A pretty cool way to end the year is to see a comet going by. Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková (or Comet 45P for short) will be in our sky above tonight. It has a 5.25-year orbit around the sun. Earth on New Year's Eve In other news, a “leap second” is being added to the Coordinated Universal Time today. This will be the second after 3:59:59 PST = 6:59:59 EST. It is necessary to add a leap second every so often due to a fractional slowing of the earth’s rotation. The only time there is a “60” in the seconds position is when a leap second is added. In yet other news, a swarm of over 100 small earthquakes in So. CA hit the Brawley area today. They were about 30 miles from the San Andreas Fault. This, along with other swarms this year, may increase the possibility of a huge quake on that fault. |
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) began 2016 with the worst five-day start of any year (see my Jan. 8 entry). However, the Dow closed up the year today at 19,762.60, which was 4,300+ points higher than it began—a 13.4% gain. Admittedly, I am not very optimistic that the Dow will remain high in 2017. But let’s hope that it doesn’t plunge during the first week of January like it did earlier this year. |
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The feds have detailed how U.S. officials concluded that Russian military and intelligence services were behind a massive election-related cyber assault on the U.S. Today, in turn, President Obama issued an executive order expeling numerous Russian diplomats and their families from the U.S. They have until Sunday (New Year’s Day) to leave.
Officials in Moscow repeatedly have denied any involvement. A more detailed report ordered by President Obama is set to be published before he leaves office. |
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America’s top diplomat, Secretary of State John Kerry, gave an exceedingly lengthy speech this morning, most of which was very skewed against Israel. Commenting on the U.N. Security Council’s anti-Israel resolution 2334 passed on Dec. 23, Kerry said that the abstention vote by the U.S. was “the right thing to do.” House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) has said that the Obama Administration has “strengthened Israel’s enemies.” Democratic attorney Alan Dershowitz has said that Obama has “stabbed Israel in the back.” Israel has offered several times to sit down for peace talks with the Palestinians, but the Palestinians always have refused. Furthermore, there have been countless terror attacks on Israel by Palestinians; for instance, there were thousands of rocket attacks on Israel in 2014, a wave of stabbing attacks on Jews in Israel in 2015 and days of wildfire attacks on Israel in 2016. In reality, the Palestinian leaders never have wanted peace with Israel; they only have sought the complete eradication of Israel. Relations between the EU and Israel are also part of the Union’s wider efforts to contribute to a resolution of the Middle East conflict. The achievement of lasting peace in the Middle East is a central aim of the EU, whose main objective is a two-State solution leading to a final and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on implementation of the Road Map, with Israel and a democratic, viable, peaceful and sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders and enjoying normal relations with their neighbours. The European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), extending from 2014 to 2020, is a confirmation and strengthening of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) covenant. Both accords—the ENP and the ENI—include Israel. Thus, with the passing of the U.N. Security Council’s resolution on Dec. 23, I do not think it is beyond the realm of possibility that Israel could be forced, by the U.N., to accept the existence of a Palestinian State. |
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I went and got 30.37 oz. (1.90 lb.) of 50%-off Christmas clearance candy today. I didn’t go quite as “nuts” as I usually do, though, since I still have candy from Nov. 1, the day after Halloween. |
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Not only is this Christmas day, it also is the first full day of Hanukkah, which began last night after sunset. There are Hanukkah Blessings to say for eight nights as menorah candles are lit. 25-second slideshow Usually, Hanukkah takes place in early-to-mid December (see the bottom row of this chart: Calendar of Hebraic Feast and Holy Days 2012–2021). It is extremely rare for Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah to fall on the same day, but this year they do. “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” This is what the LORD says—the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isaiah 49:6,7) Incidentally, here are the items that I contributed to our Christmas feast today: cornbread, cornbread dressing, whipped potatoes, banana bread and chocolate snowflake cookies (all of which can be found at Ted’s Favorite Recipes): 13-second slideshow |
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The United Nations adopted U.N. Security Council resolution 2334 today, demanding an end to Israeli settlement building. Of the 15-member council, 14 nations voted in favor of the resolution; the only abstention vote was the United States.
The resolution demands that Israel “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem”—in which Israel’s holiest plot of land, as well as the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, have been located for millennia. It also states that the establishment of settlements by Israel has “no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.” 'anti-settlement' resolution For the first time in almost four decades, the United States has failed to wield its veto power on behalf of Israel. Had it done so, the resolution would not have passed. way for condemnation of settlements Essentially, this is President Obama’s final “wave” to Israel—with only the “middle finger” extended—before he leaves office next month. It is a contemptible and reprehensible betrayal of Israel, the closest ally to the U.S. in the Middle East. Obama was hit with bipartisan criticism of this snub, as he should have been. When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. |
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I saw this “politically correct” Christmas card at a dollar store. I bought a couple of them and sent them to friends who will appreciate the humor. Click on the images to see enlargements. |
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This is the winter solstice, which is the first day of winter and the day with the shortest daylight hours of the year. I don’t like it when daylight hours get shorter, but I sure do like it when they get longer, which is from tomorrow until June 21. 13-second slideshow The cookies turned out really good. They will be one of my contributions to our Christmas feast, along with the same items that I made for Thanksgiving, shown in my Nov. 23 entry. I think that human “snowflakes” should move to socialist and communist countries. I wonder how fast they would melt and evaporate in that type of oppressive environment. |
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The inauguration of Donald Trump and Mike Pence is scheduled for a month from today. This is after electors in all 50 states met yesterday and officially elected them President and Vice President of the United States. College, as bid to flip electors flops In other news, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) hit another record high today, perhaps due to Trump’s official and final election as President of the U.S. The Dow was up 0.46% to 19,974.62, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.36% to 2,270.76. A common consensus seems to be that the DJIA will hit and exceed the 20,000 mark before the end of the year. I’m not quite that optimistic myself. I suspect that it may not be until after Donald Trump becomes president, but we’ll see. |
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On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastors Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith talked about how to distinguish what is true Islam and what is pseudo Islam. In attempting to determine what is true Islam, it is essential to look at how it has been practiced in its two phases of existence. Whatever a Verse (revelation) do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring a better one or similar to it. Know you not that Allâh is able to do all things? Because many in America are ignorant of what Islam really teaches, they listen to Muslims who quote the “peaceful” passages of the Qur´an that have been abrogated by later passages. These reformed Muslims have good intentions, but they are teaching a pseudo version of Islam. |
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As expected, the rate hike resulted in a downward move in the stock market compared to yesterday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was down 0.60% to 19,792.53, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.81% to 2,253.28. This decline probably will be temporary. I suspect it won’t be long until the Dow hits the 20,000 mark. |
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The stock market continues to shoot up and break records. Exactly three weeks ago, on Nov. 22, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above the 19,000 mark. Dow approaches 20,000 The Dow has closed higher for seven sessions in a row. Many are wondering how it will react to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, which comes tomorrow. If the Fed raises the interest rate, most likely that will have a negative effect on the stock market, at least temporarily. |
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The worst attack on Egyptian Coptic Christians in recent years took place in Cairo yesterday. St. Peter Cathedral was bombed, killing at least 27 and wounding at least 65 churchgoers.
Christians in the U.S. usually don’t think too much about persecution and Islamic attacks happening to them. However, although they have been virtually exempt from this themselves, it is increasing in other parts of the world. The time is coming, though, when such things will happen to them, and their idealistic Pre-tribulation view of the Rapture will fail them. |
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On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastors Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith talked about the history of Islam following the death of Muhammad in 632 A.D. That time period covers almost 1,400 years. |
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Today is the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. President Roosevelt referred to it as a “date which will live in infamy,” as indeed it has. |
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I receive occasional mailings from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I like this organization because it helps people all over the world who have been ravaged by disasters and calamities. I always know that my contributions will be used wisely and effectively. No one should think that electing Donald Trump will fix our country. America is still a sin-saturated and divided nation, and Trump himself is a leader with human flaws. Elections matter, and this one will have lasting consequences, but only God can heal and restore a nation—and that comes through committed, faithful prayer.Franklin’s entire message can be read at their website here: for Our New President Those who know me understand that I am not hopeful about the future of the USA or of the world over the next year or so. I would love for my pessimism to be changed to optimism, but I do feel that God’s patience with mankind’s widespread lawlessness and rebelliousness is wearing very thin. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1,2) |
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I last organized my vitamins and supplements into individual compartments on June 25. Each day, I take the following: a daily multiple; vitamins A, B complex, C and E; magnesium, selenium, zinc, fish oil, saw palmetto and glucosamine/chondroitin. The supply that I keep on-hand lasts for 20 weeks (140 days). Keeping them in the refrigerator prevents them from losing their potency. On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastors Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith focused on the Muslim Brotherhood. They feel that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a front group for the Muslim Brotherhood in America. Allah is our objective, the Qur´an is our law, the Prophet is our leader, jihad is our way, and death for the sake of Allah is the highest of our aspirations. They wish to establish Shariah, acceptance of Allah as the only god and Islam as the only religion worldwide. Jihad is their preferred method to accomplish these goals. |
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Someone asked me about a prophecy from the 12th Century that I had included in one of my commentaries 11 years ago. I updated my research on it and discovered some interesting things. There is no need to read all the way down that lengthy page. The point is that St. Malachy predicted that the 112th pope would be the last pope before the end of the age, and Pope Francis is the 112th pope. More information can be read in my final Popes section. |
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Fortunately, OSU police officer Alan Horujko, 28, was in the area at the time. Officer Horujko fatally shot Artan outside an academic building, preventing him from injuring anyone else. Horujko was a graduate of OSU in 2012.
Abdul Artan and his family moved from Somalia to Pakistan in 2007. In 2014, as part of Barack Obama’s welcoming of Islamic refugees to the USA, they came here. They even received governmental financial assistance. Against 'Gun Violence' After OSU Knife Attack |
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I view the USGS Earthquakes page everyday. Over the past couple of months, there seems to have been a higher than normal cluster of significant earthquakes.
During the Spring of 2016, I observed a Great Earthquake Swarm, with all but one of the quakes being 6.0 or above. I’m wondering if there will be another major swarm or swarms of quakes during the next year.
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| For the third day in a row, several fires continue to burn in several places throughout Israel. Reports appear to indicate that those causing the fires are Palestinian arsonists. Israeli police have made at least 13 arrests.
For about the past year, there has been a series of seemingly lone-wolf attacks targeting Israelis. Like much of this “wave of terror,” the arson terrorists may or may not be directed by any one central jihadist organization or extremist group.
I think it is possible that these attacks could be leading up to occurrences listed in my anticipated prophetic events section. Jesus described some of these events, including armies surrounding Jerusalem and people fleeing from Judea
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| This is Thanksgiving Day in the USA. Our first president, George Washington, issued a General Thanksgiving Proclamation. Its focus is on the Almighty God, to whom we all should be thankful for both good and happy times, as well as bad and sad times. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-24) On this special day, the prominent phrase that Paul wrote is, “give thanks in all circumstances.” For many who are going through difficult and trying circumstances, this is not easy to do. Spiritual maturity enables us to understand that we should give thanks even for the thorny and challenging things in life.
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| I don’t really like to cook/bake food, and it takes me forever to make multiple items because I do my best to follow recipes exactly. But people (including myself) seem to like the things I make, so it is worth the effort. I usually get requests for the first three above. When I was at the store getting ingredients for them, I picked up a big bag of salad for only $1.00, since I had a coupon. 45-second slideshow
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| For the first time ever, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 19,000 today. The Dow was up 0.35% to 19,023.87, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.22% to 2,202.94. Some are calling the continued rise of the Dow after the election a “Trump bump.” 19,000 mark for first time I know that a whole lot of people are very excited about this. Personally, I am kind of nervous. The higher the stock market goes, the harder it is going to crash, which I feel eventually will happen.
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| A couple of months ago, while Donald Trump was running for president, he had an interview with Harvey Levin of TMZ. During the interview, Levin explored the keepsakes in Trump’s residence at Trump Tower in NYC.
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| This is the fifth day in a row that I have heard a specific internet video being discussed on multiple talk radio programs. The video was shot by a mother in Fort Bend County, Texas, who forced her 8-year-old son to leave the house because he voted for Donald Trump in a mock election at school. I feel that this woman is an example of how “out-of-control liberalism” may be considered to be a mental disorder. Countless Democrats have become exceedingly emotionally distraught and distressed after the election of Donald Trump.
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| Today is the Great American Smokeout. It is meant to be an encouragement to smokers to quit this unhealthful habit. More information can be seen at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site here: November 17, 2016 I used to smoke cigarettes occasionally in the 1970s. I quit “cold-turkey” on June 28, 1978. Since then, I have not taken one drag off of a cigarette. I encourage other smokers to do the same.
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| I have been near Birmingham, Alabama, for a couple of weeks. I’ve been visiting some cousins, who are super smart and conservative (like most people around here) and a lot of fun. I never get tired of hanging out with them. 3½-minute slideshow | larger photos
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| There’s a Supermoon shining brightly in the sky, both last night and tonight. The center of the moon will be the closest to the center of the earth (221,525 miles = 356,510 kilometers) than it has been since 1948, the year Israel became a modern nation. Moon to Earth Since 1948 I got a shot of it last night (Nov. 13) about 30 minutes after it rose over the ridge behind Mt. Laurel, Alabama. It did seem somewhat larger and brighter than normal.
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| In the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8, Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence received 290 electoral votes. The results in a couple of states are still out, so that number could increase. They needed only 270 electoral votes to win the election. to switch their Trump ballots, elect Clinton Countless Hillary Clinton followers have become “unglued” since the election, and there have been major protests and riots in the streets of several U.S. cities. However, I doubt that anyone could imagine the amount of “unglued” people that would be seen if the election were to be stolen away from Donald Trump.
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| To all the vets out there: Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your faithfulness. Many of you have paid an extremely high price for my freedom, and I appreciate that. 15-second slideshow If you are an American, remember Veterans Day. Fly your flag if you have one, and thank a veteran.
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| There were record highs in the U.S. stock market today. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.17% to 18,807.88, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.20% to 2,167.48. optimism that Trump will help banks These markers have gone up each day since the election. I suspect that they would be going in the opposite direction if Hillary Clinton had won.
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| Today is not just “hump day”—it is “Trump day.” Although it appears that Hillary Clinton may have won the popular vote yesterday by a slight margin, Donald Trump has won the election and is the 45th President-elect of the United States.
Here is Donald Trump’s 15-minute victory speech early this morning: So what will Hillary Clinton do now? Perhaps Donald Trump should appoint her as the U.S. Ambassador to Libya with her headquarters in Benghazi.
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| Most of the United States will “fall back” to Standard Time early tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 2:00 a.m. I like the following clock because it is accurate to the second, plus it can be adjusted to any time zone: http://time.gov/HTML5. Except for Hawaii and Arizona, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed tonight.
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| The Chicago Cubs are the World Series champions after beating the Cleveland Indians tonight in game 7. Congratulations, Cubs! The game lasted 10 innings and was delayed due to rain after the 9th inning. In the series, the Cubs won 4 games and the Indians won 3 games. That’s as close as it gets. The Cubs had not won the World Series since 1908. Here are a few stats for the 7 games:
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| I went to WalMart early this morning to buy 50%-off Halloween candy. I wanted to get there before they cleared the candy out of the Halloween aisles. I mostly prefer chocolate mixed with peanut butter, as well as plain dark chocolate, but I did get a few other kinds as well. This candy will last quite awhile. Today I flew cross-country to Alabama, but the trip was not without its problems. I made it to Albuquerque okay. But the flight from there to Dallas was delayed almost an hour. 18-second slideshow
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| Halloween is an irrelevant day to me...ho hum. The only good thing is that Halloween candy is on sale the next day, usually at half the price. Finally, I think this cartoon pretty much sums up Hillary Clinton and the liberal/progressive (semi-socialist) agenda:
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| Only 11 days before the presidential election takes place, a possible “bombshell” has been dropped on the Hillary Clinton campaign. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress in a letter today that the FBI has reopened its investigation into Clinton’s secret emails. He said that that investigators were taking another look at whether classified information had been mishandled. email investigation At a rally in New Hampshire, Donald Trump told supporters that Clinton was guilty of corruption “on a scale we have never seen before.” He added, “We must not let her take her criminal scheme into the Oval Office. I have great respect for the fact that the FBI and the Department of Justice are now willing to have the courage to right the horrible mistake that they made.”
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| A cousin sent me an article that he requested I share with others. The article is by Dutch Sheets: an evangelist, author and teacher. He is a registered Independent. We will know the results of the presidential election two weeks from today. At least, this should be the case if the results are not a dead heat between Trump and Clinton and if significant questions have not arisen about voting fraud or hacking.
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| The first game of the World Series in baseball is taking place in Cleveland tonight. The two teams in the Series are the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians. The Cubs have not won the Series since 1908, and the Indians have not won it since 1948. I have the game tuned in on the TV right now. However, I am listening to it in the background, and I am glancing at it only occasionally. I have a ton of things sitting on my desk and around the house that I need to get done before bedtime.
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| On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastor Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith talked about some of the rituals of the religion of Islam. These include the following:
The majority of rituals are external actions practiced by Muslims done in an attempt to please Allah. Without them, they have no hope of attaining Paradise.
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| There was a widespread cyber attack on major internet services and sites today. These included Amazon, Twitter, Spotify, Netflix, Reddit, PayPal, Pinterest, CNN, Fox News, the New York Times and the Boston Globe, among others. The attacks were in the United States and in Europe. internet service across Europe and US Take Down The Entire Internet If We Go To War? The latter article brings up the possibility that an extended Internet outage, for instance due to an extensive attack by Russia, would cause financial markets all over the planet to start crashing. This among other possibilities, including widespread power outages, potentially would be extremely devastating. It also would not surprise me in the least.
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| Today, the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills were held worldwide, including in California. At 10:20 a.m., millions across CA performed a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill as a preparation for when the earth really shakes. Students at UCLA participated in the earthquake drill today. with the Great California ShakeOut That article mentions the earthquake swarm that struck the Salton Sea in late September, which I talked about in my Oct. 3 entry. Many seismologists feel that this significantly enhanced the chance of a large quake on the San Andreas fault, at least temporarily.
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| The final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was televised tonight. Chris Wallace of Fox News was the moderator. I think he did the best job and asked the most appropriate questions of all the moderators for the three Trump/Clinton debates. For the first 30 minutes or so, there mostly was a polite discussion over policy that featured a far more cordial tone than their previous two debate engagements. After that, Trump and Clinton often interrupted each other and Chris Wallace during various exchanges.
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| I have been asked, by Christians, for whom I will be voting on Nov. 8: Trump or Clinton. They point out that neither of these candidates seems to be a strong Christian, and neither appears to live by true Christian values. I agree, which is why I am not publicly backing or supporting either Trump or Clinton.
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| 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 All 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). 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. 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)
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| One of the great things about California is that the growing season, for most vegetables and fruits, is so long. A large amount of tomatoes, a few eggplants and some basil had been harvested from my friend’s garden in the past few days. 50-second slideshow
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| Today 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).
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| Amidst all the banter and tense political conflicts in the American election, there are other significant events going on in the world. For instance, the ongoing deadly clashes in Syria—involving the government of Bashar al-Assad, rebels against his government, and militant members of the Islamic State—are a very complicated mess. Missiles Moved To Polish Border; Russian Tabloid Predicts Confrontation With West The last sentence of that article mentions “a massive civil defense exercise last week, accompanied by instructions on how to survive a nuclear attack.” Here is more on that: evacuates 40 MILLION people in drill and warns that 'schizophrenics from America' could attack This reminds me of what Jesus said would happen near the end of the age: When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. (Mark 13:7,8) So when tensions in the world escalate over the next few months, we do not need to be alarmed that the very end of the age is imminent. However, we do need to be aware that things will be getting progressively worse until the day that Jesus returns to earth to rule and reign. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
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| The second presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was televised tonight. Anderson Cooper of CNN and Martha Raddatz of ABC were the moderators. I thought this was a somewhat better debate than the one on Sep. 26. However, at least half of it consisted of Trump and Clinton bashing each other, and the portions dealing with important policies and issues were less than I had hoped for. Perhaps this debate could be summed up as “sex, lies and videotape.”
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| Hurricane Matthew made landfall in McClellanville, South Carolina, at 11am EDT. This raging storm has been a hurricane for 10 days, having had strengths as a Category 5, 4, 3, 2 and now a Category 1. as weakened Cat 1 storm In other news, two other big “storms” appeared on the scene last night. They could affect the U.S. presidential election, which is exactly one month from today. of Clinton Wall Street speeches As for Donald Trump, a video from 2005 was revealed in which he used lewd, vulgar and unacceptable language. He described how he made the move on a married woman. bragging about groping women Trump’s campaign dismissed the things he said as merely “locker room banter.” I found what he said to be disgusting and revolting. Numerous top Republicans have distanced themselves and withdrawn their support from him. Even Mike Pence and Melania Trump have said that they found his language “offensive.”
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Rather than discussing important issues, much of the debate consisted of attacks being made on the presidential candidate of the opposing party, particularly Kaine blasting Trump. There were a great many interruptions, mostly by Tim Kaine when Mike Pence was speaking. Several times when both candidates and the moderator were talking, all at the same time, it often was impossible to understand what anyone was saying. I did like some of the points Pence made when he was able to state them without being interrupted. I would say that he won the debate. Overall, I didn’t learn too much new information. During the final 30 minutes, I kept looking at my watch and wishing the debate was over, and then I would yawn. Ho-very-hum. I will say that considering these two vice-presidential candidates and the two presidential candidates (Clinton and Trump) whose first debate was on Sep. 26, I would vote for Mike Pence for president, if I could. Too bad that isn’t an option. The whole debate, which lasted a little over 90 minutes, can be viewed below. The first 3 minutes of the video can be skipped.
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| Today 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. In other news, there has been increased activity on the Brawley Seismic Zone in the Salton Sea, located in Southern California, in the past week. The southern portion of the 800-mile-long San Andreas fault runs through the Salton Sea. A swarm of over 200 small earthquakes have been recorded. These have included a 4.1 and two 4.3 magnitude temblors on Sep. 26. As a result, a heightened alert has been issued by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Service, until tomorrow, for the possibility of a major earthquake. My May 6 entry talks more about that possibility.
Incidentally, that article mentions the 7.3 Landers earthquake and the 6.5 Big Bear earthquake three hours later. Both of them took place on June 28, 1992. I was in Mission Beach in San Diego at the time and was rocked by both of those shakers.
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| The ongoing devastation and human tragedy in Syria is becoming increasingly ominous and unmanageable. Over the past few years, Syrian and Russian troops have killed countless thousands of innocent victims, along with rebels fighting against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
U.S.-Russian tensions over Syria have increased since the breakdown of a cease-fire last month. Each side has blamed the other for its failure. These hostilities are only going to continue to escalate, with no end in sight.
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| On American Family Radio (AFR) this morning, Pastor Tom Wallace and Shahram Hadian of Fortress of Faith talked about two possibilities concerning Islam. They discussed whether Islam is a religion of peace that many are preverting or a militant religion attempting to cause everyone else to submit to Islam. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)There are countless other inconsistencies between the Qur´an and the Bible. The notes and audio recording of today’s Fortress of Faith program are here: In other news, a change in control over a portion of the Internet has taken place. Since 1998, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), located in Los Angeles, has overseen the process of assigning the Internet’s domain names and the underlying IP addresses. contract some say amounts to 'giving away the internet' Personally, I am very apprehensive about this historic transfer, especially because I feel that we may be near the end of the age. I think it is quite possible that the international system may gain control over the Internet and unleash numerous restrictions over it. If so, websites like mine could become nonexistent.
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