Sunday, December 22, 2013

In the news, Monday, December 16, 2013


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DEC 15      INDEX      DEC 17
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Information from some sites may not be reliable, or may not be vetted.
Some sources may require subscription.

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from ABC News (& affiliates)

Woman loses $3,000 in mystery shopping scam
Job applicant out $3,000 in check-cashing scam
Most Secret Shopper ads/jobs are scams. The Better Business Bureau even says most are scams and to never pay to get a job, for those that charge are always scams.

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from AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

The Lie of the Year!
PolitiFact has named "If you like your health care plan, you can keep it," the Lie of the Year for 2013.


from AsiaNews

Christmas in Nepal: record sales for Jesus and the Virgin figurines
Since last year, sales of Christmas-themed gifts and decorations shot up 100 per cent. Kathmandu handicraft shops have extended their hours to meet demand. "Since the fall of the monarchy, people are freer and we sell items not only to Christians but also to Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims," one gift shop owner said.

Kim Jong-un's wife and aunt survive Pyongyang's purges
Kim Kyong-hui, sister of the late Kim Jong-il and wife of the "enemy of the state" Jang Song- taek, was named to a high-ranking committee charged with organising the funeral of a senior regime official. During a review of the troops, the young dictator's wife Ri Sol-ju was seen again by his side. Pyongyang recalls its business officials from China.

For Caritas Lebanon, "thousands of Syrian refugees could die from the cold and the snow"
The refugee situation in the Bekaa Valley (eastern Lebanon) is "terrible, said Mgr Simon Faddoul, president of Caritas Lebanon. In addition to cold and hunger, people could die from fires caused by makeshift stoves. Yesterday, a one-year-old child died in a fire in a refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Caritas calls on people to remember at Christmas Syria's more than 1.3 million war refugees.

OIC: interreligious dialogue as a condition for world peace
Organisation of the Islamic Conference releases a statement on the meeting between Pope Francis and the secretary general of the OIC, focusing on the need for greater efforts to encourage religious pluralism and cultural diversity against the spread of fanaticism and prejudice. The communiqué also expresses concern for Syria, and stresses the "historic reconciliation" between Islam and Christianity.

Advent: Indonesian Catholics spreading the 'virus of love' among the poor and marginalised
Catholics are preparing to celebrate Christmas with a number of initiatives of charity and sharing. They include free mobile check-ups, blood donation drives, and providing help to the neediest. The Archdiocese of Jakarta is also preparing a Christmas thanksgiving dinner for a thousand orphans.

Sri Lankan religious leaders say they learnt forgiveness and reconciliation from Mandela
The former British colony marks the passing of the anti-apartheid leader with a special event organised by an interfaith organisation at the South African High Commission in Colombo. Buddhist, Catholic, Christian and Hindu leaders offer a special prayer for the late president.

Japanese Bishops: Governments’ state secrecy law betrays the Constitution
The government has approved the controversial norm under pressure from the Liberal Democratic Party, which prevented a serious parliamentary debate. According to the Permanent Commission of the Japanese Bishops' Conference, “the manner and the contents of this law is an attack on the three pillars of our Constitution: popular sovereignty, respect for human rights and pacifism".

Pope: When Church lacks prophecy the vacuum is filled by legalism and therefore clericalism
In the Gospel the "priests went to Jesus to ask for his stamp of authority: 'By what authority are you doing these things? We are the masters of the Temple'". "They did not understand the prophecies. They had forgotten the promise! They did not know how to read the signs of the time, they had neither piercing eyes, nor hearing for the Word of God: they only had authority."

Bangkok: Army intervenes to ensure “fair” elections, opposition divided over turnout
First cracks appear in anti-government camp over whether or not to participate in early elections called by the government. Official confirmation that the army supports the vote and is ready to intervene "if it is not free and fair". AsiaNews sources speak of "major tension" behind an "apparent stalemate." One wrong step is likely to trigger a "violent revolution".

Ancient Mumbai crucifix desecrated. Card Gracias : A wound for the entire population
Unknown assailants pulled the statue of Jesus from the cross and smashed it to pieces. The incident occurred in the district of Vile Parle, near the church of St. Francis Xavier, where 37 children were preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. The archbishop of Mumbai describes it as an “attack on the tolerance, harmony and diversity that characterize our beloved city." Last September, another church was desecrated in Mumbai.

Xinjiang, 16 killed in a clash with police
The official version claims police looking for suspects and criminals were attacked by "thugs" and "terrorists." Beijing responds to Uyghur desire for greater autonomy and justice with a ruthless military, economic and religious control.

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from Associated Press
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BBC's Alastair Leithead reports from Seattle in the US state of Washington, where residents have held a public celebration, marking 12 months of legalised recreational cannabis use.

Scientists warn antibacterial products may create resistance to antibiotics in humans. The US health regulator has warned that antibacterial chemicals in soaps and body washes may pose health risks.

Construction workers at the World Cup football stadium in the Brazilian city of Manaus have gone on strike demanding better safety conditions.

A top NSA official has raised the possibility of an amnesty for fugitive intelligence contractor Edward Snowden if he agrees to stop leaking documents.

Nearly three-quarters of Syria's population will need humanitarian aid in 2014, according to the UN, which has launched its biggest ever appeal.

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from CBS News (& affiliates)
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from CNSNews.com (& NewsBusters)

Megyn Kelly Responds to Santa Claus Critics: Get a Sense of Humor

Gingrich Schools Reich: 'Every Major City Which Is a Poverty Center Is Run By Democrats'

WashPost Political Bloggers Deeply Love Boehner Denouncing Tea Party Groups

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from Columbia Basin Herald

Intruder kills man in Spokane home
Detectives believe the man who was shot Sunday night in Spokane was targeted. He moved from Moses Lake to Spokane about a year ago.

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from EarthSky

Long-lasting greenhouse gas breaks all the records
A newly identified greenhouse gas shatters all other records for the chemical’s potential to contribute to climate change.

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from Facecrooks

Blogger: Facebook Posted My Private Messages to my Wall
A blogger reported that Facebook published some of her old private messages to her Timeline. Several users reported similar incidents last year, but Facebook has denied these claims. Who do you believe? Have you ever had your private messages appear on your Timeline?

How to Clear Your Facebook Search History
Do you ever delete your Facebook search history? In case you didn't know, Facebook keeps a record of everything you have searched for on the site. If you use a shared computer, or would otherwise keep this information to yourself, then use this quick guide to clear it.

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from The Federalist Papers

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from Fox News

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from Freedom Foundation

A King County judge says part of the citizen-passed charter school law will not be implemented, but most other provisions survived the union-funded legal attack...for now.  The finding that charter schools are not "common schools" only means charters may not be eligible for building funds, which are available only to the state system of common schools. The education funding for public charter schools remains intact.

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from Greatist

What Are Antioxidants (and How Do They Work)?
An “antioxidant” is actually not a substance; it’s a behavior.

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from The Heritage Foundation

from iFIBRE ONE News

Ephrata enjoys the Miracle on Main Street
Ephrata celebrated the Christmas season Saturday with a parade, the Jingle Bell  fun run, children's crafts, a visit with Santa and lots of cookies.

Shooting threat ends in arrest for New York man on Friday night
A New York man made a threat to the wrong person at Tymmy O’Shea’s Irish Pub in Moses Lake Friday night.

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from International Christian Concern
(PERSECUTION.org)

Religious Minorities Held Out of Pakistan’s Government by Corrupt Election Process
Christians and other religious minority groups continue to be held out of Pakistan's government by its complicated and corrupt election process. Minorities do not have the right to directly elect members of their communities to seats in Pakistan's government that are specifically reserved for members of that community. Instead, these seats are filled by the controlling political parties who often sell the seats to the highest bidder. Unfortunately, this has meant that the seats reserved for Christians are often held by individuals who do not have the minority community's best interest at heart. This has allowed official forms of persecution in Pakistan, like the country's controversial blasphemy law, to continue to exist and be abused against Christians. Please pray that someday, Christians will be able to elect their own representatives to the Pakistani government.

133-Year-Old Statue of Jesus Vandalized in Mumbai, India
A 133-year-old statue of Jesus at St. Francis Xavier Church of Santa Cruz was intentionally vandalized in a suburb of Mumbai, India. Many Christian rights groups have strongly condemned the desecration and have called on local police to bring the culprits to justice. Religious intolerance is growing in India and now Christians in the suburbs of India's major cities are beginning to see the signs of the change in culture. Much of the intolerance can be traced back to the recent rise of Hindu nationalism in both India's society and government.

Judge Orders Removal of Mountain Top Cross in San Diego
In yet another small victory for anti-religious groups in the United States a district judge has ordered the removal of the Mount Soledad cross, although the order may simply be a move that allows for an appeal with the hope of the case being taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. In recent years atheist groups have actively pushed for the removal of all Christian symbolism from public property, arguing that monuments such as the Mount Soledad cross are the equivalent of a government endorsement of religion.

Hungary Launches “Official Assault” on Methodist Church
Hungary is being called out by a prominent U.S. lawmaker for it's latest attempt to regulate faith groups. A major church in Hungary was "stripped" of it's registered status by a new religion law and is now being investigated by the government after filing an application to register. The new religion law is viewed by many Christians in the nation as a step backwards towards the repression of the Communist era.

Islamic Law Imposed in Christian Village in Syria
A disturbing pattern has emerged in villages throughout Syria. Rebel groups have captured another village, largely populated by Christians, has come under control and is seeing horrific destruction. The majority of the population has not been forced to leave, but are staying and living under Islamic law a local church leader reports.

Iraq’s Battle to Save its Christian Souls: ‘Christians Are Finished Here’
Ten years removed from the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s Christian community is struggling to survive in a country still marked with violence. Throughout the decade the Christian community has been among the most vulnerable groups, suffering from robbery, rape, kidnapping, and murders. The result has been that the country’s million plus Christians now only number some 200,000.

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from The Jerusalem Post

Report: Suicide bomber targets Hezbollah operatives in eastern Lebanon
Lebanese media reports explosives-laden vehicle slams into vans carrying Hezbollah members in Baalbek region.

Croatian soccer player banned from World Cup over pro-Nazi chants
FIFA announces punishment for Josip Simunic, who at playoff shouted salute used during WWII by Nazi-allied fascist movement.

Poll reveals most Palestinians think peace talks with Israel are dead
Palestinian Center for Public Opinion poll finds that 56% of Palestinians expect a fresh confrontation with Israel.

Farrakhan: Kanye West does not owe Jews an apology
Nation of Islam leader defends rapper after comments on Jewish "connections" deemed anti-Semitic.

Terrorist media versus the Western press
Analysis: It is perplexing as to why Newseum entertains the idea to honor employees aiding nefarious regimes.

Ritz-Carlton opens its doors in Israel, eyes more branches
The Ritz-Carlton is the first of a wave of international luxury hotels slated to open in Israel.

Security Council condemns shooting death of IDF soldier near Lebanon border
15-member body says that a UN investigation confirms Lebanese soldier acted on his own volition and opened fire at IDF soldier.

The Syria mess is Obama’s doing
Syria, Israel's northern neighbor, is becoming a destination for jihadists from all over the world; Who is to blame? President Barack Obama.

Analysis: Were the results of the storm unavoidable, or did the gov't slip up?
Who’s to blame for cities being cut off from the rest of the country for more than two days and thousands being forced to find alternative housing?

White House consults Israeli officials on final-status Iran nuclear deal
US national security adviser Rice met Israeli counterpart Yossi Cohen in Washington last week.

IDF soldier killed in Lebanese border shooting identified as St.-Sgt. Maj. Shlomi Cohen
Israel suspects Lebanese soldier acting alone opened fire; IDF will have to examine how Cohen was permitted to drive alone at night near the frontier, former senior IDF official says.

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from KHQ Local News (Spokane)

SOUTH HILL MURDER: Police Looking For Anyone Who's Done Business With Victim
Spokane Major Crimes wants anyone who has done business with South Hill murder victim Doug Carlile to come forward.

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from KING 5 (Seattle)

FDA: Anti-bacterial soaps may not curb bacteria
Today the FDA said there's no evidence anti-bacterial soaps help prevent the spread of germs and the chemicals used may pose health risks.

USS Nimitz returns to home port in Everett
The aircraft carrier Nimitz has returned to its home port in Everett, completing a nine-month deployment in which it saw action in the Afghanistan War.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) off the coast of San Diego in July 2009. US Navy Photo.


Deadly crash shuts down I-5 near JBLM for 11 hours

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from KIRO 7 Eyewitness News (Seattle)

Fatal crash blocks all SB Interstate 5 lanes

FDA: Anti-bacterial soaps may not curb bacteria
An FDA analysis estimates it will cost companies $112.2 million to $368.8 million to comply with the new regulations, including reformulating some products and removing marketing claims from others.

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from KOMO News (Seattle)

Animal group open to accepting dogs from 'Sanctuary of Sorrow'
The man at the center of a controversial dog sanctuary shocked his many critics over the weekend by announcing he's willing to shut down. Steve Markwell said in a statement posted on an affiliated Facebook page that he wants to transfer the dogs to a high-profile animal sanctuary in Utah called "Best Friends Animal Society."

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from KREM 2 News (Spokane)

Deputies blame prescription drugs for Newport City Park death

63-year-old victim identified in South Hill shooting
The Spokane County Medical Examiner identified the man who was shot and killed Sunday at a home near Garfield and 25th. Sources said the gunman was waiting inside the home of Douglas Carlile, 63, and his wife after they returned from an outing.  Carlile was shot and killed in his kitchen.

ACLU sues to protect sex offender information
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit to protect the names and addresses of Level One sex offenders from being released to the public.

Wash. Tuskegee Airman remembered for his sacrifices

'Lawrence of Arabia' star Peter O'Toole dead at 81

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from KXLY 4 News (Spokane)

Police: South Hill shooting not random attack

Deputies believe Newport woman died of drug overdose, exposure

Harvard buildings reopen after threat
Apparent hoax forces professors to reschedule, cancel some final exams

Groom dies trying to assist driver after his wedding
William Riley Knight was hit by a car while assisting stranded motorist

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from LiveScience

Case Is Closed: Multivitamins Are a Waste of Money, Doctors Say

Does Coca-Cola Contain Cocaine?
While the Coca-Cola Company officially denies the presence of cocaine in any of its products — past or present — historical evidence suggests that the original Coca-Cola did, in fact, contain cocaine.

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from Money Talks News
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from Mother Nature Network

The bicycle you won't be able to live without
A revolutionary new device turns your existing bike into one powered by electricity. You can even equip it to tweet out pollution levels while it careens through town.

How to plan a 'green the family' meeting
Do you really want to green your home? You can't do it alone. Here's how to get the sort of family buy-in you need to make it work.

How 'hygge' can help you get through winter
The vague cultural concept doesn't translate easily into English, but it has helped Denmark become the 'happiest country on Earth' despite long, dark winters.

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from Natural Society

Uruguay Becomes World’s First to Legalize Marijuana Nationwide

5 Tips for Naturally Staying Well and Flu-Free this Winter

The Herbal Remedy to Kick the Smoking Habit & Repair the LungsOnce banned by the FDA, lobelia (Indian tobacco), has been used as an herbal remedy for generations to help people quit smoking and heal their lungs.

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from NPR
Rep. Jared Polis has accepted an offer to publically debate fracking and Colorado energy development.

Searching Alaska's Ancient Shoreline Reveals Early Human Habitation Finds
It's coming through a new method of locating early settlements. But it's not easy to search for ancient shorelines in a region where sea level is not a constant thing.

Five Things You Should Know About The Art of Steelhead Fishing
Sean M. Gallagher grew up fishing steelhead. And he's just penned a glossy two-volume book about "the lures and lore of a Pacific Northwest icon."

China Imposes First-Ever West Coast Shellfish Ban
China has suspended imports of shellfish from the west coast of the United States -- an unprecedented move that cuts off a $270 million Northwest industry. The restriction took effect last week and China's government says it will continue indefinitely.

5 By O'Toole: What To Watch Beyond 'Lawrence Of Arabia'
Once you've watched the epic that made him famous, you'll want to see these five landmark films.

Mandela Interpreter Says He Was In Group That Killed Two Men

Drop in California's Psychiatric Beds Leaves Severely Mentally Ill With Few Places to Go
Most of the rural northern and Sierra counties have no inpatient mental health services at all.

No Amnesty For Edward Snowden, White House Says
Speculation the ex-NSA contractor could get amnesty were fueled by comments from an agency official.

Sen. John McCain Addresses Anti-Government Protesters In Kiev
"To all Ukrainians, America stands with you." Meanwhile talks with the European Union over a trade deal seemed to sour further.

Top French Officials Won't Attend Sochi Olympics
French President François Hollande will not attend the Sochi Olympics in Russia this February, the country's foreign minister announced. German leaders made the same decision last week, without an explanation.

Healthy Habits Can Help Induce Sleep Without The Pills
Regular bedtimes can really help with the shuteye. So does keeping the laptop out of the bedroom.

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from One Minute Healings

Tis the season to up your probiotics. Kombucha is a great way to do this. [shared from thekitchn.com]

[shared from The Herb Gardener]

[shared from Frugally Sustainable]

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from PreventDisease.com

The fascinating and recent discovery of a new, second DNA code last week further lends credence to what metaphysical scientists have been saying for millennia -- the body speaks two different languages.

Protecting public health shouldn’t be this hard. When it comes to chemical safety, Congress should shift the burden of proof from regulators to manufacturers. A recent survey conducted by researchers at the U.S. Geographic Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found traces of 18 unregulated chemicals in drinking water from more than one third of U.S. water utilities. Of the 21 total chemicals found, researchers discovered among them 11 perfluorinated chemicals, an herbicide, two solvents, caffeine, an antibacterial chemical, a metal and an antidepressant.

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from Real Clear Politics

Sen. Sessions Reveals Budget Deal Includes Secret Language Making It Easier To Increase Spending
How can Republicans and their Beltway cheerleaders endorse this budget deal knowing this?


from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer


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from Slate

Snap Out of It
If this judge doesn’t buy the legal basis for the NSA’s intrusive phone snooping, no one should.

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from Slate's The Vault Blog
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from Space.com (& CollectSpace)

Water Geysers on Jupiter Moon Europa May Boost Support for Life-Hunting Mission
Could the discovery of water geysers on Europa could build some momentum for a mission concept the space agency is developing called the Europa Clipper?

Big Bang to Civilization: 10 Amazing Origin Events (Op-Ed)
A new creation story of the universe, the Earth, life and humanity based on the evidence and skepticism of science.

New colorized images of asteroid Vesta
“No artist could paint something like that. Only nature can do this.” – Astronomer Martin Hoffman

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from The Spokesman-Review

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from ThatsNonsense.com

Beware the Share-To-Watch Facebook Videos
Forcing Facebook users to share a webpage before they can access its content has always been a popular social engineering trick with scammers. Most of these are survey scams but can also trick you into installing rogue browser extensions. The same template is used in other scams as well, including scams that claim to be giving away free vouchers, coupons or even the latest must-have electronic gadgets. Such cons tell victims that in order to claim their freebie they need to share the page on their Facebook timeline first.

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from Wenatchee World

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