Sunday, December 22, 2013

In the news, Saturday, December 14, 2013


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DEC 13      INDEX      DEC 15
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from AsiaNews


Card. Koch visits Patriarchate of Moscow
The President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity will also meet with the Patriarch of Moscow, Kirill . In St. Petersburg’s Academy of Theology, the Cardinal addresses conference on the progress of the Catholic-Orthodox dialogue.


Baghdad, the local government erects a Christmas tree to show solidarity with Christians
The five meter tall tree will be erected in the neighborhood of Karrada on the east bank of the Tigris River. The area is a symbol of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.


Tokyo offers ASEAN 20 billion to halt Beijing’s hegemony
The funding was announced today at the ASEAN summit in Tokyo. The loan will be used mainly to develop the Mekong River region. The 10 ASEAN members send a signal to China and sign a joint declaration on freedom of movement and trade in the East China Sea.


Bishops of Sri Lanka: The country is in crisis, restore peace in war-affected areas
The Bishops' Conference has presented a pastoral letter , addressed " not to a government , a president or a party in particular", but the situation in general. It outlines a number of measures to foster reconciliation: the resettlement of war refugees; finding out the truth about disappearances and deaths; eliminate all forms of torture.


Singapore: government clamps down on demonstrations, fears of new riots among immigrants
A road accident triggers revolt in the Indian quarter. After quelling protests the government ensures that similar incidents "will not be repeated." But discontent among foreign workers grows. The prime minister minimizes and promises a "better management" of immigrants. However, experts warn: "need to understand the underlying reasons" for the conflict.

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from BBC News


Syria crisis: French 'pessimism' over Geneva II talks
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has said he has little hope for planned peace talks over the Syrian conflict.


China's Jade Rabbit rover rolls on to Moon's surface
China's Jade Rabbit robot rover has driven off its landing module and on to the Moon's surface.


China lands Jade Rabbit robot rover on Moon
China says it has successfully landed a craft carrying a robotic rover on the surface of the Moon, the first soft landing there for 37 years.


US marks first anniversary of Sandy Hook massacre
US President Barack Obama has marked the anniversary of the Sandy Hook school shootings by urging Americans to push for tighter gun control.


Brazil World Cup 2014: Worker dies in stadium fall
A worker has been killed in Brazil after falling from the roof of a stadium being built in the Amazon region for the 2014 football World Cup.


Nelson Mandela: Coffin arrives in Qunu for burial
Nelson Mandela's coffin has arrived in his childhood home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, the final leg of its journey.


Floods from storm Alexa force Gazans to leave homes
More than 5,000 people in Gaza have been evacuated from their homes because of severe floods caused by torrential rain, Palestinian officials say.


Tunisia Industry Minister Mehdi Jomaa to be new PM
Tunisian politicians have agreed on a new prime minister after talks between the ruling Islamist Ennahda party and the opposition. The appointment is part of a deal reached on Thursday that will see the moderate Islamists hand over power to end the political deadlock.


Ukraine President Yanukovych suspends mayor of Kiev
The president of Ukraine has suspended his deputy security chief and Kiev's mayor over the police violence against protesters on 30 November.


North Korea 'summons business people from China'
North Korean business people are being recalled from China following the execution of top official, Chang Song-thaek, says a South Korean report.


Germany: Social Democrats back 'grand coalition' with Merkel
Members of Germany's opposition Social Democrats (SPD) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of entering a grand coalition government led by centre-right Chancellor Angela Merkel.



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from The Blaze

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from CNSNews.com (& NewsBusters)

from The Denver Post


Arapahoe High gunman held strong political beliefs, classmates said
A murderous, angry, socialist who ridiculed conservatives.

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from EarthSky


Everything you need to know: December solstice 2013


It’s time for Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count
The National Audubon Society’s 114th Christmas Bird Count starts this weekend. It runs until January 5. Info on how to participate here.

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from Facecrooks


Rape Victim Plans to Sue Facebook for Not Taking Down Fake Page Created in Her Name
Should Facebook be held responsible for cases like this? If she sues and wins what is an appropriate award for damages?

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from The Farmacy (& Strawbale City)


How to Heat Your Home Using Aluminum Cans



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from Fox News

A student identified as 18-year-old Karl Halverson Pierson walked into a Colorado high school with a shotgun Friday, possibly seeking revenge against a teacher, and critically wounded another student before apparently killing himself, police said. [updated and re-titled]


Tea Party Steps Up War of Words Against Boehner Over Budget Vote
In advance of the vote, Boehner unleashed a stinging attack on conservative groups campaigning for the bill's demise, saying they lacked credibility.

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from Global Research
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from The Heritage Foundation

The Budget Deal -- and Why We're $17 Trillion in Debt

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from International Christian Concern
(PERSECUTION.org)


The Egyptian Church is the Target
An increasingly vulnerable Egyptian Church continues to serve as a convenient target for pro-Morsi supporters to vent their rage as tensions in the country show no sign of abating following the Muslim Brotherhood’s removal from power in July. Islamist crowds coalesce weekly in front of one of the major churches in the Cairo suburbs following Friday prayers, leaving behind scrawls of anti-Christian graffiti, vandalism, and threats of violence.


Indonesian Police Warn of Terrorism Plots Over Christmas
Despite being recognized internationally as an example of a tolerant Muslim majority Democracy, anti-religious hostility continues to plague Indonesia. Last week ICC learned that at least two churches had been forcibly shut down by local governments in recent days under pressure from radical Islamic organizations, with one of the churches located in Sulawesi being torn down by local authorities. Now Indonesian police are warning that terrorist's may be planning bombings around the Christmas holiday, a typically dangerous time for at risk Christian groups in sensitive parts of the world. In 2000, Christmas bombings in Indonesian churches killed 16.


More Christians in Laos Threatened With Eviction
Newly converted Christians in Laos are once again facing pressure to give up their faith or abandon their homes in what has become a recurring pattern in rural parts of the country. Village leaders warned five families on Dec. 2 that had recently converted to Christianity that their new faith was not welcome and that they would be held responsible for any deaths in the village, since their new faith "violates the village's longstanding beliefs and customs in the spirits." The five families, living in Savannakhet Province, also received an eviction notice.


New Senate Bill Introduced to Protect Religious Groups Opposed to Gay Marriage
In an effort to protect religious organizations from facing legal discrimination for publicly opposing gay marriage, a new bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee of Utah. The bill would prevent the Internal Revenue Service from removing the tax exempt status of churches and other religious non-profit organizations that oppose gay marriage. Although churches have not yet faced this kind of discrimination in the United States, the rising trend of prosecuting groups or individuals who oppose gay marriage has alarmed conservative law makers.

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from The Jerusalem Post


Ten days of mourning end as South Africa buries Nelson Mandela
South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela will be buried in his childhood home Qunu today in a funeral attended by Britain's Prince Charles, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and American civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson. South Africa has lost it's "greatest son," says deputy leader of ruling party; Zuma: We have to take Mandela's legacy forward.


The IDF’s Beduin trackers: Guarding against intrusion from the South
A day with the IDF’s Beduin trackers finds the "people of the field" putting their lives on the line to secure Israel's southern border and the mounting threat of al-Qaida-affiliated terror cells in Egypt's Sinai. The deputy commander of the IDF Beduin Tracker’s Unit in the Southern Command tells 'The Jerusalem Post' about his community and its involvement in the IDF.


Comment: On Mideast security, the US has only just begun
The Obama administration appears as determined as ever to advance a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to curtail the Iranian nuclear threat in a way that will enhance, not endanger, Israeli security.


Recovery efforts underway as worst snowstorm in decades dwindles
Netanyahu urges residents to exercise caution amid relief operations; Route 1 open to public transport, supply vehicles only.


Home Front Command mobilizes to assist Jerusalem and Safed
The government and the IDF are working hard to help restore power and reopen roads throughout Israel after a massive storm ravaged the country for 3 days straight. IDF creates 3 pronged program to assist Police in dealing storm recovery. Storm aftermath proves to be difficult as temperatures cause icy roads; Jerusalem advises citizens not to drive cars. Ya’alon: The most important thing is of course saving lives.

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from KHQ Local News (Spokane)

Some Advocacy Groups Hail Judge's Polygamy Ruling
Advocacy groups for polygamy and individual liberties are hailing a federal judge's ruling that key parts of Utah's polygamy laws are unconstitutional, saying it will affect the lives of polygamist families in the state by removing the threat of arrest.

Somber Remembrances In Newtown, At White House On Anniversary Of Sandy Hook Shooting

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from KING 5 (Seattle)

China Bans Shellfish Imports From US West Coast
China has banned imports of shellfish from the U.S. West Coast after discovering that recent shipments of geoduck clams had high levels of arsenic and a toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Local Tuskegee Airman remembered for his sacrifices
Hundreds gathered Saturday for a special farewell for a local man who helped shape history for our entire country.  William Booker, one of only two original members of the Tuskegee Airmen living in Western Washington, passed away a few weeks ago.

Liquor thefts have tripled in Puyallup post-privatization

Sheriff: Colo. gunman had shotgun, machete, incendiary devices

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from KOMO News (Seattle)

Mandela makes final journey home in South Africa
A hearse carrying Mandela's body drove into his hometown in rural South Africa ahead of burial Sunday, returning the country's peacemaker to the place where he had always wanted to die.


China bans West Coast shellfish after clams found tainted


Iran sends second monkey into space


Agriculture the most promising market for drones


China successfully soft-lands probe on the moon
China on Saturday successfully carried out the world's first soft landing of a space probe on the moon in nearly four decades, state media said, the next stage in an ambitious space program that aims to eventually put a Chinese astronaut on the moon.

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from KREM 2 News (Spokane)


Wash. firefighters mistakenly pump jet fuel on fire instead of water
The Washington State Patrol is investigating a serious mishap that occurred Oct. 25th at its fire training academy in North Bend.


Sister of Sandy Hook shooting victim speaks on anniversary
Danielle Vabner, a University of Texas sophomore, spoke about her six-year old brother, Noah Pozner, on the one-year anniversary of his death. Noah was one of 26 people killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

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from KXLY 4 News (Spokane)


Local veterans honored for National Wreaths Across America Day


Nation reflects on gut-wrenching legacy of Newtown
Guns, mental health, community: Newtown has been in the thick of it all

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from MEDIAite


Huckabee Scolds the Tea Party Groups: ‘Politics Is Not Theology’

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from Mother Nature Network


5 healthy hot cocoa recipes
Kick the chemicals out of your hot cocoa with these creamy chocolicious concoctions (including vegan and sugar-free options).


26 random acts of kindness to try today
To mark the first anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Conn., honor the victims by spreading kindness.


How can I make my Christmas tree last?
If you’re bringing home a tree, there are few simple rules for keeping it looking fresh and festive for the duration of the holidays.


Travel photos take center stage in Nat Geo photo contest

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from Natural Society


World’s First: Retail License for Marijuana Sales Issued in Colorado

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from NPR


As The World Watches, Mandela Is Buried In His Humble Village
Under a sunny African sky, Nelson Mandela was buried Sunday on a hill overlooking his beloved boyhood village. Members of his clan, national leaders and a global audience bid farewell to the man who transformed his country and became one of the world's most revered figures.


Before The Prescription, Ask About Your Doctor's Finances
Informed consent may not be complete until doctors disclose their personal financial incentives.


Africa Wanders From Mandela's Path To Democracy
Many African nations hold regular elections, but it's still rare for power to change by ballot.


For The Ruling In India, Two Books To Measure Its Impact
In a surprise move, the Indian Supreme Court this week ruled to uphold a ban on gay sex. The ban, instituted under British colonial authority more than 150 years ago, had been repealed in 2009. With its reinstatement, the law, also known as Section 377, once again makes homosexual acts punishable by up to 10 years in prison.


Creative Ways to Bring Music to Students — Every Day!
Some schools are finding creative ways of funding a crucial part of school that's usually the first thing to be cut: the daily music program.


Draining The Daring From A High School Production Of 'Rent'The principal of Trumbull High School canceled the play because it contained "challenging issues."


A Common Story: Bullet's Trajectory Interrupts Child's PathEleven-year-old Ka'nard Allen of New Orleans has become a symbol of the toll of violence in the U.S.


A Grieving Newtown Mother's Motto: 'Love Wins'A year after her daughter's death, Nelba Márquez-Greene is trying to promote healing and compassion.


White House Hires A Crisis Manager, Easing Democratic WorriesJohn Podesta, who helped Bill Clinton survive impeachment, will become counselor to the president.


At The White House, Learning How Not To Talk About Addiction
A Harvard expert tells the first White House summit on drug policy reform about addiction language and stigma. We don't say someone with an eating disorder has a "food abuse" problem, so why do we call people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol "substance abusers?


Twitter Critics Say It's Not Sensitive Enough To CyberbullyingSome say Twitter's change in its blocking policy shows that it isn't listening to women or other victims. On Thursday, Twitter introduced — and later in the day, withdrew — a change to its "blocking" policy. Thursday afternoon, the microblogging site started allowing users who had been blocked to continue to follow, respond to or retweet posts from people who had blocked them. User response came swiftly. Many were outraged that the change allowed stalkers and abusers open access to their posts. Twitter rescinded the policy in the evening, and went back to making tweets invisible to blocked users.

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from RetroVision (news.kjosy.com)

Patty Duke is 67 years old today!
[Patty Duke now lives in Hayden, Idaho]

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from Right Wing News

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from Space.com (& CollectSpace)


China Lands On The Moon: Historic Robotic Lunar Landing Includes 1st Chinese Rover


Photos: Europa, Mysterious Icy Moon of Jupiter


Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar' trailer lifts off with NASA footage
Alan Shepard, Neil Armstrong and the space shuttle Atlantis make cameos in the first teaser trailer for "Interstellar," the highly-anticipated 2014 science fiction film from director Christopher Nolan.


US Air Force's Mysterious X-37B Space Plane Passes 1 Year in Orbit


The weird object near Saturn’s A ring
A member of the Cassini spacecraft’s imaging team spied a mysterious object at edge of Saturn’s A ring and named it Peggy.


Water vapor venting from Jupiter’s moon, Europa
If these plumes vent from Europa’s subsurface water ocean, future scientists won’t need to drill into Europa’s icy crust to investigate the potential for life in that alien sea.

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from The Spokesman-Review

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from The Washington Post
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from The Weekly Standard


Speed Reading the Pope
Everybody has an opinion about the pope these days and, what’s worse, feels compelled to express it. Rush Limbaugh has an opinion about the pope. He says he finds the pope “upsetting.” And he’s not even Catholic!



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