Experimental drug shows promise against dangerous viruses - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An experimental antiviral drug is effective against a number of
coronaviruses, including some that can cause deadly epidemics,
researchers say. [...] These viruses include severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS), which has a 10 percent death rate, and Middle East
respiratory syndrome (MERS), which has a 40 percent death rate."
Comment: Let's end the week with some good news and thank these researchers for their work in combating deadly viruses.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Chinese boats attack Vietnamese fishermen in South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China may be flexing its muscle in the South China Sea with attacks on Vietnamese fishing boats. Vietnamese newspaper Tuổi Trẻ reported Thursday two Chinese ships assailed a Vietnamese fishing boat near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. The attack took place on June 18, according to the report."
Comment: This may be how the South China Sea War starts, low level skirmishes with unarmed fishing boats.
UPI reports: "China may be flexing its muscle in the South China Sea with attacks on Vietnamese fishing boats. Vietnamese newspaper Tuổi Trẻ reported Thursday two Chinese ships assailed a Vietnamese fishing boat near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. The attack took place on June 18, according to the report."
Comment: This may be how the South China Sea War starts, low level skirmishes with unarmed fishing boats.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
AP - North Korea warns US it will keep building nuclear arsenal
The AP reports: "North Korea’s U.N. ambassador warned the United States and the rest of the world Wednesday that his country will keep building up its nuclear arsenal regardless of sanctions, pressure or military attack. Kim In Ryong told the U.N. Security Council that the more than 50-year confrontation between North Korea and the United States came closer to the brink of nuclear war than ever before when the U.S. military held what he called its largest-ever 'aggressive' maneuvers with South Korea in April and May. Since then, he said, the United States has sent B-1B nuclear bombers into South Korean airspace, deployed the THAAD anti-missile system in the country, imposed new U.S. sanctions against North Korea, and spearheaded another U.N. sanctions resolution."
Comment: It's scary how close this seems to war, either accidental or purposeful. It's noteworthy that the Korean War never actually concluded with a formal peace treaty, just a ceasefire agreement (armistice), one that seems increasingly tenuous.
The AP reports: "North Korea’s U.N. ambassador warned the United States and the rest of the world Wednesday that his country will keep building up its nuclear arsenal regardless of sanctions, pressure or military attack. Kim In Ryong told the U.N. Security Council that the more than 50-year confrontation between North Korea and the United States came closer to the brink of nuclear war than ever before when the U.S. military held what he called its largest-ever 'aggressive' maneuvers with South Korea in April and May. Since then, he said, the United States has sent B-1B nuclear bombers into South Korean airspace, deployed the THAAD anti-missile system in the country, imposed new U.S. sanctions against North Korea, and spearheaded another U.N. sanctions resolution."
Comment: It's scary how close this seems to war, either accidental or purposeful. It's noteworthy that the Korean War never actually concluded with a formal peace treaty, just a ceasefire agreement (armistice), one that seems increasingly tenuous.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Global Community
Facebook hits 2 billion-user mark, doubling in size since 2012 | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Facebook Inc (FB.O) said on Tuesday that 2 billion people are regularly using its flagship service, marching past another milestone in its growth from a college curiosity in the United States to the world's largest social media network. [...] The user base is bigger than the population of any single country, and of six of the seven continents. It represents more than a quarter of the world's 7.5 billion people."
Comment: As the line between observing events and interacting with them becomes blurred we can increasingly envision the realization of Rev 11:9-12.
Reuters reports: "Facebook Inc (FB.O) said on Tuesday that 2 billion people are regularly using its flagship service, marching past another milestone in its growth from a college curiosity in the United States to the world's largest social media network. [...] The user base is bigger than the population of any single country, and of six of the seven continents. It represents more than a quarter of the world's 7.5 billion people."
Comment: As the line between observing events and interacting with them becomes blurred we can increasingly envision the realization of Rev 11:9-12.
Roaring Waves - Nations in Distress
Global sea level rise accelerates since 1990, study shows | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The rise in global sea levels has accelerated since the 1990s amid rising temperatures, with a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet pouring ever more water into the oceans, scientists said on Monday. [...] Sea levels have risen by about 20 cms in the past century and many scientific studies project a steady acceleration this century as man-made global warming melts more ice on land. [...] A rise in sea levels will threaten low-lying coasts from Miami to Bangladesh, cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and small island states such as Tuvalu in the Pacific."
Comment: Should I expect the usual pushback from the anti-global warming crowd after I post this? I take the rare position that it does not matter if global warming is part of the natural inter-glacial period or man-made (or both), it's to be expected in light of Luke 21:25. In my opinion, Christians need not fear accepting the reality of global warming and have the option of seeing it as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
Reuters reports: "The rise in global sea levels has accelerated since the 1990s amid rising temperatures, with a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet pouring ever more water into the oceans, scientists said on Monday. [...] Sea levels have risen by about 20 cms in the past century and many scientific studies project a steady acceleration this century as man-made global warming melts more ice on land. [...] A rise in sea levels will threaten low-lying coasts from Miami to Bangladesh, cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and small island states such as Tuvalu in the Pacific."
Comment: Should I expect the usual pushback from the anti-global warming crowd after I post this? I take the rare position that it does not matter if global warming is part of the natural inter-glacial period or man-made (or both), it's to be expected in light of Luke 21:25. In my opinion, Christians need not fear accepting the reality of global warming and have the option of seeing it as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Temple Mount
Israel rejects mixed-gender prayer at Western Wall - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's government has rejected a plan to allow mixed-gender services at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem. The decision Sunday was condemned by Reform and Conservative Jewish groups worldwide and the Jewish Agency, which one day later canceled a gala event planned for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement Monday, the prime minister's office said a new compromise would be sought."
Comment: When was the last time the Temple Mount was in the news? Well, I suppose that if you live in Israel and depending on the publications you read, the Temple Mount may well be in the news every day. However, for the rest of us, it is rare that events on the Temple Mount break into the major news-of-the-day. Outside of Israel we tend to forget that the Mount remains very controversial and such issues as who can pray there and when they can pray are treated with great political and religious sensitivity and have the potential to erupt into controversy or violence at any moment. It is the expectation of many observers that the Temple Mount will only increase in importance and controversy as time goes on.
UPI reports: "Israel's government has rejected a plan to allow mixed-gender services at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem. The decision Sunday was condemned by Reform and Conservative Jewish groups worldwide and the Jewish Agency, which one day later canceled a gala event planned for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement Monday, the prime minister's office said a new compromise would be sought."
Comment: When was the last time the Temple Mount was in the news? Well, I suppose that if you live in Israel and depending on the publications you read, the Temple Mount may well be in the news every day. However, for the rest of us, it is rare that events on the Temple Mount break into the major news-of-the-day. Outside of Israel we tend to forget that the Mount remains very controversial and such issues as who can pray there and when they can pray are treated with great political and religious sensitivity and have the potential to erupt into controversy or violence at any moment. It is the expectation of many observers that the Temple Mount will only increase in importance and controversy as time goes on.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Pestilence
WHO: More than 1,300 now dead in Yemen's cholera epidemic - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization has announced the cholera outbreak in Yemen has now killed more than 1,300 people. The U.N. agency tweeted from its Yemeni Twitter account Saturday that the epidemic has claimed 1,310 associated deaths -- from a total of more than 200,000 suspected cases. The number of suspected cholera cases has roughly doubled since early June. [...] Part of that treatment, Relano said, has consisted of going door-to-door to teach families safe hygiene practices and chlorinate water tanks."
Comment: So sad to see so many people die of a preventable disease.
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization has announced the cholera outbreak in Yemen has now killed more than 1,300 people. The U.N. agency tweeted from its Yemeni Twitter account Saturday that the epidemic has claimed 1,310 associated deaths -- from a total of more than 200,000 suspected cases. The number of suspected cholera cases has roughly doubled since early June. [...] Part of that treatment, Relano said, has consisted of going door-to-door to teach families safe hygiene practices and chlorinate water tanks."
Comment: So sad to see so many people die of a preventable disease.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Signs in the Stars
Kuiper Belt tilt suggests a mysterious planetary mass lurks in the outer solar system - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Astronomers have yet to confirm the existence of a ninth planet lurking beyond Pluto. But new analysis of the Kuiper Belt suggests a planetary mass is likely hiding in the outer reaches of the solar system. [...] But why haven't astronomers observed a ninth planet directly? Volk and Malhotra say scientists haven't looked that hard. [...] Researchers hope the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, which is scheduled to make its first observations in 2020, will help scientists solve the mystery of the missing ninth planet."
Comment: This is standard sensational reporting in that the planet (if it is there) is hardly lurking or hiding (which implies intent), it's simply very far away, doesn't reflect much light and has not yet been discovered. Yeah, it's hiding because, you know, it's a shy planet.
UPI reports: "Astronomers have yet to confirm the existence of a ninth planet lurking beyond Pluto. But new analysis of the Kuiper Belt suggests a planetary mass is likely hiding in the outer reaches of the solar system. [...] But why haven't astronomers observed a ninth planet directly? Volk and Malhotra say scientists haven't looked that hard. [...] Researchers hope the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, which is scheduled to make its first observations in 2020, will help scientists solve the mystery of the missing ninth planet."
Comment: This is standard sensational reporting in that the planet (if it is there) is hardly lurking or hiding (which implies intent), it's simply very far away, doesn't reflect much light and has not yet been discovered. Yeah, it's hiding because, you know, it's a shy planet.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China asked U.S. officials to remove THAAD from South Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Chinese government asked the United States to remove the U.S. THAAD battery deployed in central South Korea and claimed the United States acknowledged Tibet as a part of China, after the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue concluded on Wednesday. [...] China did not give details on the U.S. response to the proposition Chinese government officials raised during the meeting."
Comment: They may use the word "ask" in public but I would imagine that more forceful language has been used behind the scenes. From other sources I've read, China considers the advanced radar at the heart of the THAAD missile defense system to be a threat to their military, much in the same was we would view radar systems run by Russia but based in Mexico or Canada. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
UPI reports: "The Chinese government asked the United States to remove the U.S. THAAD battery deployed in central South Korea and claimed the United States acknowledged Tibet as a part of China, after the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue concluded on Wednesday. [...] China did not give details on the U.S. response to the proposition Chinese government officials raised during the meeting."
Comment: They may use the word "ask" in public but I would imagine that more forceful language has been used behind the scenes. From other sources I've read, China considers the advanced radar at the heart of the THAAD missile defense system to be a threat to their military, much in the same was we would view radar systems run by Russia but based in Mexico or Canada. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Famine
South Sudan still faces starvation as famine is declared over - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Sudan is no longer in a state of famine, although 1.7 million people still face emergency levels of hunger, a United Nations-backed report said. Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have died and millions displaced in a long-running civil war. The conflict, a series of inadequate harvests and a corresponding rise in the price of food led to the declaration of a famine in February."
Comment: This is some good news, for a change, although the report suggests that it's a stretch to say all is well in the region.
UPI reports: "South Sudan is no longer in a state of famine, although 1.7 million people still face emergency levels of hunger, a United Nations-backed report said. Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have died and millions displaced in a long-running civil war. The conflict, a series of inadequate harvests and a corresponding rise in the price of food led to the declaration of a famine in February."
Comment: This is some good news, for a change, although the report suggests that it's a stretch to say all is well in the region.
War - Nations in Distress
Michigan airport stabbing suspect identified as Canadian citizen - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Authorities on Wednesday identified the suspect in an airport stabbing attack on a Michigan police officer as Amor M. Ftouhi, a native of Canada. [...] Prosecutors said before starting the attack, Ftouhi shouted an Arabic phrase meaning 'God is great.' The Canadian citizen now faces federal charges in the attack, a criminal complaint filed in District Court Wednesday said."
Comment: Wow, what an amazing example of the lengths reporters go through to avoid mentioning that once again an act of violence has been perpetrated by a follower of that Religion That Shall Not Be Named. They even take care to translate the religious slogan followers chant before killing people in the name of their god so as to remove any hint of actual context. What the attacker actually said was "allahu akbar" which is a reference to the god worshiped by the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and not God in the Judeo-Christian tradition or any other religion. If you doubt that distinction you need only ask one of the followers of the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and they will explain it to you.
UPI reports: "Authorities on Wednesday identified the suspect in an airport stabbing attack on a Michigan police officer as Amor M. Ftouhi, a native of Canada. [...] Prosecutors said before starting the attack, Ftouhi shouted an Arabic phrase meaning 'God is great.' The Canadian citizen now faces federal charges in the attack, a criminal complaint filed in District Court Wednesday said."
Comment: Wow, what an amazing example of the lengths reporters go through to avoid mentioning that once again an act of violence has been perpetrated by a follower of that Religion That Shall Not Be Named. They even take care to translate the religious slogan followers chant before killing people in the name of their god so as to remove any hint of actual context. What the attacker actually said was "allahu akbar" which is a reference to the god worshiped by the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and not God in the Judeo-Christian tradition or any other religion. If you doubt that distinction you need only ask one of the followers of the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and they will explain it to you.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
War - Nations in Distress
Suspect shot after explosion at Brussels train station, officials say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "One suspect was shot by police in Belgium on Tuesday night after a small explosion at the main train station in Brussels, authorities said. The Belgium Crisis Center posted on Twitter the 'situation is under control' after the after the military "neutralized" the suspect. [...] A platform worker at the station said he heard a man shout 'Allahu akbar' ("God is Great in Arabic") before the blast and saw him try to enter an office carrying a rolling suitcase. The unidentified suspect was wearing what appeared to be an explosive belt, several Belgian officials told ABC News. But authorities didn't confirm the report."
Comment: I know these are all isolated incidents, but after several over as many days, it does appear to be more than random. I suppose that is the mind looking for patterns.
UPI reports: "One suspect was shot by police in Belgium on Tuesday night after a small explosion at the main train station in Brussels, authorities said. The Belgium Crisis Center posted on Twitter the 'situation is under control' after the after the military "neutralized" the suspect. [...] A platform worker at the station said he heard a man shout 'Allahu akbar' ("God is Great in Arabic") before the blast and saw him try to enter an office carrying a rolling suitcase. The unidentified suspect was wearing what appeared to be an explosive belt, several Belgian officials told ABC News. But authorities didn't confirm the report."
Comment: I know these are all isolated incidents, but after several over as many days, it does appear to be more than random. I suppose that is the mind looking for patterns.
Pestilence
Zika-bearing mosquitoes more widespread in U.S. than expected - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The latest buzz from federal health officials is that mosquitoes that can spread Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses are in more counties in the southern United States than previously thought. [...] Areas that may need extra surveillance for Zika-carrying mosquitoes include states with established populations such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida and the other Gulf Coast states, plus certain Mid-Atlantic states, the report said."
Comment: Use your bug spray and be careful out there.
UPI reports: "The latest buzz from federal health officials is that mosquitoes that can spread Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses are in more counties in the southern United States than previously thought. [...] Areas that may need extra surveillance for Zika-carrying mosquitoes include states with established populations such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida and the other Gulf Coast states, plus certain Mid-Atlantic states, the report said."
Comment: Use your bug spray and be careful out there.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Rumors of War - War - King of the North
Russia threatens to shoot down, escort out aircraft operating in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia said it is ending logistical military coordination with the United States and threatened to shoot down any aircraft west of the Euphrates River after the U.S. Navy shot down a Syrian regime jet. [... ] The U.S.-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State on Sunday said it shot down a Syrian regime fighter jet because it was attacking the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces militia near Tabqah. The SDF is leading the ground offensive in Syria to capture the Islamic State's stronghold of Raqqa. [...] The Russian ministry said any aircraft operating west of the Euphrates River will now be regarded by the Russian air force as legitimate targets, which will either be shot down or escorted out of the area."
Comment: This is like that old tale about the frog in the hot water. This situation has been building for a such a long time we can't really say that U.S. and Russian military forces are suddenly about to come into direct conflict, there's nothing sudden about this, but the reality is still the same. American, Russian and Iranian military forces are operating one international border away from Israel and things are heating up. The potential for direct confrontation, either accidental or intentional, is high.
UPI reports: "Russia said it is ending logistical military coordination with the United States and threatened to shoot down any aircraft west of the Euphrates River after the U.S. Navy shot down a Syrian regime jet. [... ] The U.S.-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State on Sunday said it shot down a Syrian regime fighter jet because it was attacking the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces militia near Tabqah. The SDF is leading the ground offensive in Syria to capture the Islamic State's stronghold of Raqqa. [...] The Russian ministry said any aircraft operating west of the Euphrates River will now be regarded by the Russian air force as legitimate targets, which will either be shot down or escorted out of the area."
Comment: This is like that old tale about the frog in the hot water. This situation has been building for a such a long time we can't really say that U.S. and Russian military forces are suddenly about to come into direct conflict, there's nothing sudden about this, but the reality is still the same. American, Russian and Iranian military forces are operating one international border away from Israel and things are heating up. The potential for direct confrontation, either accidental or intentional, is high.
War - Wickedness Increases
Terror suspect dead after copycat attack in Paris - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A suspected terrorist was killed Monday after he rammed his vehicle into a police convoy on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, authorities said -- the second time in less than two months the famous street has seen such an event. Police said a man driving a Renault automobile drove into the convoy and burst into flames. It had been carrying two gas canisters, investigators said. Officials said by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the suspect was dead. It's not believed any police officers or civilians were injured in the attack. [...] Monday's attack was the second on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in two months."
London: Man drives into crowd of people leaving mosque; 1 dead - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police in London arrested a man after he "intentionally" drove a vehicle into several pedestrians near a mosque Sunday, leaving one person dead. London Metropolitan Police said in a statement that one death has been confirmed and eight people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Two more people were treated for minor injuries at the scene. The victims were worshippers leaving a mosque in London's Finsbury Park."
Comment: Terrorism implies a political agenda intended to change the behavior of a state or group of people. For example, political separatists might engage in terrorist attacks in order to force a government to grant them independence or recognize their self-declared state (examples: ETA, PKK, IRA, PLO, ISIS). Engaging in random acts of violence or acting on the stated intent to kill people makes one a criminal and a murderer but not a terrorist. Using these definitions, can you accurately classify the two events above? If so, you have more discernment than most media outlets. In these politically correct times, such distinctions become inconvenient and it's simply easier to call them both acts of terrorism, after all, the victims won't mind.
UPI reports: "A suspected terrorist was killed Monday after he rammed his vehicle into a police convoy on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, authorities said -- the second time in less than two months the famous street has seen such an event. Police said a man driving a Renault automobile drove into the convoy and burst into flames. It had been carrying two gas canisters, investigators said. Officials said by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the suspect was dead. It's not believed any police officers or civilians were injured in the attack. [...] Monday's attack was the second on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in two months."
London: Man drives into crowd of people leaving mosque; 1 dead - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police in London arrested a man after he "intentionally" drove a vehicle into several pedestrians near a mosque Sunday, leaving one person dead. London Metropolitan Police said in a statement that one death has been confirmed and eight people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Two more people were treated for minor injuries at the scene. The victims were worshippers leaving a mosque in London's Finsbury Park."
Comment: Terrorism implies a political agenda intended to change the behavior of a state or group of people. For example, political separatists might engage in terrorist attacks in order to force a government to grant them independence or recognize their self-declared state (examples: ETA, PKK, IRA, PLO, ISIS). Engaging in random acts of violence or acting on the stated intent to kill people makes one a criminal and a murderer but not a terrorist. Using these definitions, can you accurately classify the two events above? If so, you have more discernment than most media outlets. In these politically correct times, such distinctions become inconvenient and it's simply easier to call them both acts of terrorism, after all, the victims won't mind.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Wickedness Increases
Girlfriend whose texts urged suicide guilty of manslaughter - AP
AP reports: "A woman who sent her boyfriend a barrage of text messages urging him to kill himself when they were both teenagers was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter in a trial that raised questions about whether words can kill. The judge found that Michelle Carter caused the death of Conrad Roy III, who intentionally filled his truck with carbon monoxide in a Fairhaven, Massachusetts, store parking lot in July 2014."
Comment: I know there are terrible and horrible crimes that happen all the time and this may not rise to that level, but sometimes, the worst crimes and most wicked actions of all are those that are not violent but are cold-blooded, a reflection of a total lack of humanity.
AP reports: "A woman who sent her boyfriend a barrage of text messages urging him to kill himself when they were both teenagers was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter in a trial that raised questions about whether words can kill. The judge found that Michelle Carter caused the death of Conrad Roy III, who intentionally filled his truck with carbon monoxide in a Fairhaven, Massachusetts, store parking lot in July 2014."
Comment: I know there are terrible and horrible crimes that happen all the time and this may not rise to that level, but sometimes, the worst crimes and most wicked actions of all are those that are not violent but are cold-blooded, a reflection of a total lack of humanity.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
War
APNewsBreak: About 4,000 more US troops to go to Afghanistan
AP reports: "The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump’s young presidency. The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trump’s move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that he doesn’t have enough forces to help Afghanistan’s army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency."
Comment: Time to defeat the Taliban...again. And let's not make this controversial at all, let's not have crowds in the streets rioting because the government told us the Taliban had been defeated and now they have to send thousands more U.S. troops to finish the job. Let's hope those crazed zealots calling for leaders to be held accountable for lost lives and questionable strategy are held in check.
AP reports: "The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump’s young presidency. The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trump’s move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that he doesn’t have enough forces to help Afghanistan’s army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency."
Comment: Time to defeat the Taliban...again. And let's not make this controversial at all, let's not have crowds in the streets rioting because the government told us the Taliban had been defeated and now they have to send thousands more U.S. troops to finish the job. Let's hope those crazed zealots calling for leaders to be held accountable for lost lives and questionable strategy are held in check.
Rumors of War
Report: North Korea behind WannaCry virus cyberattack - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea could be behind the WannaCry malware virus attack that paralyzed computers in more than 150 countries in May, according to the National Security Agency. The Washington Post reported Wednesday the NSA made an assessment last week and with 'moderate confidence' could say Pyongyang's Reconnaissance General Bureau was behind the cyberattack that affected 300,000 computer users worldwide."
Comment: It's definitely a new era for war and conflict. From other sources I've read, it's very difficult to say with absolute certainty who is responsible for such attacks and I would be surprised if they took any retaliatory action without more evidence.
UPI reports: "North Korea could be behind the WannaCry malware virus attack that paralyzed computers in more than 150 countries in May, according to the National Security Agency. The Washington Post reported Wednesday the NSA made an assessment last week and with 'moderate confidence' could say Pyongyang's Reconnaissance General Bureau was behind the cyberattack that affected 300,000 computer users worldwide."
Comment: It's definitely a new era for war and conflict. From other sources I've read, it's very difficult to say with absolute certainty who is responsible for such attacks and I would be surprised if they took any retaliatory action without more evidence.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Wickedness Increases
Suspected ballfield shooter belonged to anti-GOP groups - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The suspected shooter at a congressional baseball practice Wednesday belonged to several anti-Republican groups and campaigned for former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in 2016. Police identified James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Ill., as the shooter who opened fire on congressional Republicans practicing baseball in Alexandria, Va. President Donald Trump announced Hodgkinson died of a gunshot wound."
Gunman kills 3 at UPS facility in San Francisco - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A man opened fire at a UPS mailing center in downtown San Francisco on Wednesday and killed three people before turning the gun on himself, authorities said."
Comment: What a sad and strange day in which we had news of a mass shooting interrupted by news of another mass shooting. It's the kind of surreal thing that brings home to you the dangerous and perilous times we live in (2 Timothy 3).
UPI reports: "The suspected shooter at a congressional baseball practice Wednesday belonged to several anti-Republican groups and campaigned for former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in 2016. Police identified James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Ill., as the shooter who opened fire on congressional Republicans practicing baseball in Alexandria, Va. President Donald Trump announced Hodgkinson died of a gunshot wound."
Gunman kills 3 at UPS facility in San Francisco - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A man opened fire at a UPS mailing center in downtown San Francisco on Wednesday and killed three people before turning the gun on himself, authorities said."
Comment: What a sad and strange day in which we had news of a mass shooting interrupted by news of another mass shooting. It's the kind of surreal thing that brings home to you the dangerous and perilous times we live in (2 Timothy 3).
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
War
Defense Secretary James Mattis to senators: 'We are not winning in Afghanistan' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Defense Secretary James Mattis had strong words for a Senate committee Tuesday: The United States and its allies 'are not winning in Afghanistan right now.' Mattis' comments to the Senate Armed Services Committee come one day after he criticized the House's Armed Services Committee for not providing enough military resources. But regarding problems in Afghanistan, Mattis pledged to the Senators 'we will correct this as soon as possible.'"
Comment: I find it incredible that the American people can be so complacent and apathetic as to accept being at war for well over a decade without a hint of victory.
UPI reports: "Defense Secretary James Mattis had strong words for a Senate committee Tuesday: The United States and its allies 'are not winning in Afghanistan right now.' Mattis' comments to the Senate Armed Services Committee come one day after he criticized the House's Armed Services Committee for not providing enough military resources. But regarding problems in Afghanistan, Mattis pledged to the Senators 'we will correct this as soon as possible.'"
Comment: I find it incredible that the American people can be so complacent and apathetic as to accept being at war for well over a decade without a hint of victory.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China deploys new tank in Tibet, near India border - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China deployed its latest military tank, the Xinqingtan, in an area of Tibet near the Indian border. Chinese news site Guancha reported Monday Beijing is increasing military buildup in Tibet in a show of force designed to deter the Indian military. [...] The deployment of the tanks expands the Tibet-based unit and has increased their fighting power, the news site reported."
Comment: I think we should take note of any indication of increasing military tensions between the two most populous countries on Earth with a long history of wars and border conflicts, countries that also happen to be nuclear powers.
UPI reports: "China deployed its latest military tank, the Xinqingtan, in an area of Tibet near the Indian border. Chinese news site Guancha reported Monday Beijing is increasing military buildup in Tibet in a show of force designed to deter the Indian military. [...] The deployment of the tanks expands the Tibet-based unit and has increased their fighting power, the news site reported."
Comment: I think we should take note of any indication of increasing military tensions between the two most populous countries on Earth with a long history of wars and border conflicts, countries that also happen to be nuclear powers.
Earthquakes
Magnitude-6.3 earthquake strikes eastern Turkey, island of Lesbos - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck western Turkey and the Greek island of Lesbos on Monday afternoon. The epicenter was at a depth of 4 miles in the Aegean Sea, 3 miles south of the Greek town of Plomari, on Lesbos island, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. It struck at 3:28 p.m. The BBC reported tremors were felt in Istanbul and Athens."
UPI reports: "A magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck western Turkey and the Greek island of Lesbos on Monday afternoon. The epicenter was at a depth of 4 miles in the Aegean Sea, 3 miles south of the Greek town of Plomari, on Lesbos island, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. It struck at 3:28 p.m. The BBC reported tremors were felt in Istanbul and Athens."
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Pestilence
Study shows potential Zika vaccine completely protects mice - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Just one dose of an experimental Zika vaccine provided mice with 100 percent protection against a potentially lethal dose of the virus, researchers report. The quick spread of the Zika virus and its devastating effects on the brain development of babies have made the need for a vaccine to protect against this mosquito-borne virus a global issue. Currently, the main way to ward off the virus is to avoid mosquito bites."
Comment: I hope this isn't one of those discoveries that they have to study for decades before the vaccine gets to the people who need it. Maybe that can put it on the fast track, if modern medicine has such a thing.
UPI reports: "Just one dose of an experimental Zika vaccine provided mice with 100 percent protection against a potentially lethal dose of the virus, researchers report. The quick spread of the Zika virus and its devastating effects on the brain development of babies have made the need for a vaccine to protect against this mosquito-borne virus a global issue. Currently, the main way to ward off the virus is to avoid mosquito bites."
Comment: I hope this isn't one of those discoveries that they have to study for decades before the vaccine gets to the people who need it. Maybe that can put it on the fast track, if modern medicine has such a thing.
Friday, June 09, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran leaders accuse US, Saudis of supporting Tehran attacks - AP
AP reports: "Iranian leaders on Friday accused the United States and Saudi Arabia of supporting the Islamic State-claimed dual attacks that killed 17 people in Tehran this week, as thousands of Iranians attended a funeral ceremony for the victims. The country’s Supreme Leader said the attacks will add to the hatred that Iranians harbor toward the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. [...] The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The IS media arm Aamaq released a video Thursday evening showing what it claimed was a message from the Tehran attackers."
Comment: Well, I suppose they had to blame someone, may as well blame their enemies. Do you suppose the average Iranian understands how absurd that idea is? Here is a subversive thought bomb to drop on your Iranian associates: Islam is a foreign religion undermining authentic Persian culture and should be rejected by all true Iranians.
AP reports: "Iranian leaders on Friday accused the United States and Saudi Arabia of supporting the Islamic State-claimed dual attacks that killed 17 people in Tehran this week, as thousands of Iranians attended a funeral ceremony for the victims. The country’s Supreme Leader said the attacks will add to the hatred that Iranians harbor toward the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. [...] The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The IS media arm Aamaq released a video Thursday evening showing what it claimed was a message from the Tehran attackers."
Comment: Well, I suppose they had to blame someone, may as well blame their enemies. Do you suppose the average Iranian understands how absurd that idea is? Here is a subversive thought bomb to drop on your Iranian associates: Islam is a foreign religion undermining authentic Persian culture and should be rejected by all true Iranians.
Thursday, June 08, 2017
Pestilence
WHO reports more than 100,000 cholera cases in Yemen - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization reports the number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen has surpassed 101,800 -- doubling in just more than a week. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, Yemen is in the grips of a severe cholera epidemic 'of an unprecedented scale.' The outbreak was first reported in October and cholera has since been identified in 19 governorates, or territories. On May 30, the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, said about 53,000 cases have been identified."
Comment: Pestilence often follows war and this is a good and sad example of that relationship.
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization reports the number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen has surpassed 101,800 -- doubling in just more than a week. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, Yemen is in the grips of a severe cholera epidemic 'of an unprecedented scale.' The outbreak was first reported in October and cholera has since been identified in 19 governorates, or territories. On May 30, the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, said about 53,000 cases have been identified."
Comment: Pestilence often follows war and this is a good and sad example of that relationship.
Wednesday, June 07, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Pentagon: Beijing strengthening military grip on South China Sea islands - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China is expanding its presence in the South China Sea with new buildup on disputed islands, according to the Pentagon's 2017 survey of the Chinese military published Tuesday. Beijing's People's Liberation Army Navy is also expanding its fleet of submarines and aircraft carriers."
Comment: There doesn't seem to be anything new or noteworthy here, we already knew these details, the real story to me is how incremental this all is. Eventually China will be in a position to declare sovereignty over the South China Sea and dare anyone to challenge them. At that point, the U.S. and Pacific allies will have to decide if it's worth starting WWIII over that waterway. I'm not sure what the right answer is. If the allies challenge China, then WWIII starts. If they concede Chinese sovereignty then China would find encouragement to eventually declare their own Monroe Doctrine over the entire Pacific. Either answer would seem to lead to war between nuclear powers.
UPI reports: "China is expanding its presence in the South China Sea with new buildup on disputed islands, according to the Pentagon's 2017 survey of the Chinese military published Tuesday. Beijing's People's Liberation Army Navy is also expanding its fleet of submarines and aircraft carriers."
Comment: There doesn't seem to be anything new or noteworthy here, we already knew these details, the real story to me is how incremental this all is. Eventually China will be in a position to declare sovereignty over the South China Sea and dare anyone to challenge them. At that point, the U.S. and Pacific allies will have to decide if it's worth starting WWIII over that waterway. I'm not sure what the right answer is. If the allies challenge China, then WWIII starts. If they concede Chinese sovereignty then China would find encouragement to eventually declare their own Monroe Doctrine over the entire Pacific. Either answer would seem to lead to war between nuclear powers.
False Christs
Russian security forces raid Church of Scientology - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Russian Federal Security Bureau raided a Church of Scientology office in St. Petersburg, calling it an effort to uncover information about religious extremism. [...] The Russian government has previously ruled that, because it is not recognized as a religion, proselytizing is a form of money laundering. The church, a controversial religious group founded in the United States that is derided by some as a cult, has long been at legal odds with the Russian government."
Comment: I wonder why Scientology even bothered to set an office in Russia, very few Hollywood stars hang out there, right? Russian oligarchs could be a big catch though, pretty lucrative.
UPI reports: "The Russian Federal Security Bureau raided a Church of Scientology office in St. Petersburg, calling it an effort to uncover information about religious extremism. [...] The Russian government has previously ruled that, because it is not recognized as a religion, proselytizing is a form of money laundering. The church, a controversial religious group founded in the United States that is derided by some as a cult, has long been at legal odds with the Russian government."
Comment: I wonder why Scientology even bothered to set an office in Russia, very few Hollywood stars hang out there, right? Russian oligarchs could be a big catch though, pretty lucrative.
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
Gospel Preached to All Nations
New Bible video project 'revolutionises' the Gospel stories of Jesus - Christian Today
Christian Today reports: "A creative new Bible project has brought the Gospel of Matthew to cinematic realisation – now bringing Jesus' life from all four Gospels into a vivid new form. The video series from 'The Lumo Project' uses the narrative and dialogue from Matthew's Gospel, brings Jesus' ministry to life using with high production values and a realistic visualisation of first century Palestine. Previously completed late last year, The Gospel of Matthew can now be watched for free via The YouVersion 'Bible App'. [...] As its website writes: 'The Lumo Project is a versatile educational resource that can be seen and heard by a truly global audience as it can be dubbed into any translation and all languages. This pioneering educational resource is designed to promote biblical literacy for everyone, irrespective of faith."
Comment: This looks interesting, I like the way they emphasize that it can be translated into all languages.
Christian Today reports: "A creative new Bible project has brought the Gospel of Matthew to cinematic realisation – now bringing Jesus' life from all four Gospels into a vivid new form. The video series from 'The Lumo Project' uses the narrative and dialogue from Matthew's Gospel, brings Jesus' ministry to life using with high production values and a realistic visualisation of first century Palestine. Previously completed late last year, The Gospel of Matthew can now be watched for free via The YouVersion 'Bible App'. [...] As its website writes: 'The Lumo Project is a versatile educational resource that can be seen and heard by a truly global audience as it can be dubbed into any translation and all languages. This pioneering educational resource is designed to promote biblical literacy for everyone, irrespective of faith."
Comment: This looks interesting, I like the way they emphasize that it can be translated into all languages.
War
French police shoot attacker outside Notre Dame in Paris - Yahoo News
Yahoo News reports: "French police shot and injured a man who attacked an officer with a hammer outside Paris's Notre Dame cathedral Tuesday, as he shouted 'this is for Syria'. Police sources said the officer sustained minor neck injuries in the assault, which comes with France on high alert after jihadists killed seven people in London on Saturday. Documents found on the attacker identified him as a 40-year-old Algerian who was a doctoral student in information science at a university in the east of France. The suspect later claimed to be a 'soldier of the caliphate' of the Islamic State group, according to a source close to the investigation."
Comment: Another day, another attack. Apparently the Islamic State put out a call for attacks using any means at hand and in this case, that meant a hammer. Guess we'll have to monitor hardware stores now. See something, say something. Suspicious person with a staple gun?
Yahoo News reports: "French police shot and injured a man who attacked an officer with a hammer outside Paris's Notre Dame cathedral Tuesday, as he shouted 'this is for Syria'. Police sources said the officer sustained minor neck injuries in the assault, which comes with France on high alert after jihadists killed seven people in London on Saturday. Documents found on the attacker identified him as a 40-year-old Algerian who was a doctoral student in information science at a university in the east of France. The suspect later claimed to be a 'soldier of the caliphate' of the Islamic State group, according to a source close to the investigation."
Comment: Another day, another attack. Apparently the Islamic State put out a call for attacks using any means at hand and in this case, that meant a hammer. Guess we'll have to monitor hardware stores now. See something, say something. Suspicious person with a staple gun?
Monday, June 05, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Arab countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over terrorism - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, they announced Monday. [...] The decision came after Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani allegedly made pro-Iranian comments two weeks ago, calling Iran an "Islamic power" and criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump's policy toward Iran."
Comment: The slow moving cold-war between Saudi Arabia and Iran just picked up the pace. How will Iran respond? Stay tuned!
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, they announced Monday. [...] The decision came after Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani allegedly made pro-Iranian comments two weeks ago, calling Iran an "Islamic power" and criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump's policy toward Iran."
Comment: The slow moving cold-war between Saudi Arabia and Iran just picked up the pace. How will Iran respond? Stay tuned!
Saturday, June 03, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
Van strikes pedestrians on London Bridge; police at two other locations - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A vehicle struck pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday shortly before Metropolitan Police said they received reports of stabbings at a nearby restaurant. [...] Witnesses said they saw a white van struck pedestrians on London Bridge. BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time, said she saw a man driving the van 'probably traveling about 50 miles an hour.' 'He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind,' she said. Another witness, Mark Roberts, told CNN he saw the van hit multiple people before hitting a bus stop and stopping."
Comment: What a crazy world. How are the security services supposed to defend against deranged drivers? It should be only a matter of hours before Islamic State claims credit for the attacks. I think it's noteworthy that the battle for Raqqa, the capital of their so-called caliphate is to begin soon. I suspect there will be a relationship between increased lone-wolf ISIS inspired attacks and their shrinking control on the ground in Syria.
UPI reports: "A vehicle struck pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday shortly before Metropolitan Police said they received reports of stabbings at a nearby restaurant. [...] Witnesses said they saw a white van struck pedestrians on London Bridge. BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time, said she saw a man driving the van 'probably traveling about 50 miles an hour.' 'He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind,' she said. Another witness, Mark Roberts, told CNN he saw the van hit multiple people before hitting a bus stop and stopping."
Comment: What a crazy world. How are the security services supposed to defend against deranged drivers? It should be only a matter of hours before Islamic State claims credit for the attacks. I think it's noteworthy that the battle for Raqqa, the capital of their so-called caliphate is to begin soon. I suspect there will be a relationship between increased lone-wolf ISIS inspired attacks and their shrinking control on the ground in Syria.
Friday, June 02, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
Putin statement on Kuril Islands, U.S. military rattles Japan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin about U.S. military buildup in the disputed Kuril Islands is raising concerns in Japan, despite plans in Tokyo to increase economic cooperation in the territories. [...] Russia and Japan never signed a peace treaty after the four islets in the Kuril archipelago fell under Soviet control at the end of World War II."
Comment: That's a clever strategy on Putin's part to engender doubt and insecurity in Japan.
UPI reports: "A statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin about U.S. military buildup in the disputed Kuril Islands is raising concerns in Japan, despite plans in Tokyo to increase economic cooperation in the territories. [...] Russia and Japan never signed a peace treaty after the four islets in the Kuril archipelago fell under Soviet control at the end of World War II."
Comment: That's a clever strategy on Putin's part to engender doubt and insecurity in Japan.
Thursday, June 01, 2017
Covenant With Many
Donald Trump delays moving embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The White House on Thursday said President Donald Trump delayed moving the United States' Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump delayed the Embassy's move for at least six months by waiving the Jerusalem Embassy Act. [...] The U.S. Department of State for decades -- through Democratic and Republican administrations -- has insisted the status of Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim as their rightful capital, is a matter that needs to be resolved through a peace agreement."
Comment: Well, I can say that I'm surprised but I am a bit disappointed, I thought this would be one campaign promise he would keep. I did note in the news report that he will have additional opportunities to move the embassy as the waiver has to be renewed every six months. Perhaps Trump plans to use this issue as leverage in peace negotiations?
UPI reports: "The White House on Thursday said President Donald Trump delayed moving the United States' Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump delayed the Embassy's move for at least six months by waiving the Jerusalem Embassy Act. [...] The U.S. Department of State for decades -- through Democratic and Republican administrations -- has insisted the status of Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim as their rightful capital, is a matter that needs to be resolved through a peace agreement."
Comment: Well, I can say that I'm surprised but I am a bit disappointed, I thought this would be one campaign promise he would keep. I did note in the news report that he will have additional opportunities to move the embassy as the waiver has to be renewed every six months. Perhaps Trump plans to use this issue as leverage in peace negotiations?
Roaring Waves
Donald Trump on Paris climate change pact: 'We're getting out' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Seven months after officially joining the Paris agreement, the United States will now abandon the landmark climate change initiative it helped spearhead. President Donald Trump announced his decision to leave the accord in the White House Rose Garden Thursday afternoon -- following days of speculation about whether he would actually back out of the global partnership. [...] The 195-nation pact sets out stringent standards to restrict carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases that scientists say contribute to global warming."
Comment: This is a good news / bad news kind of situation. This is good news for the fulfillment of Luke 21:25 and bad news for coastal communities.
UPI reports: "Seven months after officially joining the Paris agreement, the United States will now abandon the landmark climate change initiative it helped spearhead. President Donald Trump announced his decision to leave the accord in the White House Rose Garden Thursday afternoon -- following days of speculation about whether he would actually back out of the global partnership. [...] The 195-nation pact sets out stringent standards to restrict carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases that scientists say contribute to global warming."
Comment: This is a good news / bad news kind of situation. This is good news for the fulfillment of Luke 21:25 and bad news for coastal communities.
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