The View
12:48am Dec 25
12:48am Dec 25
Being Human: "Watch Two Strangers Make Beautiful Music Together In A Paris Train Station"
*"Watch Two Strangers Make Beautiful Music Together In A Paris Train Station"* Proof that music really is a universal language. by Chloe Fox "Music just makes everything better- even traveling through a busy and crowded train station. Which is precisely why French train company SNCF decided to put pianos smack dab in the middle of select train stations. The pianos- which are known as “À vous de jouer” pianos, or "It’s your turn to play"- are free for anyone to use, and lucky travelers in March of this year were treated to a real show when two complete strangers improvised a beautifu... more »
Without Deployment Of Foreign Forces On The Ground, The War Against The Islamic State And Its Timeline Will Be Driven By Local Populations
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meets with Prime Minister of Iraq, Haider al-Abadi, in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 20, 2015. DoD photo by D. Myles Cullen *Michael Knights, War On The Rocks:* *Time To Focus On the Wars Within The War Against The Islamic State* Contrary to many assertions, defeating the self-proclaimed Islamic State may not be particularly complex in the parts of Iraq, Syria, Libya and other countries where the group has sought to hold terrain. If local armed forces get organized and receive air support, they will defeat ... more »
15 Reasons to Never Let Anyone You Love Near a McDonalds
This posting is not mine....Directly below is a link to the article(Grant G) http://ecosalon.com/15_reasons_never_to_let_anyone_you_love_near_a_mcdonald_s/ *The Golden Arches: the ultimate American icon. Super Size Me taught us that fast food culture brings obesity, heart disease, hypertension and more. How bad do you really want that Big Mac? Here are 15 reasons you’ll never let anyone you love get near those Golden Arches.* *Real food is perishable. With time, it begins to decay. It’s a natural process, it just happens. Beef will rot, bread will mold. But what about a McDona... more »
Military Christmas Quotes
*WNU Editor:* A great place for Military Christmas quotes .... *the link is here* (click on an image for the quote).
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*Revisiting John Cook's 97% climate consensus study. How bad was it?* *My conclusions at the end of this post may surprise you* Jose Duarte is one of the few genuine scientists in social psychology. I am in a position to know that. Over a period of 20 years beginning in 1970 I encountered countless pieces of published social psychological research that were so flawed that they proved nothing. And that's not just my opinion. I put my thoughts into writing and on many occasions, journal editors saw that I had a point and published my critiques. And it is notable that they did so.... more »
President Ronald Reagan’s Christmas Message From 1981
*Hat Tip:* Bring the heat. Bring the Stupid.
CHRISTMAS IN REPUBLICAN WORLD: It’s Republican World, 2015 In Review-- Chapter Seven
*- By Noah* In Republican World, not only does Santa have to be white, but there’s a whole War On Christmas itself! How do we know? FOX, Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, “Ted” Cruz, and any number of other Republican charlatans and crazies tell us so. In the real world, the imagined “War On Christmas” is just yet another example of how Republicans play their victim cards and caress them to their chests like pictures of Ronald Reagan. I congratulate *The Onion* for the following Pulitzer-worthy reporting from Republican World. Their depiction of the horrible a... more »
Chinese UAVs Are Flying Combat Missions In The Middle East
CH-4 in flight. Sinodefense *Popular Mechanics*: *For the First Time, Chinese UAVs Are Flying and Fighting in the Middle East* Although not as good as their American counterparts, they can be purchased quicker and with fewer strings. Chinese drones are being used on two fronts in the Middle East, the first time modern, high-tech weaponry by the People's Republic has been used on the battlefield. The Predator-type drones will likely bolster demand for Chinese weapons, which have previously had a reputation for being unsophisticated and unreliable. After the success of American Pre... more »
Food Fads: Make Mine Gluten-Full
[image: Homemade Bread- 90000] WASHINGTON -- When the federal government’s 1980 “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” warned about the baleful effects of saturated fats, public interest activists joined the fight and managed to persuade major food companies to switch to the shiny new alternative: trans... more »
Merry Christmas, 2015!
*Have a very Merry Christmas, folks!* The Piano Guys, “Angels We Have Heard on High” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9ZW4P8-LLE
ThePianoGuys, “Carol of the Bells”
ThePianoGuys, “Carol of the Bells” (for 12 cellos) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg
Andre Rieu, “Hallelujah”
Andre Rieu, “Hallelujah” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_psFfD9Ib4
"Time, Life, and the Roller Coaster"
*"Time, Life, and the Roller Coaster"* by CP Remember when you were 10 years old, and summer felt like it lasted forever? Got a little older, not so bad, still plenty of time to do everything you wanted. Someone told me back then that time speeds up the older you get. Being young, and knowing everything as the young do, I of course ridiculed this idea. But guess what- it’s true. Life, and time, is like a roller coaster with just one enormous riser. As you climb the beginning towards the top time is slower to pass. At 30 or so you’re at the very top, then you start the fall towards ... more »
"17 Most Important Things To Remember in Life"
*"17 Most Important Things To Remember in Life"* by Kelsey "• Never give up on anybody; miracles happen everyday. • Be brave; even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference. • Think big thoughts, relish small pleasures. • Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly. • Never deprive someone of hope, it might be all they have. • Strive for excellence, not perfection. • Don't waste time grieving over past mistakes. Learn from them and move on. • When someone hugs you let them be the first to let go. • Never cut what can be untied. • Don't expect ... more »
Trump Rips Rivals, Press in Christmas Eve Twitter Rant … Then Says He’s Off to Church
[image: Donald Trump debate LV - 400] No one was safe from Donald Trump's Christmas Eve tweet-storm. The Republican frontrunner spent an hour on a mini-tirade, targeting political rivals and the journalists who cover him. Continue reading *“Trump Rips Rivals, Press in Christmas Eve Twitter Rant … Then Says He’s Off to Church”* at *theblaze.com*.
MERRY CHRISTMAS To All Of My Readers
I want to extend a very meaningful MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of my readers and many of my fellow truth seekers out there.... I will be MIA tomorrow as I spend the day with family.... But I will be back on Saturday with more articles here.... Again, we must always remember this time of year, especially for those in much need... Always do your parts in helping those less fortunate by giving and doing what you can.......It is always appreciated... Let us never forget the true meaning of CHRISTMAS... That we all can show love, caring, and compassion for our fellow man... There are indeed... more »
Will China Eventually Win The 'War By Algebra' Against The U.S. And Become The Dominant Power In The World?
*Peter Navarro, National Interest*: *China’s ‘War by Algebra’ Strategy to Bury America* Over the course of the 2016 presidential debate, the argument that “America vastly outspends China” will likely be used to discount any possibility of an emerging China threat. In fact, it is an argument with considerable statistical appeal. Consider that while China’s reported annual military expenditures are rapidly heading beyond $200 billion, the United States still spends more than three times that. Moreover, China’s military spending consumes only about 2 percent of its gross domestic pro... more »
Sen. Angus King Displays His Arrogance
Sen. Angus King (Ind-Maine) tells Secretary of War Ashton Carter that the US should do more to "move [Assad] off the stage" in Syria. Later on in the video the so-called 'moderate' senator urges Carter to do more to combat ISIS in the social media battle and urges him to bring the issue up for further discussion in the "councils of war". It just drives me nuts to see American political hacks talking about removing the leaders of other nations as if they were talking about changing football coaches. The arrogance is mind blowing. These cats talk about holding elections so that th... more »
Dr. Ben-- A GOP Darwinian Racket To Separate The Naive From Their Cash
I was in a state of utter confusion when I got out of the hospital a few months ago. Except I didn't realize I was. I was back home, unable to do too much but not really an invalid. I was using a walker to get around without falling but there was no walker for my brain. I invested a great deal of money in a horror movie. "Someone from Facebook" said they wanted to come over and look at some of my Depeche Mode collectibles. The horror movie investment seems to be turning out ok. The guy from Facebook took advantage of my condition, broke stuff, stole valuable collectibles, fed me a... more »
Huckabee Reveals the Threshold for Dropping His Presidential Bid
[image: Huckabee is Latest Iowa Straw Poll No-show; Is Event in Jeopardy?] In 2008, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee won a resounding victory in the Iowa caucus, propelling him to win seven more states during the Republican primaries. Now, just more than a month out from the 2016 contest and struggling in... Continue reading *“Huckabee Reveals the Threshold for Dropping His Presidential Bid”* at *theblaze.com*.
The Real Story Behind NORAD's Santa Tracker
*Yoni Applebaum, The Atlantic*: *Yes, Virginia, There Is a NORAD* The real story of the military’s Santa Tracker isn’t what you’ve heard—it’s even better. Perhaps you’ve heard the legend of Harry Shoup. The gruff Air Force colonel stood watch on December night 60 years ago, in a secure bunker at Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), guarding against a nuclear strike. On his desk sat the Red Phone, connecting him directly to the four-star general at Strategic Air Command. Suddenly, the phone rang. Colonel Shoup answered. “Is this Santa Claus?” asked a child’s voice. Rather than... more »
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- December 24, 2015
*Nancy A. Youseff, Daily Beast*: *Sgt. McBride Wasn’t Supposed to Come Home Like This* Six distraught American families will spend this Christmas in misery thanks to a war that was supposed to be over. NEW CASTLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Delaware — The six U.S. troops killed this week first appeared amid bright lights and a dusky sky. Their bodies rested in a C-17 aircraft that transported them here, illuminated in the sunset by the lights of the plane, its ramp open for the country to see. It was dark, and rain coated the tarmac—a fitting scene for the somber military ceremony k... more »
Commander Reveals US Plot To Evacuate ISIL Leaders From Ramadi
The U.S. is accused of delaying an Iraqi army victory against ISIL in Ramadi and Falloujah. The delay is allegedly to help the U.S. evacuate top ISIL leaders and move them out of the area. Fars News Agency reports: A commander of volunteer forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) disclosed the US plots to evacuate ISIL leaders from the city of Ramadi as Iraqi army and popular troops are completing victory over the terrorist group. “The delay in operations to liberate Ramadi and Fallujah cities in al-Anbar province is the result of the US interference,” Commander of Imam Khamenei Battalion Haidar al... more »
Pope Contrasts Jesus’ Birth, Excess in Christmas Eve Homily
[image: Pope Francis kisses a figurine of baby Jesus during a mass on Christmas eve marking the birth of Jesus Christ on December 24, 2015 at St Peter's basilica in Vatican. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO / AFP / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)] VATICAN CITY (AP) -- In his Christmas Eve homily Thursday, Pope Francis noted the simplicity of Jesus’ birth as he rebuked what he called society’s intoxication with consumerism, pleasure, abundance and wealth. Christians around the world joyfully prepared to recall the... more »
World News Briefs -- December 24, 2015 (Evening Edition)
*Reuters*:* Pope, on Christmas, urges return to essential values* Pope Francis led the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics into Christmas on Thursday, urging those "intoxicated" by possessions and superficial appearances to return to the essential values of life. Celebrating a Christmas eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis, whose nearly three-year-old papacy has been marked by calls for sobriety and compassion for the less fortunate, said Christmas was the time to "once more discover who we are". He said everyone should allow the simplicity of the child Jesus, born into pove... more »
Greencrow Christmas Greetings 2015
*West Coast Christmas With Full Moon* *Seasons Greetings to all my readers out there in the blogospher*e. All the best for the New Year also to *my fellow bloggers*...particularly my fellow Canadian Bloggers...Penny for your Thoughts and Northerntruthseeker. It's supposed to be a full moon this Christmas--so the above scene seems appropriate...even if it's only wet and cool outside here on the West Coast...not snowing. Unless we go up the mountains and enjoy snow *any time we want to*... *nah nah a boo boo! : )* Christmas is a time for reflection and for memories...remembering f... more »
Taiwan independence in class
I assigned my students to present on a social/political issue in Taiwan. One group did Taiwan independence, which I thought was kind of cool. The ready way they selected this, with its suggestion that they did not feel anyone would be offended, shows how things have changed. After READ MORE are the PPTs they made, reproduced with their permission. On the "system of value" when I asked for an example of different values, they said Taiwanese treat each other with more respect than the way Chinese treat each other. The comment about women represents better women's rights in Taiwan. The... more »
Nordic Countries in Annual Contest to Claim Real Santa
[image: Santa - 900] HELSINKI (AP) -- Most kids learn that Santa Claus comes from the North Pole, but children in Scandinavia are taught he lives a bit further south. Where exactly is a matter of much debate, with businesses in Finland, Sweden and... more »
Meet the Church Organist’s Son Who Wrote ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer’
[image: Randy Brooks - 400] The man behind the Christmas song, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, either the most loved or most loathed of the season and certainly one of its most memorable, has no problems being a one-hit wonder and says the... Continue reading *“Meet the Church Organist’s Son Who Wrote ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer’”* at *reuters.com*.
Katie Hopkins Angry With A Group Of Mahmoods
Celebrity media person Katie Hopkins is upset that some British Muslims travel with their children without any female supervision. Katie Hopkins posted a Tweet about a group of British Muslims who were barred from visiting Disneyland, California. Boarder officials stopped them at Gatwick Airport for no good reason. Mohammad Tariq Mahmood with his brother and nine children had saved £9,000 for a dream holiday to the Theme Park in Los Angeles. The Muslim family from London did not have their wives and mothers accompanying them on the same flight. American Homeland Security instructed ... more »
A Full Moon Will Shine on Christmas Night: the First in Decades
[image: Full moon - 400] For the first time in 38 years there will be a full moon shining down on us this Christmas. The previous full moon on Christmas fell on 1977, the year the first Star Wars was released and Jimmy Carter was... Continue reading *“A Full Moon Will Shine on Christmas Night: the First in Decades”* at *forbes.com*.
See What This City Did After Atheists Forced Them to Remove Public Nativity Display
[image: nativity3 - 400] The city of Wadena, Minnesota, has received a lot of press this holiday season, but one woman thinks there is something the media overlooked. Back in November, city officials voted to remove a cherished nativity display from a local park... Continue reading *“See What This City Did After Atheists Forced Them to Remove Public Nativity Display”* at *theblaze.com*.
MENA Report ( December 24 - 25 , 2015 ( Iraq , Syria , Turkey , Afghanistan , Libya , ISIS In focus )
Links..... Turkish Minister: Iraq's Stability Depends on Capture of Mosul Triple ISIS Suicide Attack Kills 11 Syrian Govt Fighters 131 Killed in Iraq as Fighting Continues in Ramadi Wave of Attacks Kills at Least 15 Civilians Across Iraq Turkey's Southeast Hit by More Clashes, Militants Launch Bomb Attack Turkey's Southeast Hit by More Clashes, Militants Launch Bomb Attack Iranian Foreign Minister Says US Visa Law 'Breaches Nuclear Deal' Republicans, Administration Spar on Visa Travel for Iran Tweets..... Syria / Iraq / Turkey ..... *SputnikV... more »
Yurok Tribe adopts ordinance banning Frankenfish and GMOs
*Yurok Tribe adopts ordinance banning Frankenfish and * *GMOs * *by Dan Bacher* *Censored News* The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 19 approved genetically engineered salmon, "Frankenfish," as being fit for human consumption, in spite of massive public opposition to the decision by fishermen, Tribes, environmental organizations and public interest organization. (http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2015/11/20/18780189.php) While the FDA may have approved AquaAdvantage salmon for human consumption, these “Frankenfish” and all Genetically Engineered Organisms (GEOs)... more »
WALKING INTO MY PRECOGNITIVE VISION OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
*Fort Mason Park , San Francisco and the grassy knoll in the background that overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge.* *It was 1987 and it was a day similar to the day, which you see pictured here, when I walked into this park and directly into a precognitive vision that I had from a place of deep loss at six years old in Boston, Massachusetts. In that deliriously joyful moment I realized that my **Unified Field theory, which I had written in 1979, was no longer a theory but was indeed a fact ~ for that special little boy within me had indeed been in a state of loving ... more »
The Battle For The Iraqi City Of Ramadi Continues
*WSJ*: *U.S. Ramps Up Airstrikes on Ramadi to Dislodge Dwindling ISIS Fighters* *Iraqi army ground offensive stalls for second day as troops defuse militants’ booby traps* BAGHDAD—The U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State on Thursday ramped up airstrikes against the group in Ramadi, while advancing Iraqi troops stalled just outside the city center for a second straight day. Operation Inherent Resolve, the American anti-Islamic State command, said it carried out nine airstrikes against Islamic State positions in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, on Thursday. The strikes ... more »
It Wasn't Just Exxon — They All Knew
*American Petroleum Institute spokesmodel Brooke Alexander (*aka* Lying Pantsuit Lady) saying the one true thing she knows — "America is number one in bringing planet-destroying carbon to the world." She thinks that's a good thing, which is false.* *by Gaius Publius* More excellent reporting by Neela Banerjee at the award-winning site InsideClimate News on the "Exxon Knew" story. Turns out, they all knew, all the big oil companies. Their industry group, the American Petroleum Institute (API), had been running a task force for years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, at which scien... more »
White House Infiltrated With ISIS Militants, Says Military Insider
Powerful military commanders and White House insiders have accused President Barack Obama of allowing ISIS agents to infiltrate the White House and influence American foreign policy in the Middle East. An investigation by Homeland Security and the CIA has revealed that five White House staffers hired by Obama speak directly to ISIS militants and inform them of key military Middle East strategies. According to insiders, Obama is part of a foreign cabal who’s goal is to harm America. “This is the worst security breach in the history of the United States,” a White House insider said. ... more »
David Nevue, "Greensleeves"
David Nevue, "Greensleeves" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5ItNxpwChE
The Poet: Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
*“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”* “Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep... more »
Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, "The Prayer"
Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, "The Prayer" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJkq-U7_8ZA
Quarter Four Local By-Election Results 2015
Party Number of Candidates Total Vote % +/- Q3 Average/ contest +/- Q3 +/- Seats Conservative 68 32,135 26.9% +4.8% 473 +25 +4 Labour 62 27,580 23.1% -7.8% 445 -214 0 LibDem 50 16,104 13.5% +3.9% 322 +61 -2 UKIP 44 6,981 5.8% -0.5% 159 +1 -2 Green 40 4,970 4.2% -1.1% 124 -37 +1 SNP* 12 16,463 13.8% -6.8% 1,372 -524 0 PC** 8 2,222 1.9% +0.5% 278 -45 +1 TUSC 3 108 0.1% -0.1% 36 -17 0 Ind*** 30 10,653 8.9% +5.4% 355 +244 0 Other**** 12 2,394... more »
Christmas Eve Shooting at Charlotte Mall. Gunman Killed by Police
[image: shooting - 400] CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A gunman was shot and killed at Northlake Mall in Charlotte after an officer-involved shooting Thursday afternoon, according to WSOC. A massive police response along with ambulances and paramedics were called to the mall in north Charlotte... Continue reading *“Christmas Eve Shooting at Charlotte Mall. Gunman Killed by Police”* at *myfox8.com*.
Christmas Greetings from Rev. Robert A. Sirico
[image: Christmas Greeting - 900]
Video Shows Israeli Fanatics Celebrating Death Of Palestinian Baby
Israeli TV has aired shocking footage from a wedding which shows guests celebrating the death of a Palestinian baby who was burnt alive in an arson attack at his home by Jewish terrorists. The wedding guests were seen dancing around with guns and knives. The Independent reports: One guest appears to be dancing with a knife through a picture of 18-month-old Ali Dawabsheh, who died with his parents when their home in the village of Duma in the occupied Westbank was set alight in July. Israeli officials described the attack as “Jewish terrorism”,the Daily Mail reports. Israeli authorit... more »
Mysterious Choppers Drop Off Men In Black-Daesh-In Afghanistan
Daesh fighters wearing black militant uniforms have been spotted getting dropped off by unidentified helicopters in Tor Ghar, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. The occurrence has also been observed in other Afghan provinces. An inquiry is on the way to determine the identity of the choppers. Sputnik reports: Afghan authorities are investigating reports that two unidentified helicopters have dropped off Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) terrorists in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, Afghan Senator Haji Lutfullah Baba told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Wednesday. “A number of people in T... more »
ISIS Fighters And Families Given Safe Passage Near Damascus
Injured ISIS fighters and their families are to be given safe passage to leave rebel-held areas in Damascus as Syrian authorities vow to end the terrorist regime’s presence near the capital. A UN-brokered deal allows families of ISIS fighters and some injured jihadis to leave parts of Damascus. The deal was reached after ISIS militants negotiated with President Assad’s government, according to a monitoring group on Thursday. The Daily Mail reports: Safe passage for the fighters and their families is expected to be given from two districts on the outskirts of the capital, to ISIS-con... more »
Americans Held Hostage In Iran 36 Years Ago Have Finally Won Compensation for Their Ordeal
An American hostage is paraded before a crowd outside the U.S. embassy compound in Tehran, Iran, Nov. 9, 1979. *New York Times*:* Americans Held Hostage in Iran Win Compensation 36 Years Later* WASHINGTON — After spending 444 days in captivity, and more than 30 years seeking restitution, the Americans taken hostage at the United States Embassy in Tehran in 1979 have finally won compensation. Buried in the huge spending bill signed into law last Friday are provisions that would give each of the 53 hostages or their estates up to $4.4 million. Victims of other state-sponsored terror... more »
President Obama: 'Praying For God's Protection For Persecuted Christians'
*White House*: *Statement by the President on Persecuted Christians at Christmas* During this season of Advent, Christians in the United States and around the world are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. At this time, those of us fortunate enough to live in countries that honor the birthright of all people to practice their faith freely give thanks for that blessing. Michelle and I are also ever-mindful that many of our fellow Christians do not enjoy that right, and hold especially close to our hearts and minds those who have been driven from their ancient homelands... more »
Christmas Is Banned In Somalia, Tajikistan And Brunei
*The Guardian*: *Christmas celebrations banned in Somalia, Tajikistan and Brunei* Somalian government declared holiday is ‘only for Christians’ and festivities could prompt attacks from al-Shabaab, as other countries issue strict warnings. The governments of three countries – Somalia, Tajikistan and Brunei – have banned Christmas celebrations this year, with punishments ranging up to a five-year jail term. Somalia issued a ban on Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in the Muslim country on Wednesday, saying the festivities “have nothing to do with Islam”. “We warn against cel... more »
The Year Christmas Died
[image: Fifth Avenue - 400] As we moved into December and what for some time has been called "the holiday season," the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Tennessee issued a "best practices" directive for the campus to "ensure your holiday party... Continue reading *“The Year Christmas Died”* at *google.com*.
#ChristmasMyths, #7: So why December 25?
*The final part of a series exploring the pagan origins of all the familiar Biblical Christmas Myths,1 so you can think about them all as you're out carolling. Today, the reason we celebrate on December 25 …* As every child knows, Christmas falls on December 25th every year. Every year. But is it because it says so in the Bible? Hell no! The early Christian churches who did observe the Nativity2 celebrated it sometimes in May, sometimes in April, and even occasionally in January. So clearly they had no clue when legend had it their Saviour was born. Nor did they know even *which y... more »
Multiple Shots Fired Inside Charlotte Shopping Mall; One Reported Injured, Woman Goes into Labor
[image: Northlake Mall Shooting - 40000] CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Numerous viewers and Twitter users are reporting gunshots fired inside of Northlake Mall. Just after 2 on Christmas Eve, reports began surfacing of a shooting inside of Northlake Mall. One viewer tells NBC Charlotte’s Sonja Gantt that... Continue reading *“Multiple Shots Fired Inside Charlotte Shopping Mall; One Reported Injured, Woman Goes into Labor”* at *wcnc.com*.
Idaho Cafeteria Worker Who Was Fired for Giving Free Lunch is Offered Her Job Back
[image: Dalene Bowden - 400] The cafeteria worker who said she was fired from an Idaho middle school for giving a hungry student a free lunch was offered her job back on Christmas Eve. The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District released a 615-word statement detailing its role... Continue reading *“Idaho Cafeteria Worker Who Was Fired for Giving Free Lunch is Offered Her Job Back”* at *foxnews.com*.
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*Dearest friends, Catherine and I wish you a very joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year. The pix below are from our home photographed today on Christmas Eve.* I haven’t posted a blog since last Friday because I think that more Americans should first read that one. Apropos, as a kid our teachers would have drills where we would dive beneath our desks supposedly to save us from a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union. Fortunately Ronald Reagan, after having termed the Soviet Union “the evil empire,” negotiated a truce based on “mutually assured destruction.” This happy event was a... more »
After 14 Years The War Grinds On In Afghanistan
Washington Times: *Taliban outlast 14 years of U.S. combat in Afghanistan* *Deadly spate of attacks breaks ‘fragile’ security.* The sudden killings of six American service members on a foot patrol by a suicide bomber this week is a graphic message back home that the Taliban are durable, able to launch a number of coordinated attacks in recent months across Afghanistan 14 years after the U.S. invasion. A Pentagon report calls the security situation “fragile” and writes of the Taliban’s “resilience throughout the second half of the year.” The security picture seems to be more precar... more »
Details Emerge On How 6 U.S. Soldiers Were Killed In A Suicide Attack Last Week In Afghanistan
Maj. Adrianna Vorderbruggen, Staff Sgt. Louis M Bonacasa, Staff Sgt. Chester J McBride (TopL-R), Staff Sgt. Peter W Taub, Technical Sgt. Joseph G Lemm, and Staff Sgt. Michael A Cinco (BottomL-R) are pictured in this combination of undated handout photos provided by the U.S. Air Force, December 23, 2015. REUTERS/U.S. Air Force/Handout via Reuters *Washington Post*: *Failure in Afghan police search may have led to U.S. deaths near Bagram air base* BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan — It was just after 1 p.m. here Monday when Marine Gunnery Sgt. Sean Fagan heard the blast and felt its shock... more »
Afghanistan War News Updates -- December 24, 2015
*CNN*: *Afghan forces on offensive against Taliban in Sangin* (CNN)Afghan security forces have launched their latest offensive in the Sangin district, where the Taliban are largely in control, police said Thursday. The militant group has taken over the entire district except for the police chief's compound and another compound, where a battalion of the Afghan National Army is based, according to Shah Mahmood Ashna, a spokesman for the police chief in Helmand province. The police chief's compound remained under attack, and food and ammunition were in short supply, Ashna said. Some... more »
Ted Cruz Gaining on Donald Trump in GOP Race
[image: Sen. Ted Cruz: Despite What President Obama Says, We Are at War Against Radical Islam] While Donald Trump seizes the headlines for his controversial comments about Hillary Clinton and his proposal to ban Muslims, his chief rival in the Republican presidential field, Sen. Ted Cruz, has quietly but steadily been gaining on the real estate... Continue reading *“Ted Cruz Gaining on Donald Trump in GOP Race”* at *abcnews.go.com*.
The Politics of the Baby Jesus
[image: nativity] It's always helpful when theological truths find their direct echo in events of history and in our daily lives. The man whose birth we celebrate today told us plainly, "The truth will make you free." Now we know that His... more »
That Deleted Ted Cruz Cartoon Wasn’t the Worst Thing the Washington Post Published This Week
[image: Washington Post Cruz cartoon] By now, you’ve probably heard about the early Christmas gift that The Washington Post gave to Ted Cruz: A quickly pulled cartoon depicting the Texas senator dressed as Santa Claus and an organ grinder (because editorial cartoonists are awful), with... Continue reading *“That Deleted Ted Cruz Cartoon Wasn’t the Worst Thing the Washington Post Published This Week”* at *reason.com*.
The Pigs Rule in Ukraine
RT reports: *The Sheep are Being Fleeced* Activists who think that Ukraine’s 2016 budget screams death to the agricultural sector have brought a dead pig in a coffin to the Verkhovna Rada building in Kiev and held a mock funeral ceremony. The angry protesting farmers and their supporters demand to keep a simplified tax system and special VAT rules for the agricultural sector in 2016, something the announced budget lacks as Ukraine has to comply with the demands of its lender, the International Monetary Fund. Ukrainian website NB News reports that around 1,000 people came out to... more »
HIGH PROFILE TROLLS on YOUTUBE
Which links to an online web pagen That belongs to this guy from Israel On The Same Day He Took His Company Public, Wix CEO Also Sold A Startup For $130 Million Julie Bort Nov. 8, 2013, 2:29 P Next-Level Hybrid Cloud netapp.com/HybridCloud Learn about NetApp® Hybrid Cloud. Download Our eBook Today Avishai Abrahami WixAvishai Abrahami, CEO of Wix Wednesday was a golden day for Wix CEO Avishai Abrahami, co-founder and CEO of Wix, a Tel Aviv-based company that offers a do-it-yourself website hosting service. The same day he took Wi... more »
Somalia's Al Shabab Fractures As 200 Of their Fighters Pledge Allegiance To The Islamic State
*The Independent:* *Isis is turning to Somalia for its latest set of recruits* The Islamic State has already expanded its footprint well beyond Syria and Iraq, with militants in Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria and other countries pledging allegiance to the extremists Two-thousand miles from Syria,the Islamic State is trying to expand its territory by establishing a branch in what its fighters call the “little emirate”: the war-torn country of Somalia. Winning ground there won’t be easy. Al-Shabab, a Somali group linked to al-Qaeda, has a long-standing presence in the country at... more »
Nuclear Power Not Worth It
Priya Pillai of Greenpeace India speaking at Jantar Mantar on December 12, 2015, in a protest organised by the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace(CNDP) during the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Xmas Eve Messages from Jeju Island
*Christmas Eve Message from Toni Flynn & Martha Hennessy* *Dec. 24, 2015* *Gangjeong Village, Jeju Island* *South Korea* *Toni's Christmas Eve Message* Where will the Infant Jesus be placed when He is born in Gangjeong tomorrow? Between the cracks of cement blocks hardening inside the naval base? In a tiny raft at sea, surrounded by massive battle ships? It seems that the only appropriate place is in the arms of the faithful who sit every day in plastic chairs in front of the gate, who are repeatedly carried to the side by the police during Mass and who return over and over aga... more »
Xmas Eve Messages from Jeju Island
*Christmas Eve Message from Toni Flynn & Martha Hennessy* * Dec. 24, 2015* *Gangjeong Village, Jeju Island* *South Korea * *Toni**'s Christmas Eve Message* Where will the Infant Jesus be placed when He is born in Gangjeong tomorrow? Between the cracks of cement blocks hardening inside the naval base? In a tiny raft at sea, surrounded by massive battle ships? It seems that the only appropriate place is in the arms of the faithful who sit every day in plastic chairs in front of the gate, who are repeatedly carried to the side by the police during Mass and who return over and o... more »
If Trump Wins the Nomination, Prepare for the End of the Conservative Party
[image: debate - 400] If you look beyond Donald Trump's comprehensive unpleasantness -- is there a disagreeable human trait he does not have? -- you might see this: He is a fundamentally sad figure. His compulsive boasting is evidence of insecurity. His unassuageable neediness suggests... Continue reading *“If Trump Wins the Nomination, Prepare for the End of the Conservative Party”* at *washingtonpost.com*.
Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night
*To all who stop by to read and comment, however you choose to celebrate this time of the year, my wish is that each and everyone of you have a great day! * Many of the symbols of Christmas echo its aspect of rebirth and hope in darkness. Holly was thought to be important because it retains its greenery right through the winter months, and as such is a symbol of summer life in the winter starkness. Holly was the male symbol of this greenery, and Ivy was the feminine, the two often placed together as a symbol of fecundity at the dark end of the year. There was also a belief that e... more »
Supplemental: Ghosts of several Christmases past!
*THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015Bellantoni and Trump and a child:* Not that many years ago, Christina Bellantoni was herself a ten-year-old child. She wasn't yet the presentable, skilled, acceptable person who appeared on last evening's Last Word, where she talked The Crazy away. To his credit, Lawrence O'Donnell almost noted the craziness of Candidate Trump's tax proposal. He didn't *say* that Trump's proposal is crazy, but he almost came close. (To watch the whole segment, click here.) Then Lawrence threw to Bellantoni. In line with current press corps culture, she began talking Th...more »
Comments on Jeju/Okinawa Trip by Four Veterans
Here are some comments about our recent trip to Jeju Island and Okinawa by four Veterans For Peace members. As a war veteran, an activist and advocate in a number of social causes, never before in my experience have I felt so overwhelmingly humbled and outraged. I leave Jeju emotionally drained and completely in sync with my VFP brothers/sisters in peace and the brave people of this island. ~ Stan Levin San Diego, CA Korean War Veteran VFP chap #91 Jeju Island is such a beautiful pristine paradise with drinkable springs, coral reefs, and rare dolphins. The construction of the... more »
"Can You Keep Christmas?"
"Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you? To remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old? Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world... stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death? Then you can keep Christmas! But you can never keep it alone." - Henry van Dyke “If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?” - Stephen Levine
Dostoevsky, “The Dream of a Ridiculous Man”
"For I have seen the truth; I have seen and I know that people can be beautiful and happy without losing the power of living on earth. I will not and cannot believe that evil is the normal condition of mankind. And it is just this faith of mine that they laugh at. But how can I help believing it? I have seen the truth- it is not as though I had invented it with my mind, I have seen it, seen it, and the living image of it has filled my soul for ever. I have seen it in such full perfection that I cannot believe that it is impossible for people to have it. And so how can I go wrong? I ... more »
"A Prayer for the World"
"A Prayer for the World" "Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations. Let the rain wash away the memory of the hurt, the neglect. Then let the sun come out and fill the sky with rainbows. Let the warmth of the sun heal us wherever we are broken. Let it burn away the fog so that we can see each other clearly, So that we can see beyond labels, beyond accents, gender or skin color. Let the warmth and brightness of the sun melt our selfishness, So that we can share the joys and feel the sorrow of our neighbors. And let the light ... more »
“The Christmas Truce of 1914”
*“The Christmas Truce of 1914”* by Simon Rees “You are standing up to your knees in the slime of a waterlogged trench. It is the evening of 24 December 1914 and you are on the dreaded Western Front. Stooped over, you wade across to the firing step and take over the watch. Having exchanged pleasantries, your bleary-eyed and mud-spattered colleague shuffles off towards his dug out. Despite the horrors and the hardships, your morale is high and you believe that in the New Year the nation's army march towards a glorious victory. But for now you stamp your feet in a vain attempt to keep... more »
Urgent Holiday Gift-- Matching Donation: Biggest 2016 Progressive Bang For Buck
What could be a better holiday gift, to progressives who are giving their all to reverse catastrophic trends in our political system, economy and environment? This isn't some phony-baloney DCCC/DSCC or Marco Rubio offer. One of Blue America's most generous annual contributors over the course of many years is putting $2,000 on the table as a matching fund for *one* progressive candidate on this page. Here's how he describes the candidate: "How would you like a Bernie Sanders who is: *•* 40 years younger and running for U.S. Senate of a highly diverse major industrial stat... more »
Fukushima Webcam Update
Emissions have been heavier than usual the last week. Since December 21 I've seen a police car parked blocking the road to the plant and a "pumper ship" in the harbor. The cranes visible on TEPCO cam 4 were folded sometime over the last 24 hours. Compare these shots: December 21: December 25 2:30 AM Today, December 25 (in Japan) as recorded on the TBS cam (taken at same time as screenshot above) there is a pumpership in the harbor (I refer to this ship type as a "pumpership" -- it has been sighted in the harbor many times over the years, particularly when emissions conditions... more »
Computer Glitch Allows 3,000 Inmates Early Release in Washington State
[image: prisoners - 400] Since 2002, the Washington State Department of Corrections has given more than 3,000 prisoners early release. The number of inmates freed could go as high as 3,200. “I’ve ordered immediate action to fix 13-year-old sentencing errors discovered at state prisons,”... Continue reading *“Computer Glitch Allows 3,000 Inmates Early Release in Washington State”* at *npr.org*.
The STILL Ongoing Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: All Bluefin Tuna Caught Off American And Canadian West Coasts Are Radioactive
Recently, I was in a local Costco Warehouse here in Canada doing some shopping...In one aisle I noticed a large display of packaged "seaweed" and I decided to read the label... Lo and behold it of course came from the Pacific Ocean.... My better half noticed my picking up the seaweed package and asked if I wanted to try it... I said to her clearly that I would not eat it unless I took a Geiger counter to it first.... She noticed I was not laughing and that I was serious... Knowing what I do know about how bad the Fukushima disaster is and what it has done to the food chain across the... more »
Nigerian President: Boko Haram Militants 'Technically Defeated'
*IBTimes*:* Boko Haram Militants 'Close To Defeat,' Nigeria's Military Has 'Won The War,' Buhari Says* The Nigerian military is close to meeting its December deadline to defeat the Boko Haram militant group, President Muhammadu Buhari told BBC late Wednesday. The group, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, has waged a bloody insurgency for years and continues attacks in Nigeria and neighboring countries. Buhari reportedly said that Boko Haram is no longer capable of carrying out conventional attacks against security forces or population centers. The militant g... more »
U.S. Pursued Secret Back-Channel Contacts With The Syrian Regime Over Several Years
The Levant *Wall Street Journal*:* U.S. Pursued Secret Contacts With Assad Regime for Years* Effort to limit violence and get president to relinquish power failed. The Obama administration pursued secret communications with elements of Syria’s regime over several years in a failed attempt to limit violence and get President Bashar al-Assad to relinquish power, according to U.S. and Arab officials. Early on, the U.S. looked for cracks in the regime it could exploit to encourage a military coup, but found few. The efforts reflect how President Barack Obama’s administration has gra... more »
Local Council By-Elections December 2015
Party Number of Candidates Total Vote % +/- Nov Average/ contest +/- Nov +/- Seats Conservative 20 8,464 33.3% +12.5% 423 +31 0 Labour 18 7,228 28.5% +10.2% 402 +57 0 LibDem 15 3,279 12.9% -2.1% 219 -146 +1 UKIP 15 2,333 9.2% +4.7% 156 +29 -1 Green 9 579 2.3% -1.8% 64 -52 0 SNP* 1 1,236 4.9% -6.1% 1,236 +2 0 PC** 1 167 0.7% -3.1% 167 -45 0 TUSC 0 0 Ind*** 8 788 3.1% -17.0% 99 -357 0 Other... more »
US Plans Raids to Deport Families Who Surged Across Border
[image: immigration - 400] The Department of Homeland Security has begun preparing for a series of raids that would target for deportation hundreds of families who have flocked to the United States since the start of last year, according to people familiar with the... Continue reading *“US Plans Raids to Deport Families Who Surged Across Border”* at *washingtonpost.com*.
Crossing the Delaware is a Christmas Tradition for New Jersey Family
[image: Rinaldi - 400] It was the middle of the night, Christmas Day 1776, when an army of 2,400 soldiers crossed the icy Delaware River under the command of Gen. George Washington, shrouded under the cover of a blinding snow storm. The surprise attack... Continue reading *“Crossing the Delaware is a Christmas Tradition for New Jersey Family”* at *app.com*.
British Muslim Family Blocked from Disneyland Visit Connected to Facebook Page Boasting of Al Qaeda Links
[image: Muslim father - 400] A British Muslim father whose planned Disneyland trip was ruined when he and his family were barred from boarding a flight to the U.S. has now been forced to distance himself from a Facebook account claiming links to Al Qaeda... Continue reading *“British Muslim Family Blocked from Disneyland Visit Connected to Facebook Page Boasting of Al Qaeda Links”* at *dailymail.co.uk* .
Clinton Aide Key Focus in FBI Server Investigation
[image: Bryan Pagliano - 400] More than 100 days after he invoked his Fifth Amendment right to avoid testifying before the House committee investigating the Benghazi terrorist attack, a key Hillary Clinton aide is at the center of the separate and ongoing investigation by the... Continue reading *“Clinton Aide Key Focus in FBI Server Investigation”* at *foxnews.com*.
Plácido Domingo and The Vienna Boys Choir, “Ave Maria”
Plácido Domingo and The Vienna Boys Choir, “Ave Maria” - https://www.youtube.com/
"Many Thanks- An Internet Merry Christmas!"
*"Many Thanks- An Internet Merry Christmas!"* Author Unknown "As we finish up the year 2015, I want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails and article links over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery! I no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel, or have the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel. I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels. I can't sit down on the ... more »
"Written on Christmas Eve, 1513"
"Written on Christmas Eve, 1513" "I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant. Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see. And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to loo... more »
Christmas food and why "peak food" hypothesis is wrong
Merry Christmas. Lots of food almost everywhere here in the Philippines, other countries, in celebration of family reunions and the holiday, Christian season. And this is near the subject of "Peak food" or "more global hunger" and related hypothesis or conspiracy theories. And they remain as conspiracies, spreading and alarmism. Here's a good observation and chart from Dr. Spencer, January 29th, 2015, *“food production is not limited by available land…it depends upon demand. If demand rises, so does food production. Hunger, malnourishment, and starvation are not due to a lack of fo... more »
A Look At Russia's Military Buildup
Military parade in Red Square. Wikipedia *New York Times*: *Russia Rearms for a New Era* *Russia has bolstered its military and asserted itself on the world stage with a forcefulness not seen since the Cold War, ratcheting up tensions with the West. Hereis what Russia has been doing to reclaim its influence.* *Russia Is Building and Expanding Bases in the Arctic* Russia is reinvesting in its bases in the Arctic: building new ones, expanding old ones and deploying personnel to operate them. Analysts say Russia’s efforts in the Arctic are driven in part by climate change, as the co... more »
"I Wish You Enough"
"I Wish You Enough" by Bob Perks "I never really thought that I'd spend as much time in airports as I do. I don't know why. I always wanted to be famous and that would mean lots of travel. But I'm not famous, yet I do see more than my share of airports. I love them and I hate them. I love them because of the people I get to watch. But they are also the same reason why I hate airports. It all comes down to "hello" and "goodbye." I must have mentioned this a few times while writing my stories for you. I have great difficulties with saying goodbye. Even as I write this I am experienc... more »
Not being a bloodhound
Like dogs the world is dived into breeds and some can change but no matter what you never leave your baby alone with a dingo cause to that breed its lunch The elite breeds suffer from so many altercations and genetic defects its painful to list them all so be labradour with a little Irish Setter and to top it off add poodle or Collie of some kind There is no monopoly on good humanity it just seems the white brand has moved the ball down the field dispite the fact they do not have the best players
The world does not matter
Thus is the evil that is facebook we need to be ourselves in private because exposed we are totally human there is no chance for people in the human calculas if everything is on facebook period
World News Briefs -- December 24, 2015
*BBC:* *Beijing security: 'Possible threat to Westerners' governments warn* The UK and US governments have issued a warning about possible threats against Westerners in the Chinese capital Beijing on or around Christmas Day. British and US officials say they have received information of possible threats in Sanlitun, which is a busy bar and shopping district. The Australian and French governments have also urged their citizens to remain vigilant. Beijing police have issued a yellow security alert in the city. A yellow alert is the second lowest level in China's four-level security... more »
The Sickness Of The Self Proclaimed "Chosen Ones" Knows No Bounds: Sick Freaks Celebrate Terror And Murder At An Israeli Wedding (!)
I have posted so many articles here at this blog that exposes the absolute sickness and depravity of the so called "chosen ones" ... It is so frightening and sick to see this group, that claims that they are somehow superior to everyone else and that they alone are the masters of this planet, carry out their evil operations not only against the Palestinian people who's land they have stolen, but against the rest of mankind as well.... It should be a wake up call for everyone to see their true actions and mentality, and I will continue to present them here for everyone to see and sha... more »
Eight retractions for fake reviews lead journal to suspend author nominations
An investigation has uncovered fake reviews on 21 papers submitted to the Journal of the Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System. After taking a second look at accepted papers with an author-nominated reviewer, the journal discovered that the listed reviewers on the 21 papers, though real people, had never submitted a report. Eight of the papers have been retracted by […] The post Eight retractions for fake reviews lead journal to suspend author nominations appeared first on Retraction Watch.
Christmas Eve: Feast of the Seven Fishes...
*an Italian tradition.* Yesterday I was feeling rather annoyed. First we went without electricity Sunday and Monday. Second, I decided that a trip to the grocery store was in order yesterday, and confident that the driveway was passable, I backed out of the barn wherein I promptly slid into a snow bank. After a few maneuvers to unstick the car I got really mad and decided to leave the darn car there until spring. After calming down, hubby and I went back out and tried even more maneuvers. Um - no luck. Finally, hubby remembered we had Allstate Motor Club. I called and the loc... more »
Percentage of Christians in U.S. Drifting Down, but Still High
[image: church - 400] PRINCETON, N.J. -- On the eve of Christmas 2015, a review of over 174,000 interviews conducted in 2015 shows that three-quarters of American adults identify with a Christian religion, little changed from 2014, but down from 80% eight years ago. About... Continue reading *“Percentage of Christians in U.S. Drifting Down, but Still High”* at *gallup.com*.
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 24, 2015
The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex alongside the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Brown/Released) *Daily Signal:* *Budget Cuts Are Hampering Navy’s Role In Fighting ISIS* Last week, in another defense of the current approach to defeat ISIS, President Barack Obama reemphasized that we are “hitting ISIL harder than ever.” The U.S. and its coalition partners have increased the pace of airstrikes- totaling nearly 9,000 since the start of the engagement. In absolute terms we may b... more »
Christmas at Peace.....
*CHRISTMAS TRUCE* You don’t fight, we won’t fight, We can sleep in peace this Christmas Night, The war is over by the troops decree, It’s a dead end fight and we all agree, What are we gonna do come the morning light. You don’t fight, we won’t fight, We can meet halfway on the bloody ice Comradely bond with no arms drawn, I’m wondering whose side we’re on, Got a flask of something strong, and i’m sharing it with friends tonight. You don’t fight, we won’t fight, We can bury our dead and honour them right, I’ll pray for you and you’ll pray for me, and we’ll re-define bravery, i’m strong an... more »
The Universal Problem We Don’t Want to Admit
[image: handcuffs-cross - 900] How do we fix a world filled with murder, rape, betrayal, adultery, fraud, theft, sexual exploitation, pornography, bullying, abortion, terrorism, cheating, lying, child abuse, racism, assault, drugs, robbery, and countless other evils? There will be no solutions unless we are... more »
Double Standards all round
The other day I expressed disappointment at the fact that MPs debating foreign affairs seemed woefully ignorant about the topic under discussion. Few of them appear to know much (or anything at all) about the Palestinian Authority’s routine practice of glorifying indiscriminate acts of terror against Israeli civilians. The Palestinian leadership officially honours terrorism. Palestinian Media Watch documents examples of the PA inciting individuals to take up kitchen knives to stab Jews or mow Israeli pedestrians down with vehicles. This, and various street-naming activities in... more »
One More Time: Blowing The Sandy Hook Fraud Wide Open - Crisis Actor "David Wheeler" Played TWO Roles At The Sandy Hook Fraud Shooting!
Again, I do want to thank commentators and a wide variety of other supporters of this website for constantly sending me material that they feel is imperative for everyone to see... I have said before that if their findings are credible, I will absolutely post it here at this blog for everyone to see for themselves.....It is so imperative that we all understand the evils of this world and the criminals that are indeed out to enslave us all.... I was given the following link to an article that came out last week from a fellow truth seeker who calls himself the "Soldier Of Yah" and I h... more »
Christmas the ultimate created celibration going back to 300AD
Happy Christmas everyone. Peace on earth and goodwill to all men, to bad those that profit from Christmas never read their own message.
Rubbing Shoulders and Finding the ONE
Rubbing shoulders with Presidents princesses oil barons Saudi scum lords and neo wealthy Chinese I always remember it was your shoulder that was the best I would not trade you for a bullet proof vest in Falliuji cira 2003 looking into the eyes of the beautiful human 19 year old Marine who was about to shoot me cause she loved his country just like me and we both had a mission but the bullet proves they was right Cases decides would have been greater if he/she was in oness own back yard Worlds far apart changed their orbit the day we met the future became clear and the time tunnel swirl... more »
The Latest: Turkey Says 19 Migrants Die after Boat Capsizes
[image: Turkey - 900] ISTANBUL (AP) -- The latest on the continuing flow of refugees and other migrants into Europe. All times local: 2:00 p.m. The number of people drowned in the Aegean off the coast of the Turkish city of Izmir after their... more »
Rubbing shoulders and finding the one
Rubbing shoulders with Presidents princesses oil barons Saudi scum lords and neo wealthy Chinese I always remember it was your shoulder that was the best I would not trade you for a bullet proof vest in Falliuji cira 2003 looking into the eyes of the 19 year old Marine who was about to shoot me cause he loved his country just like me and we both had a mission but the bullet proves he was right Cases decides would have been greater if he was in his own back yard Worlds far apart changed their orbit the day we met the future became clear and the time tunnel swirled and spit us out cr... more »
Teacher's Reminiscense Highlights How KIPP Is So Different
The education industry's education news outlet, Chalkbeat, has a short feature infomercial on an African-American KIPP teacher in Indianapolis. His name is Andrew, and Andrew grew up attending a socioeconomically diverse magnet school in Louisville, KY. He speaks proudly about the benefits of such an education, and the irony presented by Andrew's current teaching job at an intensely segregated KIPP seems entirely lost on him or the reporter who wrote the story. Andrew's story in Chalkbeat confirms the powerful learning and cultural benefits of socioeconomic diversity that we have k... more »
Christmas 2015
http://quotesgram.com/ This is that time of year when we look back on the old year and look ahead to the new one. My sense is that, while the world is in a darker place at the end of this year, Canada's situation has improved. We have started to return to our vital centre, after turfing a government of which Ebeneezer Scrooge would have approved. Like Scrooge, Stephen Harper approved of darkness and the cold. Dickens wrote that Scrooge was: Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret... more »
Russia Says It Won’t Stop Bombing Mission in Syria after Cease-Fire
[image: Mikhail Bogdanov - 900] MOSCOW (AP) -- A top Russian diplomat says Moscow won’t stop its air strikes on Islamic State positions in Syria if and when a cease-fire there is announced. The United States, Russia and Middle East nations are pushing for a... more »
PC Insanity Notwithstanding, I’m Still Dreaming about a ‘White Christmas’
[image: Snow on pine tree] In the latest example of college campus PC insanity, students signed a petition calling on radio stations to ban the playing of Bing Crosby's “White Christmas” because it was "insulting to people of color" and supported "white supremacy." The petition... more »
Oh no he didn’t! Misattributed Aristotle work leads to correction in highly cited cancer paper
John Shannon may be a mere undergrad at Hillsdale College in Michigan, but he knows enough about history to be surprised that Aristotle had written an entire book about economics that Shannon had never heard of. That curiosity led to the discovery that a highly cited paper about pricing in cancer drugs was missing a reference to a […] The post Oh no he didn’t! Misattributed Aristotle work leads to correction in highly cited cancer paper appeared first on Retraction Watch.
Evidence Of MWP In Argentina
By Paul Homewood https://tallbloke.wordpress.com/2015/12/24/study-finds-medieval-warm-period-evidence-in-argentina/ Rog has news of the latest study, suggesting that the MWP was real, this time in Argentina: Vilanova et al. (2015) developed a multi-proxy millennial environmental record from sediment cores extracted from Laguna Nassau, a shallow lake that apparently developed within a blowout depression in the semi-arid sandy […]
Christmas Eve Kittehs...
*crashing teh Nativities.* Probably the most distinctive feature seen in common on all tabby cats is the "M" on their foreheads. One legend about the origin of the "M" tells about Mary and the tabby cat in the manger. It seems that the baby Jesus was cold and fussing, and Mary asked the manger animals to move in closer to warm him. The manger was simply too small to accomplish that, but a little tabby cat came in and nestled next to the baby, and cosseted Him with purring and warmth. Mary was so grateful, she bestowed her own initial, "M" on the cat's forehead. *"Sorry, You... more »
Christmas Celebrated in Bethlehem Despite the Violence
[image: Bethlehem Grotto Nigerian boy__1450963808_173.71.16.53] BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) -- Christian faithful from around the world on Thursday descended on the biblical city of Bethlehem for Christmas Eve celebrations at the traditional birthplace of Jesus, trying to lift spirits on a holiday dampened by months... more »
Merry Christmas Eve! Let's Change How We Pick Presidents! Or Not
File this particular bit of crackpottery under Billionaires Know Best... especially when it comes to democracy (that had to be pried from their cold, dead hands in the first place). Or file under: Who uses LinkedIn? T. Boone Pickens-- who contributed over $2,000,000 to the GOP swiftboat operation and more recently gave 6-figure contributions to the presidential campaigns of the Jebster and non-starter John Bolton-- frets that "We’ve turned our presidential selection process into a reality TV show." Presumably Herr Trumpf and his followers are just too much for him. He writes we ne... more »
Cruz Blasts Washington Post Cartoon Depicting Daughters
[image: epublican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) listens as Pastor Gaylon Wiley speaks during Cruz's Country Christmas Tour at Rocketown on December 22, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee.] TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- A Washington Post editorial cartoon depicting Ted Cruz’s 5- and 7-year old daughters as monkeys is inappropriate, and the children of candidates should be off-limits in campaigns, Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz said Wednesday. The cartoon,... more »
Islamic State Fighters Are Using Cement To Reinforce Their Vehicles
Kurdish Peshmerga commanders display on Dec. 23, 2015, heavily-fortified military equipment seized from IS during earlier battles. *Voice of America:* *Kurds Display Cement-fortified Military Vehicles Seized from IS* KIRKUK, IRAQ—With Islamic State (IS) militants again trying to get a foothold near the strategic oil-rich Iraqi city of Kirkuk, Kurdish Peshmerga commanders on Tuesday displayed heavily-fortified military equipment seized from IS during earlier battles. A VOA reporter was shown six locally manufactured armored vehicles and a number of military bulldozers that Kurdish ... more »
Activist: Mall of America Protest ‘Decoy’ for Airport Block
[image: A plane lands as cars back up on Minnesota Highway 5, headed toward the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after Black Lives Matter Minneapolis staged a brief protest at the Mall of America on December 23, 2015 in Bloomington, Minnesota.] MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Mall of America was used as “a decoy” to start a protest that quickly moved to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and blocked a terminal on a busy holiday travel day, one organizer of the demonstration said.... more »
Planned Parenthood Shooting Case Stalls for Mental Exam
[image: Robert Lewis Dear] COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- The case against the man who acknowledges killing three people in an attack on a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic moves into a new phase while he awaits a mental competency evaluation, ordered after he defiantly... more »
Young Fire Survivor Who Lost Family to Share Christmas Cheer in Shelters
[image: Safyre Terry] ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (AP) -- An 8-year-old girl who lost her father and younger siblings in an arson fire that left her severely scarred is sharing the good cheer that has been bestowed on her, by the tractor-trailer load, since her... more »
Putin is Developing an Underwater Drone with Nuclear Weapons That Can Target U.S.
[image: Vladimir Putin (left), President of the Russian Federation, listens to a speaker during the general debate of the General Assembly’s seventieth session. At his side is Sergey V. Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.] Russia is developing a drone submarine that can deliver a nuclear warhead or dirty bomb (targets electronics) at U.S. coastal areas. Russian officials confirmed the existence of the program - dubbed Kanyon by the Pentagon - after images of a document... more »
A Look Ahead At The Future Of War
*Peter Singer, Defense One:* *2016 Predictions: A Look Ahead at the Future of War* New America polled former Navy SEALs, Pentagon officials, technologists, historians — and here’s what they expect Imagine you had a time machine that could take you back to compare what people thought would happen in 2015 with what actually did occur. Some of the events of the last year, like the Syrian rebel training programs falling apart, were utterly predictable. Others were deeply surprising; the scale of the OPM breach left U.S. cybersecurity experts, and also likely the attackers themselves,... more »
Story Lines That Will Be Watched In 2016
*Molly O'Toole, Patrick Tucker, and Marcus Weisgerber, Defense One:* *What to Watch in 2016* *Here are some of the story lines we’ll be watching in the new year:* *The Anti-ISIS Campaign* The U.S.-led campaign against Islamic State militants in Iraq, Syria, and Libya continues to grow. The bombing campaign has intensified, the number of boots on the ground are up and European coalition members have increased their contributions. (Not to mention the complicating wildcard of Russian forces in Syria.) Now the White House and NATO want Arab states to boost their participation, which ... more »
Will The Next Generation Fighter Jet Phase Out Fighter Pilots?
*Popular Science*: *The last Fighter Pilot* THE NEW F-35 FIGHTER JET IS SO SOPHISTICATED, SO AUTOMATED, SO CONNECTED, IT’S FUELING A DEBATE: DO PILOTS STILL NEED TO FLY? On a dusty tarmac, about 20 miles from downtown Phoenix, Capt. Joseph Stenger stands in 109-degree heat, barely sweating. A 32-year-old fighter pilot with the slicked-back hair, steady eyes, and ropey forearms you see on movie posters, he is admiring an equally impressive piece of flying machinery: the F-35 Lightning II fighter. In his green flight suit, and standing a little over 6 feet tall, Stenger is nearly fa... more »
Putin Is Developing An Underwater Drone That Can Carry Nuclear Weapons
*Daily Signal*: *Putin Is Developing an Underwater Drone With Nuclear Weapons That Can Target U.S.* Russia is developing a drone submarine that can deliver a nuclear warhead or dirty bomb (targets electronics) at U.S. coastal areas. Russian officials confirmed the existence of the program – dubbed Kanyon by the Pentagon – after images of a document detailing plans for the sub were broadcast on Russian state-run television. According to the document, Kanyon is intended to be capable of “damaging the important components of the adversary’s economy in a coastal area and inflicting u... more »
Economic News , Data & Views ( December 24 , 2015 ) Europe In Focus ( Refugee Crisis Updates , Spanish Election Items Of Note - The Challenge Of Forming A Government , Poland's Constitutional Crisis , Russia In Focus , Uk Items Of Note ) ..... Asia / Emerging Nations In Focus ( Asia stocks mixed despite oil climbed for 4th day and strong data from US -- China , India , Brazil , Commodity Items , New Zealand Market Hits New High )
Europe....... *Sputnik* @SputnikInt 3m 3 minutes ago LIVE:Looks like US is 'compensating' for 'useless' #sanctions by expanding them-@mfa_russia http://sptnkne.ws/atH4 [image: Embedded image permalink] *Tara Palmeri* @tarapalmeri 4m 4 minutes agoParis, Ile-de-France Merkel Claus & helper Hollande offered Cameron a little less than his Xmas wishlist #*brexit* #*scoop* http://www.politico.eu/article/camero n-shorter-welfare-benefit-ban-summit-diplomacy-eu-reform/ … @ *POLITICOEurope* *MineForNothing* @minefornothing 7m 7 minutes ago UK North Sea monthly... more »
Multiple Deaths as Tornadoes, Severe Storms Slam South, Midwest
[image: Tornadoes severe weather] Tornadoes and severe storms slammed parts of the South and Midwest Wednesday leaving at least 6 dead--including a 7-year-old boy in Mississippi--and injuring at least 40 others. Officials in Mississippi have confirmed that three people were killed Wednesday evening in... Continue reading *“Multiple Deaths as Tornadoes, Severe Storms Slam South, Midwest”* at *weather.com*.
How Saddam Hussein Gave Us ISIS
[image: Saddam_Hussain cmprs_Iran-Iraqi_war_1980s__1450959461_173.71.16.53] WIRRAL, England -- WHOM should we blame for the Islamic State? In the debate about its origins, many have concluded that it arose from the American-led coalition's errors after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In fact, the groundwork for the... Continue reading *“How Saddam Hussein Gave Us ISIS”* at *nytimes.com*.
Warmest Christmas Eve on Record to Unfold Across Eastern US
[image: 1612802193_4674008940001_20151224000800cochrm-wxexpert-still] Any hopes of a white Christmas that the weekend chill brought will be dashed in the eastern United States, with this Christmas Eve shaping up to be the warmest on record in many communities. According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom... Continue reading *“Warmest Christmas Eve on Record to Unfold Across Eastern US”* at *accuweather.com*.
Somalia, Brunei Ban ‘Excessive’ Celebration Of Christmas
[image: This photo taken on December 22, 2015 shows The Dorchester hotel in central London, which is owned by the Sultan of Brunei, decked out with Christmas decorations, in contrast to Brunei where Christmas celebrations are banned.] As Christmas approaches, so do cops looking to search the homes of Christians in Somalia and Brunei who will actively prevent the peaceful celebration of Christmas. All three countries have banned celebrating the Christian holiday, and have threatened to land... more »
Prague, nuclear target #61 in the 1950s
The Obama administration has prepared a nice Christmas gift for the post-Soviet bloc: a declassified map of the targets of nuclear bombs, see e.g. 1950s U.S. Nuclear Target List Offers Chilling Insight (NY Times) The 800-page 1959 document (above the notes, 8 chapters) lists the targets in China, the Soviet Union, and Eastern Europe. Moscow, Leningrad, Berlin, and Prague had 179, 145, 91, and 69 targets, respectively. Barack Obama has pointed out that "the Eastern European nations are not as bad as Putin's Russia" so the plans "only" use smaller nuclear bombs equivalent to 130-6... more »
Abortion and the Colorado Shooting: Fact Checking The Washington Post
[image: WASHINGTON POST] December 23, 2015 (LifeSiteNews) - Pro-abortion bias has once again reared its ugly head at The Washington Post, in a double-standard that undermines the journalistic principles of the paper and the credibility of the rest of the publication’s reporters and... Continue reading *“Abortion and the Colorado Shooting: Fact Checking The Washington Post”* at *lifesitenews.com*.
GAIA PORTAL: Hebridical consignments are distributed for all
*I am assuming "Hebridical" refers to the Hebrides, the Island of Skye being a key reference point for the Celtic Galactics (Pleiadian and the 4000 surviving Andromedans), the "consignments" being the "tech" in their cargo holds is my interpretation of this... but could also refer to consciousness upgrades coming down the ancestral essence lines of these beings. -AK* *Hebridical consignments are distributed for all* by ÉirePort Hebridical consignments are distributed for all. Gaia energetics are aligned and upgraded to next level. Sterilizers for all remaining implants are activ... more »
Driver Shouting 'Allahu Akbar!' Runs Down 11 French Pedestrians per NBC News
NBC reports http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/driving-shouting-allahu-akbar-runs-down-11-french-pedestrians-n272866 that: 'A driver screaming "Allahu Akbar!" (Arabic for "God is great") appeared to deliberately mow down about a dozen pedestrians in the French city of Dijon before being arrested on Sunday, officials said. The driver, who was in his forties, hit groups of pedestrians in five parts of the eastern city before being arrested, a spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior said on French television. Eleven people in all were injured, two of them seriously, officials said... more »
String theory is as much science as other pillars of science
*Siegel's criticism of string theory is fully analogous to a criticism of heliocentrism* The Munich workshop has unsurprisingly encouraged the anti-string jihadists to stage a bunch of "string theory is not science" terrorist attacks across the world. Ethan Siegel has embarrassed himself several times in the past but he added one more "essay" with a not too original title Why String Theory Is Not Science. He starts by listing 5 stages of the scientific method – in my words: observations, formulation of a hypothesis, validation or refutation, extension to a full-fledged theory, sear... more »
Bernie Sanders: The Quiet Revolt (The Rise of Bernie Sanders and the Middle Class)
Hillary, for some reason, hasn't so far (and doesn't seem to want to presently) use these methods of organizing, but Bernie revels in them. Wonder why? Bernie Sanders: The Quiet RevoltThe New York Review of BooksSimon HeadDecember 23, 2015 In 2003 I wrote in my The New Ruthless Economy that one of the great imponderables of the twenty-first century was how long it would take for the
A Great Birthday Gift for Jesus
[image: Gift to Christ - 900] JAMES ROBISON -- Imagine a family Christmas gathering where several members are bickering and dividing. No amount of shiny presents under the tree could make that a joyful occasion. What any sane person would long for in such a moment would... more »
Military Photo of the Day: Christmas Eve 2015
[image: Santa in Afghanistan-900] Santa Claus greets U.S. Army soldiers on Forward Operating Base Clark in Afghanistan on Dec. 25, 2013. This photo reminds us of the sacrifices still being made by almost 10,000 U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan and many more who are deployed around... more »
Is The US Reading Social Media Accounts Of Muslims Travelling To The US?
*Daily Mail*: *Facebook page linked to Taliban and Al Qaeda was registered to same address as British Muslim father whose Disneyland trip was blocked by Homeland Security* * Mohammad Tariq Mahmood tried to travel from Gatwick Airport to LA * He, his brother and nine children were stopped on the orders of the US * Mr Mahmood says the family were barred 'because we are Muslim' * He dismissed Facebook account claiming links to Al Qaeda and Taliban * It was set up by someone who has lived at the family's postal address A British Muslim father whose planned Disneyland trip was ruined wh... more »
Is Consciousness the Bridge Between Science & Religion?
I can rigorously define consciousness. I am not so sure about religion. That is really a transmission of traditions that assist or attempt to assist the individual to communicate with his consciousness and understand his present role. Consciousness is an aspect of yourself tasked with supporting your physical third tier body. You may be simultaneously supporting many physical bodied at the same time although that is not necessary. It just seems best practice and likely. Consciousness is itself formed as a second tier natural logic machine that is perpetual and will not di... more »
Origins of the South Atlantic Coastal Peoples With Robert Thorton
It is enough to understand that the great circle route ran from off Morocco to the Carribean and then north to the Bahamas for the Bimini roads. It then took the Gulf Stream north to the island of Lewis, before heading south through the Irish Sea back to where it started. Natural branches are the Mediterranean, the Mississippi and also to Peru for the gold. All the surrounding cultures accessible by water became feeder through a local palace culture which managed trade in copper. Once this ended, the knowledge did not go away and movements of peoples became possible particul... more »
George Friedman’s World of Geopolitics
George Friedman is stepping away from Stratfor. We will continue to follow his work which i find excellent. In this initial interview with Maudlin he describes the essential scope of his worldview rather well. Right now the world is facing disconcerting shifts that are not predictable at all. This is a crisis by itself and we all have excellent reason to be very nervous. Usually most change is actually quite predictable. This is not. Overwhelming all this is two radical destabilizers, one maturing and one about to kick in. The first is the continuing expansion of human l... more »
Putting up a bid
A market consists of two unique components that are independent of the economic value involved. The first is simply and even obviously, a community of interest in that value. This is often wrongly discounted by the assumption that the market will absorb it all. Not true at all because the community of interest must be conditioned to absorb it on an ongoing basis. This is where communication becomes paramount leading even to obscuring the situation to facilitate a transaction. Yet it is all as simple as that. Above all the heat produced by the 'market' we develop a stimulated c... more »
Business 360-32, Energy independence in Asia
* This is my article in Business 360 magazine in Kathmandu, Nepal, December 2015 issue. ---------- *Energy Independence in Asia* Energy independence is a virtue that a country must pursue. And this independence can mean two things. One, independence from only one major energy source because if that resource would experience a major price hike or supply disruption, the economy can be endangered. And two, independence from only one major country supplier because if there is any political or economic tension and instability in that country, energy supply to the home country can also ... more »
Oil Is Now Cheaper Than Coffee, Milk, And Water
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* *Hat Tip:* Zero Hedge.
No Peace or Goodwill
[image: nativity2 - 900] Not for a long time has the world seemed so removed from the angelic proclamation of 2,000 years ago: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Millions have died in countless... more »
The War On Terror Has Cost America $6 Trillion Since 9/11. Unfortunately, This 'War' Has Created 6500% More Terrorism
*Kit O’Connell, Antimedia:* *The War on Terror Has Created 6500% More Terrorism* Washington, D.C. — An analysis of terror attacks since 2002 suggests U.S. efforts to combat terrorism — i.e., the “War on Terror” — have led to a dramatic increase in death and suffering from terrorism. Published this year on Sept. 11, Paul Gottinger, a staff reporter for Reader Supported News, analyzed incidents of terrorism from George Bush declaring the war on terror in the aftermath of 9/11 through the present, and found a staggering 6,500 percent increase in terrorism. Gottinger, who used data p... more »
Christmas At Arlington Cemetery (Photo Gallery)
Brian Suzuki, 5, helps his grandmother Roni decorate the grave of Brian's father and Roni's son Matthew Suzuki on the third anniversary of his death at Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60 in Virginia December 22, 2015. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque *WNU Editor:* The photo gallery* starts here.*
India Willing To Pay Billions For Russia's Military 'Crown Jewels'
Russian S-400 Triumph medium-range and long-range surface-to-air missile systems during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, May 9, 2015 © Sergey Karpukhin / Reuters *RT:* *India seeks Russia's 'crown jewels' in biggest arms deal of the decade* Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday following the approval of the biggest arms deal with Russia since 2001. India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) last week agreed the purchase of five S-400 air defense systems from Russia. The S-400 systems are among the ‘crown jewels’ of Russia’s defense capab... more »
The Perfect Presidential Candidate for an Imperfect Time
[image: Flower] I don’t typically endorse candidates, but as 2015 draws to a close, I feel I must make an exception. I think it’s a safe bet that for most of us, the year-that-was was not the year we wanted it to... more »
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