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from AsiaNews
At audience with the Roman Curia for Christmas greetings, Pope Francis underlines professionalism, service and holiness as the quality of a member of the Curia. He warns against "mediocrity" and turning the Curia into a " a ponderous, bureaucratic customshouse". And above all, the need to "conscientious object to gossip". The greeting of Msgr . Pietro Parolin, the new Secretary of State.
The U.S. not convinced Tehran’s presence "would be the right thing." The United Nations and the Arab League envoy, however, adds that "Iran is not yet out of the game" , and can still contribute even if not by officially participating. The Iranian Foreign Minister calls for "a political solution" to the conflict in Syria. Islamist fringe rebels increasingly opposed to the Peace Conference
South Sudan evacuation aircraft fired on, US troops hurt
Four US service personnel on an evacuation mission have been wounded after their aircraft were shot at in South Sudan, the US military says.
Official of the Department of Religious Affairs, the imam of a local mosque, says that Christianity is "a mistake, not a religion but a myth." And warns people to convert to Islam. "Songs of praise to God" also banned. Jehovah's Witness sentenced to 18 months in prison for crimes of opinion and defense of religious freedom.
In an open letter to President Aquino, 21 bishops call for a halt to projects that are likely to jeopardize the ecosystem of Manila Bay. It cites 38 actions that are of "deep concern" even among scientists and environmentalists. The head of state, warn the bishops, must look to the "common good" not "financial interests."
In March 2014, the Thai capital will host a conference that will bring together the leaders in the world of business and finance. Not only business but also the ethical and social issues in focus. Also under discussion the new evangelization and pastoral challenges of the future “that affect every sector of human life."
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from BBC News
South Sudan evacuation aircraft fired on, US troops hurt
Four US service personnel on an evacuation mission have been wounded after their aircraft were shot at in South Sudan, the US military says.
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from Charisma News
YEAR IN REVIEW: The 7 Great Lies in the Church Today
False teachings running rampant within the American church have created a “whiteout” condition for millions of believers. Here’s how to detect—and overcome—these destructive doctrines before it’s too late. 1) Overemphasis of Prosperity; 2) Exaggerated View of Grace; 3) Antinomianism; 4) Deification of Man; 5) Challenging the Authority of the Word; 6) Rejecting Hell; 7) Universal Reconciliation.
False teachings running rampant within the American church have created a “whiteout” condition for millions of believers. Here’s how to detect—and overcome—these destructive doctrines before it’s too late. 1) Overemphasis of Prosperity; 2) Exaggerated View of Grace; 3) Antinomianism; 4) Deification of Man; 5) Challenging the Authority of the Word; 6) Rejecting Hell; 7) Universal Reconciliation.
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from CNSNews.com (& NewsBusters)
Megyn Kelly Responds to Santa Claus Critics: Get a Sense of Humor
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from Collective Evolution
[Information from this site may not be reliable.]
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from Conservative Outfitters
from The Daily Caller
The top seven global warming alarmist setbacks in 2013
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from Examiner.com
[Information from this site may not be vetted.]
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Can you explain why Earth has four seasons?
The change of seasons is a thrilling natural phenomenon. The Earth has seasons because the planet’s axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees.
from EarthSky
Can you explain why Earth has four seasons?
The change of seasons is a thrilling natural phenomenon. The Earth has seasons because the planet’s axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees.
Are the December solstice and the January perihelion related?
Earth is closest to the sun in 2014 on January 4. That’s not long after December solstice, when Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is titled most away from the sun for the year. But these two events aren’t related.
Happy December solstice, everyone
Everything you need to know: December solstice 2013
The December solstice marks the longest night in Northern Hemisphere and longest day in the Southern Hemisphere. Celebration time!
Earth is closest to the sun in 2014 on January 4. That’s not long after December solstice, when Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is titled most away from the sun for the year. But these two events aren’t related.
Happy December solstice, everyone
Everything you need to know: December solstice 2013
The December solstice marks the longest night in Northern Hemisphere and longest day in the Southern Hemisphere. Celebration time!
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from Facecrooks
Fake Message from Facebook Security Stating You Violated a Policy
[Phishing Alert] This scam has resurfaced yet again. Disregard any messages claiming that you have violated a Facebook policy or that you need to confirm your account. These are phishing schemes designed to steal your FB account. It's a good idea to check your friends list and make sure you don't have anything like 'Blocking Notice' or 'Facebook Security' on your list. Check the alert for more information and tips!
This is what Happens When a Little Girl Gives Marijuana a Try
[Phishing Alert] This scam has resurfaced yet again. Disregard any messages claiming that you have violated a Facebook policy or that you need to confirm your account. These are phishing schemes designed to steal your FB account. It's a good idea to check your friends list and make sure you don't have anything like 'Blocking Notice' or 'Facebook Security' on your list. Check the alert for more information and tips!
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from The Farmacy (& Strawbale City)
[Information from this site may not be reliable.]
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from The Federalist Papers
Utter Chaos: White House Exempts Millions From Obamacare’s Insurance Mandate, ‘Unaffordable’ Exchanges.
This is what happens when you elect a President with no executive level or private sector experience!
Obamacare Initiates Self-Destruction Sequence
Judge: Utah’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional
Congress Fakes Fiscal Responsibility as Uncle Sam Heads toward Bankruptcy
A&E, “Duck Dynasty,” and the Climate of Intolerance in America
Huge backlash mounts over suspension of ‘Duck Dynasty’ star
This is what happens when you elect a President with no executive level or private sector experience!
Obamacare Initiates Self-Destruction Sequence
Judge: Utah’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional
Congress Fakes Fiscal Responsibility as Uncle Sam Heads toward Bankruptcy
A&E, “Duck Dynasty,” and the Climate of Intolerance in America
Huge backlash mounts over suspension of ‘Duck Dynasty’ star
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from Fox News
New Jersey Cops Suspended for Serving Their Country?
17-year-old shot at Colorado high school dies
NASA astronauts tackle urgent spacewalking repairs
Chase Limits Debit Purchases of Customers Who Shopped at Target
Plus, a security expert on how to protect your private information!
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from International Christian Concern
(PERSECUTION.org)
Persecuted Vietnamese Bishop: ‘Our Goal Remains Forgiveness’
Bishop Paul Nguyen Thai Hop says the goals of the Christian community he leads remain "dialogue, peace, charity, and forgiveness," despite intense pressure from authorities in recent months after the arrest of two of his parishioners. The arrest of the two men was followed by a protest from fellow Christians which was subsequently crushed by violent force. Vietnamese authorities than launched a "smear campaign" against the bishop in state media. Nevertheless, the Bishop continues to lead his flock in protest for the imprisoned parishioners.
Champion for Religious Freedom Set to Retire from Congress
In an announcement last week Congressman Frank Wolf, Republican from Virginia, announced he would not be seeking an 18th term. The Congressman has been a powerful advocate for religious minorities across the globe, including Buddhist's in Tibet, Bahai's in Iran, and Christians all around the Middle East. In 1998 Congressman Wolf authored the International Religious Freedom Act, creating an office at the State Department, an Ambassador-at-Large for international religious freedom, as well the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. A longtime friend of ICC, his tireless advocacy for persecuted Christians and others around the world on Capitol Hill will be sorely
Will Conference on Religion in Kazakhstan Result in Positive Changes?
IGE HOLDS REGION-WIDE CONFERENCE ON RELIGION, SECURITY AND CITIZENSHIP IN CENTRAL ASIA
On 5-6 December, the Institute for Global Engagement, together with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, held a conference in Almaty, Kazakhstan on “Religion, Security and Citizenship in Central Asia.” The conference was the second in the “Religion, Security and Citizenship in Central Asia” series.
Iraqi Archbishop Calls on West to ‘Open Eyes’ to Christians’ Middle East Exodus
The Archbishop of Baghdad urges the West to release what has been happening in Iraq over the past decade in regards to the country’s Christian community. The general insecurity and violence has impacted the Christian community most of all. Some 850,000 Iraqi Christians have left the country, according to a recent statement by the U.N. The long-term impact of such a large-scale demographic shift will be staggering. Perhaps the most worrying figure is that similar scenarios are currently in play in Iraq’s neighboring country of Syria and in Egypt. This factor must be added into the calculus of the world’s decision makers.
Religious Tensions Continue to Rise in Sri Lanka
Religious intolerance continues to rise on the island nation of Sri Lanka for the third year in a row. Buddhist nationalism continues to fuel violence against religious minorities including Christian, Muslims and Hindus. In 2013 alone, there were over 65 reported violent attacks on Christians. Many estimate the actual number of attacks and instances of intimidation much higher. Please pray that in 2014, Christian persecution and religious intolerance decrease.
Church Attacked and Burnt Down in Southern India
Christian persecution in India continues to be fueled by Hindu nationalism as Hindu nationalist group gain power in the government and India's majority Hindu population. On December 16, a small evangelical church in southern India was attacked by a mob of Hindu radicals. These radicals beat the pastor and his family savagely for the successful outreach work they had been doing in their village. After beating the pastor and his wife, the mob moved on and attacked the church itself. In the end, the mob burnt down the church and everything in it. Anti-Christian violence like this is becoming more common across India. Please pray for the victims of this attack and for all Indian Christians.
450,000 Christian Syrians Displaced in Long-term Crisis
Speaking of the impact of the war in Syria on the Christian community, Patriarch Gregory Laham III said more than 1,000 Christians have been killed and another 450,000 are among the nine million displaced Syrians. There have been some 85 churches who have been destroyed, burned, or otherwise desecrated. The presence of militant Islamic extremists, with a stated goal and demonstrated practice implementing a strict interpretation of Islamic rule, has been the primary source of attacks against the Christian community.
Deeper Darkness Settles Over North Korea
It began with a media frenzy. Six months into Kim Jong-un’s new reign over North Korea, the internet was filled with images and video of the smiling new leader waving to his beloved people. ABC news reported the “youthful supreme leader” was “attempting to forge a new image for himself and his country” by allowing women to wear pants and endorsing banned foods like French fries and pizza. A few months before, on Jan. 1, the newly minted leader of the world’s most militant regime had publicly called for an end to the almost fifty year old confrontation between the two Koreas. The façade was not to last.
Christian persecution in India continues to be fueled by Hindu nationalism as Hindu nationalist group gain power in the government and India's majority Hindu population. On December 16, a small evangelical church in southern India was attacked by a mob of Hindu radicals. These radicals beat the pastor and his family savagely for the successful outreach work they had been doing in their village. After beating the pastor and his wife, the mob moved on and attacked the church itself. In the end, the mob burnt down the church and everything in it. Anti-Christian violence like this is becoming more common across India. Please pray for the victims of this attack and for all Indian Christians.
450,000 Christian Syrians Displaced in Long-term Crisis
Speaking of the impact of the war in Syria on the Christian community, Patriarch Gregory Laham III said more than 1,000 Christians have been killed and another 450,000 are among the nine million displaced Syrians. There have been some 85 churches who have been destroyed, burned, or otherwise desecrated. The presence of militant Islamic extremists, with a stated goal and demonstrated practice implementing a strict interpretation of Islamic rule, has been the primary source of attacks against the Christian community.
Deeper Darkness Settles Over North Korea
It began with a media frenzy. Six months into Kim Jong-un’s new reign over North Korea, the internet was filled with images and video of the smiling new leader waving to his beloved people. ABC news reported the “youthful supreme leader” was “attempting to forge a new image for himself and his country” by allowing women to wear pants and endorsing banned foods like French fries and pizza. A few months before, on Jan. 1, the newly minted leader of the world’s most militant regime had publicly called for an end to the almost fifty year old confrontation between the two Koreas. The façade was not to last.
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from The Jerusalem Post
The Academic Boycott and the Failure of the American Jewish Diaspora
Latest boycott should be a grim wake-up call for those swashbuckling Jewish philanthropists who give over their wealth to colleges and universities.
Iranian negotiator: Talks on nuclear deal 'slowly' making progress
Latest boycott should be a grim wake-up call for those swashbuckling Jewish philanthropists who give over their wealth to colleges and universities.
Iranian negotiator: Talks on nuclear deal 'slowly' making progress
Iran's Deputy FM Araqchi tells state-run TV that technical talks, which resumed Thursday, are set to continue Sunday; expert-level negotiations aim to resolve implementation details of interim nuclear accord.
Honor killings are an appalling phenomenon still happening today. How one woman became a victim.
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from KING 5 (Seattle)
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from KIRO 7 Eyewitness News (Seattle)
Machinists to vote again on Boeing 777X offer
National leaders of the Machinists union are scheduling a vote on a proposed contract between Boeing and Puget Sound machinists, despite objections from local union officials who have already rejected the company's latest offer.
National leaders of the Machinists union are scheduling a vote on a proposed contract between Boeing and Puget Sound machinists, despite objections from local union officials who have already rejected the company's latest offer.
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from KOMO News (Seattle)
from KREM 2 News (Spokane)
Washington state, home to Microsoft (MSFT), Boeing (BA) and Amazon.com (AMZN) on Friday was dubbed by Bloomberg News as the nation's most innovative state, edging California and Massachusetts.
Representative Lawerence Denney says recent controversy over comments made by Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson will not deter him from bringing the reality stars to the Idaho Center in March for a fundraiser for his campaign for Secretary of State.
Sammamish students continue protest of gay vice principal's exit
Students at Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish are continuing their protest of the forced departure of a gay vice principal. Mark Zmuda resigned under pressure from school administrators after they learned he had married his same-sex partner. Zmuda signed a contract that stated he would follow the church's official teachings, and gay marriage violates that contract.
Panel dismisses free meal complaint against Wash. lawmakers
An investigation found that the state's 50 most active lobbyists pampered Wash. state legislators with $65,000 in free meals in the first four months of this year. A legislative ethics panel has dismissed a complaint filed over the practice of some Washington state lawmakers accepting free meals from lobbyists, but the board said that if the Legislature doesn't address the issue in the upcoming 60-day legislative session, the panel will work to establish rules on an enforceable standard.
Call centers add to Target customer frustration after data theft
The help centers have essentially shut down due to what the Target website defines as an “unprecedented call volume.”
SPD claims Rockwood presence is not special treatment
SPD says patrols in the affluent Rockwood neighborhood after last weekend's murder had nothing to do with the wealth in the area.
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Sammamish students continue protest of gay vice principal's exit
Students at Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish are continuing their protest of the forced departure of a gay vice principal. Mark Zmuda resigned under pressure from school administrators after they learned he had married his same-sex partner. Zmuda signed a contract that stated he would follow the church's official teachings, and gay marriage violates that contract.
Panel dismisses free meal complaint against Wash. lawmakers
An investigation found that the state's 50 most active lobbyists pampered Wash. state legislators with $65,000 in free meals in the first four months of this year. A legislative ethics panel has dismissed a complaint filed over the practice of some Washington state lawmakers accepting free meals from lobbyists, but the board said that if the Legislature doesn't address the issue in the upcoming 60-day legislative session, the panel will work to establish rules on an enforceable standard.
Call centers add to Target customer frustration after data theft
The help centers have essentially shut down due to what the Target website defines as an “unprecedented call volume.”
SPD claims Rockwood presence is not special treatment
SPD says patrols in the affluent Rockwood neighborhood after last weekend's murder had nothing to do with the wealth in the area.
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from Mother Nature Network
27 gourmet vegetarian recipes for Christmas dinner
If you want to make your holiday meal a lot more interesting, check out these gourmet vegetarian and vegan recipes. Bonus: Most are fairly simple to make.
Why winter solstice is the shortest day
On Dec. 21, the top half of the planet will face away from the sun, leaving the North Pole in complete darkness.
Around the world in 10 spectacular photos
National Geographic shines a spotlight on the best travel photos of 2013, a stunning collection accumulated over the past year on the company's daily photo feature, Travel 365.
If you want to make your holiday meal a lot more interesting, check out these gourmet vegetarian and vegan recipes. Bonus: Most are fairly simple to make.
Why winter solstice is the shortest day
On Dec. 21, the top half of the planet will face away from the sun, leaving the North Pole in complete darkness.
Around the world in 10 spectacular photos
National Geographic shines a spotlight on the best travel photos of 2013, a stunning collection accumulated over the past year on the company's daily photo feature, Travel 365.
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from Natural Society
Honey Bee Decimation Blamed on Pesticides, Parasites, and More
Brazil Poised to Legalize GMO “Suicide Seeds”
Marijuana Compounds Found to ‘Protect Nervous System’ Against MS
How Potatoes can Help you Survive Food Shortages and Boost Your HealthExcluding French fries and potato chips, some health experts consider potatoes superfoods. Unfortunately, the stigma of spuds remains; their health promoting and nutritional aspects are mostly unknown, buried in misinformation and partial facts that scare most consumers away.
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from The New York Times
Mixed Messages Add Anxiety as Deadline Nears in Health Act
New Health Law Frustrates Many in Middle Class
Many Americans who don’t quality for health care subsidies are facing steep premium prices.
from NPR
Once Again, Irish Youth Are Leaving For A Better Life Overseas
17-Year-Old Colorado School Shooting Victim Claire Davis Dies
Reporter's Notebook: 'What Part Of Sacred Don't You Understand?'
The controversy over the auction of Hopi objects boils down to competing definitions of the sacred.
Camels Trek In The Texas Desert, Just Like Old Times
On Failing To Spot Gibberish
"Any competent speaker can recognize pseudo speech with little effort. And any competent signer is similarly able to spot signed gibberish in a flash. But crossing over modalities is another matter altogether." Commentator Alva Noë reflects on the "fake" sign-language interpreter at the Mandela memorial.
Robot 'Olympics' Test Machines On Human Skills
The eight tasks don't sound Olympian — opening a door, climbing a ladder, turning a valve, driving a vehicle, but they are for robots. If a robot can do these tasks, it could help humans by playing key roles in disaster relief. The 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan, inspired the contest.
49ers Bid Farewell To Candlestick Park
Since it opened in 1960, San Francisco's Candlestick Park has been known for its howling winds and frigid temperatures. Even so, San Francisco 49ers fans have been having a hard time saying goodbye.
Murderous Intent: Go Ahead, Kill That High-Profile TV Character
The death of a major character is a way to reset the table for a series, opening up new storylines.
Billie Jean King Travels With A Message About History
Billie Jean King spoke with CNN after being named to the delegation, saying "I'm very proud to go as an athlete, and as a gay woman."
For BP Cleanup, 2013 Meant 4.6 Million Pounds Of Oily Gunk
Coastal residents are asking how long they'll be living with the effects of the 2010 oil spill.
Will A Computer Decide Whether You Get Your Next Job?
Companies are replacing paper resumes with tests designed to collect data from job applicants.
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from Real Science
stevengoddard.wordpress.com
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from The Seattle Times
The vacuum system being tested at the Roza Dam has the potential to move fish significant distances, and some believe the technology could be used to move live fish even over some of the region’s largest dams that lack fish passage, such as Grand Coulee.
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from Slate
The Shortest Day
Today is the winter solstice for the majority of folks who live on planet Earth (that is, in the Northern Hemisphere). The bad news: That means we have the least amount of daylight today (roughly 9 hours 20 minutes for me in Boulder, Colo., for example, at 40 degrees north latitude). The good news: From here on out for the next six months, the days get a bit longer while the nights get shorter.
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from Space.com (& CollectSpace)
from The Spokesman-Review
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from The Wall Street Journal
Obama Repeals ObamaCare
Under pressure from Senate Democrats, the President partly suspends the individual mandate.
Under pressure from Senate Democrats, the President partly suspends the individual mandate.
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from The Wenatchee World
Worm | Leavenworth Christmas movie gets a new name: ‘Switchmas’
Wondering whatever happened to “Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas,” the holiday movie filmed in Leavenworth back in 2011? It had a local premiere in December 2012, screening at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort under the title “All I Want Is Christmas.” But en route to home video and streaming services, “All I Want Is Christmas” became “Switchmas.” You can catch it under that title on Netflix Instant if you’re in the mood for a holiday flick.
The year’s top business stories
Wondering whatever happened to “Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas,” the holiday movie filmed in Leavenworth back in 2011? It had a local premiere in December 2012, screening at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort under the title “All I Want Is Christmas.” But en route to home video and streaming services, “All I Want Is Christmas” became “Switchmas.” You can catch it under that title on Netflix Instant if you’re in the mood for a holiday flick.
The year’s top business stories
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from 100 Percent FED Up
GOVERNMENT WASTE ALERT: $17.5 MILLION IN TAXPAYER DOLLARS ON SPECIAL EXEMPTIONS FOR NEVADA BROTHELS
OBAMA IGNORES BUT PRINCE CHARLES ADDRESSES THIS HORROR: Christians Are Being Burned Alive, Beheaded, Crucified, Tortured To Death And Imprisoned In Metal Shipping Containers
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