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from ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice)
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RUSSIA: Once out of prison, Mary Aliokhina attacks Putin's granting of clemency. Even Khodorkovsky pardon for analysts, is not a "humanitarian act". The Kremlin seeks to divert attention from human rights in Russia on the eve of Sochi.
THAILAND: Anti-government campaign mounts to prevent return to the polls. Stadium used by MPs and parties to submit nominations surrounded. Prime Minister calls for respect for "democratic system". Some demonstrators want to cancel the principle of "one person, one vote" to prevent another Shinawatra victory.
Egypt, secular activists sentenced to three years hard labor
Ahmed Maher (founder of the April 6 Movement), Mohamed Adel and Ahmed Douma were convicted for organizing "illegal demonstrations." Criticism of human rights organizations and relatives of the defendants: "The government is behaving like the previous regimes."
Pope: Jesus does not come only with Mary in Bethlehem, but comes every day in the Church and in us
VATICAN: In his homily at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis spoke of three comings of Jesus - in Bethlehem, at the end of time and in our lives - calling upon us to imitate the expectant Mary and follow her in the injunction "Come!" He also highlighted the dangers of not living as pilgrims, but as people "holed up in an inn" behind a "Do Not Disturb" sign.
VIETNAM: Caritas and other Catholic groups in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City have sponsored a number of charitable activities, like visits to a leper hospital, free medical treatment, spiritual retreats and Eucharistic adoration. For one believer, serving others "is a way to live the teachings of Jesus Christ."
Christmas in Abu Dhabi: churches "overflowing across the region to pray for peace"
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Tens of thousands of people take part in celebrations in preparation for Christmas, said Mgr Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. In Dubai alone, more than 20,000 people attended the Christmas novena in the Church of the Virgin Mary. The Catholic communities of the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen prepare to dedicate Christmas to the people affected by violence and war.
Iraqi government declares Christmas a 'national holiday'
IRAQ: In his recent address to the authorities, the Chaldean Patriarch had asked for an official recognition of the holy day. Mar Sako said that "Jesus did not come just for Christians, but for everyone"; he also emphasises the "special respect" Muslims have for Jesus. The recognition is a new and important step for a long-persecuted minority.
INDIA: Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will be the new chief minister, the party said. It will form the government taking outside support from the Congress. The main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, hindu nationalist) termed the alliance among its opponents "a betrayal to Delhi."
RUSSIA: Release of her collegue Nadezhda Tolokonnikova is also expected for today. From an unknown Punk band , they have become global stars, a symbol of Putin's crackdown on civil dissent. Freedom for Pussy Riot and Mikhalil Khodorkovsky serve to curb the boycott against the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
North Korea purge: What lies ahead for Kim Jong-un?
It's a move worthy of Shakespeare: two years after he came to power, North Korea's young ruler accuses his uncle and mentor of plotting a coup against and has him executed.
Obituary: Mikhail Kalashnikov
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from BBC News
North Korea purge: What lies ahead for Kim Jong-un?
It's a move worthy of Shakespeare: two years after he came to power, North Korea's young ruler accuses his uncle and mentor of plotting a coup against and has him executed.
Obituary: Mikhail Kalashnikov
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from The Blaze
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from CBS News (& affiliates)
Special African-American Santa Holds Court At Macy’s
People Come From All Across The 5 Boroughs To Wait In Line, Request Him
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People Come From All Across The 5 Boroughs To Wait In Line, Request Him
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from CNSNews.com (& NewsBusters)
Krauthammer: 'Huge Gov't Bailout' of Health Insurance Industry at End of 2014
People Magazine Puff Obamas In Interview, As Obama Blames His Problems on ...The Bigness of Government
Quacker Barrel: Company Reinstates 'Duck Dynasty' Merchandise Due to Public Outcry
Susan Rice Calls Benghazi 'A False Controversy'
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from Columbia Basin Herald
Holmquist Newbry will continue reforms of workers' comp system
With no huge operating budget issues for the upcoming Legislative session, Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry's top priority is private sector job creating.
Microsoft to expand Quincy footprint
Port of Quincy commissioner Curt Morris said Microsoft is currently in the process of purchasing 200 acres of land from the port for about $11 million. The sale is likely to close in January, he said. Construction on a new data center will begin in the spring of 2014, according to a Microsoft spokesperson.
Manweller predicts tax package for transportation projects
Lawmakers have been struggling this year to come to an agreement on a transportation plan, and Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg, said there will be more negotiations before the regular session begins next month. He added there is a strong possibility the Legislature will be looking at another transportation revenue tax package, something he said he cannot support right now.
Worker critically injured at Pinto Dam
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from East Oregonian
Five ways Fed's influence has expanded over 100 years
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from Facecrooks
Facebook Scam Says Users’ Friends Have Been the Victim of Crime
[Phishing Scam Alert] We are reposting this phishing scam alert due to the number of reports we have received on it lately. Do not click on any links that appear to come from friends claiming they have been the victim of a crime or natural disaster. The alert contains a photo of an actual message and a link to a more complete guide on socially engineered phishing attacks.
[Phishing Scam Alert] We are reposting this phishing scam alert due to the number of reports we have received on it lately. Do not click on any links that appear to come from friends claiming they have been the victim of a crime or natural disaster. The alert contains a photo of an actual message and a link to a more complete guide on socially engineered phishing attacks.
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from FEE (Foundation for Economic Education)
Those who benefit the most from tariffs can make heartfelt appeals—and have a far stronger incentive to lobby for them than the rest of us—who suffer from them—do.
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from Fox News
Prosper, Texas
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from The Heritage Foundation
Medicaid wasn’t working for Moise. His extremely difficult injuries meant that he had specific challenges and needs. But as he says, the old government program was a “one-size-fits-all” model. Thankfully, Moise lived in Florida, which was trying out some reforms to Medicaid. He was able to switch out of the old Medicaid program into a private plan—and that changed his life.
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from iFIBRE ONE News
Moses Lake's North Dam, road to be replaced by April
A flaw led to the North Dam on Moses Lake nearly collapsing and is now slated for a replacement.
Man falls from dam at Billy Clapp Lake, receives life threatening injuries
Microsoft buying 200 acres in Quincy for expansion of data center
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from International Christian Concern
(PERSECUTION.org)
Nigeria Prepares Security Measures for Christians Celebrating Christmas
For Christians in Nigeria, Christmas has been a time of terror for the last couple of years. Boko Haram, the Islamic extremist group bent on establishing a separate Islamic state in Nigeria's northern region, has used the Christian holiday as a time to terrorize Christians. Church bombings, drive-by shootings and other forms of terrorism are just a few of the atrocities Boko Haram has unleashed on Christians during the Christmas holiday. Nigeria's government and churches are preparing security measures to help insure safety, but only time will tell whether these measures are enough. Please pray.
Christians Uncertain of their Future in Pakistan
The issue of Christians persecution in Pakistan continues to be ignored by the global community. Violent attacks on Christians and their places of worship continue to grow in frequency and intensity. Many Christians living in Pakistan are concerned for their future as a faith group and are leaving seeking safer lands. As Pakistan continue to become more and more intolerant, it is only a matter of time before there are n Christians left. Please pray for these persecuted brothers and sisters.
Syrian Christians in Egypt Pray for Peace at Christmas
As Christmas nears, the time of remembrance highlights what has been lost for many Syrian Christians. Speaking from Cairo where they have taken refuge, Syrian Christians highlight the pain that they feel when they see the violence that has spread across their country and the blood that has been spilled in that land. The reality of what they left behind makes it difficult to imagine celebrating the traditional festivities surrounding the commemoration of Jesus’ birth. They remain committed to praying for the peace, healing, and salvation of Syria.
Christmas Dangerous for Christians in Bangladesh
Christians urge opposition to refrain from blockades, hartals around Christmas. With strikes and violence led by radical Muslims and political forces, Christians are concerned that their Christmas celebrations will be hampered and even dangerous. They plead with the powers that be to allow them to celebrate Christs birth in peace.
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from The Jerusalem Post
With Christmas upon us, 'tis the season to bash Israel
NGO Monitor chronicles how various anti-Israel groups wrap their Israel bashing in Christmas themes and symbolism.
Netanyahu may condition advancing peace talks on Pollard release
Ch. 10: Obama sees no connection between Pollard and NSA spying on Israel, won't release him immediately.
IDF soldiers fire at Palestinian placing bomb on Gaza-Israel border
Man was hit by gunfire, though his condition remains unknown; comes after 4 incidents of IDF opening fire on border over weekend.
Netanyahu says US spying on Israel 'unacceptable,' calls for 'clarifications'
PM issues strongest comments yet on revelations that NSA spied on former Israeli PMs; meets Pollard's wife, reiterating calls for his release.
Vandals desecrate Russian synagogue with pig’s head
Graffiti found on building's external well reading: “Happy Tu B’Shevat, Jewish Pigs.”
Reminder for the necessity of the Jewish state.
Israel releases hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner
IPS frees Samer Issawi who fasted for 266 days while serving sentence for violating terms of patrol for prior arrest.
Court rejects petition to criminally charge MK Zoabi for Mavi Marmara involvement
HJC nixes petition filed after state announced that it had closed investigation against Balad MK and decided not to indict her.
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from KING 5 (Seattle)
A better, greener option to recycle batteries
It's a dirty cycle - we buy batteries, we use them up, we toss them, we buy some more. And our landfills and wallets suffer. Now, we can trade in used batteries for fresh, new ones every time we go to the store.
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from KIRO 7 Eyewitness News (Seattle)
Wash. governor met with Airbus exec
Governor Inslee has personally met with an Airbus executive to talk about how Washington state and the Boeing rival can work together.
Rifle designer Mikhail Kalashnikov dead at 94
"I sleep well. It's the politicians who are to blame for failing to come to an agreement and resorting to violence." Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of the AK-47 assault rifle, died today.
Utah gay couples rush to wed amid legal wrangling
A federal judge has allowed gay marriage in Utah to continue.
Last-minute insurance shoppers get 1-day extension
Anticipating heavy traffic on the government's health care website, the Obama administration extended Monday's deadline for signing up for insurance by a day, giving Americans in 36 states more time to select a plan.
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from KOMO News (Seattle)
Carnation food bank gets booted on Christmas Eve
Local soldier's wife prevented from entering the country
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from KREM 2 News (Spokane)
Environmentalists ask judge to halt wolf derby
Environmental groups Monday asked a federal judge to halt a planned wolf and coyote derby in Idaho, branding the event an illegal killing contest. The complaint by Wild Earth Guardians and other environmental groups in U.S. District Court in Pocatello contends that the U.S. Forest Service ignored federal laws by allowing the derby to proceed this Saturday and Sunday without requiring its organizers to first secure a special-use permit for a commercial event.
AK-47 inventor Mikhail Kalashnikov dead at 94
Mikhail Kalashnikov, whose work as a weapons designer for the Soviet Union is immortalized in the name of the world’s most popular firearm, has died at the age of 94, Monday Dec. 23, 2013.
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from KXLY 4 News (Spokane)
First health care deadlines quickly approaching
Coverage under Affordable Care Act can start Jan. 1 -- if applicants meet deadlines
Coverage under Affordable Care Act can start Jan. 1 -- if applicants meet deadlines
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from Money Talks News
The Santa Index 2013: Santa’s Duties Worth Almost $138,000
Today’s Deals: Hotels, Tablets and ‘Free’ Brownie Sundaes
Today’s Deals: Hotels, Tablets and ‘Free’ Brownie Sundaes
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from Mother Nature Network
Remote Antarctic island is 'richer in biodiversity than the Galapagos'
Once believed to be an 'inhospitable lump of rock,' South Georgia Island is now thought to harbor more biodiversity than the wildlife-rich Galapagos.
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from National Review
from NPR
Nobody Knows Exactly How Fast The Economy Is Growing
What Exactly Is Hipster Christianity?
So Long, Candlestick Park, And Thanks For All The Fog
A Cold Christmas for Catholic Coffers in Minnesota?
Joe Schmidt's church can count on him this year for a Christmas donation. His generosity, however, won't reach the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He plans to send only $1 to Archbishop John Nienstedt's annual Catholic Services Appeal, which helps run the archdiocese.
A Locked Door, A Secret Meeting And The Birth Of The Fed
"But just consider that name: central bank. Throughout American history, both of those words - 'central' and 'bank' - had been deeply unpopular. The thought of a bunch of rich bankers in New York controlling a powerful central bank did not inspire confidence."
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Groundbreaking Study Shows How Gut Bacteria Can Ameliorate Autism-Like Symptoms
Beneficial bacteria is the gut are known to attack pathogens, manufacture B and K vitamins and even act as anti-cancer agents. New research appearing in the journal Cell strengthens the recent scientific understanding that the microbes that live in your gut may affect what goes on in your brain. It is also the first to show that a specific probiotic may be capable of reversing autism-like behaviors.
A Locked Door, A Secret Meeting And The Birth Of The Fed
"But just consider that name: central bank. Throughout American history, both of those words - 'central' and 'bank' - had been deeply unpopular. The thought of a bunch of rich bankers in New York controlling a powerful central bank did not inspire confidence."
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from PreventDisease.com
Groundbreaking Study Shows How Gut Bacteria Can Ameliorate Autism-Like Symptoms
Beneficial bacteria is the gut are known to attack pathogens, manufacture B and K vitamins and even act as anti-cancer agents. New research appearing in the journal Cell strengthens the recent scientific understanding that the microbes that live in your gut may affect what goes on in your brain. It is also the first to show that a specific probiotic may be capable of reversing autism-like behaviors.
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from Rare
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from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
AK-47 through the years
One man's terrorist may be another's freedom fighter, but odds are good that both carried a gun derived from the AK-47 designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The famed Russian weapons designer died Monday. Take a look back at the AK-47.
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AK-47 through the years
One man's terrorist may be another's freedom fighter, but odds are good that both carried a gun derived from the AK-47 designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The famed Russian weapons designer died Monday. Take a look back at the AK-47.
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from Space.com (& CollectSpace)
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from The Spokesman-Review
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from The Star (Grand Coulee)
Okanogan Amateur Radio Club recognizes first concrete pouring at Grand Coulee Dam
Dec. 6th, 1935, was the first “ceremonious pour” of concrete at Grand Coulee Dam. It was the first of a total of 12 million yards, which is enough to pour a sidewalk around the world at the equator twice.
Bureau working to ready damaged plant for irrigation season
The Bureau of Reclamation anticipates all six pump units in the John W. Keys III Pump-Generating Plant will be available to fill Banks Lake prior to the 2014 irrigation season, and expects to provide a normal irrigation water supply to the Columbia Basin. The pump plant has been out of service since a fire Nov. 18. The fire was contained to the south end of the pump plant and caused damage to the switchgear for Pump Generator 12 (PG-12). An employee injured in the fire, Dan McCulloch, 54, was flown to Harborview Medical Center’s burn center in Seattle with burns reportedly over 75 percent of his body. He continues to be cared for at Harborview.
Dec. 6th, 1935, was the first “ceremonious pour” of concrete at Grand Coulee Dam. It was the first of a total of 12 million yards, which is enough to pour a sidewalk around the world at the equator twice.
Bureau working to ready damaged plant for irrigation season
The Bureau of Reclamation anticipates all six pump units in the John W. Keys III Pump-Generating Plant will be available to fill Banks Lake prior to the 2014 irrigation season, and expects to provide a normal irrigation water supply to the Columbia Basin. The pump plant has been out of service since a fire Nov. 18. The fire was contained to the south end of the pump plant and caused damage to the switchgear for Pump Generator 12 (PG-12). An employee injured in the fire, Dan McCulloch, 54, was flown to Harborview Medical Center’s burn center in Seattle with burns reportedly over 75 percent of his body. He continues to be cared for at Harborview.
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from Sunny Skyz
End Homelessness In America With Something We Throw Away Every Day. This Could Really Work
End Homelessness In America With Something We Throw Away Every Day. This Could Really Work
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from The Tri-City Herald
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from The Washington Times (DC)
from The Weekly Standard
Tireless Enemies of Israel: America’s Academic Boycotters
If there are still many Americans who believe that college and university professors are harmless drudges obsessed with moldy futilities, people who know so much about so little that they can neither be contradicted nor are worth contradicting, they should be disabused of their illusions by the recent decisions of three (ostensibly) academic organizations to boycott the academic institutions of the state of Israel. First, the Asian American Studies Association in April, and more recently the American Studies Association, and the Council of Native Americans and Indigenous Studies Association. All have decided that they can no longer share the globe with a Jewish-majority state, any more than the academics included in Max Weinreich’s classic study of Hitler’s Professors (YIVO, 1946) could continue to share Europe with its Jewish minority.
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from The Wenatchee World
Orchardist’s faulty pump wiring caused Colockum Tarps Fire
Governor helps celebrate Alcoa’s 125th anniversary
The manager of Alcoa Wenatchee Works joined here Friday with other company officials from around the state and Gov. Jay Inslee to celebrate the aluminum company’s 125th anniversary.
Pumping plant to be fixed by irrigation season
All six of the fire-damaged pump units needed to refill Banks Lake will be fixed by March 1, officials from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said in a news release.
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