Ted’s Remarks About Stuff
July thru September, 2015


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Sep. 30, 2015

Buildings bombed by Russian forces in Talbiseh, located in central SyriaAs suspected might happen, Russia has begun airstrikes in Syria.  Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has indicated that this is happening in an effort to eliminate the Islamic State (IS or ISIL) in Syria.

Map showing Russian airstrikes in SyriaYet, American military observers have determined that the areas in Syria that are being bombed by Russia do not contain Islamic State forces.  Rather, it appears that Russia is targeting Syrian rebels that have been opposed to the government of Bashar al-Assad for several years.

Furthermore, Russia has told the U.S. to remove aircraft from Syrian air space.  However, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby has stated, “The U.S.-led coalition will continue to fly missions over Iraq and Syria as planned and in support of our international mission to degrade and destroy ISIL.”

This raises the possibility that American war planes might come eye-to-eye with Russian fighter jets.  A misstep on either side potentially could result in a war between the USA and Russia.

Russia Launches Strikes in
Syria, Tells U.S. to Steer Clear

It seems that regardless of what the Russians say, they are in Syria to protect and strengthen the regime of President Assad, Putin’s closest ally in the Middle East.  Since Assad, Putin, and ISIS are opposed to Israel, presumably none of this will bode well for the Jewish State.

What’s more, all of this is has taken place on the very day that the Palestinian flag was raised, for the first time ever, at the United Nations in New York.  This took place even though Palestine is not officially a nation state.

Palestinian flag flies at UN,
Abbas seeks full status

It also should be noted that the United Nations passed a very ambitious, far-reaching “global goals” item over the weekend.  It can be read here:

Transforming Our World:
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Approved by members of the U.N. were 17 sustainable development goals to be attained by 2030.  It will cost trillions of dollars.  Many feel that this is just another step toward a global New World Order.

Did the United Nations Just
Introduce a New World Order?


In other news, the Dow was up 235.57 points today.  Nevertheless, September closes out with one of the lowest Dow Jones Industrial Averages so far for the year of 2015: 16,284.70.

Ever since the Dow dropped substantially from Aug. 17 (17,545.18) to Aug. 25 (15,666.44), the recovery has not been very significant.  In fact, the market has suffered its worst third quarter since 2011.

Aug. 17:  17,545.18
Aug. 18:  17,511.34
Aug. 19:  17,348.73
Aug. 20:  16,990.69
Aug. 21:  16,459.75
Aug. 24:  15,871.35
Aug. 25:  15,666.44
      9-month DOW in 2015

That 10.7% decrease, about three weeks before the end of the Shemitah year on Sep. 13, was considerably more than the 7% drops at the end of each of the previous two Shemitah years.  Those Hebraic years ended on Sep. 17, 2001 and on Sep. 29, 2008.  Moreover, today’s Dow close (16,284.70) is 7.2% below the Aug. 17 close (17,545.18) and 11.1% below the all-time high close on May 19 (18,312.39).

The U.S. stock market continues to be very volatile and unstable.  Furthermore, regardless of what the reports from the government say, the economy is neither firm nor sound.  Furthermore, I continue to remain very pessimistic that there will be any stabilization or recovery anytime soon.  It might be worth the time to read the following by Bill Bonner:

The Great American Credit Collapse: Part I | Part II
Sep. 29, 2015

It looks like Russian forces are poised to launch airstrikes in Syria.  Those airstrikes could begin at any time.

U.S. official: Russia 'ready'
to launch airstrikes in Syria

Seemingly, the instability in the Middle East is about to escalate.  This potentially increases the danger for Israel.


Sep. 28, 2015

This is the first full day of the week-long Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot.  It also is a special Sabbath when no regular work is to be done (Leviticus 23:33-35).

       
15-second slideshow

Sukkot in JerusalemAll native-born Israelites are to construct and to dwell in booths or “sukkot” (which is the plural of booth or “sukkah”) for a week.  This is a reminder to them of the temporary tabernacles in which their Israelite ancestors lived for 40 years after leaving ancient Egypt (Leviticus 23:42,43).

Jesus, whose birth was in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1), most likely was born in a sukkah during Sukkot, not in a stable in December.  The word “tabernacle,” used as a verb, means “to take up temporary residence, especially to inhabit a physical body” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the Only Begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The words in that verse translated as “made his dwelling” among us are more accurately translated as “tabernacled” among us.  So Jesus tabernacled with mankind for a few decades while He was here the first time.

Being a Jew, Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles and even taught in the temple courts during the days of this feast (John 7:1-44).  In the future Messianic era, during the Millennium, Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah will return to tabernacle with us again.  Representatives from the nations of the world will go to Jerusalem, where King Yeshua will be sitting on His throne, to observe the Feast of Tabernacles—essentially, a giant birthday celebration for Jesus:

At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD.  No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. (Jeremiah 3:17)

The LORD will be king over the whole earth.  On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. ... Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:9,16)

Sep. 27, 2015

The Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot begins at sunset this evening; and tomorrow, Sep. 28, will be the first full day of Sukkot.  The fourth lunar eclipse or “blood red moon” in two years will be seen by much of the world tonight.  See “Blood Moons” on Hebraic Feast and Holy Days.

In many places, the moon already will be in some stage of the eclipse when it appears over the horizon, opposite to where the sun is setting.  Click on the world map below to see how much of the eclipse, if any, will be visible in each zone.

Zones for viewing the lunar eclipse on September 27-28, 2015    Lunar eclipse on September 27-28, 2015

This full moon also is a “supermoon”; that is, in its orbit around the earth, it is at its perigee or closest point to the earth.  A total eclipse of the moon at this location is a very rare event, occurring only once every 18 years.  Moreover, it is the “harvest moon,” the first full moon after the fall equinox, which was four days ago.


Sep. 26, 2015

Recently, there has been a controversy surrounding questions asked to Donald Trump and Ben Carson pertaining to the possibility that Barack Obama could be a Muslim.  The majority of the media has come out defending Obama’s Christian faith, since he has maintained throughout his term as president that he is a Christian.

On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastor Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith discussed several reasons leading them to feel certain that Mr. Obama is a Muslim but has been hiding his secret faith from Americans.  The notes and audio recording of this program are here:

Is Obama A Muslim?: PDF | Audio

Sep. 25, 2015

Pope FrancisPope Francis has been visiting the United States since Tue., Sep. 22.  It is his first visit to the USA.

He will be here until Sun., Sep. 27.  His full schedule can be viewed here:

Schedule: 2015 Apostolic Journey of Pope
Francis to the United States of America

Yesterday, Pope Francis was the first pope to address the United States Congress.  Here is the full text of his message:

Pope Francis' Address to the United States Congress

Today, Pope Francis addressed the largest assembly ever at the United Nations.  Here is the full text of his message:

Pope Francis' Address to the United Nations


In other news, John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced his resignation today.  He said that, at the end of October, he will step down as Speaker and leave Congress.

House Speaker John Boehner:
'I decided today is the day'


Sep. 23, 2015

Not only is today the first day of Autumn, it also is the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.  It is the highest Sabbath during the Hebraic year.

       
15-second slideshow

God ordained this day in ancient Israel for the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, and later the temple.  He was to make atonement for his sins and for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:1-34).

Later, God also told Moses that this Day of Atonement was to be a special day of commemoration.  It was to be a day of sacred assembly, a day to deny oneself (for instance, to abstain from eating), and a day to refrain from work (Leviticus 23:26-32).  It also is a day to repent from our sinful acts and to restore a meaningful relationship with God.

I have been abstaining from food since sunset last evening, which is when Yom Kippur began.  I will be fasting for 25 hours.  I have no work to do today (unless typing with my fingertips is considered to be work), and I will not be driving my car.

I believe that Yeshua/Jesus will return to earth, to begin to rule and reign, on a future Yom Kippur, at the end of the 70th Week.  Here are two email responses I have written in the past having to do with Yom Kippur:


Sep. 22, 2015

Candles Burning; Thoughts and PrayersThe Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur begins at sunset this evening.  This is one of the special holy days decreed by God for Israel to observe each year.  Since I am a Christian and feel that I am grafted into Israel, then I also choose to observe these days.

Observing the Spring and Fall Hebraic festivals and holy days has nothing to do with attaining eternal salvation and being in the presence of God.  Only the blood atonement of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha’Mashiach) provides salvation from our sins (see the Basics of My Beliefs and Faith).

Today I ate a big Chinese buffet for lunch.  Later this afternoon, at home, I will have a bowl of oats and fruit (my daily “staple”).  All of my food consumption will be finished by 6:00 p.m., and then I will refrain from eating for 25 hours.

I will finish certain tasks today, rather than put them off until tomorrow.  So tomorrow will be a special work-free Sabbath, according to Leviticus 23:28,31,32.

Tonight and tomorrow, while fasting and resting, I will focus on ways that I have sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations.  It will be a time of repenting and asking for His forgiveness, which I do not deserve.


Sep. 20, 2015

I last organized my vitamins and supplements into individual compartments on May 2.  Each day, I take the following: a daily multiple; vitamins A, B complex, C, and E; magnesium, selenium, zinc, fish oil, saw palmetto, glucosamine and chondroitin.

140 days of vitamins  Individual vitamins

The supply that I keep on-hand lasts for 20 weeks (140 days).  My present supply will take me until Feb. 6, 2016.  Keeping them in the refrigerator prevents them from losing their potency.


Sep. 19, 2015

Islamic Sharia law has no place in the United States.  It is completely contrary to rights afforded to Americans by our Constitution.  See Some Tenets of Sharia Law.

A nationwide poll, taken earlier this summer by the Center for Security Policy, reveals that a majority, 51%, of Muslims in the USA believe that they should have the choice to be governed by Sharia law.  Furthermore, nearly a quarter of the Muslims polled said they agreed that it is legitimate to use violence to punish those who give offense to Islam.

On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastor Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith provided more interesting information about these topics.  The notes and audio recording of this program are here:

America Under Shariah Law: PDF | Audio

Sep. 16, 2015

During the first few days of the Jewish new year, Muslim youths have harrassed Jews visiting the Temple Mount.  In turn, Israeli police have responded with tear gas and stun grenades.  Finally, today, things have quieted down somewhat.

Relative quiet returns to Temple
Mount following 3 days of violence

The United Nations’ Middle East peace envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, said that “such serious provocations have the potential to ignite violence well beyond the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.”  I agree.


Sep. 14, 2015

shofar or ram's hornToday is the Feast of Trumpets, which actually began yesterday evening at sunset.  It also is the Jewish New Year or Rosh haShanah, which means “head of the year.”  Furthermore, it is a new moon, which takes place on the first day of every Hebrew month.  This is the month of Tishrei or Tishri.

God ordained that trumpet blasts should be heard on the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23,24; Numbers 29:1).  This actually meant blasts from a shofar or ram’s horn, which still is done today.  In Jewish tradition, the final shofar blown on the Feast of Trumpets is referred to as “the last shofar.”

The first ten days of the first month of Tishrei, on the Hebrew calendar, are the “high holy days.”  They often are referred to as the “days of awe” (Yamim Nora’im) or the Ten Days of Repentance.  It is a time to examine one’s ways, repent from one’s sins, and return fully to God.

This period ends on Tishrei 10, the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, which is the highest holy day during the Jewish year.  I believe that the Rapture of believers will occur on a future Feast of Trumpets.  I also believe that Jesus will return to earth on a future Yom Kippur, to rule and reign for 1,000 years (the Millennium).


Sep. 13, 2015

Today is Erev (the eve of or day before) the Feast of Trumpets, which is tomorrow.  This also is Elul 29, the final day of the Shmita or Shemitah (Sabbatical) year on the Hebraic calendar.

Many have felt that parts of the world could begin experiencing a significant economic downturn, today, that would continue into tomorrow and beyond.  On Elul 29 of the past two Shemitah years, 2001 and 2008, the USA stock market had a notable drop.  More details can be found in my short 2-minute slideshow.

Tonight I am looking at global markets.  Most of them are down but not by huge amounts.  However, there have been significant drops in many markets over the past 3½ weeks.  So the possibility remains that there could be further downturns tomorrow or later in the week or month.  We’ll see.


Sep. 11, 2015

Today is the fourteenth anniversary of the horrific and ghastly attacks by radical Islam on the USA.  Let us keep in our minds and hearts the great sacrifice that thousands of people made with their lives on that day.

Anyone who thinks that the core precepts of Islam are “peaceful” should think twice about this.  For instance, look at Some Tenets of Sharia Law.

Yes, there are “peaceful” Muslims in America who have no intention of doing harm to others.  But many of them have not even read all of their Qur’an, just as many Christians have not read all of their Bible.

Here is an email response I wrote about some of Islam’s beliefs, mostly pertaining to Christians and their beliefs, included in the Qur’an:

There most likely will be future terrorist attacks, globally, and I expect them to be widespread and overwhelming.  When that happens, law-abiding Muslims who are threatened by radical Muslims to join them or else be beheaded may think twice about whether their allegiance is to their own country or to Allah.


Sep. 9, 2015

Over the past couple of weeks, I decided to visit several L.A. Fitness gyms.  I made it to eight of them in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties.  Some of them (like my usuals), I hit more than once.

     

     
20-second slideshow

I always ride the elliptical machine for at least 30 minutes.  Then, if I have time, I usually work on machines that have weights.

My membership fee is very reasonable: $142.50 every three years.  I joined Bally’s for that fee over three decades ago.

Fortunately, when L.A. Fitness bought out Bally’s in 2011, Bally’s members were able to keep their same membership fees.  That has worked great for me. 


Sep. 8, 2015

It’s several degrees hotter here today (111.2°) than it was on Sep. 6.  Fortunately, I still have some extra spicy Thai food in the refrigerator to eat outside in the sun.

This is totally awesome, although it certainly does nothing to help our extreme drought.  There was rain in the desert east of here.  Too bad it didn’t head west later in the day.

 
5-second slideshow

I was going to walk around the park in the hot sun, but I had other things to do this afternoon.  Instead, I took at walk just before sunset.  It still was in the 90s, so that was nice.

       

       
25-second slideshow

Sep. 6, 2015

September, October, and November can have the hottest temperatures of the year here in inland Orange County.  The hotter, the better, as far as I’m concerned.

I remember making an entry on Nov. 6, 2014, when it was a little warmer outside (103.3°) than it is today (102.7°).  It probably feels hotter today, though, because the humidity is higher.

 
5-second slideshow

One difference between then and now is that I wished I’d had some extremely hot/spicy (“ped mak mak”) Thai leftovers to munch on, and today I have some.  Yippy!  So I went outside in the sun to eat it.  Suprisingly, I didn’t catch fire.

Now I am going for a long walk around the park.  It doesn’t get much better than this for a “hot-freak” like myself. 


Sep. 3, 2015

Today is a good friend’s birthday, so I took her to lunch.  We went to one of our favorite seafood buffets: Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet on Katella in Anaheim.  It was quite a feast.

I had not eaten a bite of anything before we went, so I had a ravenous appetite.  I typically am not a big eater, but I ate virtually all of the food pictured below.  It was quite a deal for the price: $9.27 each, including tax.  (The dinner price is more.)

     

     
20-second slideshow

I do not plan to eat another bite of food until tomorrow—or maybe not until next week!  Well...tonight I might have to have a tiny piece of the rich chocolate cake that I got for her. 


Aug. 31, 2015

If the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), how could a sinless Jesus have experienced death?  Yet, He did.  I don’t think anyone fully comprehends how Jesus, who was sinless, actually could have taken upon Himself our sins and died for us.  I have responded to this here:


Aug. 28, 2015

Over the past couple of days, the New York Stock Exchange exhibited a moderate gain in value, following four days of substantial declines.  Today the market was down only a small amount: 11.76 points, closing at 16,643.01.

Many continue to be nervous about the market.  There is uncertainty in the economic situation of China, as well as whether or not the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next month.  As a result, many Americans are converting stocks and bonds to cash.

Nervous Household
Investors Fleeing to Cash

Aug. 26, 2015

I felt like Thai food today.  Well, I didn’t actually feel like it; I felt like eating it.  So I went to my favorite Thai place, Taste of Thai.

I like that place because they make their food as hot and spicy as I like it, their prices are reasonable, and they give a 10% discount when I pay in cash.  Also, they have outside seating, which was perfect today because the temperature in San Diego was a nice 94°.

My favorite thing to order there, on the lunch special menu, is vegetarian red curry.  I order it “ped mak mak,” which means as hot and spicy as possible.

     

     
20-second slideshow

Aug. 24, 2015

Initial Dow Jones Industrial drop of -1089.42 pointsToday’s Dow Jones industrial average loss, 588.40 points or 3.58%, beat the single-day record loss of 530.94 points on Aug. 21.  The closing value was 15,871.35.  Moreover, the initial drop of 1,089.42 points, within the first few minutes this morning, was the biggest single intra-day drop ever.

Wall Street Slammed
Amid Global-Growth Fears

Furthermore, the price of gold and silver dropped 0.53% and 3.52%, respectively.  Aluminum, copper, and crude oil hit their lowest levels since 2009.  All of this decline, in numerous sectors, seems to be related to a marked decline in China’s economy and stock market.  Evidently, a global panic has set in, and this very well may continue.  We’ll see.


Aug. 23, 2015

September 2015 could be a critical month for the world and, in particular, Israel.  Although I do not agree with all of the implications of the following article, it is interesting nonetheless:

Upcoming Jewish Holidays Begins
Period of Cataclysmic Events for Israel

Aug. 21, 2015

Dow Jones Industrial drop of -530.94 pointsThe Dow Jones industrial average suffered its worst loss, 530.94 points, in over five years after the market plunged into a correction today.  It was a 3.1% drop.  This followed a decline of 358.04 points yesterday, a 2.1% drop.

The total drop this week has been 5.8%, with a closing value today of 16,459.75.  Some of this is due to significant economic troubles in China, as well as recent devaluations of the Chinese yuan, which may continue.  In total, the Dow has dropped more than 10% since its closing high, on May 19, of 18,312.39.

Crushed: Dow Enters Correction Territory
After Biggest Selloff in Four Years

In California, when a large earthquake occurs, we always wonder if it might be a precursor to an even larger temblor.  This always is a possibility.  Likewise, today’s significant “quake” in the stock market makes many wonder if an even larger and more serious shaking is about to take place soon.

I have recommended to friends in California to stock up on various supplies, including water and food, in case a major earthquake, a calamitous economic decline, or some other disaster occurs.  Most of them are aware of my Adversity Supplies Basic Check List.

Furthermore, several months worth of water and dehyrated food, which can stay good for up to 25 years, can be purchased at Wise Food Storage, as well as other places online.  Another suggestion is Soylent, a liquid drink that can provide ample daily nutrients for months.


Aug. 19, 2015

A secret side agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been revealed.  Under this deal, Iran will be allowed to do its own “inspections” at the Parchin nuclear site.

This hidden deal has nothing to do with the landmark nuclear agreement reached between Iran and six world powers on July 14.  Even Secretary of State John Kerry has said that he has not read the side deal.

President Obama signed the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act earlier this year.  It states that the U.S. Congress must receive all documents related to the deal, including any “entered into or made between Iran and any other parties.”  Yet, General Yukiya Amano, Director of the IAEA, has said that he is bound by secrecy and cannot show the side deal to the U.S. Congress.

Iran's Secret Self-Inspections

Somehow, the Associated Press has obtained a transcript of the original draft agreement between the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran.  Two anonymous officials confirmed to the AP that this draft does not differ from the confidential agreement between the IAEA and Iran.  The text of that draft, available at the ABC News site, is here: Separate Arrangement II.

Congress has yet to vote on the Iran Nuclear Agreement.  A “no” vote is expected to be vetoed by Obama.  The revelation of this new secret deal should increase the likelihood that such a presidential veto will be overridden by at least a 2/3 majority of Congress.


Aug. 18, 2015

It was reported today that a hack of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), back in May, was almost three times as large as originally stated.  Hundreds of thousands of taxpayer accounts have been accessed, and there very well may be even more that have not been acknowledged as having been accessed yet.

IRS hack far larger than first thought

In the coming days, the IRS will send letters to taxpayers whose information may have been breached.  I don’t suppose that this will prevent these taxpayers from owing income taxes next year, even if everything in their savings accounts gets ripped off.


Aug. 16, 2015

I went to a small birthday party today that some friends hosted.  It was a lot of fun, and the food was outstanding.  I also enjoyed the pets, who loved the food I was giving them.

       

       

       

       
50-second slideshow

Aug. 14, 2015

Seventy years ago today, the announcement was made in the United States, in the rest of the Americas and in the Eastern Pacific Islands that Japan had surrendered to the Allied forces, thus ending World War II.  It became known as Victory over Japan (V-J) Day or Victory in the Pacific (V-P) Day in the USA, although in most of the rest of the world the date is Aug. 15.

Jim Downing is the oldest known survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack of Dec. 6, 1941.  He is 101 years old.  On the 700 Club, he gave a very lucid and fascinating account of the tragic and horrific events of that fateful day, which caused the USA to declare war on Japan.  That 8-minute video can be viewed here (unless the 700 Club removes it from their site):

Centenarian Remembers the
Trauma and Triumph of WWII


In other news, one month from today is the Rosh haShanah, Yom Teruah, or Feast of Trumpets.  There are many Christians who are anticipating a so-called “Pre-Tribulation” Rapture of the Church on that day.  For numerous reasons, I adamantly refute that notion, even though I do believe that the main, Pre-Wrath Rapture event will occur on a future Feast of Trumpets.


Aug. 13, 2015

I have heard, for months, that strong El Niño conditions during the Spring and Summer this year are likely to continue to be strong during the upcoming Fall and Winter.  Some are calling it the “Godzilla El Niño” due to its potentially “monstrous” effect on some land areas.

An exceptional drought has affected California for the past few years.  Californians are hoping that a very wet winter will put a significant dent in this drought.

However, it is possible that this El Niño could bring record-breaking snow and rain near the end of this year and into next year, even stronger than those during the Winter of 1998.  It could cause heavy and extensive precipitation, tornadoes, flooding, mud slides, and other damage throughout the USA.  I found this detailed article at Weather.com to be very informative:

Strong El Niño likely to peak late fall–
early winter, NOAA forecasters say

Aug. 11, 2015

Perseus constellationThe annual Perseid meteor shower can be viewed this year from July 13 to Aug. 26.  It can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere, and the meteors will appear to be originating from the direction of the Perseus constellation in the northern sky.

There should be optimal viewing tonight into Wed. morning, Wed. night into Thr. morning, and Thr. night into Fri. morning.  Since there is a new moon, the sky should be very dark, so the moon’s light will not wash out the meteors’ light.  As long as clouds do not block the view, as many as 100 meteors per hour, or 1 to 2 per minute, may be seen when looking up into a wide open night sky.

         
15-second slideshow

Aug. 8, 2015

Persia, which is modern-day Iran, is mentioned in Ezekiel 38:5 as being part of an end-time attack on Israel (38:1-9).  This is very concerning, especially when considering the nuclear agreement made with Iran by six world powers, including the United States, on July 14.

Presumably, the U.S. Congress will be taking a vote this Fall on whether or not to approve this agreement.  Even two top Democratic members of Congress, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Eliot Engel, both from NY, have announced that they are opposed to the deal.

Chuck Schumer to vote
against Iran nuclear deal

Most American don’t know a whole lot about Iran and its leaders, past and present.  On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastor Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith provided some very interesting information about the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The notes and audio recording of this program are here:

Insights Into Iran: PDF | Audio

Aug. 6, 2015

The first two debates of the Republican presidential candidates took place this evening.  Members of each debate are listed in my Aug. 4 entry.  Both debates can be seen and heard here:

First Tier of 10 Candidates
109½ minutes

Second Tier of 7 Candidates
67 minutes

An interesting question was submitted to the first tier of ten candidates at the very beginning of their debate:  “Is there anyone on stage who is unwilling to pledge your support, tonight, to the eventual nominee of the Republican party and pledge to not run an independent campaign against that person?”  Donald Trump was the only person to raise his hand, for which he was booed by many in the audience.

Ever since Trump entered the race, I have been concerned that this might be a possibility.  Now my suspicion seems to be confirmed.


Aug. 5, 2015

I commented on Donald Trump in my Aug. 3 entry.  Since he will be the leading Republican candidate in tomorrow’s debates, I want to include a few interesting facts about him below.

Unknown to many, Trump was a registered Democrat as recently as 2004.  He also has had some very liberal and questionable views in the past.  He also seems to have flip-flopped on some important issues.  In a Wall Street Joural column today, Karl Rove included the following points about Trump:

  • I’m quite liberal and getting much more liberal on health care,” Mr. Trump said in 1999 while discussing the idea of a government-run health system.
  • I’m very pro-choice,” Mr. Trump said on Meet the Press in 1999, before later evolving to become very pro-life.
  • I support the ban on assault weapons and I also support a slightly longer waiting period to purchase a gun,” Mr. Trump wrote in 2000, before deciding later that the Second Amendment was a “bedrock natural right.”
  • I would impose a one-time, 14.25 percent tax on individuals and trusts with a net worth over $10 million,” Mr. Trump wrote in 2000. He now says that a flat tax would be the most equitable system.
  • In 2012, Mr. Trump derided Mitt Romney‘s “crazy policy of self deportation which was maniacal” and said that was why he lost the Latino vote.  Now, Mr. Rove notes, Mr. Trump refers to Mexican immigrants as rapists and killers.
  • It just seems that the economy does better under Democrats,” Mr. Trump told CNN, explaining why he was a registered Democrat in 2004.

I assume that a very conservative “version” of Trump will appear on the stage in the debate tomorrow night, 9:00 p.m., on Fox News Channel.  However, it will not prevent me from wondering what the values of the real Trump are.


Aug. 4, 2015

There are 17 candidates (so far) vying for the Republican nomination for president.  The first set of debates will take place on Aug. 6 in Cleveland, OH, on Fox News Channel.

Today, according to polling percentages, two fields of candidates have been selected for the two debates.  The top ten will be debating at 9:00 p.m. EDT.  They include the following, along with their poll ratings (based on the five most recent national surveys as of 5:00 p.m. EDT today):

1. Donald Trump: 23.2%
2. Jeb Bush: 12.8%
3. Scott Walker: 10.6%
4. Ben Carson: 6.6%
5. Mike Huckabee: 6.6%
  6. Ted Cruz: 6.2%
  7. Marco Rubio: 5.2%
  8. Rand Paul: 4.8%
  9. Chris Christie: 3.4%
10. John Kasich: 2.8%

The next seven will debate earlier than the others, at 5:00 p.m. EDT:

11. Rick Perry: 2.0%
12. Rick Santorum: 1.4%
13. Bobby Jindal: 1.2%
14. Carly Fiorina: 1.0%
    15. Lindsey Graham: 0.4%
16. George Pataki: N/A
17. Jim Gilmore N/A

 
20-second slideshow

Aug. 3, 2015

As of yet, I am not supporting or endorsing any candidate for President of the USA.  Presently, Donald Trump leads the Republican field of 17 candidates with an average poll rating of over 20%.  There are things that Trump has said with which I agree, as well as things he’s said that greatly disturb me.

For instance, I agree with his premise that, due to many of Barack Obama’s devastating and disastrous policies, the USA is in severe decline economically and socially.  His campaign motto appears to be, “Make America Great Again.”

However, I am very troubled with Trump’s statements about God and forgivenes.  Trump has indicated that he doesn’t think he’s ever asked God for forgiveness and that he does not “bring God into that picture.”  Moreover, he has said, “If I do something wrong, I think I just try to make it right.”

I do find it interesting, though, that Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan had numerous things in common:

15 Things Trump and
Reagan Have in Common

Aug. 1, 2015

Some have alleged that I do not like Muslims.  On the contrary, I love Muslims.  I simply believe that they have been deceived by the faith or religion or Islam.

A great many Americans incorrectly believe that Islam is a religion of “peace.”  This certainly is “preached” by most of the mainstream media in the USA.

Indeed, many Muslims are peaceful.  However, at its core, Islam teaches that those who do not accept and embrace the teachings of Islam should be eradicated.

Although there are several branches of Islam, they all have some firm positions and beliefs in common.  Most of these are listed in the Qur´an.

One common conviction, which has become a passion within radical Islam, is that Israel must be annihilated.  Another is that God (whom they erroneously refer to as “Allah”) does not have a Son; therefore, those who believe this (that is, Christians) also should be obliterated.

On American Family Radio (AFR), both on July 18 and today, Pastors Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith provided a great deal of information about Islam.  The notes and audio recordings of these programs are here:

Answering Muslims Conference: PDFs — Part I | Part II
Answering Muslims Conference: Audios — Part I | Part II

July 31, 2015

There is a rare “blue moon” this morning, at 3:43 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.  It is the second full moon in the same month.  It’s not really blue in color, but if it were it might look like the second one below. 

Sometimes, the moon can appear blue or indigo when there are wildfires in the area.  Tiny particles from the fire can flood the atmosphere, potentially scattering red light and giving the moon a blue or indigo appearance.

This might be the case in several places throughout California, where more than 20 blazes presently are raging.  Very hot and dry conditions are hampering the effort to get them under control.

 
5-second slideshow

The next blue moons are about 2½ years away, when there will be two of them.  They will occur on January 31 and March 31, 2018.


July 29, 2015

A landmark nuclear agreement with Iran was reached on July 14.  The next step is for the U.S. Congress to approve or reject the deal.

There are some who are drawing a comparison between this deal and Neville Chamberlain’s deal with Adolf Hitler in 1938.  Here is an interesting article showing interesting parallels between the two deals:

Is Munich 1938 a valid analogy
for the Iran nuclear deal?

In case the Congress produces a “resolution of disapproval” for the deal, a veto is expected by President Obama.  An override of that veto would require a 2/3 majority in the House and Senate.


July 25, 2015

There are some who feel that certain occurrences of “days,” in the Bible, actually are referring to “years.”  This would include the 1,260 days of Revelation 11:3 and 12:6, the 1,290 days of Daniel 12:11, and the 1,335 days of Daniel 12:12.  I disagree with this premise, as explained in this email response:


July 20, 2015

Here is an interesting passage in the Book of Revelation that has caused many to scratch their heads:

Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven.  And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay!  But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” (Revelation 10:5-7)

I think the solution lies in the fact that, at that time, the Seventh Trumpet is about to sound (Revelation 10:7).  I have written a couple of email responses about this:


July 17, 2015

Flag of IsraelCry For Zion is a movement of Jews and Christians who support the Jewish people’s rights to sovereignty over Mt. Zion—the Temple Mount.  They are planning to appeal to the ruling bodies of Israel and Jerusalem to exercise their full, legal sovereignty, guaranteeing Jewish rights on the Temple Mount—their most holy place.

Presently, Jews are harrassed and persecuted whenever they go up onto their own Temple Mount, where the first and second Holy Temples stood thousands of years ago.  Videos, which show this occuring during Passover week this year, can be viewed on the following page:

Muslims Seethe as Jews Tour Temple
Mount on Chol Hamoed Pesach

Some may have inquiries about the Cry For Zion movement and the Temple Mount.  Here are a few interesting questions; click on them to see the answers:

Cry For Zion is requesting signatures on a Petition for Jewish Sovereignty on Mt Zion.  Once the petition has enough signatures, copies will be sent to the Prime Minister of Israel, to Israel’s Supreme Court and to the Mayor of Jerusalem.  Those who are interested can sign the petition.  For further information, here are some Cry For Zion links:


July 16, 2015

The planet Pluto was discovered in 1930.  In Aug. 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet.

The New Horizons space probe was lauched by NASA on Jan. 19, 2006, toward Pluto.  Now, 9½ years later, it has reached Pluto and is sending back photos.

Mind-blowing Pluto has
ice mountains and water

Below are photos of the New Horizons spacecraft, the surface of Pluto showing tall ice mountains, a full view of Pluto, a full view of Pluto’s largest moon Charon, and both Pluto and Charon together:

       
13-second slideshow

Probes have now been sent to every planet in our solar system.  I wonder if the fact that God finally has allowed our technology to reach the furthest planet in our solar system is an indication that we almost have reached the end of the age.


July 14, 2015

A landmark nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was reached today between the Islamic Republic of Iran and six world powers.  As a result, Iran will get relief from sanctions, will receive $150 billion in currently frozen assets, and will be allowed to continue its atomic program, allegedly for peaceful purposes.

President Obama praised the deal reached Tuesday morning, saying the agreement met the goals he had in place throughout the negotiations.  Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also praised the deal, saying “Negotiators have reached a good agreement, and I announce to our people that our prayers have come true.”

Iran nuclear deal: Fine "new
chapter" or "historic mistake"?

The main problem with this deal is that no one can be certain whether or not Iran will be cheating on the deal.  Furthermore, it is feared that all the money Iran will receive in the deal will be a big help in funding terrorism around the world.

In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed great dissatisfaction with the agreement.  He called the agreement “a stunning, historic mistake.”  He also said, “Israel is not bound by this deal with Iran, because Iran continues to seek our destruction.  We will always defend ourselves.”

Netanyahu Tells Obama: Iran
Deal Threatens Israel's Security

The accord is expected to face opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress.  However, any “resolution of disapproval” presumably would be vetoed by Obama, and a 2/3 majority in the House and Senate would be required to override that veto.


July 13, 2015

Greek people in line at a bankOver the weekend, there were talks between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and other European leaders.  Finally, an agreement was reached on another bailout plan for Greece.

Greece’s acceptance of the deal will cause the nation to cut back even further in exchange for more loans. The deal still requires approval from Greece’s parliament by Wednesday.

Greece, Eurozone leaders
agree to new bailout deal

Someone wrote the following in a blog, giving supposed “definitions in a Greek dictionary”:

  • “lend” means give
  • “pay back” means keep
  • “loan” means gift
  • “accountability” means nothing

July 10, 2015

Some threatening flyers have been circulating around East Jerusalem.  They have black ISIS flags on them, and they say that Christians and other nonbelievers who are there after Ramadan is over will be killed.  Ramadan ends in a week, on July 17.

"Islamic State (ISIS) in Palestine" threatens to massacre
all Christians in Jerusalem unless they leave the area

Law enforcement in East Jerusalem is very strong and competent.  However, if I were in East Jerusalem right now, that threat would concern me.  We’ll see if there is any notable violence against Christians there after Ramadan is over.  Hopefully, that will not happen.


July 8, 2015

New York Stock ExchangeTrading was halted for over 3½ hours today at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).  Stocks were able to be traded through other venues, such as the NASDAQ, though.  Moreover, the dow dropped a significant amount: 261.49 points.

Many suspected that the problem was due to some type of cyber attack.  However, the reason for the halt is reported to have been a technical issue caused by computer-related problems, not malicious activity.

New York Stock Exchange Suspends Trading
on All Symbols, Due to "Technical Glitch"

Anonymous hactivist groupFurthermore, both United Airlines (UA) and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also experienced “technical glitches” this morning.  At UA, almost 60 flights were grounded, with just over 800 flights delayed.  At the WSJ, their website went down.

United Airlines officials said, “An issue with a router degraded network connectivity for various applications, causing this morning’s operational disruption.  We fixed the router issue, which is enabling us to restore normal functions.”  The homepage for WSJ.com displayed an error page that read, “Oops, 504!  Something did not respond fast enough, that’s all we know....”

Officials are saying that these “glitches” at the NYSE, UA, and WSJ, all on the same day, are “coincidences.”  I can’t help but have a suspicion that all of this is not coincidental.  For instance, just last night the international hacktivist group, Anonymous, sent out a curious tweeted message: “Wonder if tomorrow is going to be bad for Wall Street.... we can only hope.”  Hmmm...that sounds very suspicious to me.

Incidentally, the Chinese stock markets are in “meltdown mode.”  Since June 12, the Shanghai Composite has lost 32%, and the Shenzhen market is down 41%.  Overall, China’s stock markets have lost $3.25 trillion.  Furthermore, the Chinese currency, the yuan, is on a downward slide.

Things like this, as well as what happened to the NYSE, UA and WSJ today, along with the bankruptcies of Greece and Puerto Rico, make me very nervous.  It makes me think about what might happen to the U.S. stock market and dollar this Fall, perhaps on Sep. 13 (see slide #5). 


July 5, 2015

Greek voter in important referendumIn a critical referendum held in Greece today, the people overwhelmingly have rejected, by over 60%, creditors’ demands for more austerity measures.  Leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras encouraged the “no” vote, insisting it would give him a stronger hand to reach a better deal with creditors.

But this probably will not be the case at all.  Most experts seem to agree that the “no” vote will open up more uncertain financial outcomes for Greece and a greater chance for a “Grexit,” where Greece exits the eurozone and returns to its own old currency, the drachma.

Greek finance minister: Greek people have
said 'no more' to continued austerity

Essentially, Greece has become a welfare state, and the state has run out of money.  I suspect that this could be the “first domino” in a chain of many countries, in the same boat, who will go bankrupt and undergo financial collapse.  Portugal, Spain and Italy may be links in that chain.  Even the USA eventually may be included in this, especially if there happens to be a stock market collapse within a couple of months.


July 4, 2015

America’s 239th Birthday

   
9-second slideshow

Bill of Rights    Lord’s Prayer

July 1, 2015

A couple of friends of mine drove to the Grand Canyon and also to Canyon de Chelly in Arizona last week.  They took a long helicopter ride around the Grand Canyon.  I’d like to do that sometime.

Below are some photos that they took.  Both canyons look awesome.  The first six photos are of Grand Canyon, and the rest are of Canyon de Chelly.

         

         
30-second slideshow

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