Thursday, December 26, 2013

In the news, Wednesday, December 18, 2013


________

DEC 17      INDEX      DEC 19
________


Information from some sites may not be reliable, or may not be vetted.
Some links to some sources may require subscription.

________

from ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice)

Abortion “Care”?
Euphemisms are linguistic disguises. They hide the unattractive, or even the evil. “Collateral damage” sounds far more pleasant than “dead civilians.” “Marriage equality” is more attractive than “marriage redefinition.” “Adult” is more respectable than “pornographic.” And so forth.

________

from AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

ObamaCare’s New Year’s Day Surprise: Deep Cuts to Medicare

The United States, Europe and Russia continue their diplomatic efforts with the regime of Bashar al-Assad ahead of the Peace Conference on Syria set to begin on 22 January 2014. Leaders with the Islamic Front, the main jihadist group, refuse to meet with the US ambassador to Damascus. Saudi Arabia will continue to take action against Assad with or without the support of the West.

Pakistan adopts a resolution against Bangladesh, criticising the execution of a leader of the Islamic fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami party. In Dhaka, peaceful protesters try to reach the Pakistani Embassy. Islamabad is accused of not moving away "from its 1971 policy."

Kathmandu: Maoists and Communists celebrate Pope Francis, promise reconciliation
Political leaders welcome the pontiff's recent calls for peace and reconciliation, committing themselves to give Nepal a new secular constitution after centuries of Hindu monarchy.

As UN report ranks Myanmar second in opium production, output rises 26 per cent this year 
In 2013, the country produced 870 tonnes with "growing demand "in Asia and the lack of "alternatives" for farmers as key factor. Catholic sources tell AsiaNews about the devastating consequences on families and especially young people. Catholic Church sets up rehab programmes.

Indian Parliament approves anti-corruption Lokpal bill
For local Catholic sources, the bill sends "a strong message to India, where corruption is endemic." This step is important because it is also supported "by the middle classes and young people, a new generation of educated people who want to change things."

For Indonesian Ulema, Christmas and New Year are "haram" and should not be celebrated
The leaders of the Islamic movement in Banda Aceh rail against the upcoming holidays, which are typical of "Western and Roman culture." Their nature "does not belong to the spirit of Islam." They also issue warnings to Christians, who must "respect" sharia, and hotels, which must not organise celebrations or balls.

Pope: Christmas "a celebration of faith and hope", because "God is with us"
If "God lowers Himself, descends to earth small and poor, it means that to be like Him, we must not put ourselves above others, but rather lower ourselves, place ourselves at the service of others, make ourselves small with small and poor with the poor."
Ryoko Imaoka, associate professor of Mongolian Studies at the University of Osaka, decided to live with the nomads of Mongolia and ask for their help to prepare a document that proves how extensive is radioactive contamination in the Asian nation. Where now are born lambs with two heads and blind camels.

China confirms US warship "near-collision"
The incident came amid tensions after China established an air defence identification zone over a swathe of the East China Sea. The two crews were able to communicate and "both vessels manoeuvred to ensure safe passage."

Guangzhou, on trial the freedom-of-press activist: could face up to ten years in prison
Liu Yuandong was indicted on a charge of "gathering a crowd to disrupt public order". The case relates to street protests in January in the Guangdong capital: hundreds of people had rallied outside the offices of the Southern Weekly against censorship.

Clashes in Singapore, the government expels 53 immigrants. 28 others put on trial
The episode involves 52 Indian nationals and a worker originally from Bangladesh. Interior Minister promises zero tolerance against those who foment unrest. 28 were remanded in custody and will stand trial, they face up to seven years in prison and flogging. Activists worried about the "arbitrary expulsions."

________

from BBC News

US Federal Reserve pulls back on stimulus effort
The US Federal Reserve has announced a slow down in its efforts to boost the US economy  The central bank said it planned to scale back its $85bn (£51.8bn) a month bond buying programme, designed to lower interest rates and stimulate economic activity, by $10bn. It is a sign that the Fed thinks the US economy has consolidated its recovery, five years after the financial crisis.

EU plans air quality laws to tackle 'invisible killer'
The new measures aim to reduce the levels of pollutants by around 20% from current levels by 2030. The Commission says the new measures will prevent 58,000 premature deaths a year and save member states 40bn euros.

________

from CNSNews.com (& NewsBusters)

Barbara Walters on Obama: ‘We Thought He Was Going To Be The Next Messiah’

________

from Collective Evolution
[Information from this site may not be reliable.]

________

from The Daily Caller
________

from The D.C. Clothesline
________

from EarthSky
________

from East Oregonian

The Omega Morgan megaload finally made it through John Day the night of Dec. 16, but not before local law enforcement -- including state and city police and Grant County Sheriff and deputies -- arrested several protestors attempting to block its path. The super-sized big rig, carrying oil refinery equipment to Alberta, Canada, is 380 feet long, 22 feet wide and 19 feet tall. It was delayed for an hour and a half as it headed east on Highway 26.

________


from The Farmacy (& Strawbale City)




________

from Fox News

________


from Freedom Foundation


Inslee budget postpones tax, spending hikes until next year
Governor Inslee plans to wait for a vote on new spending until next year, hoping that the November elections will produce more Democrats likely to support his spending and tax hikes.

________


from Gallup.com


Record High in U.S. Say Big Government Greatest Threat
Now 72% say it is greater threat than big business or big labor

________


from Greatist
________


from The Heritage Foundation


The Government Can Now Force You to Bake a Cake
An administrative law judge in Denver, Colorado—a state that constitutionally defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman in 2006—has declared that Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, violated the law when he refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding.


Pajamas, Cocoa, and Health Care: How Obama Wants You to Spend Christmas


What the Government Got You This Year


15 Pictures of Ridiculous Government Spending Guaranteed to Make You Mad

________


from The Hollywood Reporter



from International Christian Concern
(PERSECUTION.org)


California: Veterans Appeal Court Order to Tear Down Memorial Cross
The Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial Association has joined with the Liberty Institute to appeal a recent court decision ordering the removal of a cross at a prominent war memorial near San Diego. The battle over the cross has gone on for several years and defenders of the memorial are hoping the case will be taken up by the Supreme Court. A ruling by the nations highest court in the case may have a significant impact on other public memorials around the country with religious symbols. The battle over the memorial is a part of a wider effort by anti-religious organizations to remove religious symbols from public in the United States.


American Missionary Kenneth Bae Remains Imprisoned in North Korea
The recent drama over the detention of U.S. Korean War veteran Merrill Newman in North Korea and his subsequent release placed world attention on the dictatorial regime, however this was not enough to secure the release of Kenneth Bae, also an American citizen and imprisoned in the country since May. Kenneth is a "devout Christian" and was involved in missionary work when he was arrested by North Korean authorities. North Korea actively represses Christianity by routinely imprisoning entire families of believers and even executing those found to posses a Bible.


Desecration of Crucifix in India Deeply Wounds Christian Community
The desecration of a hundred-year-old crucifix in a suburb of Mumbai, India has left many Christians in that community stunned and hurt. On December 15, unknown vandals tore down the religious icon and smashed it to pieces. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this church has been vandalized. In September, another religious icon was vandalized and looted from the church. The leadership of the church is calling on their followers to forgive the vandals, but also expressed concern over the state of intolerance in their locality.


Christians in Pakistan Prepare to Celebrate Christmas
Despite living in one of the most dangerous countries to be identified a Christian, the Christian community of Pakistan is making preparations to celebrate Christmas. Recognized as an official holiday by the Pakistani government, Christmas is a time in which both Christians and other religious groups can celebrate together. Unfortunately, Christmas for some Christian communities in Pakistan will be less festive. The Christian community in Peshawar is said to be planning a "silent Christmas" to the grief the community continues to feel following the bombing of All Saints Church in September. Please pray for all Christians celebrating Christmas in Pakistan this year.


Seeking Safety, Syria’s Christians Flee to Turkey
The violence facing Christians in Syria has caused some of them to leave behind their homes and flee to Turkey. In the city of Mardin, near the Syrian border there are some 100 families who are being supported. ICC has worked with this group to provide food, blankets, and heaters. These basics are no replacement for the life they left behind. The on-going violence, however, makes it unlikely that they will be able to return anytime soon.


The Coptic Christians of Egypt
This video report on Egypt’s Coptic church provides a glimpse into the largest Christian community in the Middle East. It also highlights that the recent “turmoil in Egypt has led to one of the worst persecutions of the country's Coptic Christians in their nearly 2,000-year history.” The combination of religious extremism, political stability, and sectarian violence have all proved costly for the estimated 8-10 million Coptic Christians.


Middle East Christians Persecuted by Islamists, says Prince Charles
There is a campaign of persecution deliberately targeting Christians in the Middle East, Prince Charles said recently. Following meetings with the leaders of churches based in Syria and Egypt and hearing firsthand the accounts of what Christians are facing there, he concluded that there is organized persecution of Christians by Islamist militants throughout the region.

________


from The Jerusalem Post

Army unit sent to West Bank city to arrest terrorism cell comes under fire, returns with shots, following similar incident last night in Jenin.
Brandeis and Penn State Harrisburg discontinue institutional affiliation with organization, condemn academic boycott.

Zarif: Iran can resume 20% enrichment in less than 24 hours
As technical talks with Tehran are set to resume in Vienna, Iranian foreign minister says nuclear program will continue; no sanctions will be eased until a nuclear agreement is implemented, says Western diplomat.
PLO negotiator says final deal can be reached in 6-12 months, after framework deal establishes definitions on core issues.


Canada calls for dismissal of Richard Falk for accusing Israel of ‘genocidal’ intentions
UN's Falk wrote article that said Israel was "slouching toward nothing less than a Palestinian holocaust."


Sisi determined to stamp out all opposition
After violent crackdown fails to completely neutralize the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the new regime turns to legal action to achieve complete victory, charging Morsi with conspiring with Hamas, Hezbollah.

1 Palestinian killed in Jenin clashes with IDF
No IDF hurt during operation in refugee camp, unknown number of Palestinians injured.

Israeli airlines to resume flights to Turkey after six year hiatus
Transportation Minister Israel Katz announces move following years of disputes over security arrangements.


Iran says nuclear talks with world powers to resume Thursday
Islamic republic agrees to resume negotiations after talks halted last week.


Egypt orders deposed President Morsi to trial for conspiring with Hamas, Hezbollah
Prosecutor says ousted Islamist president, Muslim Brotherhood committed acts of violence, terrorism in Egypt.
North American academic group latest to declare support for boycott of Israeli institutions.


A-G Weinstein announces he won't appeal Liberman acquittal on fraud charges
Attorney-general accepts recommendation of state attorney, says chances that acquittal would be overturned are low; emphasizes that despite decision, he still believes Liberman's behavior in case unfitting for a public official.


Khameini tweets: Zionists are just like the Nazis
Account believed to be run by Ayatollah's office posts image quoting a 1998 comment from meeting with Holocaust denier.


Senior Saudi diplomat slams Iran nuclear deal, says Kingdom may be forced to act alone
Saudi envoy to UK claims in 'NY Times' op-ed that Western policies are threatening stability of Middle East; says Saudi Arabia can't stand by as Western countries cooperate with Iran and hesitate to use force in Syria.

________


from KHQ Local News (Spokane)
________


from KING 5 (Seattle)
________


from KIRO 7 Eyewitness News (Seattle)


Parking restricted for the holidays at Seattle's Kerry Park


Photos: Top 10 stories to watch in Washington in 2014
1. President's low popularity;  2. Immigration debate;  3. FCC considers in-flight calls; 4. Obamacare goal met?; 5. Christie vs. Clinton?;  6. Gun debate;  7. Congressional cooperation or divide;  8. Drone delivery?;  9. Debt ceiling deadline;  10. Fed impact.

________


from KOMO News (Seattle)
________


from KREM 2 News (Spokane)


The Internal Revenue Service said Wednesday the government shutdown has forced it to delay tax filing season until Jan. 31. It had been slated to start Jan. 21.




An analysis by the Seattle Times showed that the price of a fifth of liquor has risen by about $3 since sales were privatized in Washington.

________


from Money Talks News


He Left You: Now It’s Time for These 6 Steps
If the split has happened or is about to, don't go uninformed! Protect your finances and family.


What to skip and what to search for on Super Saturday.


With Christmas right around the corner, now is the perfect time to save a few bucks on last-minute shopping. And what better way to do so than haggling.



________


from Mother Nature Network


The surprising reason you should wash your hands in cool water
And don't forget to use the soap while you're at it.


Top holiday cookies by state
In the U.S., we love our cookies. Check this list for your state's favorite recipe.


5 myths about the light bulb ban
No, government officials won't break down your door if you have incandescent light bulbs. They will be phased out gradually, with plenty of alternatives.

________


from Natural Society


Surprise: Mainstream Media (FOX News) Admits GMOs Are a ‘Real Safety Issue’


4 Healthy Secrets of Avocados


4 Natural Solutions for Anxiety Relief

________


from NBC News (& affiliates)


from New York Times
from NPR

Amid Fields Of Plenty, A Farmworker's Wife Struggles To Feed Her Family
California's San Joaquin Valley is one of the most productive farm regions in the world. But many farmworkers struggle to feed their families fresh and healthy food because they can't afford to buy the produce that grows all around them.


Intelligence Panel Recommends Limits On NSA Surveillance
A presidential panel recommends 46 changes to current spying practices.

In Francis' First Year, A 'Radical Pope' Seeks To Save His Church
Columnist James Carroll says Pope Francis has "stepped away" from the Church's "disapproving tone."


Boulder Is Colorado's 'Best Performing City'... Greeley Is Right Behind It
The 2013 “Best Performing Cities” report ranks on performance metrics like jobs, wages, and industry.


Your Questions About The Affordable Care Act
NPR’s guide to the dozens of common questions about the new health care law known as Obamacare.


5 Things We Learned From The Budget Debate
Congress still works. Well, sort of. Among the takeaways from congressional votes to approve the bipartisan budget deal: compromise happens, except on taxes and entitlements.


Seed-To-Sale Tracking Alone Won't Stop Marijuana 'Leakage' Into Idaho
As Washington moves to legalize recreational pot, preventing “leakage” to other states like Oregon and Idaho is a top priority of the U.S. Justice Department. Technology alone won't keep pot that's legal in other states out of Idaho.


State Officials Seize Cold Snap, Freeze Out Invasive Snails In Capitol Lake
The recent cold snap was "dry enough, cold enough and long enough" to get rid of some unwelcome guests, say Washington state wildlife officials.


San Francisco’s In-law Units Home to Most Vulnerable Tenants
City officials are considering legalizing San Francisco's 40,000 in-law units - small, illegal apartments often built in garages and basements of single-family homes.


There's A Wide Income Disparity Across North Texas
Dallas County has the poorest residents, while Collin County has the highest median income in Dallas-Fort Worth, according to new American Community Survey data.


Already Down 50 Percent, Will Bitcoin Bite The Dust?
As Chinese authorities crack down on use of the virtual currency, its value is plunging.


Is A 500-Year-Old German Beer Law Heritage Worth Honoring?
A German brewers association wants their country's brewing law to have UNESCO World Heritage status.
So what happened to that $85 billion a month - a trillion dollars total - that the Fed has pumped into the financial system over the past year? Fed policymakers begin a two-day meeting at which they'll decide whether to dial back the stimulus.
Doctors talking up drugs to other doctors has been quite lucrative for pharmaceutical companies - and the physicians who moonlight as their salesmen. But now drug giant GlaxoSmithKline says it's going to stop paying doctors to speak about drugs or diseases to other doctors. The British drugmaker's decision is a shift from longstanding marketing practices.
That's the conclusion of a study of livestock around the world and their greenhouse gas emissions.

________


from PreventDisease.com


GlaxoSmithKline Forced To Stop Paying Doctors To Promote Drugs After Major Bribery Investigation
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) said this week it will respond to pressure to stop paying doctors to promote its products through speaking engagements and end linking compensation for its sales representatives to the number of prescriptions doctors write. The move comes amid a major bribery investigation in China.


Researchers Find The Perfect Way To Trace The Path of Treated Sewage - Follow The Artificial Sweeteners
Scientists have found elevated concentrations of four sweeteners - cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame -- in water samples collected along the length of the Grand River in Ontario, Canada. Used in diet drinks and processed foods, the sweeteners got into the Grand by way of the 30 sewage treatment plants that empty into the river and its tributaries. The research supports a growing concensus by scientists that drinking water is being spiked with an array of toxic compounds that pass through even the most advanced treatment systems.

________


________


from Roll Call
________

________
________


from Space.com (& CollectSpace)


Why Halley's Comet May Be Linked to Famine 1,500 Years Ago
A piece of the famous Halley's comet likely slammed into Earth in A.D. 536, blasting so much dust into the atmosphere that the planet cooled considerably, a new study suggests.


Moon's Newest Crater Revealed in Crash-Site Photo
A meteoroid slammed into the moon on March 17, 2013, gouging out a crater 59 feet (18 meters) feet wide on the lunar surface.


Alien Planet May Lurk Around Nearby Failed Stars


In Memoriam: The Spacecraft We Loved and Lost in 2013


NASA Moon Probe Eyeing Chinese Lunar Lander from Orbit


Astronaut May Spacewalk in Weightless Wonderland to Fix Space Station

________


from The Spokesman-Review


________


from Techdirt
________


from ThatsNonsense.com


We’ve seen it a lot lately. Posts identifying “guilty” individuals imploring others to identify, condemn, even exact revenge, on the people identified. Remember, if you spread a post on social media that accuses someone of something but fails to provide evidence, or a reputable source, then that is "trial by social media" and is amongst some of the most potentially damaging and dangerous things you can do on social networks.

________



from Upworthy
________


from USA Today


Earth had its warmest November on record
Through November, 2013 is the fourth-warmest year on record.

________


from The Washington Times


Gov’t wasted $30 billion on ‘pillownauts,’ crystal goblets — buying human urine!
Facebook, the hot technology company that is earning more than $1 billion in revenue, won’t pay any taxes on its income this year and instead probably will get a major refund from federal taxpayers, according to Sen. Tom Coburn’s annual roundup of wasteful spending. Among the nearly $30 billion of unnecessary spending that the Oklahoma Republican identified in this year’s “Wastebook” were taxpayer dollars going to buy human urine, to purchase crystal goblets at the State Department, and to pay $18,000 apiece to “pillownauts” — people whom NASA recruited to lie on a bed for two straight months.


Southern Discomfort: U.S. Army seeks removal of Lee, ‘Stonewall’ Jackson honors

________


from Weasel Zippers (100 Percent FED Up)






from The Weekly Standard



Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)