Tuesday, January 01, 2002

The Euro Makes History, With Hardly a Hitch
First on a tropical French island in the Indian Ocean and then in the cold dark of a European winter, the Continent's single currency became a physical reality for 306 million citizens on Tuesday in an audacious move toward economic integration and perhaps eventual political unity. This IHT article reviews the latest developments, submitted for your mark of the beast files.

Sunday, December 30, 2001

Euro: It's More Than Just a Pretty Penny
In the biggest currency swap in history, more than 300 million Europeans in 12 countries will start using the euro as their day-to-day money on Tuesday, irrevocably casting their old marks, francs, lire, pesetas and other national currencies into the trash can of history. This IHT article is submitted for your mark of the beast files. While certainly not the mark, currency consolidation is but one of many market adjustments and infrastructure upgrades needed for the mark to become a practical reality.

Friday, December 28, 2001

Malka: Iraq To Target Israel if U.S. Attacks
The Jerusalem Post is reporting that outgoing OC Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Malka warned yesterday that if Iraq's Saddam Hussein feels an American strike aims to topple his regime, then he would likely order an attack on Israel. "The strategic warning we give is that, if the Americans decide to attack Iraq in a way that would appear as a strike aimed at toppling the regime as it did in Afghanistan, then the probability that Saddam Hussein will try to involve us is high," Malka said. Submitted for your Jerusalem surrounded files.
Natural Disasters Kill 25,000 Worldwide in 2001
Reuters reports that natural disasters caused at least 25,000 deaths worldwide in 2001, more than double the previous year, the world's largest reinsurer said on Friday. Putting total economic losses at $36 billion, Munich Re said catastrophes related to extreme weather were a result of continued global climate change. It said the 2001 figures -- with 14,000 people killed in an earthquake in India in January alone -- compared with 10,000 deaths the previous year and losses of around $30 billion. Storms and floods dominated this year's statistics, contributing more than two thirds to the 700 major disasters and causing 91 percent of all insured natural disaster losses, Munich Re said. Submitted for your fearful events files.
India and Pakistan Add to War Footing
Tensions continue to rise between the two nuclear rivals over the disputed Kashmir region. The New York Times reports that India has moved short-range ballistic missiles to the border with Pakistan. Submitted for your rumor of war files.
One in Four U.S. Internet Users Seek Spiritual Info Online
One out of four adult American Internet users have sought out religious or spiritual information online, according to a study released Dec. 23 by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Up from 2 million last year, the number is now more than 3 million - more popular than other online activities such as banking, gambling or stock trading, as reported by Reuters, and Yahoo! News. The numbers are sure to increase as more churches and missionary efforts go online. Submitted for your gospel preached to all files.

Thursday, December 27, 2001

Solar Flares, Auroras, the Moon and Saturn
An explosion on the Sun yesterday triggered a solar proton storm around our planet and hurled a bright coronal mass ejection (CME) into space. Although the fast-moving (~1100 km/s) CME was not squarely Earth-directed, it could deliver a glancing blow to Earth's magnetosphere as early as Dec. 28th Universal Time - that is, Thursday night for North Americans, Friday morning for Europeans. NOAA forecasters estimate a 10% chance of severe geomagnetic storms at middle latitudes when the expanding cloud sweeps past Earth. Sky watchers along the northern tier of US states (and similar latitudes) should be alert for auroras during the nights ahead. And, if you find yourself outdoors aurora watching before dawn on Friday morning, look also for a close encounter between the nearly-full Moon and Saturn. The Moon will completely hide the ringed planet from observers in North America. Submitted for your signs in the sun, moon and stars files.
Viral Outbreak in Central Africa Causes Concern for Missions Agency
Gospel.Com cites a report from Mission Network News that despite stepped-up border controls, an outbreak of the Ebola virus has spread from Gabon to neighboring Republic of Congo. Authorities on both sides of the border fear the disease is likely to spread and restrict movement between the two central African nations. Christians in the area are trying to help in any way they can. "I think it has caused the churches to become more concerned, involved in prayer for their country, and I think we need to pray that the Spirit, and an attitude of prayer, would increase just for the sake of the spiritual warmth of the church," a MNN representative said. Submitted for your pestilence and gospel preached to all files.
Christmas Fills China with Joy, Wireless Messages
CNN reports that the Chinese embraced the Christmas spirit this year, sending up to six times the average number of short messages over computers and cell phones. While I hardly call that embracing the true Christmas spirit, it seems the marketeers are succeeding in their effort to ensnare China in capitalist consumerism. While this may be cleverly subversive to China's neo-communist ideology, it is hardly a positive development in such a spiritually impoverished country. Submitted for your wired world/global village files.
Diplomatic Pressure Builds on India & Pakistan
CNN is reporting that with Pakistan's army on high alert -- its medium range missiles deployed and army mobilized -- and with India placing reinforcements along its border, U.S. diplomats are working urgently to avoid the situation from escalating. Submitted for your rumor of war files.

Tuesday, December 25, 2001

Big Troop Buildup Mounted by India and Pakistan
The New York Times is reporting that both countries are mounting large-scale troop buildups along their border in response to rising antagonism since a suicide attack this month on India's Parliament. Submitted for your rumor of war files.
Israelis Enter Jordan After Shooting
CNN is reporting that Israeli troops have crossed the Jordan River in pursuit of gunmen who killed one Israeli and wounded two others. For your rumor of war and Jerusalem surrounded files.

Monday, December 24, 2001

India and Pakistan on High Alert
India and Pakistan have put their border troops on high alert as the two South Asian foes trade accusations over this month's suicide attack on the parliament in New Delhi. Submitted for your rumor of war files.

Friday, December 21, 2001

Hubble Sends Seasons Greetings from the Cosmos to Earth
Spectacular new space images of the Ghost Head Nebula from the Hubble Space Telescope, just in time for Christmas. Submitted for your signs in the stars files.
Israeli Pullouts Raise Glimmer of Hope in Mideast
According to this Washington Post article, there is a glimmer of hope for peace in the Mideast. Right, sure, until the next suicide bombing.
Microchips Under the Skin Offer ID, Raise Questions
A Reuters report on privacy concerns rising from new identity verification technology. According to the report, Applied Digital will soon begin marketing its implantable VeriChip in South America and Europe, initially as a means to convey information about medical devices to doctors, though the company has plans for future versions designed emit a tracking beacon or serve as a form of personal identification. FDA approval is being sought to market the chip in the United States. Submitted for your mark of the beast files.
Some 100,000 Central American Children Face Hunger
Reuters is reporting that natural disasters and economic crises have left more than 100,000 Central American children malnourished and at risk of starvation in coming months. Submitted for your famine files.

Thursday, December 06, 2001

Billy Graham To Be Knighted
Graham is to receive an honorary KBE for his contributions to international religious life. Submitted for your gospel preached to all files.
For Nervous Online Shoppers, a Virtual Credit Card
Some e-commerce news for your mark files.
AOL to Buy Europe Stake
The worlds largest Internet service provider is about to get even larger. Submitted for your world community files.
Bush to Arafat: Rout Out Terrorists
Pressure is building on Arafat to finally deliver on his promise to combat terrorism within Palestinian ranks. An interesting situation, as many consider Arafat and the PLA to be terrorists. Submitted for your war files and your Jerusalem surrounded files.
Rumsfeld Warns of Messy War
An interesting headline, as if war is ever neat and clean. Submitted for your war files.

Saturday, December 01, 2001

Jerusalem Suicide Bombers Kill 10
In the latest terrorist attack to hit Israel, a suicide bomber killed at least 10 people. A car bomb exploded moments later, timed to go off as rescue workers arrived at the scene.

Thursday, November 29, 2001

Christian Allies of Bush Attack Islam
Attack Islam, whatever for, it's a religion of peace, harmony, and love. Even for infidels, really.
U.S. Bombs Iraqi Air Defense Site
Iraq continues to challenge the no-fly zones, prompting an attack by U.S. and British jets. Submitted for your war files.
40m Living With HIV
And in case you were wondering, HIV is still an epidemic and shows no signs of going away, particularly in developing countries that can't afford treatment and education programs. Submitted for your pestilence files.
Cops Bust Intl Kid-Porn Ring
It is really hard to imagine this sort of thing, maybe it is best not to try and just be glad the cops were on the case. Submitted for your wickedness increases files.
Cops Bust Intl Kid-Porn Ring
It is really hard to imagine this sort of thing, maybe it is best not to try and just be glad the cops were on the case. Submitted for your wickedness increases files.

Tuesday, November 27, 2001

Christian Leader: Pray to Convert Muslims
The leader of the Southern Baptists is calling on that denominations 16 million members to pray for the conversion of Muslims to Christianity. Submitted for your gospel preached to all files.
AOL Subscriptions Swell to 32 Million
The worlds largest ISP has grown even larger. Submitted for your world community files.
Iraq Defies U.S. Over Arms Inspections
There is increasing speculation that Iraq will be the next target after the Afghan phase of the war is concluded. The U.S. is asking that Iraq allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country to search for weapons of mass destruction. Iraq, of course, refuses. Submitted for your rumor of war files.
Mid-East Killings Overshadow Talks
Three Israelis were killed on Tuesday by Palestinian gunmen as a new U.S. peace mission gets underway. Submitted for your covenant with many files.

Friday, November 16, 2001

Patriotic, Religious Web Sites Fly High
According to CNN, the Presidential Prayer Team web page is a hit, receiving over 1 million visitors in October. Submitted for your gospel preached to all files.
Mideast Awaits Bush Policy Initiative
China Daily offers it's take on Mideast peace. Submitted for your covenant with many files.
Dont Be Surprised If Saddam Is Next
So, after the Afghan phase of the war is concluded, what next? This article from the New York Post suggests that the U.S. may choose to go after Saddam. Ya think? Submitted for your rumor of war files
U.S. Set to Retain Smallpox Stocks
Amid concerns over possible bio-terrorism, the U.S. has decided to keep smallpox stocks until new vaccines are created. Submitted for your pestilence files.

Saturday, November 10, 2001

Proposed German Law Foresees Biometric IDs
Even as support for a national ID card erodes in the U.S., support has been increasing in Europe. This report from CNN notes that Germany could be the first country to mandate biometric ID cards as an antiterrorism measure.
Nigeria: Clergy Deplores State of Insecurity in Nigeria
A short article on the religious strife in Nigeria, submitted for your persecution files.
Bin Laden Nuke Claim Taken Seriously
More details on the rumors regarding bin Laden's nuclear capability. Submitted for your rumor of war files.
All Must Join Fight Against Terror, Bush Tells U.N
In his first address to the UN General Assembly, Bush rallied member states to the cause, saying that they must act in defense of civilization. If there is one body that represents the idea of world civilization, it is the UN, with the Charter representing the core values all member states have pledged to uphold. Of course, it's worth noting that the Taliban, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad are not members of the United Nations. Submitted for your war files.

Friday, November 09, 2001

New Anthrax Alert In US
An item for your pestilence and rumor of war files, more worries over anthrax.

Thursday, November 08, 2001

Cybersecurity Czar Snubs ID plan, Defends Govnet
According to this CNN article, there is on support for a national ID card in the U.S., but there is support for a government intranet to protect sensitive computer networks. Submitted for your mark of the beast files.
DON?T MAKE ISRAEL THE FIRST CASUALTY The ignorance of those who blame Jewish intransigence
This is a well written essay on the current Mideast peace impasse and the desire among many to use the present emergency to pressure Israel. Submitted for your covenant with many files.
Terror Survivor Emerges as Christian Celebrity
An item for your gospel preached to all files, it seems there is a new celebrity on the missionary circuit.
We Put a Man on the Moon, But Try Finding Orions Belt
An item for your signs in the heavens files, this article from the New York Times notes that the aurora borealis were unusually bright this week, sighted as far south as Texas.
Powell Says Iraq May Be Next Target
An item for your rumor of war files, some educated guesses about the next phase of the war on terrorism.

Wednesday, October 31, 2001

Israel Seizes Palestinian Militants
And, the battle for Jerusalem continues as Israeli security forces continued to target Hamas leadership.
No Progress in Anthrax Probe As 4th Victim Dies
Anthrax has claimed another vicitim, while the authorities are not sure how she contracted the deadly disease.
No Progress in Anthrax Probe As 4th Victim Dies
Anthrax has claimed another vicitim, while the authorities are not sure how she contracted the deadly disease.
No Progress in Anthrax Probe As 4th Victim Dies
Anthrax has claimed another vicitim, while the authorities are not sure how she contracted the deadly disease.

Tuesday, October 30, 2001

Bush: Fear of bin Laden Nukes
One for your rumor of war files, at least I hope it is a rumor, that bin Laden has nukes, the small portable variety.
Church Massacre: 13 Arrested
That was fast work. I hope they did more than round up the usual suspects.
Hussein: War May Spread, Set World on Fire
A dire warning from the Butcher of Baghdad. This is an interesting situation, as we could interpret this as an attempt to assert leadership of the Islamic jihad, a reflection of his insecurity and fear that bin Laden and al Quida have stolen his thunder and undermined his role as champion of anti-Western forces. I bet he is actually hoping that the allied coalition will attack Iraq so he can rally his disaffected faithful.
Israel Makes Fresh Gaza Incursion
I think it's worth noting amid all the other distractions and rumors of war, that this is all really about Israel, and specifically Jerusalem. The military situation on the ground there is the real bellwether and sign to watch.

Thursday, October 25, 2001

POLL: Most Americans Want U.S. to Go After Saddam Hussein
Is Iraq next? Submitted for your rumor of war files.
Yahoo! Enhances Messaging Service
An item for your wired world/global village files. I wonder if perhaps I'm the only one who has seen e-mail and IMs in that Rev prophecy?
Anthrax Scare at State Department
In but one of this days anthrax news stories, anthrax has been found at State Department mailroom. Submitted for your pestilence and rumor of war files.

Wednesday, October 24, 2001

CAL THOMAS: Bishop Doesnt Think Islam is Peaceful
An item for your persecution files, it seems not everyone agrees that Islam is a warm and huggy religion.
Israel Adds a Complication to Anti-Terror Diplomacy
Well, it's not like we couldn't see this coming a mile (or a few thousand years) away. How is it that the U.S. gets attacked by terroriists and now suddenly Israel is the bad guy for also fighting back?
Spacecraft Enters Orbit Around Mars
And something cool for your signs in the heavens files, NASA finally wins one on Mars. I guess the Mars Defense Forces were having a bad day.
Early Results Are Negative in White House Anthrax Tests
Hey, the President doesn't have anthrax. It's nice to get good anthrax news.
Israel Says Raid Nets Key Suspects
Israel defies U.S., the U.S. softens the tone of the "diplomatic language" while considering introducing a statement in the Security Council condemning Israel. As the saying goes, "with friends like these..."

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

New Planets Discovered with Solar System-Like Orbits
An item for your signs in the stars files. Eight new extrasolar planets have been discovered. I really love these space science news items.
Saddam Behind Anthrax Outbreak?
And even more info on the possible Saddam connection.
Saddam Criticizes Arab Nations in U.S. Airstrikes
Somehow, I knew we had not heard that last of him. There is even some evidence that a terrorist suspect met with an Iraqi diplomat in Prague in the months leading up to the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks.
Tensions Rise in Kashmir Upon Powells Arrival in India
It looks like these two nuclear rivals may be getting ready for a real fight.How's that for a rumor of war?
Sharon May Accept Palestinian State
Well, this is interesting, isn't it. Have they replaced Sharon with a clone?

Thursday, October 11, 2001

Possible new threats may be linked to al Qaeda
An item for your rumor of war files, the FBI has announced a warning that new terrorist attacks may occur in the next few days.

Wednesday, October 10, 2001

Many Brits Check Off Jedi Knight for Religious Affiliation on Census Form
I can't help myself, it's a new religion. May the Farce be with you.
Experts Worry Over Tiny Nuclear Weapons
There have been rumors for years about missing Russian Cold War era "backpack nukes." Here is some updated info on what portable nuclear weapons may mean to the current conflict.
Al-Qaida Statement Calling Muslims to War
Here is the translation of the full text of the Al Qaida call for holy war against America and its allies.
Internet Hums After Afghanistan Strikes
This could be the world's first Internet war, in which people turn to the net as much as TV or newspapers to find out what is going on.
Signs of Fear, but Not More Anthrax, in Florida
Fear and anxiety over the possible use of anthrax as a weapon continues in Florida. No new cases have been found, authorities have said that this was definitely a malicious attack, though a link with the bin Laden terrorist network has not been established.

Friday, September 21, 2001

President Outlines Vision for New War
A New York Times review of President Bush's address to the Congress.
America Braces For War
For your war files, an article from the Economist on how America readies for war.

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Coalition In Quotes
What world leaders have had to say about forming and joining a new international coalition against terrorism.
Pentagon Recommends Use of Nuclear Weapons
Well, this is certainly a sensational headline. I think it would be better to simply say that all options remain in the table.
U.S. Orders Planes to The Gulf
The first post-attack deployment has been ordered, the wheels of war have begun to move.

Tuesday, September 18, 2001

Iran Launches Missile Attack On Iraq
Call this one a rumor of war because MENL is the only news source that seems to be picking up this story.
Afghans Told to Prepare for Holy War
The latest war news. What would Yoda say about that headline? Wars not make one holy.
It has been said that the Palestinians are not in support of the anti-American terrorist acts. Arafat would have you believe that they are in sympathy with the victims and harbor no ill will towards Americans. Perhaps it would be instructive to look at Palestinian statements made before the terrorist attacks of last week.

A Palestinian Prayer
"Oh Allah, destroy America, for she is ruled by Zionist Jews... Allah will paint the White House black! ... The Muslims say to Britain, to France and to all the infidel nations that Jerusalem is Arab. We shall not respect anyone else's wishes regarding her. The only relevant party is the Islamic nation, which will not allow infidel nations to interfere... Allah shall take revenge on behalf of his prophet against the colonialist settlers who are sons of monkeys and pigs..." (Excerpts from the Friday sermon delivered by the PA-appointed "Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine" Sheikh Ekrima Sabri at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount on July 11, 1997, broadcast over Voice of Palestine radio).

Friday, September 14, 2001

Congress Authorizes Use of 'All Necessary Force'
Well, it's official, or at least as official as it is going to be short of a formal declaration of war.

Thursday, September 13, 2001

U.S. May Wage War on Islamic Militants
Some analysis from Stratfor on possible military options in response to the recent terror attacks. There is no doubt that a military response is coming, within days possibly, certain in the near future.
Sifting Through the News Deluge
As the amount of news generated by recent events has reached almost unprecedented levels, I want to highlight what I consider the four most significant developments in the last 12 hours: (1) a report from Israeli intelligence that Saddam Hussein funded the Bin Laden operation; (2) the solidarity of the NATO military alliance and the prospect of collective international action; (3) the report that there was a threat made to Air Force One as well as the White House, which add the prospect of an assassination attempt to the horrors we have already witnessed; and, (4) the attempt to forge a new international coalition around the goal of antiterrorism efforts. These news items suggest that the Gulf War, never formally concluded, is about to enter a decisive and final phase.

Israeli intelligence: Iraq financed bombings

NATO Allies Back United States

Bush, Possible Target, Calls Attacks 'Acts of War'

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Israeli intelligence: Iraq financed bombings
It is a challenge to sift through all the news reports today of the aftermath of the terror attacks. One report stood out among the many, a report from the Middle East Newsline that Israeli intelligence believes that Saddam Hussein financed the Bin Laden operation. The report also suggests that America has informed it's ally that an attack on Iraq and Afghanistan is possible within days. Israeli intelligence believes this will lead to a regional war. Submitted for your war and fearful events files.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

What an amazing day, a day of infamy, terror and tragedy. The one question I've been asked the most today in countless e-mails and IMs is: Does this have anything to do with Bible prophecy? Yes. The United States has given the world many gifts and played many different roles, but from the perspective of Bible prophecy, the U.S. has only one real role, and that is to be the defender and protector of Israel. The enemies of Israel hate the U.S. for performing this role. The days events are indeed of prophetic import in that they stem from the conflict over that people and that land that God has chosen and called His own. This was but a battle in the larger war for Jerusalem, the City of God.
News Summary from CNN
-- Sources tell CNN one of two planes that crashed into World Trade Center was an American Airlines 767.
-- President Bush calls plane crashes at World Trade Center a terrorist act.
-- White House evacuated.
-- Fire reported on National Mall in Washington.
-- CNN confirms a plane hit the Pentagon.
-- Significant fire at the Pentagon.
-- One of World Trade Center towers collapses; fire forces evacuation of State Department.
-- United Nations evacuated.
-- Car bombing at the State Department, The Associated Press reports.
-- Pentagon monitoring second suspected hijacked plane.
-- Fighter scrambled amid reports of second plane headed for Pentagon.
-- FAA diverting all U.S.-bound international flights to Canada.
-- Part of Pentagon collapses.
-- Second World Trade Center tower collapses in Manhattan.
-- NTSB confirms plane crashes near Pittsburgh.
News Summary:

Three planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City
within a span of one hour, beginning at 8:58 a.m..

The Pentagon has also been hit by a large plane and is being
evacuated. There was a huge fire ball.

The White House has been threatened with a terrorist attack and has
been evacuated. Federal Buildings in Washington have also been
evacuated.

All U.S. flights have been ordered to continue to their
destinations and all others have been grounded. Reuters said all
European flights into the United States have also been grounded.

Israel has evacuated their embassies all over the world.

President Bush evacuated to Air Force One.

American military installations on heightened defense condition.
Iraq Shoots Down U.S. Plane
Reminder, the Gulf War never officially ended. Submitted for your rumor of war files.
Day of Terror
The U.S. is under terrorist attack. Planes hijacked by terrorists have crashed into and destroyed the World Trade Center, another crashed into the Pentagon, and there are reports of an explosion on the Mall in D.C. Federal offices and installations have been evacuated, President Bush has been evacuated to Air Force One, and American military installations are on a heightened defense condition. Details continue to emerge.

Monday, September 10, 2001

Wednesday, September 05, 2001

The Positive Side of Biometrics
Have you been exposed to only the negative side of biometrics? Do you worry that you have not heard from the PR people in the industry? Does this keep you awake at night? Then never fear, Biometrics Digest has the answer, the warm and fuzzy side of biometrics, valiantly saving children and catching terrorists near you. Submitted for your mark of the beast files.