________
________
NORTHWEST
________
from Columbia Basin Herald
Perkins closes doors after decades of operation
Owners Mira and Eddie Huffman recently announced they would be closing the doors to their Moses Lake establishment on Dec. 24. The pair is retiring after more than 40 years of being in the business.
________
1. "A Charlie Brown Christmas"; 2. "A Muppet Christmas Carol"; 3. "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"; 4. "The Nightmare Before Christmas"; 5. "The Polar Express"; 6. "The Santa Clause"; 7. "The Year Without a Santa Claus"; 8. "White Christmas"; 9. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"; 10. "Meet Me in St. Louis"; 11. "It's a Wonderful Life"; 12. "Love Actually"; 13. "Miracle on 34th Street"; 14. "A Christmas Story"; 15. "Frosty the Snowman"; 16. "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"; 17. "Home Alone"; 18. "Die Hard"; 19. "Elf"; 20. "Bad Santa"
Space station astronauts repaired a crippled cooling system during a rare Christmas Eve spacewalk Tuesday, braving a "mini blizzard" of noxious ammonia as they popped in a new pump.
________
from KIRO 7 Eyewitness News (Seattle)
PHOTOS: Wah Mee building burns in 2-alarm fire
VIDEO JP Patches and Santa, 1970s
Hey, Patches Pals: Just for you we uncovered this forgotten video of J.P. Patches with Santa. The tape isn't dated, but we think it's from the late 1970s.
________
from KOMO News (Seattle)
Washington exchange: 65k have signed up for insurance
Officials say more than 65,000 people have signed up for private insurance since October 1 through the state's new health care exchange, an increase of about 4,000 people since the beginning of December. Another 69,000 people need to finish enrollment by paying. The exchange had a goal of signing up 130,000 people into private insurance plans by Jan. 1.
First-class stamps to cost 49 cents as of Jan. 26
Regulators on Tuesday approved a temporary price hike of 3 cents for a first-class stamp, bringing the charge to 49 cents a letter in an effort to help the Postal Service recover from severe mail decreases brought on by the 2008 economic downturn.
Wash. pot business applications surpass 3,000
Judge: Calif. teen can be taken off life support
A judge on Tuesday ruled that a 13-year-old Northern California girl declared brain dead after suffering complications following a tonsillectomy can be taken off life support. But Alameda County Superior Court Judge Evelio Grillo gave Jahi McMath's family until 5 p.m. Dec. 30 to file an appeal. She will stay on life support until then.
Deadline extended for health insurance sign-up
The government's revamped health care website was put to its biggest test yet as a record-breaking surge of Americans rushed to beat Tuesday's extended deadline for signing up for coverage.
________
from KREM 2 News (Spokane)
First deadline for Washington and Idaho health care looms
Tablets a hit with kids, but experts worry
Tablet computers are so easy to use that even a 3-year-old can master them. And that has some pediatricians and other health experts worried.
Food stamp cuts hit home during the holidays
Lawmakers adjourned without coming up with a compromise to restore cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.The average SNAP benefit will drop from $1.50 per person, per meal to less than $1.40. Food banks say more people are coming to them.
________
from KXLY 4 News (Spokane)
Rescued horses get new homes in time for the holidays
Police are still searching for Janice Hickerson who faces felony animal cruelty charges.
Christmas Eve spacewalk for repair job ends
Two engineers replacing malfunctioning pump
AmEx refunding $60 million to customers
Federal agency says American Express engaged in unfair billing, deceptive marketing
Chase relaxes limits on debit cards used at Target
New limits let customers withdraw $250 per day, spend $1,000 per day
U.S. airlines want to stay cellphone free
FCC could soon allow inflight cellphone use. If you don't want airplanes to allow in-flight phone calls, you're not alone. Major airlines feel the same way.
Affordable Care deadline extended by one day
Consumers can now sign up for insurance through Christmas Eve
Utah judge: Same-sex marriage ruling stands
State attorneys had requested a stay on his ruling from last week
________
from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Massacre site ablaze in International District
An estimated 90 firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze that began around 4 PM Tuesday in Seattle's International District. The building was the site of the 1983 Wah Mee massacre, in which 13 people were killed in a robbery at the Wah Mee gambling club.
________
from The Spokesman-Review
to be added in a new window
________
from The Wenatchee World
Fish are finding home in new Chelan River channel
The restoration of the Chelan River is one of the requirements of the Lake Chelan Hydro Project 50-year license issued in 2006 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Winemaker's Journal — Christmas Eve cioppino
________
NATION
________
________
from The Blaze
________
from Examiner.com
Report: Healthcare.gov couldn't verify Barack Obama's identity
President Obama -- not exactly leading by example -- was finally signed up for Obamacare in a symbolic move showing support for his own law. But, Fox News' Ed Henry reported Monday, the healthcare.gov system couldn't verify his identity, so his staff had to sign him up in person.
________
from Fox News
Dog Fraud? Growing Concerns About Impostor Service Dogs
1 percent pay raise latest pinch for troops, veterans struggling to pay bills
McDonald's employee site advises workers to avoid eating fast food
Judge orders California teen who was declared brain dead off life support, but family can appeal
ICE director defends transport of illegal immigrant children as 'appropriate and legal'
Army: Don’t say Christmas
Remember Pastor Saeed as he marks his second Christmas imprisoned in Iran
by Jay Sekulow
________
from The Heritage Foundation
Why All Americans Should Support Hobby Lobby's Case Against Obamacare
8 Americans to Remember This Christmas
________
from NPR
Pope Francis Preaches Message Of Love At Christmas Eve Mass
Hey Hey Hey! Historian Draws Attention To '70s Black Animation Art
"Bill Cosby's cartoon was so groundbreaking, it just dealt with so many issues - smoking, cheating in school, playing hookey, divorce, what happens when you steal from others. You don't realize it when you're watching it that you're getting all of these messages, in a form that children can understand."
Snowden Says His Mission Is Accomplished; 'I Already Won'
"All I wanted was for the public to be able to have a say in how they are governed. That is a milestone we left a long time ago."
On Anniversary Of Apollo 8, How The 'Earthrise' Photo Was Made
The iconic photo taken on Christmas Eve 1968 "came about by accident," says space writer and historian Andrew Chaikin. A new NASA animation shows just how close the astronauts came to missing the shot.
Top German Chocolate Maker Fights For Its 'Natural' Reputation
Ritter Sport says the chemical responsible for the vanilla-like aroma in its top-selling Voll-Nuss chocolate nut bar is all natural. But Stiftung Warentest - basically Germany's version of Consumer Reports - disagrees.
________
from Patriot Survival Plan
________
from The Western Center for Journalism
(Western Journalism)
Obama Won’t Put Personal Info Into Obamacare Database
________
WORLD
________
from AsiaNews
EGYPT: A car bomb nearly destroyed a police building in Mansoura, causing 14 dead. The prime minister accuses "terrorists" and says they will not stop the path to democracy. In January, there will be a referendum on the new constitution, drafted after the ouster of Morsi and the exclusion of the Muslim Brotherhood.
PHILIPPINES: The Archbishop of Manila writes to the faithful: "The earthquakes, typhoons and political crises make us rethink our priorities and focus on the true meaning of Christmas: the Child who is among us." That of 2013 "is a Christmas of compassion, solidarity and communion."
Archbishop of Seoul: Living Christmas every day, to fight the ills of society
SOUTH KOREA: Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo- jung invites the faithful to pray "for the marginalized, the poor, the sick and our North Korean brethren". And remember the importance of fighting "the darkness of a world affected by materialism, atheism, suicides and divorces" with the light of salvation of the new born Christ.
Banda Aceh, Islamic extremists prohibit New Year celebrations
INDONESIA: A popular hotel in the province of Aceh has canceled a special evening of dance and concerts because of fundamentalist threats. Governor and police responsible for enforcing Islamic norms, including a ban on drinking alcohol. Concerts and dances "on any other day of the year," but not a "Christian holiday."
Christmas a Day of Terror for Christians in Iraq, say Human Rights Groups
Violence targeting Christians in Iraq has been increasing in recent days. The increase in violence is due both to the lack of capacity to provide security and to increasing extremism across the region. The latest increase comes as over the past decade some 800,000 Christians have emigrated from Iraq, fleeing the uptick in persecution and violence that marked the years since 2003.
Remember Pastor Saeed as He Marks His Second Christmas Imprisoned in Iran
Pastor Saeed will be spending his second Christmas in an Iranian jail. The American-Iranian pastor has been sentenced to eight years in prison as a result of activities the Iranian government viewed as a threat to national security. The crimes were related to his work with Christian house churches dating back to as early as 2000. Despite intense efforts on his behalf from Congress, Pastor Saeed remains imprisoned. Negotiations between the United States and Iran on nuclear issues have so far not yielded progress towards Pastor Saeed’s release.
Religiously Motivated Violence Continues to Drive CAR into Chaos
After the government was overthrown by the Muslim rebel group, Seleka, religiously motivated violence has been ripping apart the Central African Republic. Thousands of Christians have fled the violence seeking shelter in nearby countries and cities. As the conflict has dragged on, both Muslim and Christian groups has perpetrated unspeakable acts of violence. Will the international community take action decisive enough to bring an end to this violence? Please pray.
Christian Protestor in India Speaks Out on Discrimination of Christian Dalits
On December 11, a large march on India's capital led by Christian and Muslims leaders was broken up by brutal police tactics. These protestors were demanding equal rights for Muslim and Christian Dalits. Police broke up the protest with batons and water cannons, arresting over 400 people including priests and nuns when all was said an done. Now, the Archbishop of Delhi is speaking out against the discrimination faced by Christian and Muslim Dalits and the mistreatment he experienced at the hands of the Indian police.
Christmas Celebrations Marred by Insecurity in Pakistan
Around the world, Christians are preparing the celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately in Pakistan, Christians are not only preparing for Christmas, but also for the possibility of being attacked while celebrating the Christian holiday. This past year has seen an increase in violence towards Christians in Pakistan and many are preparing for the possibility of being attacked while attending a Christmas service at church. Please pray that these Christians remain safe over the Christmas holiday.
TURKMENISTAN: "Singing about God here is banned"
Two homes of church members were raided and religious literature including personal Bibles were seized. One church member was threatened with a 15-day jail term and deportation, even though he is a Turkmen citizen. During one raid, on a rehearsal of songs for the following Sunday's meeting for worship, officials stated that "singing about God here is banned". The Church was also threatened that it might lose its state registration, thus making it illegal. A state religious affairs official who is also an imam told the church's Pastor Yuri Rozmetov that the Christian faith "is wrong" and pressured him to become a Muslim.
Despite spike in terror, Israel expected to release 26 convicted terrorists next week
Release part of agreement that led to restart of talks with Palestinians in July; expectation is that Kerry will present framework accord soon.
The robot that will save civilians from snipers
Syrian refugees develop unique prototype to rescue injured non-combatants.
Georgia on her mind
Chef Irma Kazar’s Georgian-inspired foods waft you away to the Caucasus.
Bending the rules of gender
Drawing upon punk and pop culture, choreographer Idan Cohen’s latest work incorporates images that reflect personal and social identities of masculinity, femininity and all that lies between.
JPostTV special report: Bethlehem gears up for Christmas
Local business interests clash in Bethlehem as the town gears up for mass visitors.
IDF strikes six Gaza targets in retaliation to shooting of Defense Ministry employee
Palestinian toddler reportedly killed, three Palestinians injured; Netanyahu warns: Don't test Israel's resolve.
Our World: Kerry’s oh-so-’90s security nonsense
"There are several serious problems with Kerry’s arrangements...their most glaring flaws are rooted in their disregard for all the lessons we have learned over the past two decades." Like his supporters, US Secretary of State John Kerry has apparently been asleep for the past 20 years.
No Christmas spirit in the West Bank: Israeli journalists banned from celebrations
Palestinian journalists applaud the move as justification for "restrictions" imposed on Palestinian media by Israel.
Defense Ministry employee killed from Palestinian sniper fire on Gaza border
Palestinian sniper fire kills Salah Shukri Abu Latyef who was working on Gaza border fence.
Snowden: Mission accomplished, I already won
In 'Washington Post' interview, fugitive NSA whistleblower says he was trying to change the US spy agency, not bring it down.
Iranian corruption: The revolving door between gov't and business
Several officials from Khamenei's business empire have been appointed to top government posts in recent years.
Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinian Christians over Christmas
IDF official meets Christian leaders in east Jerusalem; thousands expected to converge on Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.
The rich get richer: Adelson, Zuckerberg 2013's biggest gainers
Casino mogul tops 'Forbes' list, seeing fortune jump by 68% to $37 billion; Facebook chief comes in 2nd, more than doubling fortune.
Livnat tells Arab MKs, 'you think we're not enlightened? Go to Assad'
"The only place where there is freedom of speech for people like you is the Knesset," Culture Minister tells Hadash MK Barakei.
EU mulls delaying anti-Israel document in light of ongoing peace talks
Last year's report recommended a number of steps that were later implemented in the controversial settlement guidelines.
Mistletoe’s parasitic kiss
The quaint holiday decoration you invited into your home and hung over your doorways is a vicious parasite that leeches nutrients from innocent host trees. It is riddled with cytotoxins, and its seeds are dispersed via bird crap. Merry Christmas.
Was the Christmas Star real?
A wondrous star is said to have appeared over the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. It has grown to be a major symbol of Christmas around the world. But is the star fact or fiction?
Big Changes Coming for United, Delta Frequent Fliers
4 Reasons Why Your Budget Will Never Work for You
5 Purchases to Squeeze in Before the End of the Year
Ask Stacy: Can I Make a Living as a Stock Trader?
After-Christmas Sales: Expect Especially Good Deals This Year
After Christmas sales may actually start before Christmas since retailers are frantically discounting items they couldn't sell before.
Halotherapy - 5 Reasons Salt Is a Powerful Ally In The Winter
Mineral salts give your body the variety of mineral ions needed to balance its functions, remain healthy and heal. With the onset of winter and sudden drop in temperature, many of us fall prey to sore throats, upper respiratory tract infections and skin-related problems. Halotherapy or salt therapy can actually help alleviate all of these conditions, symptoms and more.
The Sun's Wrath: Worst Solar Storms in History
Our current solar cycle hasn't been the most impressive, but these solar storms were some of history's worst.
Christmas Eve EVA: Astronauts gift space station with coolant pump fix
________
from BBC News
________
from International Christian Concern
(PERSECUTION.org)
Christmas a Day of Terror for Christians in Iraq, say Human Rights Groups
Violence targeting Christians in Iraq has been increasing in recent days. The increase in violence is due both to the lack of capacity to provide security and to increasing extremism across the region. The latest increase comes as over the past decade some 800,000 Christians have emigrated from Iraq, fleeing the uptick in persecution and violence that marked the years since 2003.
Remember Pastor Saeed as He Marks His Second Christmas Imprisoned in Iran
Pastor Saeed will be spending his second Christmas in an Iranian jail. The American-Iranian pastor has been sentenced to eight years in prison as a result of activities the Iranian government viewed as a threat to national security. The crimes were related to his work with Christian house churches dating back to as early as 2000. Despite intense efforts on his behalf from Congress, Pastor Saeed remains imprisoned. Negotiations between the United States and Iran on nuclear issues have so far not yielded progress towards Pastor Saeed’s release.
Religiously Motivated Violence Continues to Drive CAR into Chaos
After the government was overthrown by the Muslim rebel group, Seleka, religiously motivated violence has been ripping apart the Central African Republic. Thousands of Christians have fled the violence seeking shelter in nearby countries and cities. As the conflict has dragged on, both Muslim and Christian groups has perpetrated unspeakable acts of violence. Will the international community take action decisive enough to bring an end to this violence? Please pray.
Christian Protestor in India Speaks Out on Discrimination of Christian Dalits
On December 11, a large march on India's capital led by Christian and Muslims leaders was broken up by brutal police tactics. These protestors were demanding equal rights for Muslim and Christian Dalits. Police broke up the protest with batons and water cannons, arresting over 400 people including priests and nuns when all was said an done. Now, the Archbishop of Delhi is speaking out against the discrimination faced by Christian and Muslim Dalits and the mistreatment he experienced at the hands of the Indian police.
Christmas Celebrations Marred by Insecurity in Pakistan
Around the world, Christians are preparing the celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately in Pakistan, Christians are not only preparing for Christmas, but also for the possibility of being attacked while celebrating the Christian holiday. This past year has seen an increase in violence towards Christians in Pakistan and many are preparing for the possibility of being attacked while attending a Christmas service at church. Please pray that these Christians remain safe over the Christmas holiday.
TURKMENISTAN: "Singing about God here is banned"
Two homes of church members were raided and religious literature including personal Bibles were seized. One church member was threatened with a 15-day jail term and deportation, even though he is a Turkmen citizen. During one raid, on a rehearsal of songs for the following Sunday's meeting for worship, officials stated that "singing about God here is banned". The Church was also threatened that it might lose its state registration, thus making it illegal. A state religious affairs official who is also an imam told the church's Pastor Yuri Rozmetov that the Christian faith "is wrong" and pressured him to become a Muslim.
________
from The Jerusalem Post
Despite spike in terror, Israel expected to release 26 convicted terrorists next week
Release part of agreement that led to restart of talks with Palestinians in July; expectation is that Kerry will present framework accord soon.
The robot that will save civilians from snipers
Syrian refugees develop unique prototype to rescue injured non-combatants.
Georgia on her mind
Chef Irma Kazar’s Georgian-inspired foods waft you away to the Caucasus.
Bending the rules of gender
Drawing upon punk and pop culture, choreographer Idan Cohen’s latest work incorporates images that reflect personal and social identities of masculinity, femininity and all that lies between.
JPostTV special report: Bethlehem gears up for Christmas
Local business interests clash in Bethlehem as the town gears up for mass visitors.
IDF strikes six Gaza targets in retaliation to shooting of Defense Ministry employee
Palestinian toddler reportedly killed, three Palestinians injured; Netanyahu warns: Don't test Israel's resolve.
Our World: Kerry’s oh-so-’90s security nonsense
"There are several serious problems with Kerry’s arrangements...their most glaring flaws are rooted in their disregard for all the lessons we have learned over the past two decades." Like his supporters, US Secretary of State John Kerry has apparently been asleep for the past 20 years.
No Christmas spirit in the West Bank: Israeli journalists banned from celebrations
Palestinian journalists applaud the move as justification for "restrictions" imposed on Palestinian media by Israel.
Defense Ministry employee killed from Palestinian sniper fire on Gaza border
Palestinian sniper fire kills Salah Shukri Abu Latyef who was working on Gaza border fence.
Snowden: Mission accomplished, I already won
In 'Washington Post' interview, fugitive NSA whistleblower says he was trying to change the US spy agency, not bring it down.
Iranian corruption: The revolving door between gov't and business
Several officials from Khamenei's business empire have been appointed to top government posts in recent years.
Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinian Christians over Christmas
IDF official meets Christian leaders in east Jerusalem; thousands expected to converge on Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.
The rich get richer: Adelson, Zuckerberg 2013's biggest gainers
Casino mogul tops 'Forbes' list, seeing fortune jump by 68% to $37 billion; Facebook chief comes in 2nd, more than doubling fortune.
Livnat tells Arab MKs, 'you think we're not enlightened? Go to Assad'
"The only place where there is freedom of speech for people like you is the Knesset," Culture Minister tells Hadash MK Barakei.
EU mulls delaying anti-Israel document in light of ongoing peace talks
Last year's report recommended a number of steps that were later implemented in the controversial settlement guidelines.
________
from The Telegraph (UK)
Fears have been reignited about the safety of energy saving light bulbs after a group of scientists warned that they contain cancer causing chemicals.
________
FEATURES
________
from EarthSky
Mistletoe’s parasitic kiss
The quaint holiday decoration you invited into your home and hung over your doorways is a vicious parasite that leeches nutrients from innocent host trees. It is riddled with cytotoxins, and its seeds are dispersed via bird crap. Merry Christmas.
Was the Christmas Star real?
A wondrous star is said to have appeared over the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. It has grown to be a major symbol of Christmas around the world. But is the star fact or fiction?
________
from The Farmacy (& Strawbale City)
[Information from this site may not be reliable.]
________
from Money Talks News
Big Changes Coming for United, Delta Frequent Fliers
4 Reasons Why Your Budget Will Never Work for You
5 Purchases to Squeeze in Before the End of the Year
Ask Stacy: Can I Make a Living as a Stock Trader?
After-Christmas Sales: Expect Especially Good Deals This Year
After Christmas sales may actually start before Christmas since retailers are frantically discounting items they couldn't sell before.
________
from PreventDisease.com
Halotherapy - 5 Reasons Salt Is a Powerful Ally In The Winter
Mineral salts give your body the variety of mineral ions needed to balance its functions, remain healthy and heal. With the onset of winter and sudden drop in temperature, many of us fall prey to sore throats, upper respiratory tract infections and skin-related problems. Halotherapy or salt therapy can actually help alleviate all of these conditions, symptoms and more.
________
from Space.com (& CollectSpace)
The Sun's Wrath: Worst Solar Storms in History
Our current solar cycle hasn't been the most impressive, but these solar storms were some of history's worst.
Christmas Eve EVA: Astronauts gift space station with coolant pump fix
Shopping for a Home? Pick One That Santa Will Love
Incredible Technology: How to Mine Water on Mars
Mars One, which wants to establish a permanent human settlement on the Red Planet, is planning to send an unmanned lander to Mars in 2018 that would carry an experiment to demonstrate that water extraction is possible.
________
from Sunny Skyz
Amateur Archaeologist Using Google Earth Discovers Long Lost Pyramids In Egypt
Incredible Technology: How to Mine Water on Mars
Mars One, which wants to establish a permanent human settlement on the Red Planet, is planning to send an unmanned lander to Mars in 2018 that would carry an experiment to demonstrate that water extraction is possible.
________
from Sunny Skyz
Amateur Archaeologist Using Google Earth Discovers Long Lost Pyramids In Egypt
________
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