________
________
NORTHWEST
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from Columbia Basin Herald
New Moses Lake North Dam construction slated for January
The $1.9 million to $2.9 million dam will be paid with federal emergency funds.
New middle school will have STEM focus
District's online program has about 200 students
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from iFIBRE ONE News
Brooks can stand trial as adult for attempted murder of his parents
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from KING 5 (Seattle)
A&E to bring back 'Duck Dynasty' patriarch, Phil Robertson
Skullduggery: Police Investigating Animal Skulls Left on Fremont Lawn
Judge strikes part of SeaTac's Prop 1
Superior Court rules that SeaTac Prop 1 ($15 min. wage) applies to people working at large hotels and parking facilities in SeaTac... but does NOT apply to people working for contractors, concessionaires and rental car companies at the airport.
Ralph Nader pens open letter to Boeing CEO
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from KIRO 7 Eyewitness News (Seattle)
Empty Thurston County jail costing millions
Sea-Tac workers won’t cash in on Prop 1
A dozen bloody animal skulls left in Fremont yard
FAQ on legal marijuana
In 2014 adults in Washington will be able to walk into a store and buy recreational marijuana. How will the new system work and what can people expect? Here are some FAQ's about marijuana.
Target: Customers' encrypted PINs were stolen
UPS, FedEx scramble to deliver late Christmas packages
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from KOMO News (Seattle)
Google, Facebook computers decide user's highlights of 2013
If you've been coming up with excuses to stop you from crafting a well-written and personal year-in-review letter to send to family and friends, now you can let the computers geniuses at Google Plus and Facebook do it for you.
Part of SeaTac's $15 minimum wage measure struck
Judge Andrea Darvas' ruling on Friday said the recently-approved measure applies to about 1,600 hotel and parking lot workers in the city of SeaTac, but that the city initiative does not have authority over 4,700 employees and contractors working within Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is operated by the Port of Seattle.
Union chief says Boeing's latest 777X offer a $1 billion gain
National IAM union chief says Boeing's latest 777X offer a $1 billion gain from previous offer. Local union leaders say the number counts benefits they already have.
Mom of Conn. mass killer mulled move to Wash. state with son
The mother of the gunman who massacred 20 children and six teachers in Newtown, Conn., last year was tentatively planning to move with her son to Washington state and enroll him in a special school, newly released documents show.
Auburn troop leaving Boy Scouts over gay decision
Auburn's Troop 835 has made a gut-wrenching decision to leave the Boy Scouts of America, because of the organization's decision to allow openly gay youth to join as of Jan. 1. "Our hearts are broken over having to walk away," says Scoutmaster Jim Brass.
The week's best photos
UW alum seeks to forecast perfect ski day through 3D snowflake photos
An Atmospheric Sciences professor at the University of Utah, who also holds a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington, is seeking to improve global snow forecasting through the simple act of taking photographs of snowflakes. OK, so it's not simple. In fact, it's quite complex.
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from KREM 2 News (Spokane)
Target says customers' encrypted PINs were obtained
Flight with unresponsive 3-year-old makes emergency landing at GEG
The 3-year-old was responsive by the time the plane landed according to officials. Airport officials said they evaluated her to determine whether she could continue her flight. The family decided to spend the night in Spokane to monitor her condition.
Military sex assault reports jump by 50 percent
Federal judge rules NSA phone surveillance is legal
Official business behind him, Obama looks to 2014
Spokane woman suing over false HIV diagnosis
Unemployment benefits to expire for thousands in Wash.
Film found from photographer killed in Mt. St. Helens blast
Free meter parking for disabled Washington drivers may be no more
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from KXLY 4 News (Spokane)
Police arrest felon suspected in Sunset Grocery robberies
Police say they stopped a robbery, but the suspect's mother and clerk on duty say he was there for protection.
Target confirms PIN data stolen in breach
Discount retailer says it's confident the numbers remain 'safe and secure'
CDC: More states reporting widespread flu
Most common strain this year has been H1N1, better known as swine flu, CDC says
Many Americans feel economy isn't improving
Nearly 70 percent say the economy is still in poor shape, according to new poll
8 disappearing tax breaks
Here are eight of the tax breaks that will be missed the most:
1. Tuition and fees; 2. Teachers' expenses; 3. Mortgage insurance premiums; 4. State and local sales tax; 5. Donations through your IRA; 6. Energy-efficiency; 7. Commuter costs; 8. Mortgage debt forgiveness.
Burglaries jump during the holidays
December is peak month for burglaries in several states, FBI says
Bargain hunting on day after Christmas gaining popularity
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from NWCN
Oregon min. wage up to $9.10 on New Year
Man, who fell from Pinto Dam, died on Christmas
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from Q13Fox News (KCPQ Seattle)
Former Eastside Catholic School VP says he was fired after marriage to gay partner
Judge: $15 minimum wage does not apply at Sea-Tac Airport
Mayor-elect Murray hears concerns from International District
Target: Hackers got PIN numbers
A&E: ‘Duck Dynasty’ resuming with entire Robertson family
Police investigating skinned animal heads left in yard
Police are investigating a dozen skinned animal heads found in a yard across from the troll statue in Fremont.
Helter Skelter, Charles Manson sign upsets some residents
A Poulsbo area bar that uses the image of Charles Manson as part of a business sign is drawing ire from area residents who say posting the face of the infamous cult leader known for his brutal slayings is offensive and equates to “hate speech.”
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from The Spokesman-Review
to be added in a new window
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from The Star (Grand Coulee)
Grand Coulee pumping plant to re-open March 1
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation says there will be an adequate water supply for spring irrigation when a Grand Coulee Dam pumping station reopens in March. Irrigators are still "skeptical," says Mike La Plant, director of the Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation District.
[shared from Capital Press]
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from The Wenatchee World
Lou Brender’s Auto Repair Shop in Leavenworth in 1921. |
Agency still working to close gap on meals for low-income seniors
Video captures Dec. 15 fireball engulfing Wenatchee firefighter
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NATION
________
from ABC News (& affiliates)
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from ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice)
Victory: In God We Still Trust
The national motto serves as a reminder that the “source of inalienable rights [is found] in a Creator rather than the government precisely so that such rights cannot be stripped away by government.” This year, atheists attacked our national motto—In God We Trust. We fought back, and we won!
Victory for War Heroes and the Constitution as War Memorials Reopen For First Amendment Activity
[from 9 Oct 2013] This year we fought back when the Obama Administration barricaded veterans from their own memorial, and we won!
Victory for War Heroes and the Constitution as War Memorials Reopen For First Amendment Activity
[from 9 Oct 2013] This year we fought back when the Obama Administration barricaded veterans from their own memorial, and we won!
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from The Blaze
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from Breitbart
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from CNSNews.com (& NewsBusters)
A&E Ends Phil Robertson's Suspension, Returns to Duck Dynasty in 2014
Mother Teresa: Every Abortion is a Rejection of Jesus
Female Marines Not Required To Do 1 Pull-Up
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________
from Examiner.com
________
from The Federalist Papers
Famous Economist Milton Friedman PROVES Capitalism CRUSHES Socialism!
John Wayne on Liberty, Freedom, and the Role of Government
A&E Welcomes Phil Robertson Back to ‘Duck Dynasty’
MSNBC: Duck Dynasty, Phil Robertson Part Of A ‘White Supremacist Culture’ That Incubates Hatred
More Guns to Solve Gun Violence! More Gun Control Equals More Crime!
Gun Control Works… Just Ask Joseph Stalin
Marines: Female Recruits Can Be In Combat Roles EVEN If They’re Not Physically Capable
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from Fox News
Young girl saves her 3 brothers with bone marrow donations
Purple Heart Delivered to Daughter Who Never Met Her Dad
Libyan government releases detained US military personnel
Four American military personnel working on security preparedness operations in Libya were detained Friday and released after being taken into custody by the government, the State Department said.
PIN numbers removed but data ‘safe and secure’ in security breach, Target says
Family Fighting Hospital to Move Brain Dead Girl to Nursing Home
Toby Keith Bans Guns at His Virginia Restaurant
'Counter-punch': Federal judge rules NSA data collection legal
A federal judge in New York has ruled the National Security Agency's massive data collection program is legal, one week after another federal judge ruled the opposite. The conflicting rulings increase the likelihood that the challenges could someday end up before the Supreme Court.
Mich. lawmaker wants to yank driver's licenses for truant teens
________
from The Heritage Foundation
from NPR
Can A Fruit Fly Help Explain Autism?
Concussions May Increase Alzheimer's Risk, But Only For Some
How Michael Bloomberg Became The Most Influential Mayor Of The Century (So Far)
Syria's War Creates A Demand For Artificial Legs
Architect's Dream House: Less Than 200 Square Feet
2013 Was The Year Bills To Criminalize Animal Cruelty Videos Failed
The shocking videos made public have rankled animal agriculture groups, and strained their relationships with retailers.
PHOTO: Saturn's Holiday Closeup
Supercamera: More Pixels Than You Know What To Do With
"To give you an idea of the scale of these images, if you were to print out a photograph-quality print of this image, it [would be] about 20 feet long and probably 10 [or] 12 feet tall."
Marines: Most Female Recruits Don't Meet New Pullup Standard
The Number 6 Says It All About The HealthCare.gov Rollout
Six. That's how many people actually managed to enroll through the federal website the first day it opened.
Cooking In A Latin-Jewish Melting Pot
"For me, matzo balls in pozole, a spicy Mexican soup, were standard fare on Friday nights."
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from Rand Paul Review
Liberals Go Hysterical Over List of 252 Examples of Obama’s Lying, Corruption, and Cronyism
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WORLD
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from AsiaNews
Gregory III urges Christians in the Middle East not to emigrate
In his Christmas letter, the Greek Catholic patriarch of Antioch and All the East pleads with Christians to live their mission in the Arab world through charity and social action without leaving the region. Muslim leaders appreciate the Christian contribution to Arab culture. Muslims and Christians must work for full recognition of the rights of Christian believers on par with others. They must also work to stop fundamentalism. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a great challenge. Pope Francis expresses his solidarity.
Bringing Christmas to Sri Lanka Hindu children still victimised by the civil war
The Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) organised an event for a group of Tamil war refugees to "teach children and adults how to work and live together without barriers and divisions". On this occasion, the children performed traditional songs and dances with the help of the Sisters of the Holy Family.
"Collective" Christmas for Christians, Hindus and Buddhists
On Christmas night, hundreds of people of all faiths attended Mass at Kathmandu's Assumption Cathedral. Compared to the past, this year Hindus and Buddhists also experienced the spiritual aspect of the celebrations. Christianity's non-discrimination attracts other communities.
Christians enjoy peaceful Christmas in Bangladesh but terrorism continues to cast its shadow
As the authorities lifted a travel ban and police protected the country's churches, no attacks were reported against the minority during the holidays. With elections approaching, the government continues to deploy tens of thousands of soldiers fearing further unrest. For many Bangladeshis, "there has never been so much tension in 40 years of independence."
Archbishop of Yangon: the Pope's invitation to "fraternity" the only path to peace in Myanmar
In his New Year message for the World Day for Peace, Msgr. Bo calls for unity "between the different souls" of "this wonderful nation." The prelate calls for citizenship for those born in the country and an end to violence against the Rohingyas. Calls for fight against poverty and human trafficking.
Prosecutor accuses Turkish government of stripping him of investigation into corruption
In a written statement, Muammer Akkas said police refused to carry out court orders to seek out and arrest corruption and fraud suspects, and that the judiciary is under pressure. According to the press, Akkas was investigating corruption cases that involved Erdogan's son and had ordered the arrest of 30 prominent people from the Prime Minister's AK party.
Gaza Christians banned from Bethlehem and celebrations even at Christmas
The desire of all Gaza Christians to celebrate Christmas in the place where Jesus was born. The Israeli government bans young people between 16 and 35 years from travelling to the West Bank for religious holidays. Hamas makes concessions for Christmas, but only for the secular aspect. The religious festival relegated to churches.
Xi Jinping: Mao was not a god , but his spirit ...
Marking the 120th birthday of Mao Zedong, Xi seeks middle ground between right and left. Silence shrouds failures of Great Helmsman as well as much promised political reforms. The Party is concerned about its durability.
Bartholomew: For 2013 years Jesus has been persecuted by contemporary Herods
The importance of the Christian family, "cell of life and cradle for the correct and proper growth of children" founded on the nature of man and woman: The Christmas message of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Avian influenza: First H7N9 victim in Hong Kong. Originally from Shenzhen
143 cases with 40 deaths in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan in 2013. In Hong Kong, there is another case, an Indonesian maid. Both cases traced back to the poultry markets in Shenzhen.
Phnom Penh: arrests and injuries in clashes between police and textile workers
The workers are demanding a doubling of salaries, from the current 80 to 160. So far they have been offered 15 dollars extra, as of April 2014. Anti-government protesters in solidarity with the workers. Opposition Leader: We stand with workers.
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from BBC News
The food co-op where shoppers are happy to work
"It's fun, it's a change of rhythm and actually I'm quite proud of it" - Chris teaches political science, but in his free time, he stocks shelves at a local grocery store - without getting a wage. The food co-op in Brooklyn, New York, has a member labour requirement - you have to work there if you want to shop there. Members say they do it for better price and quality of the food.
The rise of the 'extreme commuter'
More and more people are making three hour journeys to work. That's one way.
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from Daily Mail
Scientists create the world's first glow-in-the-dark PIGS after injecting them with jellyfish DNA
Scientists at South China Agricultural University in Guangdong Province say that the 10 piglets could help them develop cheaper drugs for humans
Same technique used to create glow-in-the-dark rabbits in Turkey earlier this year, where they are now working to produce fluorescent sheep
Chicago sandwich shop fires 20 employees in an EMAIL just 2 days before Christmas
Staff at Snarf's Sub Shop in River North received the bad news on Sunday night in a group email
They were notified the drastic action was effective immediately
The company blamed 'increased competition and losses' for the firings
Director of operations Doug Besant said in the email the restaurant will likely close for a month as they reconcept the business into a burger joint
It comes less than a month after Snarf's workers rallied for higher wages
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from The Guardian
Why the federal budget can't be managed like a household budget
Not all budgets are created equal – even if politicians say they are. The fed is much better off when it is short on cash
[re-posted from 26 March 2013]
________
from International Christian Concern
(PERSECUTION.org)
Verdict for Moroccan Convert from Islam Sentenced for ‘Proselytism’ Expected Feb. 6
A Moroccan appeals court heard the case of a Christian who was sentenced to 30 months in prison on charges of proselytizing and inducing Muslims to convert from Islam. Mohamed El Baladi was convicted in an unusually speedy trial, and denied legal representation. He was able to secure lawyers for his appeal and is now awaiting a final ruling, expected to be delivered on February 6.
Petrol Bombs Thrown at Two Kenyan Churches
Over the Christmas holiday, Muslim youths threw petrol bombs at two Kenyan churches. Both churches were located in Kenya's coastal areas where Muslim separatists are seeking to secede. The police have not apprehended any suspects, but are still searching. Please pear for these persecuted Christian.
Christians in Mali Still Insecure After Rough 2013
2013 was a rough year for Christians in Mali. Previously unranked on Open Doors top 50 countries that persecute Christians, Mali shot up to number 8 in just one year. This dramatic change developed when Islamic extremist took control of the northern regions of the country and threatened to take over the entire country. Until the French military intervened, many Christians feared that the entire country would be unsafe for Christianity. Although things have calmed down, Christians continue to suffer.
Indonesia: Church Closed, Congregation Celebrates Christmas in Shelter
The congregation of the GKI Yasmin church in Bogor, Indonesia, celebrated Christmas this year in a temporary shelter, clinging to hope that their church building will eventually be re-opened. The congregation was forced out of its home almost two years ago by protests from radical Muslims groups. The local government refused to assist and even sealed off the church building, blocking the members from going inside. The church has won two favorable rulings from the Supreme Court of Indonesia in the case of its building, but the local governor has refused to comply with the rulings. GKY Yasmin's case is just one example of a church shut down as a result of pressure from extremist groups. In December, ICC reported on five other churches that had been shut down under similar circumstances around the country.
Islamic Extremists in Indonesia Ban New Year’s Eve Celebrations
In the northern Indonesian province of Aceh radical Muslims have forced a major hotel to cancel New Year's Eve celebrations, saying the holiday comes "from the Christian tradition." Radical groups have also promised "raids and punishment" for anyone who ignores the ban on celebrating both Christmas and New Year's Eve. Aceh is governed by Sharia law and conditions for Christians in the province are difficult. Last year several small churches were shut down by the local government.
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from The Jerusalem Post
Report: Kerry to mull freeing Pollard as condition for Palestinian prisoners release
Channel 10 reports US secretary of state to examine proposal to tie release of Israeli agent to release of Palestinian prisoners.
Erekat: New Israeli settlement building would 'destroy peace process'
Chief PLO negotiator warns PA would apply for membership in 63 int'l organizations, including the ICC, if Israel makes move.
Group of 38 Bnei Menashe arrives in Israel
New olim to spend several months in an absorption, and will then move to homes in Upper Nazareth after learning Hebrew.
Former Lebanese PM Hariri points to Hezbollah over deadly Beirut blast
Explosions in Lebanon's capital kills Hariri's former aide, Hezbollah critic Mohamad Cahata; four others die in bomb attack.
Former Lebanese minister among 5 killed in Beirut blast
Security sources say explosion in Lebanese capital targeted convoy of Mohamad Chatah, aide to former Lebanese PM al-Hariri; plumes of black smoke seen rising in downtown business district; much of city goes into lockdown.
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FEATURES
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from EarthSky
What is a Blood Moon?
We have been receiving a number of inquiries about some upcoming Blood Moons in the years 2014 and 2015. And we want to say, first of all, that the Blood Moons most people are asking about are not part of astronomy. Instead, their origin is religious, at least according to Christian pastor John Hagee, who wrote a 2013 book about Blood Moons. More about that below. Still, since they’re moons, and since people are asking us, we wanted to reply.
New island in Japanese waters
As of December 24, 2013, fresh lava was still pouring from a submarine volcano, building the new island.
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from Facecrooks
Facebook Chat Pro App Gives Users Greater Control Over Messaging Privacy
If you don't like that your Facebook friends can see when you have read a message from them or when you're typing a response to a message, there's an app for that. (technically, it's a browser extension) - Personally we don't like the permissions required of the extension, so we decided to pass.
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from The Farmacy (& Strawbale City)
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from Greatist
25 SCIENCE-BACKED WAYS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE BY TAKING BETTER CARE OF YOURSELF
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from Money Talks News
Wireless Carriers Oppose Anti-Theft Feature for Smartphones
If your phone got lost or stolen, would you use a "kill switch" to make sure it couldn't be used after you? Your wireless carrier doesn't think you should have it. Samsung recently developed a “kill switch” that allows users to disable their smartphones and tablets remotely if they are lost or stolen.
You Might Want to Rethink Going Out on New Year’s
New Year's sees a huge spike in drunken driving deaths and it's the deadliest day for pedestrians. You may want to just stay home this year.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
1. 50+ Mini-Tasks to Improve Your Finances One Step at a Time2. Crazy Frugality Ideas From ‘Extreme Cheapskates’
3. Understanding Quantitative Easing and Tapering
4. How to Buy Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps
5. The Secret to Succeeding at Absolutely Everything
Why Your Christmas Present Didn’t Arrive on Time
After-Christmas Deals: Pearls, Toys, Tech
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from Mother Nature Network
The year in small: A world tour of 13 tiny houses we loved in '13
Join us as we trek across the globe from Sweden to Sonoma County for a glimpse at 12 pint-sized dwellings (and one souped-up dumpster) that amazed, inspired and intrigued us in a big way this past year.
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.
The best workouts for your body shape
Make the most of your gym time by exercising with your body shape in mind. Here’s how to find your best fit. The hardest part of this plan is figuring out your body type.
8 unexpected habits of happy people
From getting dirty to smelling flowers, research backs up the benefits of these quirky habits.
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from Natural Society
5 Health Foods that are NOT Health Foods
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from PreventDisease.com
Vaccination Voodoo, What You Don't Know About Vaccines
I recently had the privilege of reviewing the newly released book, Vaccination Voodoo: What You Don't Know About Vaccines, authored by Catherine J Frompovich. She assembles a breadth of research and compiles the "must know" information regarding the false science about vaccination and the rise in correlated diseases. Regardless of your position on mass vaccination programs, this book will surely make you question their safety and effectiveness.
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from Slate's The Vault Blog
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from Space.com (& CollectSpace)
Cosmonauts reverse spacewalk work after Earth-view cams hit data glitch
Comet-Hunting Probe to Awaken, Zero In On Target
Strange New Worlds: The Amazing Alien Planet Discoveries of 2013
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from ThatsNonsense.com
Hoax/Scam: Christopher and Jessica Davies Facebook Hackers - Facebook Fake Hacker Alert
Christopher and Jessica Davies are not Facebook hackers out for your computer - this rumour has been circulating for years and is just an incarnation of older, equally popular hoaxes.
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from The Voice of Reason
The “Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” began airing on CBS 42 years ago today!
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