": If You're Not Petrified, You're Not Paying Attention
The green shoots story took a bit of hit this week between data on April retail sales, weekly jobless claims and foreclosures. But the whole concept of the economy finding its footing was "preposterous" to begin with, says Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz & Associates.
"We're in a complete mess and the consumer is smart enough to know it," says Davidowitz, whose firm does consulting for the retail industry. "If the consumer isn't petrified, he or she is a damn fool."
Davidowitz, who is nothing if not opinionated (and colorful), paints a very grim picture: "The worst is yet to come with consumers and banks," he says. "This country is going into a 10-year decline. Living standards will never be the same."
This outlook is based on the following main points:
With the unemployment rate rising into double digits - and that's not counting the millions of "underemployed" Americans - consumers are hitting the breaks, which is having a huge impact, given consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic activity.
Rising unemployment and the $8 trillion negative wealth effect of housing mean more Americans will default on not just mortgages but student loans and auto loans and credit card debt.
More consumer loan defaults will hit banks, which are also threatened by what Davidowitz calls a "depression" in commercial real estate, noting the recent bankruptcy of General Growth Properties and distressed sales by Developers Diversified and other REITs.
As for all the hullabaloo about the stress tests, he says they were a sham and part of a "con game to get private money to finance these institutions because [Treasury] can't get more money from Congress. It's the ‘greater fool' theory."
Full Story with Video Here
"We're in a complete mess and the consumer is smart enough to know it," says Davidowitz, whose firm does consulting for the retail industry. "If the consumer isn't petrified, he or she is a damn fool."
Davidowitz, who is nothing if not opinionated (and colorful), paints a very grim picture: "The worst is yet to come with consumers and banks," he says. "This country is going into a 10-year decline. Living standards will never be the same."
This outlook is based on the following main points:
With the unemployment rate rising into double digits - and that's not counting the millions of "underemployed" Americans - consumers are hitting the breaks, which is having a huge impact, given consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic activity.
Rising unemployment and the $8 trillion negative wealth effect of housing mean more Americans will default on not just mortgages but student loans and auto loans and credit card debt.
More consumer loan defaults will hit banks, which are also threatened by what Davidowitz calls a "depression" in commercial real estate, noting the recent bankruptcy of General Growth Properties and distressed sales by Developers Diversified and other REITs.
As for all the hullabaloo about the stress tests, he says they were a sham and part of a "con game to get private money to finance these institutions because [Treasury] can't get more money from Congress. It's the ‘greater fool' theory."
Full Story with Video Here
Japan's swine flu cases jump; New York school official dies
Japan reported a weekend explosion of swine flu cases, and a World Health Organization official said Sunday that experts are looking closely at the spread of the virus in that country, Spain and Britain.
Spain and Britain have had the highest numbers of cases in Europe, reporting 103 and 101 cases, respectively.
The epidemic is expected to dominate the WHO's annual meeting, a five-day event that begins today in Geneva and involves health officials from the 193 member states.
In Japan, health officials said today that at least 121 people had tested positive for the H1N1 virus, prompting the government to shut down schools and cancel public events. Most of the infected are teenagers, and all were recovering in hospitals or their homes. Local media reports said the number was likely to increase beyond 130. On Saturday, the nation had only five confirmed cases.
Many of the new cases were among students who had not traveled overseas.
Full Story Here
Spain and Britain have had the highest numbers of cases in Europe, reporting 103 and 101 cases, respectively.
The epidemic is expected to dominate the WHO's annual meeting, a five-day event that begins today in Geneva and involves health officials from the 193 member states.
In Japan, health officials said today that at least 121 people had tested positive for the H1N1 virus, prompting the government to shut down schools and cancel public events. Most of the infected are teenagers, and all were recovering in hospitals or their homes. Local media reports said the number was likely to increase beyond 130. On Saturday, the nation had only five confirmed cases.
Many of the new cases were among students who had not traveled overseas.
Full Story Here
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thirteen Ton Temple Corner Stone to Be Presented to the People of Israel
The holy cornerstone for the Third Temple will be transported by the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement as they march on Jerusalem Day, 27 Iyar 5769 (May 21, 2009). It will be driven from Ammunition Hill to the Jaffa Gate, along the western walls of the Old City to the downtown streets of Jerusalem. There it will be presented to the people of Israel and to the entire world for the first time since the destruction of the Holy Temple in 70 CE.
Since 1967, Jerusalem Day has become one of the most important holidays in Israel. This public holiday commemorates the liberation of the Temple Mount, the biblical city of Jerusalem, the City of David and the biblically significant areas of Judea, Samaria, Gaza, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula. All of this happened in the Six Day War of 1967. It was then that G‑d returned the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to His People Israel so that they would immediately rebuild His Holy Temple in order to renew biblical worship there.
The Jerusalem Day march of the Temple Mount Faithful will begin at Ammunition Hill, located in northern Jerusalem. This was the site of some of the most heroic action during the Six Day War. Intense fighting took place from bunker to bunker. Israeli soldiers sacrificed their lives in battle for the G‑d of Israel, for the Holy City of Jerusalem and for the Temple Mount. Ammunition Hill became the symbol of both Israeli heroism and the fighting together of G‑d and His people Israel in fulfillment of His prophetic Word.
The marchers will be led by a truck carrying the holy cornerstone for the Third Temple. The cornerstone, weighing 13 tons, will be carried on the back of the truck, underneath a chuppah, and decorated with Israeli flags, the Star of David and Temple flags. Silver trumpets reconstructed for future worship in the Third Temple will be blown throughout the march.
Full Story Here
Since 1967, Jerusalem Day has become one of the most important holidays in Israel. This public holiday commemorates the liberation of the Temple Mount, the biblical city of Jerusalem, the City of David and the biblically significant areas of Judea, Samaria, Gaza, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula. All of this happened in the Six Day War of 1967. It was then that G‑d returned the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to His People Israel so that they would immediately rebuild His Holy Temple in order to renew biblical worship there.
The Jerusalem Day march of the Temple Mount Faithful will begin at Ammunition Hill, located in northern Jerusalem. This was the site of some of the most heroic action during the Six Day War. Intense fighting took place from bunker to bunker. Israeli soldiers sacrificed their lives in battle for the G‑d of Israel, for the Holy City of Jerusalem and for the Temple Mount. Ammunition Hill became the symbol of both Israeli heroism and the fighting together of G‑d and His people Israel in fulfillment of His prophetic Word.
The marchers will be led by a truck carrying the holy cornerstone for the Third Temple. The cornerstone, weighing 13 tons, will be carried on the back of the truck, underneath a chuppah, and decorated with Israeli flags, the Star of David and Temple flags. Silver trumpets reconstructed for future worship in the Third Temple will be blown throughout the march.
Full Story Here
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Jonah Syndrome
How often does God put people across our path that we don't like? Ever wonder why? It could be a boss, a co-worker, a former friend, a neighbor, a family member, and even a brother or sister in Christ, or anyone else we feel animosity toward. The reason for these people entering your life is because God is conforming you to be the image of Christ, teaching you to love even your enemies so that you can be used by Him to be a vessel of compassion. Jesus told us in (Matthew 5:44-47 NKJV) "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, {45} "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. {46} "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? {47} "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
If we don't love people who curse us, hate us, use us, and persecute us then we are no better than any non-Christian; if we hate or dislike anyone can we really claim to be children of God? God brings these people into our lives for our spiritual benefit and growth, and if we obey God it will be for the benefit of our enemies also. The Lord tells us how to love our enemies we are to bless them, which is speaking good things to them, we are to do good to them, and most important we are to pray for them. Doing these things will turn our hate into love and then God can send His compassion through us to them; touching them with the most powerful force in the universe, LOVE. Love always conquers hate as light conquers darkness. Our natural flesh response is to just get away from them, thinking then our life will be better well that is what Jonah thought.
The famous story of "Jonah and the Whale" told in the book of Jonah in the Bible tells of the Prophet Jonah's ordeal when God commanded him to go to Nineveh and preach the word from God to repent or be destroyed. Nineveh was the capitol of the Assyrian Empire, the Assyrian's were a heartless, cruel, and evil people; they were great enemies of Israel. Jonah did not want them to repent, Jonah did not want God to have mercy and compassion on such people so he fled in the opposite direction getting on board a ship to escape from doing God's will.
Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. Jonah said to the ship's crew, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea, and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased." Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.
Continued here
This is a message that spoke loudly to me today! A very good read
If we don't love people who curse us, hate us, use us, and persecute us then we are no better than any non-Christian; if we hate or dislike anyone can we really claim to be children of God? God brings these people into our lives for our spiritual benefit and growth, and if we obey God it will be for the benefit of our enemies also. The Lord tells us how to love our enemies we are to bless them, which is speaking good things to them, we are to do good to them, and most important we are to pray for them. Doing these things will turn our hate into love and then God can send His compassion through us to them; touching them with the most powerful force in the universe, LOVE. Love always conquers hate as light conquers darkness. Our natural flesh response is to just get away from them, thinking then our life will be better well that is what Jonah thought.
The famous story of "Jonah and the Whale" told in the book of Jonah in the Bible tells of the Prophet Jonah's ordeal when God commanded him to go to Nineveh and preach the word from God to repent or be destroyed. Nineveh was the capitol of the Assyrian Empire, the Assyrian's were a heartless, cruel, and evil people; they were great enemies of Israel. Jonah did not want them to repent, Jonah did not want God to have mercy and compassion on such people so he fled in the opposite direction getting on board a ship to escape from doing God's will.
Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. Jonah said to the ship's crew, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea, and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased." Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.
Continued here
This is a message that spoke loudly to me today! A very good read
Spain plans abortion law changes
The Spanish cabinet has agreed to liberalise the country's strict abortion laws, allowing abortion in most cases up to 14 weeks of pregnancy.
The proposals must go to parliament, where Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero lacks a majority.
His deputy, Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, said changes were necessary to preserve the "dignity of women".
Anti-abortion groups have condemned the proposals and the Roman Catholic church has started an anti-abortion campaign.
Under current law, introduced in 1985, abortion is allowed in cases of rape up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and up to 22 weeks in the case of foetal malformation.
Full Story Here
The proposals must go to parliament, where Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero lacks a majority.
His deputy, Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, said changes were necessary to preserve the "dignity of women".
Anti-abortion groups have condemned the proposals and the Roman Catholic church has started an anti-abortion campaign.
Under current law, introduced in 1985, abortion is allowed in cases of rape up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and up to 22 weeks in the case of foetal malformation.
Full Story Here
Friday, May 15, 2009
Did You Paint That?
When we look at a painting, we know there was a painter. It didn't happen by itself. Its only logical. Great video to use for witnessing!
See Video Here
See Video Here
IAEA CHIEF SAYS MIDEAST 'TICKING BOMB'
YnetNews.com reports: “The number of potential nuclear weapons states could more than double in the next few years unless major powers take radical steps towards disarmament, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog was quoted saying on Friday.
Mohamed ElBaradei said the threat of proliferation was particularly great in the Middle East and the international regime designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons was at risk of falling apart, the Guardian newspaper reported.
‘Any regime ... has to have a sense of fairness and equity and it is not there,’ ElBaradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in an interview with the paper.
He predicted the next wave of proliferation would involve ‘virtual nuclear states’ which could produce plutonium or highly enriched uranium and would have the knowhow to make warheads, but would stop just short of assembling a weapon.
Such states would remain technically compliant with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) while being within a couple of months of deploying and using a weapon, he said.
‘This is the phenomenon we see now and what people worry about in Iran’, he was quoted as saying. ‘And this phenomenon goes much beyond Iran. Pretty soon ... you will have nine weapons states and probably another 10 or 20 virtual weapons states.’
Full Article Here
Mohamed ElBaradei said the threat of proliferation was particularly great in the Middle East and the international regime designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons was at risk of falling apart, the Guardian newspaper reported.
‘Any regime ... has to have a sense of fairness and equity and it is not there,’ ElBaradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in an interview with the paper.
He predicted the next wave of proliferation would involve ‘virtual nuclear states’ which could produce plutonium or highly enriched uranium and would have the knowhow to make warheads, but would stop just short of assembling a weapon.
Such states would remain technically compliant with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) while being within a couple of months of deploying and using a weapon, he said.
‘This is the phenomenon we see now and what people worry about in Iran’, he was quoted as saying. ‘And this phenomenon goes much beyond Iran. Pretty soon ... you will have nine weapons states and probably another 10 or 20 virtual weapons states.’
Full Article Here
Dobson: 'There's utter evil coming out of Congress' Focus on the Family ministry founder condemns 'Pedophile Protection Act'
James Dobson, the founder of the Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family Christian ministry, warned today that there is "utter evil" coming out of Washington, D.C., these days.
"I want to tell our listeners something has come up that is so shocking and so outrageous, we must make our friends out there aware of it," he said on his daily radio program.
"I'm going to speak very bluntly today because there's no other word for it: the utter evil that's coming out of Congress," he said. "I've been on the air 32 years and I've never seen a time quite like this.
"The radical left controls the executive branch through the president, and the Congress where the Democrats have control of both the House and the Senate," he said, adding the courts are expected to move even further to the left.
The target of his worry is the so-called "hate crimes" bill already approved in the U.S. House and now pending in the Senate.
Many have dubbed it the "Pedophile Protection Act," and Reps. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, and Steve King, R-Iowa, explained on Dobson's program how they tried to have majority Democrats in Congress define "sexual orientation" in the bill – and were refused.
They also tried to add an amendment that would state that pedophiles were not, in fact, protected under the law, and Democrats again voted to reject that idea.
King explained it's part of a national effort by homosexual activists not to just have the freedom to choose their lifestyle, but to be able to demand approval and likewise condemn those who don't agree with homosexual behavior.
Full Article Here
"I want to tell our listeners something has come up that is so shocking and so outrageous, we must make our friends out there aware of it," he said on his daily radio program.
"I'm going to speak very bluntly today because there's no other word for it: the utter evil that's coming out of Congress," he said. "I've been on the air 32 years and I've never seen a time quite like this.
"The radical left controls the executive branch through the president, and the Congress where the Democrats have control of both the House and the Senate," he said, adding the courts are expected to move even further to the left.
The target of his worry is the so-called "hate crimes" bill already approved in the U.S. House and now pending in the Senate.
Many have dubbed it the "Pedophile Protection Act," and Reps. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, and Steve King, R-Iowa, explained on Dobson's program how they tried to have majority Democrats in Congress define "sexual orientation" in the bill – and were refused.
They also tried to add an amendment that would state that pedophiles were not, in fact, protected under the law, and Democrats again voted to reject that idea.
King explained it's part of a national effort by homosexual activists not to just have the freedom to choose their lifestyle, but to be able to demand approval and likewise condemn those who don't agree with homosexual behavior.
Full Article Here
Thursday, May 14, 2009
World Health Organization Investigating Claims of Human Error Behind Swine Flu Virus
The World Health Organization is investigating claims made by an Australian researcher that new the H1N1 swine flu virus may have evolved as result of human error.
Adrian Gibbs, 75, said he planned to publish a report saying the never-before-seen strain of influenza may have evolved in eggs used to grow viruses for scientific research and vaccine development, according to Bloomberg News.
The noted virologist said his findings could help better understand the microbe's ability to spread.
World Health Organization Assistant Director-General of Health Security Keiji Fukuda is reviewing the study, Bloomberg reported.
If Gibbs' research is confirmed, Fukuda said it will raise many new questions about the new strain.
Full Article Here
Adrian Gibbs, 75, said he planned to publish a report saying the never-before-seen strain of influenza may have evolved in eggs used to grow viruses for scientific research and vaccine development, according to Bloomberg News.
The noted virologist said his findings could help better understand the microbe's ability to spread.
World Health Organization Assistant Director-General of Health Security Keiji Fukuda is reviewing the study, Bloomberg reported.
If Gibbs' research is confirmed, Fukuda said it will raise many new questions about the new strain.
Full Article Here
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
FASTING IN SOLIDARITY FOR DARFUR
Jon Foreman is the front-man for multi-platinum selling rock band Switchfoot. Over the course of the last ten years Switchfoot has developed a reputation as an amazing live experience with songs that transcend the boundaries of simple rock and roll. Jon is also fasting for Darfur.
Many others are joing him in solidarity for this cause. To learn more and to get information on how you can get involved visit the link below:
Website Link
If your not able to join along please remember to pray for these people! God bless you!
Something my son wrote about the situation in Darfur:
As I sit here late at night I stumble across something said very well by one of my favorite artist/songwriters.
"America requested a $1.5 billion emergency appropriation to deal with a flu outbreak that has killed 3 people in the US. An estimated 300,000 folks have already died in Darfur and we do nothing... $0.00. And three people die of the flu and we spend $1.5 billion to figure things out. $1,500,000,000.00"
- Jon Foreman
Are we that selfish of a nation that we can let thousands of innocent people die each day in other countries and it’s no big deal to us, as we fatten ourselves behind our TV screens. While we leave it up to them to deal with it while the weight of it all comes crashing down on their shoulders. But all of a sudden when something happens to us (the flu) we act upon it immediately. I understand the need to protect ourselves from an epidemic but when are we going to start thinking outside our convenient Lexus cages, or beyond our nice houses with central air. Are we so blind that we can't see past outside of our Hollister stores to a world in hurt and pain? We need to start stepping into reality; just because we can't see it doesn't mean it’s not happening.
We spend millions of dollars a year on PETA in an effort to protect our innocent, cute, and fuzzy little animals that spend half the day licking their butts and chasing their tails, when we don't even turn our heads to a nation that is under mass Genocide. Picture, two innocent children being taken and slaughtered, that have a future a life ahead of them. Picture, women being raped and murdered. Why do we not care, is it because these people have a different color of skin, or maybe because they haven't showered in years and most likely smell? Are these people not worth one ounce of our time? What makes us so much different than they are? Maybe the answer is simply because we are fortunate enough to have running water or a safe place to rest our head at night. We are much more than Continents separated by water. Are we not all human beings? Do we not all have our own unique voice, face, heart, mind and soul?
The trees will replant themselves each year with the seasons. The flowers always bloom and open every spring without our help. Our environment is fine; it has been fine for two thousand years and will continue to be for two thousand years more. It is WE the people that need all the help we can get.
Why are we sitting back waiting for Obama to make the change? When are we going to awaken? Were we all not taught to memorize in school "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
If we want to see change WE need to be that change that WE are so dying to see. WE choose the president, WE create the media, WE ARE THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION to all this madness, hurt and hatred in the world. It has been years now Darfur has suffered long enough and yet we do NOTHING. It is not limited at Darfur there are many other countries out there that are hurting as well. Even in America children go hungry at night and don't have a roof under their heads. If we can look under our couch cushions and find $1.5 billion for the lives of 3 people in the US why can we not help someone else out? Do we not care until something bad happens to us? When will we ever get past our selfishness and greed? It is about time we stop complaining about someone else having the same prom dress or that our parents only gave us $100 dollars to spend at the mall. We are fortunate enough to live in a nation where we can rest our heads at night without worrying about mass Genocide. So why can we not extend a hand out to someone else in need and spread love?
This goes beyond holding picket signs and yelling. WE need to wake up or we will be woken up. This being said I will fast not because it’s the cool thing to do but because I want to know what it feels like to go to bed hungry to feel the pain that all these children and families go through. God created us all with a voice so I am going to use it. I don't want to be Labeled behind a group of activists. I want to be my own voice in this silent world.
Many others are joing him in solidarity for this cause. To learn more and to get information on how you can get involved visit the link below:
Website Link
If your not able to join along please remember to pray for these people! God bless you!
Something my son wrote about the situation in Darfur:
As I sit here late at night I stumble across something said very well by one of my favorite artist/songwriters.
"America requested a $1.5 billion emergency appropriation to deal with a flu outbreak that has killed 3 people in the US. An estimated 300,000 folks have already died in Darfur and we do nothing... $0.00. And three people die of the flu and we spend $1.5 billion to figure things out. $1,500,000,000.00"
- Jon Foreman
Are we that selfish of a nation that we can let thousands of innocent people die each day in other countries and it’s no big deal to us, as we fatten ourselves behind our TV screens. While we leave it up to them to deal with it while the weight of it all comes crashing down on their shoulders. But all of a sudden when something happens to us (the flu) we act upon it immediately. I understand the need to protect ourselves from an epidemic but when are we going to start thinking outside our convenient Lexus cages, or beyond our nice houses with central air. Are we so blind that we can't see past outside of our Hollister stores to a world in hurt and pain? We need to start stepping into reality; just because we can't see it doesn't mean it’s not happening.
We spend millions of dollars a year on PETA in an effort to protect our innocent, cute, and fuzzy little animals that spend half the day licking their butts and chasing their tails, when we don't even turn our heads to a nation that is under mass Genocide. Picture, two innocent children being taken and slaughtered, that have a future a life ahead of them. Picture, women being raped and murdered. Why do we not care, is it because these people have a different color of skin, or maybe because they haven't showered in years and most likely smell? Are these people not worth one ounce of our time? What makes us so much different than they are? Maybe the answer is simply because we are fortunate enough to have running water or a safe place to rest our head at night. We are much more than Continents separated by water. Are we not all human beings? Do we not all have our own unique voice, face, heart, mind and soul?
The trees will replant themselves each year with the seasons. The flowers always bloom and open every spring without our help. Our environment is fine; it has been fine for two thousand years and will continue to be for two thousand years more. It is WE the people that need all the help we can get.
Why are we sitting back waiting for Obama to make the change? When are we going to awaken? Were we all not taught to memorize in school "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
If we want to see change WE need to be that change that WE are so dying to see. WE choose the president, WE create the media, WE ARE THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION to all this madness, hurt and hatred in the world. It has been years now Darfur has suffered long enough and yet we do NOTHING. It is not limited at Darfur there are many other countries out there that are hurting as well. Even in America children go hungry at night and don't have a roof under their heads. If we can look under our couch cushions and find $1.5 billion for the lives of 3 people in the US why can we not help someone else out? Do we not care until something bad happens to us? When will we ever get past our selfishness and greed? It is about time we stop complaining about someone else having the same prom dress or that our parents only gave us $100 dollars to spend at the mall. We are fortunate enough to live in a nation where we can rest our heads at night without worrying about mass Genocide. So why can we not extend a hand out to someone else in need and spread love?
This goes beyond holding picket signs and yelling. WE need to wake up or we will be woken up. This being said I will fast not because it’s the cool thing to do but because I want to know what it feels like to go to bed hungry to feel the pain that all these children and families go through. God created us all with a voice so I am going to use it. I don't want to be Labeled behind a group of activists. I want to be my own voice in this silent world.
Spiritual warfare - it's real
The president of a Christian mission organization is trying to help believers become better equipped to battle their biggest enemy.
Dr. Jerry Rankin is president of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. In his new book Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for God's Glory, Rankin examines the causes for spiritual warfare, and the methods and disciplines Christians can use for victory.
Rankin says spiritual warfare is real for all believers. "Satan is not just going to roll over and relinquish the kingdoms of the world to become the kingdoms of our Lord," he counsels.
"And in much more subtle ways, I think that target is on the church and on Christians and [is] just responsible for our failure to live a victorious Christian life that would draw people in our own society into the Kingdom of God."
The Bible, says the missions enthusiast, has clear strategies for Christians. "Faith is the victory that overcomes the world," he explains. "We have the shield of faith to deflect the lies of Satan. We're told in [the Book of] Peter [to] resist him, firm in our faith."
Dr. Rankin and his wife spent 23 years as missionaries in Asia until he became IMB president in 1993.
Article Link
Dr. Jerry Rankin is president of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. In his new book Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for God's Glory, Rankin examines the causes for spiritual warfare, and the methods and disciplines Christians can use for victory.
Rankin says spiritual warfare is real for all believers. "Satan is not just going to roll over and relinquish the kingdoms of the world to become the kingdoms of our Lord," he counsels.
"And in much more subtle ways, I think that target is on the church and on Christians and [is] just responsible for our failure to live a victorious Christian life that would draw people in our own society into the Kingdom of God."
The Bible, says the missions enthusiast, has clear strategies for Christians. "Faith is the victory that overcomes the world," he explains. "We have the shield of faith to deflect the lies of Satan. We're told in [the Book of] Peter [to] resist him, firm in our faith."
Dr. Rankin and his wife spent 23 years as missionaries in Asia until he became IMB president in 1993.
Article Link
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Swine flu hits China as global cases rise
China confirmed Monday its first case of swine flu on the mainland, underlining the outbreak's global spread, as the United States reported hundreds more cases and warned of further deaths.
Worldwide, the death toll passed 50 after Costa Rican authorities reported its first fatality from the virus, officially known as A(H1N1) influenza, and the United States confirmed a third death.
Fears that infections would gather pace were heightened when China said it had detected its first mainland case in a man who had recently travelled back from the United States.
The 30-year-old was hospitalised with a fever after arriving in the Sichuan provincial capital Chengdu, in southwestern China, from the United States via Tokyo on Saturday afternoon, the health ministry said.
"This is our country's first case of A(H1N1)," its spokesman Mao Qunan said in a statement on its website.
State television said the man, surnamed Bao, was in a stable condition. He flew from Tokyo to Beijing on a Northwest Airlines flight before connecting on a domestic flight to Chengdu, the ministry said.
China, which has come under criticism from abroad for its tough swine flu quarantine measures, was seeking a number of passengers, including foreigners, who took the same Northwest flight as Bao, state media reported.
They included 144 passengers on the flight to Beijing and about 150 on the Beijing-Chengdu flight aboard Sichuan Airlines, state television added, saying some had already been located.
The virus was first reported in Mexico in April but has spread to more than 30 nations since and the global number of infected cases is at least 4,380.
Full Story Here
Worldwide, the death toll passed 50 after Costa Rican authorities reported its first fatality from the virus, officially known as A(H1N1) influenza, and the United States confirmed a third death.
Fears that infections would gather pace were heightened when China said it had detected its first mainland case in a man who had recently travelled back from the United States.
The 30-year-old was hospitalised with a fever after arriving in the Sichuan provincial capital Chengdu, in southwestern China, from the United States via Tokyo on Saturday afternoon, the health ministry said.
"This is our country's first case of A(H1N1)," its spokesman Mao Qunan said in a statement on its website.
State television said the man, surnamed Bao, was in a stable condition. He flew from Tokyo to Beijing on a Northwest Airlines flight before connecting on a domestic flight to Chengdu, the ministry said.
China, which has come under criticism from abroad for its tough swine flu quarantine measures, was seeking a number of passengers, including foreigners, who took the same Northwest flight as Bao, state media reported.
They included 144 passengers on the flight to Beijing and about 150 on the Beijing-Chengdu flight aboard Sichuan Airlines, state television added, saying some had already been located.
The virus was first reported in Mexico in April but has spread to more than 30 nations since and the global number of infected cases is at least 4,380.
Full Story Here
Monday, May 11, 2009
Floods ease in Brazil, but 300,000-plus homeless
Floodwaters receded some in inundated towns across northern Brazil on Sunday, but the number of homeless rose above 300,000 and two people were missing after an overloaded canoe overturned in swift waters.
Forty deaths had been confirmed in northern Brazil's worst flooding in decades, fed by two months of unusually heavy rains in a zone stretching from deep in the Amazon to normally arid areas near the Atlantic coast.
In Maranhao state, one of the worst affected regions, a small canoe capsized with seven people aboard on a river between the towns of Pedreiras and Trizidela do Vale. Two passengers were missing: a 54-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman.
"She knew how to swim, but it looks like the current was too strong," said Francisco Aguiar, an uncle of the missing woman.
Police officers and firefighters were searching in motorboats, said Wallace Pires, an official with Brazil's national security force.
Emergency crews struggled to clear debris from highways blocked by landslides, seeking to open the way for desperately needed aid shipments. There have been widespread complaints that the government was too slow in delivering food and water.
"It's raining less and we were able to clear some of the highways that were blocked," Maranhao state civil defense spokesman Ivar Araujo said. "It will be easier bring help to the victims, but the situation is still a little complicated."
There were reports of scattered looting in Maranhao and of residents refusing to leave flooded homes for fear of thieves.
But the gradual retreat of high water in many places boosted spirits.
Full Story Here
Forty deaths had been confirmed in northern Brazil's worst flooding in decades, fed by two months of unusually heavy rains in a zone stretching from deep in the Amazon to normally arid areas near the Atlantic coast.
In Maranhao state, one of the worst affected regions, a small canoe capsized with seven people aboard on a river between the towns of Pedreiras and Trizidela do Vale. Two passengers were missing: a 54-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman.
"She knew how to swim, but it looks like the current was too strong," said Francisco Aguiar, an uncle of the missing woman.
Police officers and firefighters were searching in motorboats, said Wallace Pires, an official with Brazil's national security force.
Emergency crews struggled to clear debris from highways blocked by landslides, seeking to open the way for desperately needed aid shipments. There have been widespread complaints that the government was too slow in delivering food and water.
"It's raining less and we were able to clear some of the highways that were blocked," Maranhao state civil defense spokesman Ivar Araujo said. "It will be easier bring help to the victims, but the situation is still a little complicated."
There were reports of scattered looting in Maranhao and of residents refusing to leave flooded homes for fear of thieves.
But the gradual retreat of high water in many places boosted spirits.
Full Story Here
Sunday, May 10, 2009
George Barna: America Is Being Destroyed Inside Out
Christian pollster George Barna made a controversial argument Wednesday night that Americans are to blame for the destruction of their country and it is up to faith groups to restore it.
The once great United States is decaying, declared Barna to a crowd of hundreds of Christian journalists on the opening night of the Evangelical Press Association/Associated Church Press Convention.
America's divorce, abortion, sexually transmitted disease, spousal abuse and crime rates are the highest or among the highest compared to other developed nations. And the percentage of students graduating from high school on time has not changed in 32 years.
"The enemy of America today is not Iraq. It is not Afghanistan or communism. It is not Somalian pirates. It's the moral degradation and spiritual complacency of Americans," contended Barna, founder of the research firm The Barna Group. "In essence it is the willingness of Americans to become victims of the imposition of values and objectives that defy our common good."
Many factors have led to America's deterioration, he said, including moving from mass production to mass consumption, moving from common values to now radical individualism with personal values, and competition among faith groups rather than cooperation.
"Just think about the shift in mottos that characterize our nation," Barna noted. "We talked about one nation under God, but today really we are one nation under self, sometimes aided by one or more gods."
"We shifted from a nation that said ‘In God We Trust' to reality and self we trust," he said. "We transitioned from being a land of the free and the home of the brave, to now we are the land of the indebted and the home of the self-indulgent. We also shifted from a land that believes you can be all you can be to now it's get all you can get."
Full Story Here
The once great United States is decaying, declared Barna to a crowd of hundreds of Christian journalists on the opening night of the Evangelical Press Association/Associated Church Press Convention.
America's divorce, abortion, sexually transmitted disease, spousal abuse and crime rates are the highest or among the highest compared to other developed nations. And the percentage of students graduating from high school on time has not changed in 32 years.
"The enemy of America today is not Iraq. It is not Afghanistan or communism. It is not Somalian pirates. It's the moral degradation and spiritual complacency of Americans," contended Barna, founder of the research firm The Barna Group. "In essence it is the willingness of Americans to become victims of the imposition of values and objectives that defy our common good."
Many factors have led to America's deterioration, he said, including moving from mass production to mass consumption, moving from common values to now radical individualism with personal values, and competition among faith groups rather than cooperation.
"Just think about the shift in mottos that characterize our nation," Barna noted. "We talked about one nation under God, but today really we are one nation under self, sometimes aided by one or more gods."
"We shifted from a nation that said ‘In God We Trust' to reality and self we trust," he said. "We transitioned from being a land of the free and the home of the brave, to now we are the land of the indebted and the home of the self-indulgent. We also shifted from a land that believes you can be all you can be to now it's get all you can get."
Full Story Here
Saturday, May 9, 2009
JERUSALEM WORRIED OVER BREAKDOWN OF U.S.-ISRAEL COOPERATION UNDER OBAMA
Haaretz reports: “Senior officials in Jerusalem expressed concern recently over the sharp decline in the coordination between Israel and the United States on security and state affairs since President Barack Obama's entered the White House and especially since the formation of Israel's new government.
Senior White House officials told their Israeli counterparts that Obama will demand Netanyahu completely suspend construction in the settlements, the officials said.
‘Obama's people brief their Israeli counterparts in advance much less about security and Middle East policy activities than the Bush administration used to,’ the officials said.
In addition, when they do brief Israeli officials, they don't consult with them or coordinate their statements in advance.
This has caused several coordination ‘malfunctions’ between the two states in the past two months, they said.
The last incident was the statement of Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller, calling on Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The statement had not been coordinated with Israeli officials in charge of the nuclear issue and they heard it first from the media.
This followed other equally problematic incidents. The American policy shift toward Syria and opening direct talks with Damascus followed minimal coordination with Israel. For example, Israel was not briefed about senior American diplomats' trip to Damascus, which the U.S. had initiated.
Another incident concerned U.S. envoy for Iranian affairs Dennis Ross' trip to the Gulf states a few days ago for talks on Iran. Israel was briefed on the trip in general details, but no consultations or message-coordination took place before the trip. In addition, Ross did not pass through Israel on his way to the Gulf or back to brief Israel on the talks' outcome.
The American policy toward Iran has remained generally ambiguous as far as Israel is concerned and the administration has not outlined to Israel its plan for a dialogue with Iran in an orderly way. Many of the details Israel learned about this plan were obtained via European channels.
The Israeli officials said the problem also stems from the government change in both states and because clear work procedures between the sides have not been set established.
‘This will be one of the most important things Netanyahu will have to settle with Obama,’ a senior official said.
However, the official said the new administration no longer seems to see Israel as a ‘special’ or ‘extraordinary’ state in the Middle East, with which the U.S. must maintain a different dialogue than with other states…”
Article Here
Senior White House officials told their Israeli counterparts that Obama will demand Netanyahu completely suspend construction in the settlements, the officials said.
‘Obama's people brief their Israeli counterparts in advance much less about security and Middle East policy activities than the Bush administration used to,’ the officials said.
In addition, when they do brief Israeli officials, they don't consult with them or coordinate their statements in advance.
This has caused several coordination ‘malfunctions’ between the two states in the past two months, they said.
The last incident was the statement of Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller, calling on Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The statement had not been coordinated with Israeli officials in charge of the nuclear issue and they heard it first from the media.
This followed other equally problematic incidents. The American policy shift toward Syria and opening direct talks with Damascus followed minimal coordination with Israel. For example, Israel was not briefed about senior American diplomats' trip to Damascus, which the U.S. had initiated.
Another incident concerned U.S. envoy for Iranian affairs Dennis Ross' trip to the Gulf states a few days ago for talks on Iran. Israel was briefed on the trip in general details, but no consultations or message-coordination took place before the trip. In addition, Ross did not pass through Israel on his way to the Gulf or back to brief Israel on the talks' outcome.
The American policy toward Iran has remained generally ambiguous as far as Israel is concerned and the administration has not outlined to Israel its plan for a dialogue with Iran in an orderly way. Many of the details Israel learned about this plan were obtained via European channels.
The Israeli officials said the problem also stems from the government change in both states and because clear work procedures between the sides have not been set established.
‘This will be one of the most important things Netanyahu will have to settle with Obama,’ a senior official said.
However, the official said the new administration no longer seems to see Israel as a ‘special’ or ‘extraordinary’ state in the Middle East, with which the U.S. must maintain a different dialogue than with other states…”
Article Here
Friday, May 8, 2009
UN food organisation says number of people who go hungry will increase to 1-billion
THE number of hungry people in the world could soon hit a record 1-billion, despite a drop in food prices, the United Nations food aid organisation said.
The recent financial crisis, though it has helped bring global food prices down, also has led to falling trade and lower development aid, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO’s) general director, Jacques Diouf.
As a result of the crisis, an additional 104-million people were likely to go hungry this year — meaning they would receive fewer than 1800 calories a day, Diouf said on Wednesday after a two-day meeting in Paris between the FAO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
“We have never seen so many hungry people in the world,” he said.
The number of people considered hungry increased last year as well, by 40-million, and in 2007, when 75-million more people joined the ranks, Diouf said.
If the projection for this year proves accurate, that would mean that about 1-billion people — or roughly one-sixth of the world’s population — would go hungry by the end of the year, he said.
“Food security is a matter of peace and security in the world,” Diouf said, stressing that the production of food would have to double by 2050 just to keep pace with population growth.
Despite a 30% drop in food prices from June last year, overall food prices still remained above 2006 levels, Diouf said. In the developing world, however, food prices had dropped only 12%-14% since June last year, he said .
Link to Story http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/world.aspx?ID=BD4A995485
The recent financial crisis, though it has helped bring global food prices down, also has led to falling trade and lower development aid, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO’s) general director, Jacques Diouf.
As a result of the crisis, an additional 104-million people were likely to go hungry this year — meaning they would receive fewer than 1800 calories a day, Diouf said on Wednesday after a two-day meeting in Paris between the FAO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
“We have never seen so many hungry people in the world,” he said.
The number of people considered hungry increased last year as well, by 40-million, and in 2007, when 75-million more people joined the ranks, Diouf said.
If the projection for this year proves accurate, that would mean that about 1-billion people — or roughly one-sixth of the world’s population — would go hungry by the end of the year, he said.
“Food security is a matter of peace and security in the world,” Diouf said, stressing that the production of food would have to double by 2050 just to keep pace with population growth.
Despite a 30% drop in food prices from June last year, overall food prices still remained above 2006 levels, Diouf said. In the developing world, however, food prices had dropped only 12%-14% since June last year, he said .
Link to Story http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/world.aspx?ID=BD4A995485
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Not a Christian Nation? Think Again
Just had this forwarded to me...thought I'd share it
President Barack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
I found this very interesting.
Do you know the Preamble for your state? . .
Be sure to read the message at the bottom!
Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe....
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...
After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! If you found this to be 'Food for thought' send to as many as you think will be enlightened as I hope you were.
(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.)
GOD BLESS AMERICA
President Barack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
I found this very interesting.
Do you know the Preamble for your state? . .
Be sure to read the message at the bottom!
Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe....
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...
After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! If you found this to be 'Food for thought' send to as many as you think will be enlightened as I hope you were.
(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.)
GOD BLESS AMERICA
LIFE WITH BIG BROTHER Bilderbergers plan secret meeting in Greece
The 57th meeting of representatives from Western European and North American countries known as Bilderberg Group will be held next week at a five-star hotel in Greece, reports Daniel Estulin, an investigative author who has written a defining book on the secretive annual gathering.
Estulin says his sources in Greece have confirmed the meeting will be held at the Nafsika Astir Palace Hotel in Vouliagmeni from May 14-17.
The Bilderberg Group is an elite invitation-only conference of influential members of the business, media and political community. Past attendees have included Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Tony Blair.
While the group claims its purpose is to facilitate discussion amongst western powers, many see the group as a means toward globalization.
Full Story Here
Estulin says his sources in Greece have confirmed the meeting will be held at the Nafsika Astir Palace Hotel in Vouliagmeni from May 14-17.
The Bilderberg Group is an elite invitation-only conference of influential members of the business, media and political community. Past attendees have included Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Tony Blair.
While the group claims its purpose is to facilitate discussion amongst western powers, many see the group as a means toward globalization.
Full Story Here
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 7, 2009
May, 2009 The 58th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday, May 7, 2009. Millions will unite in prayer as thousands of events will take place from coast to coast. The theme for this year is "Prayer... America's Hope" and is based on the verse from Psalm 33:22 which states: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Beth Moore will join Shirley Dobson to lead the nation in prayer as the 2009 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.
You can watch there event here
Sadly the White House is not participating this year.
Link to story here
You can watch there event here
Sadly the White House is not participating this year.
Link to story here
Blair: Quartet to present new strategy for peace negotiations
The US-led Quartet of Middle East mediators is working on a new strategy for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and is expected to present it in five to six weeks, Quartet envoy Tony Blair has said. The plan is being devised by the Obama administration, with input from others, Blair told Palestinian reporters.
"We're about to get a new framework," Blair said Tuesday evening, adding that he did not know the details. "The reason I say people should be more hopeful, is that this is a framework that is being worked on at the highest level in the American administration, (and) in the rest of the international community."
US President Barack Obama is holding separate meetings at the White House this month with the Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders to hear their views. Once those meetings are over, the Quartet is to convene in Washington to discuss and present the new strategy, Blair said. "I think that within the next five to six weeks, you will have a very clear picture of what the plan is."
Full Story Here
"We're about to get a new framework," Blair said Tuesday evening, adding that he did not know the details. "The reason I say people should be more hopeful, is that this is a framework that is being worked on at the highest level in the American administration, (and) in the rest of the international community."
US President Barack Obama is holding separate meetings at the White House this month with the Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders to hear their views. Once those meetings are over, the Quartet is to convene in Washington to discuss and present the new strategy, Blair said. "I think that within the next five to six weeks, you will have a very clear picture of what the plan is."
Full Story Here
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
EU wants 'Internet G12' to govern cyberspace
The European Commission wants the US to dissolve all government links with the body that 'governs' the internet, replacing it with an international forum for discussing internet governance and online security.
The rules and decisions on key internet governance issues, such as the creation of top level domains (such as .com and .eu) and managing the internet address system that ensures computers can connect to each other, are currently made by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a private, not-for profit corporation based in California which operates under an agreement with the US Department of Commerce.
Full Story Here
The rules and decisions on key internet governance issues, such as the creation of top level domains (such as .com and .eu) and managing the internet address system that ensures computers can connect to each other, are currently made by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a private, not-for profit corporation based in California which operates under an agreement with the US Department of Commerce.
Full Story Here
Monday, May 4, 2009
Walking in the Messiah's Footsteps: Israel Opens Jesus Trail
The Jesus Trail is 40 miles long and starts in Jesus' home town of Nazareth.
Recently completed, its route winds through the towns and villages of the Galilee region in northern Israel. This is the place where Jesus and his disciples established their ministry. It is a landscape steeped in the history of the New Testament and the gospels.
The free trail is the brainchild of local Israeli tour operator Maoz Inon, who runs a guesthouse in Nazareth in partnership with American David Landis, who has a track record in adventure tourism. They hope it will attract Christian pilgrims from around the world and help boost the local economy.
It took several years to plan in coordination with Israeli tourist authorities and has opened in time for the arrival of the pope and an expected spike in Christian tourism.
Full Story Here
Recently completed, its route winds through the towns and villages of the Galilee region in northern Israel. This is the place where Jesus and his disciples established their ministry. It is a landscape steeped in the history of the New Testament and the gospels.
The free trail is the brainchild of local Israeli tour operator Maoz Inon, who runs a guesthouse in Nazareth in partnership with American David Landis, who has a track record in adventure tourism. They hope it will attract Christian pilgrims from around the world and help boost the local economy.
It took several years to plan in coordination with Israeli tourist authorities and has opened in time for the arrival of the pope and an expected spike in Christian tourism.
Full Story Here
U.S. Fears Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons at Risk
Senior American officials say they are increasingly concerned Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal may be at risk from a rising Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgency in the vulnerable country, the New York Times reported Monday.
Officials told the Times they are worried militants could take possession of the arms during transport or by potentially infiltrating atomic laboraties or fuel-production plants, but emphasized that there was no reason to believe that the arsenal faced an imminent threat.
The Taliban's recent incursion into Buner, a key region 60 miles from the capital, Islamabad, heightened global fears as the whereabouts of all of Pakistan’s nuclear sites is unknown.
According to The Times, the insurgency has left U.S. officials less willing to accept blanket assurances from Pakistan that the weapons are safe.
Full Story Here
Officials told the Times they are worried militants could take possession of the arms during transport or by potentially infiltrating atomic laboraties or fuel-production plants, but emphasized that there was no reason to believe that the arsenal faced an imminent threat.
The Taliban's recent incursion into Buner, a key region 60 miles from the capital, Islamabad, heightened global fears as the whereabouts of all of Pakistan’s nuclear sites is unknown.
According to The Times, the insurgency has left U.S. officials less willing to accept blanket assurances from Pakistan that the weapons are safe.
Full Story Here
Sunday, May 3, 2009
NPR axes Christian radio programs
In 1985, National Public Radio (NPR) adopted a policy stating that member stations had to provide "nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial" educational programming. But in February 2009, the wording was changed to say: "NPR Member Stations shall provide ONLY [emphasis added] nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial educational content on all broadcast channel(s) and related media distribution platforms such as member partners that use the NPR member brands."
The rule, which takes effect May 1, means that any NPR stations carrying religious programming must cease and desist that programming as of that date. In explaining its decision in a similar matter, PBS -- another federally funded media outlet -- says it "places a high value on presenting diverse perspectives, as opposed to rigidly adhering to any single political or religious point of view." Allowing such programming, it continues, "would cause the public's trust in PBS to erode, along with the value of the brand."
David McNabb is the host of "Christian Corner" on KJZA (in Williams, Arizona), which is a partner station with KJZZ in Phoenix. His and several other religious programs featured on the NPR member station will be axed effective tomorrow.
Full Story Here
The rule, which takes effect May 1, means that any NPR stations carrying religious programming must cease and desist that programming as of that date. In explaining its decision in a similar matter, PBS -- another federally funded media outlet -- says it "places a high value on presenting diverse perspectives, as opposed to rigidly adhering to any single political or religious point of view." Allowing such programming, it continues, "would cause the public's trust in PBS to erode, along with the value of the brand."
David McNabb is the host of "Christian Corner" on KJZA (in Williams, Arizona), which is a partner station with KJZZ in Phoenix. His and several other religious programs featured on the NPR member station will be axed effective tomorrow.
Full Story Here
Riots across Europe fuelled by economic crisis
Police in Berlin arrested 57 people while around 50 officers were hurt as young demonstrators threw bottles and rocks and set fire to cars and rubbish bins. There were also clashes in Hamburg, where anti-capitalist protesters attacked a bank.
In Turkey, masked protesters threw stones and petrol bombs at police, smashing banks and supermarket windows in its biggest city, Istanbul. Security forces fired tear gas and water cannon at hundreds of rioters and more than a hundred were arrested with dozens more hurt. There were also scattered skirmishes with police in the capital, Ankara, where 150,000 people marched.
The government had declared May Day, traditionally marked by rallies by labour unions, a public holiday this year under pressure from unions.
In Greece, officers fired flash grenades to disperse rioters in Athens after attacks on banks and traffic cameras. Transport strikes disrupted bus, train and ferry services as well as flights by Greek carrier Olympic Airlines.
Full Story Here
In Turkey, masked protesters threw stones and petrol bombs at police, smashing banks and supermarket windows in its biggest city, Istanbul. Security forces fired tear gas and water cannon at hundreds of rioters and more than a hundred were arrested with dozens more hurt. There were also scattered skirmishes with police in the capital, Ankara, where 150,000 people marched.
The government had declared May Day, traditionally marked by rallies by labour unions, a public holiday this year under pressure from unions.
In Greece, officers fired flash grenades to disperse rioters in Athens after attacks on banks and traffic cameras. Transport strikes disrupted bus, train and ferry services as well as flights by Greek carrier Olympic Airlines.
Full Story Here
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Doctors face orders to 'kill on demand' New assisted suicide law requires physicians to act
Physicians in Montana could be facing "kill-on-demand" orders from patients who want to commit suicide if a district court judge's opinion pending before the state Supreme Court is affirmed.
The case has attracted nominal attention nationwide, but lawyers with the Christian Legal Service have filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the pending case because of what it would mean to doctors within the state, as well as the precedent it would set.
The concern is over the attack on doctors' ethics and religious beliefs – as well as the Hippocratic oath – that may be violated by a demand that they prescribe deadly chemicals or in some other way assist in a person's death.
M. Casey Mattox, a lawyer with the CLS, told WND that states allowing a "right to die" across the country – Oregon and Washington – include an opt-out provision for physicians with ethical or religious opposition to participating in killing a patient.
Full Story
The case has attracted nominal attention nationwide, but lawyers with the Christian Legal Service have filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the pending case because of what it would mean to doctors within the state, as well as the precedent it would set.
The concern is over the attack on doctors' ethics and religious beliefs – as well as the Hippocratic oath – that may be violated by a demand that they prescribe deadly chemicals or in some other way assist in a person's death.
M. Casey Mattox, a lawyer with the CLS, told WND that states allowing a "right to die" across the country – Oregon and Washington – include an opt-out provision for physicians with ethical or religious opposition to participating in killing a patient.
Full Story
Friday, May 1, 2009
Hamas Army Preparing for New War
The defacto Hamas government in Gaza is re-training its army and changing its tactics in preparation for what it believes will be another war with Israel, according to Staretegypage.com. Iran and Hizbullah are advising Hamas on how to overcome its failures against Israel in the IDFs Operation Cast Lead counterterrorist campaign earlier this year.
Hamas tactics in the war backfired. It told its fighters to dress in civilian clothes as a ploy to raise civilian casualties, but the IDF surprised it by pinpointing its attacks and warning civilians to leave areas before they were bombed.
Hamas has used the ceasefire, which Israel declared on condition that international monitors would be positioned along the Egyptian border to stop smuggling, to bring in advanced weapons through new tunnels that have been built. Two Arab smugglers or workers were killed Thursday morning in a tunnel collapse underneath the border at Rafiah.
Full Story
Hamas tactics in the war backfired. It told its fighters to dress in civilian clothes as a ploy to raise civilian casualties, but the IDF surprised it by pinpointing its attacks and warning civilians to leave areas before they were bombed.
Hamas has used the ceasefire, which Israel declared on condition that international monitors would be positioned along the Egyptian border to stop smuggling, to bring in advanced weapons through new tunnels that have been built. Two Arab smugglers or workers were killed Thursday morning in a tunnel collapse underneath the border at Rafiah.
Full Story
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