1-WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS. 2-2 minor earthquakes hit near Coalinga. 3-Earthquake rocks Taiwan. 4-N'west Storm Kills Northwest Struggles to Stay Warm After Storm Leaves More Than 1.5M Without Power, Kills 6. 5-Nine New Zealanders Injured While Fighting Fires in Australia. 6-Temple Israel adds light to Hanukkah,Hourlong celebration focuses on fun for families. 7-Turkey and Israel agree on pipeline project. 8-Iran warns of painful revenge if sanctions imposed. 9-Iran Prez: I'll Share My Nuke Technology. 10-Abbas seeks early vote to end standoff.
EARTHQUAKES
MATTHEW 24:7-8
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
MARK 13:8
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(ETHNIC GROUP AGAINST ETHNIC GROUP) and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
LUKE 21:11
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS (USGS)
Update time = Mon Dec 18 12:06
DEC 18,2006
MAP 4.5 SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
MAP 2.5 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.4 ALASKA PENINSULA
DEC 17,2006
MAP 2.5 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 5.5 NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
MAP 5.8 NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
MAP 4.8 EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.6 NORTHERN ALASKA
MAP 4.3 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.1 KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
MAP 2.6 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 5.7 TONGA
MAP 5.0 TONGA
MAP 5.0 MOLUCCA SEA
MAP 4.9 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.7 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 4.6 GUERRERO, MEXICO
MAP 2.8 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
DEC 16,2006
MAP 2.9 NEVADA
MAP 4.7 ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS., ALASKA
MAP 2.8 CHANNEL ISLANDS REGION, CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.3 UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
MAP 4.3 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.2 MOUNT ST. HELENS AREA, WASHINGTON
MAP 3.1 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 2.5 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.3 KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
2 minor earthquakes hit near Coalinga,The Fresno Bee12/16/06
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 rumbled near Coalinga on Friday morning.The temblor erupted just before 11:22 a.m., according to the California Integrated Seismic Network. It was located about four miles from Coalinga.Coalinga police Sgt. Chris Simons was in the department's records area when the quake struck. He described it as a real quick jolt.The department received calls from the public after the quake, but Simons said there were no reports of damage or injuries. We got real lucky, he said. It's kind of tough on the dispatchers, but they get through.Another light earthquake was reported at 10:15 p.m. near Coalinga on Friday night.The U.S. Geological Survey reported the 4.3-magnitude quake struck about four miles east and northeast of Coalinga and 11 miles west of Huron. Police officials in both communities said they had no immediate reports of damage.
Earthquake rocks Taiwan Thu Dec 14, 7:48 AM ET
TAIPEI (AFP) - An undersea earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale has rocked Taiwan, seismologists said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The tremor struck at 19:10 pm (1110 GMT) with its epicenter 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) northeast of Ilan on the eastern coast on Thursday. It originated 29 kilometers under the sea.Taiwan, which lies near the junction of two tectonic plates, is regularly shaken by earthquakes. The country's worst, a 7.6-magnitude quake, killed some 2,400 people in September 1999.
STORMS HURRICANES-TORNADOES
LUKE 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;(MASS CONFUSION) the sea and the waves roaring;(FIERCE WINDS)
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
N'west Storm Kills Northwest Struggles to Stay Warm After Storm Leaves More Than 1.5M Without Power, Kills 6 DEC 16,2006,By GENE JOHNSON
SEATTLE Dec 16, 2006 (AP)— Residents of the Pacific Northwest struggled to stay warm Saturday after the worst windstorm in more than a decade knocked out power to more than 1.5 million homes and businesses and killed at least six people. More than 600,000 customers in Washington and Oregon still had no power Saturday, and utilities said some might have to wait into next week for their lights to go back on. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire declared a state of emergency, and with temperatures expected to drop over the weekend, officials warned people not to use outdoor grills, propane heaters or other carbon monoxide-producing equipment indoors.Firefighters in Kent found 33 people from four families suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning Friday night, fire Capt. Kyle Ohashi said. They had taken their barbecues inside to cook or heat their apartments as temperatures dipped into the 30s.All were expected to survive after treatment, Ohashi said.
In Oregon, a family of six was sickened by carbon monoxide from a generator set up in a garage in Gresham, police said. Three children were hospitalized in critical condition late Friday, while one child and both parents were listed in good condition. Wind gusted to a record 69 mph early Friday at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, breaking the old mark of 65 mph set in 1993. Wind was clocked at 113 mph near Mount Rainier.Power was knocked out at one of the airport's concourses, canceling dozens of flights. Flights were also canceled at Portland International Airport in Oregon, and Amtrak canceled service between Seattle and Portland because downed trees and mudslides blocked the tracks. Two people were killed in Washington in traffic accidents involving windblown trees, while one died after getting trapped in her flooded basement. A fourth person was killed in his sleep by a tree that fell on his home. On the Oregon coast, an elderly couple died in a fire caused by candles they were using for light. Puget Sound Energy, Washington's largest private utility, had restored power to about 200,000 customers overnight but 500,000 were still without power Saturday, company spokeswoman Dorothy Bracken said.
It would be several days definitely through the weekend, before everyone was restored, PSE spokeswoman Martha Monfried said. The utility had lost more than half of its transmission system, and crews struggled in the mountains to reach downed lines that carry the electricity from Columbia River dams. More than 60,500 customers of Seattle City Light remained without power Saturday, down from a peak of 175,000, and 15,000 were still blacked out in the Snohomish County Public Utility District north of Seattle. In Oregon, Portland General Electric said it had about 82,000 customers without power Saturday morning, while Pacific Power had said late Friday it was down to 53,000. The storm was the most intense to hit the region since the Inauguration Day storm of Jan. 20, 1993, which killed five people and caused about $130 million in damage, said Clifford F. Mass, a University of Washington atmospheric sciences professor.The Associated Press.
Nine New Zealanders Injured While Fighting Fires in Australia
By Tracy Withers
Dec. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Nine New Zealand firefighters are recovering after being caught in a bushfire yesterday in Australia's Victoria state, the Department of Sustainability and Environment said. The nine are part of a contingent of 47 New Zealanders who have joined local crews battling fires in the northeast and eastern regions of the state. Four men were seriously injured and airlifted to Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, the department said in a statement faxed to Bloomberg News. The others were treated locally for minor injuries. About 3,000 firefighters are battling the blazes, which have burned about 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) in the state, The fires are located in national parks and state forest areas, some of which have been closed to motorists. The New Zealanders were combating a spot fire away from the main blaze, when the main fire increased in intensity, the department said. The group took evasive action and the nine, who decided they couldn't escape, took shelter in a ditch. The men were experienced firefighters and two had experience with bushfires in the state in 2003, the department said. An investigation will be conducted into the incident, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported on its Web site. To contact the reporter on this story: Tracy Withers in Wellington at twithers@bloomberg.net.
Sat, Dec. 16, 2006
Temple Israel adds light to Hanukkah,Hourlong celebration focuses on fun for families
By Connie Bloom,Beacon Journal staff writer
The rabbi wore a dress, the service was projected in PowerPoint and eBay appeared in the lyrics of the Dreidel Song.The ancient story of Hanukkah unfurled in a decidedly 21st-century celebration at Temple Israel Friday night.I love this holiday so much, Janet Fox said. I love it because it's the Festival of Lights. I love the warmth of the lights, the children singing, the smell of the latkes. My children are big now and I still get excited.The hourlong gathering of about 350 was more of a show than a service, Rabbi David Lipper said.He billed it as a Mishpachapalooza, a Yiddish twist meaning family-palooza.It's a family-friendly show, he said. We'll have some worship, light our menorahs and celebrate the holiday. Our goal is to make it as fun for families as possible.The words to the songs, random photographs and prayers appeared like magic in a colorful screen presentation designed for the kids. ``I have a little dreidel, I made it out of steel, I sold it on eBay, I got an awesome deal, they sang of the traditional children's toy top.
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. It is a celebration of the redemption of a people faced with oppression, Lipper said. The message is of religious freedom.... It's a message of light over darkness.The holiday is customarily observed in Jewish households by lighting a candle at sundown on each of the festival's eight nights.Hanukkah is really a home-centered celebration, not an organized religious celebration, as in other times of the year with special liturgy, Lipper said. So much of what happens at Hanukkah happens in the home.Since the holiday fell on the Sabbath, families flocked to the temple and two sets of candles were lighted.Tonight is out of the box, Lipper said. He dressed as Judah Maccabee and rented his costume from Mr. Fun to tell one of three stories in the program.
It's a tan dress, an Arab dress from biblical times.... The story I'm telling is a true story that comes from the Holocaust.... It's a message of hope.Meanwhile, a feast with latkes -- potato pancakes -- and traditional Jewish delicacies was waiting in the banquet rooms.I never compared Hanukkah to Christmas, Fox said, yet they embody the same joyful happy feelings.You can reach Connie Bloom at 330-996-3568 or cbloom@ thebeaconjournal.com.
Turkey and Israel agree on pipeline project
Seen linking Black and Red seas to route energy exports from Russia and the Caspian basin to markets across Asia Dec. 16, 2006. 01:00 AM,ORHAN COSKUN,REUTERS NEWS AGENCY
ANKARA—Turkey and Israel have agreed to build a pipeline linking the Black and Red seas, Turkey's energy minister said yesterday, in a move that will boost the Jewish state's energy security and Turkey's role as an energy hub.The pipeline will transport oil, natural gas, electricity and water, Hilmi Guler, told reporters.Turkey, a candidate for European Union membership, aspires to become a hub for energy exports from Russia and the Caspian basin to markets in Europe and beyond.Turkey is also one of the few Muslim countries to foster strong trade and security ties with the Jewish state.Guler gave no price for the project but said Turkey was in talks with Russia and other countries on participation in it.The project's feasibility study will be completed in six months and then implementation will begin, Guler said.
The pipeline is an extension of a 550-kilometre line that will link Turkey's Black Sea port of Samsun and Ceyhan on its Mediterranean coast. Guler gave no details about the route of the pipeline beyond Ceyhan, but Turkey's Radikal newspaper said it would extend to Israel's Ashkelon, joining up there with an existing pipeline to the Israeli Red Sea port of Eilat.Officials have previously said the pipeline would be undersea, avoiding a land route through Syria and Lebanon.Calling the Black Sea-Red Sea link the project of the century, Radikal said this would allow the long-term export of oil via the Red Sea to Asian markets.It would open up a cheaper export route to Asia for Russia's Urals crude from the Black Sea, which currently has to pass through the costly shipping choke points of the Bosphorous and the Suez Canal on its way to refiners in the east.The pipeline's feasibility will depend on the transit cost and how much crude can be exported east. Jordan and the Palestinian Territories are potential customers for water, Guler said.
MUSLIM NATIONS
EZEKIEL 38:1-12
1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog,(RULER) the land of Magog,(RUSSIA) the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW)and Tubal,(TOBOLSK) and prophesy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW) and Tubal:
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,(GOD FORCES THE MUSLIMS TO MARCH) and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
5 Persia,(IRAN,IRAQ) Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
6 Gomer,(GERMANY) and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (TURKEY)of the north quarters, and all his bands:(SUDAN,AFRICA) and many people with thee.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.(RUSSIA-EGYPT AND MUSLIMS)
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
ISAIAH 17:1
1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
PSALMS 83:3-7
3 They (ARABS,MUSLIMS) have taken crafty counsel against thy people,(ISRAEL) and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:(TREATIES)
6 The tabernacles of Edom,and the Ishmaelites;(ARABS) of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon,(JORDAN) and Amalek;(SYRIA) the Philistines (PALESTINIANS) with the inhabitants of Tyre;(LEBANON)
EZEKIEL 39:1-8
1 Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog,(LEADER OF RUSSIA) and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech (MOSCOW) and Tubal: (TUBOLSK)
2 And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts,(RUSSIA) and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:
3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands,( ARABS) and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
6 And I will send a fire on Magog,(NUCLEAR BOMB) and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.
JOEL 2:3,20,30-31
3 A fire(NUCLEAR BOMB) devoureth before them;(RUSSIA-ARABS) and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army,(RUSSIA,MUSLIMS) and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.(SIBERIAN DESERT)
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.(NUCLEAR BOMB)
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
Iran warns of painful revenge if sanctions imposed Fri Dec 15, 12:51 PM ET
TEHRAN (Reuters) -Iran will exact painful revenge on countries opposed to its nuclear program if the U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions on Tehran, the country's chief nuclear negotiator said on Friday.Imposing sanctions on Iran will not help resolve the issue, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told reporters.If they want to deprive Iran of its nuclear work they are making a big mistake. If they want to act in a way to decrease our capabilities through sanctions we will be obliged to use painful methods in return, he said without elaborating.Iran has previously said its retaliation against a punitive U.N. resolution could range from reviewing cooperation with the U.N.'s atomic watchdog to restricting its crude oil exports.Iran says its nuclear program will be used only for peaceful ends, such as electricity generation, and not to make bombs. It has refused to obey U.N. Security Council demands that it halt all sensitive nuclear work, such as uranium enrichment.After weeks of talks permanent Security Council members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany are close to agreement on a draft U.N. resolution against Iran.
The draft resolution includes a ban on exports or imports of materials and technology related to uranium enrichment as well as ballistic missile weapons delivery systems.Diplomats say Russia, which along with China has blocked U.S. and European efforts to impose tougher sanctions on Iran, still wants some changes to the draft, particularly clauses imposing a travel ban on some Iranian officials.Larijani played down the impact of the sanctions being contemplated by the six world powers.These sanctions include sensitive missile and nuclear equipment which we don't have and we are not after ... This is mainly a psychological war, he said.
Iran Prez: I'll Share My Nuke Technology
TEHRAN, Iran, Dec. 16, 2006
Quote
The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to transfer to regional states its valuable experience and achievements in the field of peaceful nuclear technology as a clean energy source and as a replacement for oil.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
(AP) President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Saturday during a meeting with top Kuwaiti envoy that Iran is ready to transfer its nuclear technology to neighboring countries, state-run television reported. The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to transfer to regional states its valuable experience and achievements in the field of peaceful nuclear technology as a clean energy source and as a replacement for oil, the state quoted Ahmadinejad as telling Mohammed Zefollah Shirar, a top advisor to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah.The broadcast said Shirer is carrying a written message from the Emir to Ahmadinejad but didn't elaborate on the contents of the message. The television said Ahmadinejad also welcomed a decision by Iran's Arab neighbors to the south to pursue peaceful nuclear technology programs.
Such a technological transfer would be legal as long as it is between signatory-states to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and as long as the International Atomic Energy Agency that monitors the treaty was informed of the transfer. Iran is currently at odds with the United States and its European allies who accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is aimed solely at the peaceful production of nuclear energy, not bomb. United Nations Sanctions Closer To Resolution Meanwhile, on Friday Britain said that a deal is emerging on a U.N. resolution that would impose sanctions on Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, but Russia remains opposed to a European- and U.S.-backed travel ban on senior Iranian officials.
Ambassadors from six key nations drafting the resolution — Britain, France, Germany, the US, Russia and China — reported some progress at the latest round of closed-door talks on Friday. Britain's U.N. Ambassador, Emyr Jones Parry, said he thinks a deal is developing. On all of the elements that were contentious, there is now a way through them. It's a question of consolidating the progress we made this afternoon, he said. He said he expects the resolution to be finalized by Tuesday, but Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said things are not ready yet to put into a final form. We have made some modest progress, but there are some things to be discussed, Churkin said. So we are going back to the capitals and meeting Monday morning.
The latest draft would order all countries to ban the supply of specified materials and technology that could contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programs and impose a travel ban and asset freeze on top figures in the country's nuclear and missile programs. They have been named on a U.N. list. Churkin said earlier this week that Moscow believes the travel ban is unnecessary.
Acting U.S. ambassador Alejandro Wolff said on Friday that the United States is still fighting for a travel ban which he called a top priority.He said the United States also wants the resolution adopted as soon as possible. The six countries offered Iran a package of economic incentives and political rewards in June if it agreed to consider a long-term moratorium on uranium enrichment and commit to a freeze on enrichment before talks on its nuclear programme. But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly and defiantly said his country would continue enrichment and is not intimidated by the possibility of sanctions.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is aimed solely at the peaceful production of nuclear energy, but the United States and Europeans suspect Tehran's ultimate goal is the production of nuclear weapons. With Iran refusing to comply with a Security Council deadline of August 31, 2006, to stop enrichment, Britain and France circulated a draft sanctions resolution in late October.
The draft has been revised to specify in greater detail exactly what materials and technology would be prohibited from being supplied to Iran and to name those individuals and companies that would be affected. The revised draft also removed, to meet Russian and Chinese concerns that the initial resolution was too broad, reference to a nuclear facility being built by the Russians at Bushehr, Iran. The facility, expected to go on line in late 2007, would be Iran's first atomic power plant. The Associated Press.
World News Abbas seeks early vote to end standoff
APAP - DEC 16,2006
RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Saturday for elections to end his violent standoff with Hamas a gamble that Palestinians will back him as he seeks to weaken the Islamic militants, avoid civil war and keep momentum for peace overtures with Israel.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
EU 50 - N A UNION ON
1-WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS. 2-Third windstorm to hit B.C. south coast in a week packs a powerful punch . 3-State sets record for tornadoes in 2006. 4-No end in sight for fire crews. 5-This Week with Rabbi Eckstein. 6-Opec cuts supply to force up price. 7-Pope Meets Olmert, Praises Turn-the-Other-Cheek Policy. 8-Netanyahu: We must try Ahmadinejad for genocide. 9-North American Union leader says merger just crisis away. 10-EU leaders endorse enlargement slow down. 11-EU leaders revive constitution debate. 12-The European Union Turns Fifty.
EARTHQUAKES
MATTHEW 24:7-8
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
MARK 13:8
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(ETHNIC GROUP AGAINST ETHNIC GROUP) and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
LUKE 21:11
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS (USGS)
Update time = Sat Dec 16 12:02 AM EDT
DEC 16,2006
MAP 3.1 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 2.5 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.3 KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
DEC 15,2006
MAP 5.3 SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
MAP 2.9 CENTRAL ALASKA
MAP 5.1 TAJIKISTAN
MAP 3.9 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 5.4 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 5.5 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 5.0 GUADELOUPE REGION, LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAP 2.7 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 2.6 CENTRAL ALASKA
MAP 2.8 PUERTO RICO REGION
MAP 3.8 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 2.5 WASHINGTON
DEC 14,2006
MAP 3.3 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 3.1 CENTRAL ALASKA
MAP 2.6 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 4.6 EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 4.4 TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA REGION
MAP 4.2 OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
MAP 2.9 PUERTO RICO REGION
MAP 4.5 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.6 ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS., ALASKA
MAP 3.1 MOUNT ST. HELENS AREA, WASHINGTON
MAP 4.8 TAIWAN REGION
MAP 5.1 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 5.2 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 3.3 VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
MAP 2.6 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
STORMS HURRICANES-TORNADOES
LUKE 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;(MASS CONFUSION) the sea and the waves roaring;(FIERCE WINDS)
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Dec 15, 2006
Third windstorm to hit B.C. south coast in a week packs a powerful punch (WEA-BC-Storm)
VANCOUVER (CP) The third Pacific storm to hit the British Columbia coast this week pounded Vancouver Island and southern B.C. with howling winds that left thousands of people without power.
At the peak of Friday‘s blast before daybreak, winds of 157 kilometres an hour were recorded in Victoria, where the largest number of trees were toppled, bringing power lines down with them. Howling winds meant a restless sleep for many people on B.C.‘s south coast, where 240,000 households were without power.In the morning, some streets became an obstacle courses for drivers trying to dodge trees, branches and other debris.Some traffic lights were also not functioning and crews were expected to do repair work throughout the weekend.
Staff are working as fast as they can, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan said in a statement.We appreciate the public‘s patience as we work through this situation.The havoc meant cancelled ferry sailings, disrupted transit and school closures.
Vancouver‘s famed Stanley Park was closed for the weekend, as was the aquarium.The latest storm throttled the coast as 20,000 customers were still without power from storms earlier this week.In North Vancouver, one of the hardest hit areas, residents were asked to stay out of all parks and trails because of danger from downed trees.Some parks were closed to the public.B.C. Hydro spokeswoman Elisha Moreno said repair crews hit the streets at first light to begin assessing the damage.First thing we‘re looking at right now is circuits to hospitals, care homes, pumping stations, sewage and water treatment plants and then we would focus on the larger circuits so we can get the smaller pockets and homes back on, Moreno said.
She advised people to have an emergency kit handy to deal with being without power for 72 hours.I‘m talking food, water, flashlight, batteries, blankets, any additional medications that they might need, a cellphone or a non-cordless phone and a battery-operated radio.People should also have a backup plan to stay with family or friends if they don‘t think they can cope without power for a few days, she said.
Back-to-back power outages from rain, snow and wind storms have left crews stretched to the limit.We‘re getting storm fatigue, Moreno said.Folks around here who have worked here 30 to 35 years have not seen storms of this magnitude before ever. It‘s just the wind speed and the consistency that‘s the challenge for us. Our threshold for damage is more than 80 kilometres an hour.But we‘ve seen sustained wind speeds and gusts of up to 157 kilometres an hour and I don‘t know of any system that can sustain wind speeds of that nature.
Moreno advised people to stay away from downed power lines.You can never be sure that those lines can be live and we want to make sure that customers understand that there is a risk to them, and a significant one.The utility isn‘t providing restoration estimates because officials don‘t want to create any false sense of optimism, she said, adding many customers will be in the dark for three days.About 1.5 million homes and businesses in Washington and Oregon had no power early Friday after howling windstorms and heavy rain caused at least three deaths, closed two major bridges and prompted flooding.The Associated Press reported that one of the concourses at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was without electricity, and an airport spokesman said some flights were cancelled.About 30 flights were scratched at Portland International Airport, a spokesman said, and Amtrak cancelled service between Portland and Seattle.A 41-year-old Seattle woman died Thursday after she became trapped in her basement while it flooded. Neighbours had called for help after they heard screaming.Also in Washington, two people died in traffic accidents involving windblown trees.INDEX: ENVIRONMENT UTILITIES TRAVEL TRANSPORT
State sets record for tornadoes in 2006
By Scott Richardson DEC 14,06
srichardson@pantagraph.com
BLOOMINGTON Illinois has seen a record 126 tornadoes so far this year, according to the National Weather Service.
That number is slightly more than the previous record of 120 set just three years ago.Don’t blame the rise on global warming. Weather experts put a less ominous spin on the news, citing better detection rather than climate change as the cause.And don’t let your guard down just yet. Chris Miller, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS office in Lincoln, warned the warm weather patterns now over Central Illinois are the kind that produce severe thunderstorms, which can spawn tornadoes.
Any time of the year, even in the middle of the winter, we can get tornadoes, Miller said. We haven’t closed the book on 2006 just yet. We have three more weeks to go.Proof that mild winters are a mixed blessing came when Central Illinois recorded the first tornado in the United States in 2006 when a twister struck near Shelbyville on Jan. 2 during a relatively warm month, Miller added.Mild winter weather in January and February, along with a very vigorous storm track over Illinois early in the spring, played major roles in the active tornado season across Illinois, he said.The remainder of the year, from May through November, the numbers of tornadoes that occurred in the state were not too far from average.
January and February recorded one tornado each. March saw 21, April had 60, May had 17, June logged 2, July had 16 and September had six. August, October, November, and December, so far, had no tornadoes.Sangamon County had the most tornadoes, with 11. Logan and Christian counties each had nine, Macon County had eight and Champaign, Madison, Piatt, and Pike counties each had six.As for tornado frequency, the average number of severe tornadoes has remained unchanged over the past 50 years, said Illinois state climatologist Jim Angel. However, more smaller tornadoes are being recorded thanks to improvements in radar, expanded weather spotter networks and the prevalence of cell phones, he said.In the past, some would spin out in a farm field
and never be seen by anyone but the farmer, Angel said. But, it’s pretty hard for a tornado to escape notice anymore. We have a better audit.We’re seeing more F0s and F1s, the weak tornadoes, agreed Miller. There are fewer and fewer of these slipping through the cracks.On the coastlines, global warming has been blamed for creating more severe hurricanes as warmer oceans feed a storm’s fury. But scientists have not seen a similar relationship between warm weather and storms on land, Angel said. In fact,sustained warm temperatures such as those recorded during the drought last year lead to fewer severe thunderstorms. That, in turn, should lead to fewer tornadoes, Angel said.
Illinois experienced just 19 twisters during all of last year.
The flip side of better tornado detection is improved warning of approaching storms, Angel and Miller said. Before advanced Doppler radar arrived in Central Illinois in the mid-1990s, warnings preceded the arrival of severe storms by just 3 to 4 minutes, he said. Since then, warnings have been sounded on an average of 15 to 16 minutes before a severe storm strikes, Miller said.
Twisters - 2006 (through Dec. 13) 126 ,2005 19 ,2004 80 ,2003 120 ,2002 35 - SOURCE: National Weather Service
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
REVELATION 8:7
7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
No end in sight for fire crews
tRenee Switzer,December 14, 2006
Firefighters are unable to see an end to the massive job of containing the raging fires that are spreading across the state.Victoria's fires have now burnt over 425,000 hectares and with no significant rain forecast, it is expected many of the DSE and CFA staff and volunteers will spend their Christmas protecting other people's homes instead of being at their own with their families.I can imagine that a large number of firefighters will still be working on these fires for month or two, DSE spokesman Kevin Monk told theage.com.au.There's no significant rain on the horizon and this fire's so large there's still a lot of work to be done on it.Basically we know that during the summer there's going to be restrictions on our time, holidays, that type of thing.CFA deputy chief officer Graham Fountain admitted the fires were taking their toll on firefighters.
We are conscious of the resource drain that currently exists, we're conscious of the fatigue on our members and also the pressures associated with Christmas itself, he said.It's taking its toll (on firefighters). We've been on this since December 1 ... it creeps up on us and we need to make sure we build in adequate rest periods for our people and provide necessary support and sustenance to them and their families.Subject to a fair dinkum rainfall event there's no end in sight for these (fires) at this stage, these are going to cause problems for us throughout summer and the rain is not forecast.Temperatures in the mid 30s in fire areas today and a late south westerly wind change is expected to change the fires' direction, causing more problems for firefighters.Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Dean Stewart said there should be showers accompanying the overnight change but only a few millimetres.Mr Monk said the wind had prevented firefighting aircraft from entering the fire zones because of the smoke.He said the wind change late this afternoon could result in more of the fires merging and that could cause ember attacks on different parts of the fire's edge.
The pressure will be on the Crooked River which is just north of Dargo right around to Valencia Creek - there will be pressure on making sure the embers get put out really quickly and protection of properties, and the same thing again around the Woods Point Jamieson area and then around to the Tawonga Gap fire and Mount Beauty.He said works to prevent the Thomson catchment from contamination were progressing. We're working on the strengthening of about 60 kilometres of control line and when the conditions ease after today they will continue to do backburning and strengthening of the control line.Meanwhile EPA Victoria has lowered the smoke advisory for Melbourne from high to low.EPA director science and technology Stuart McConnell said the conditions were improving, given the change in weather conditions.Melburnians will have noticed their visibility improving from yesterday's high peaks and levels are expected to further reduce throughout the day as the northerly wind picks up.theage.com.au
This Week with Rabbi Eckstein
December 14, 2006
Dear Friend of The Fellowship,
Tomorrow at sundown marks the beginning of the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, when Jews celebrate two miracles.The first miracle is the military victory, 2,100 years ago, of a small group of Jews, the Maccabees, against a powerful Greek-Syrian army that had invaded and occupied Israel, defiled the Temple, and tried to impose paganism upon the Jewish people. Despite overwhelming odds, the Jews fought fiercely and prevailed through God's favor, gaining freedom to worship Him as commanded in the Bible.The second is a miraculous flask of oil. After overcoming the invaders, the Jews set about to purify the Temple during the eight day dedication process recorded in the Bible. Upon entering the Temple, they found only one flask of purified oil for the eternal flame—enough to keep it burning for just one day of the dedication. But, miraculously, the oil lasted eight days and nights until more pure oil could be brought. This is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, and why it is called the festival of lights.
Hanukkah is a joyous holiday—a time for lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, and for gift-giving, especially to children. To help you experience the joy of Hanukkah, we have developed a number of online resources for you. On our Hanukkah page you can play a dreidel game or light our children's virtual menorah, take a Hanukkah quiz, hear clips of traditional Hanukkah songs, and more. And if you want to know more about Hanukkah, you will also find a special teaching I have prepared that delves more deeply into the history and meaning of this best-known of Jewish holidays.I also encourage you to send one of our beautiful Hanukkah e-cards to your Jewish friends. After years of bridge-building between Christians and Jews, I can attest to the fact that understanding is often best built on a one-to-one basis. When you reach out to your Jewish friends by acknowledging their holidays, you show them you care. It is a wonderful way to mark this most blessed of seasons.
Thank you, my dear friend, for your continued support of Israel and her people. May your holiday season—and the coming new year—be filled with light.
With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Rabbi on Hanukkah
http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServer?pagename=rabbi_study_holidays_Hanukkah_indepthteaching&
JServSessionIdr012=pipj7aa6z1.app13a
Opec cuts supply to force up price
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard,15/12/2006
The Opec cartel of oil exporters has struck a controversial deal to cut output by 500,000 barrels a day from February even if prices strengthen, raising the risk of an energy spike over the winter months. Brent crude rose nearly a dollar a barrel to $62.20 on the move, which follows a 960,000 barrel-a-day cut in production since October.
Opec president Edmund Daukoru
Opec president Edmund Daukoru swept aside criticisms, saying the cartel was forced to act to head off an impending oil glut. The market is out of balance, stocks are at more than a five-year high, he said.The US energy secretary, Sam Bodman, questioned the move, calling on Opec to delay any cuts.
The International Energy Agency criticised the supply squeeze as a blow to industry and a risk to global growth.Further cuts are unwelcome in the light of existing high prices, elevated supply risks and the onset of the peak winter heating season. The moves that Opec have already made have quite significantly begun to tighten the market, said the watchdog.The IEA predicted an increase in oil demand of 1.5m barrels a day to 86m in 2007. It disputed Opec claims of excess supply, saying global inventories had slipped by 40m barrels since October.Barclays Capital predicts higher oil prices next year even before the cuts, forecasting $75 a barrel by mid 2007 and $80 in the third quarter.Opec is taking much more off the market than it really should, said Kevin Norrish, the bank's chief oil analyst.
A strong rebound in energy costs could push up inflation over coming months in Europe and America, forcing central banks to tighten monetary policy yet again.Jean Claude-Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank, said a fresh spike in oil prices was the biggest lurking threat to eurozone growth. Past commodity price increases are in the pipeline and we still have a risk there.
The oil price could increase again.Barclays Capital accused Opec of overstating the level of global oil inventories and the likely level of future supply. The cartel is already producing 1m barrels a day less than a year ago.Output by the non-Opec countries is falling as North Sea oil reserves dwindle and new rigs run into difficulties. Production by Britain, Norway, Mexico and the US has plummeted by 2.5m barrels a day to under 15.5m over the past four years.At the same time, China has emerged as the world's second biggest consumer of oil, increasing demand from 4.5m to 7m barrels a day. Critics accuse Opec of playing down looming shortages in order to justify an aggressive price policy.
The 11-nation cartel effectively set a floor of $60 earlier this year under pressure from hawks such as Venezuela and Iran. Opec appears to be ratcheting up the target level to nearer $80.Mr Daukoru said the cartel would not carry out the cuts if it risked damaging the global economy, but this was contradicted by Qatar's oil minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah who said the plans would go ahead irrespective of the price.
REVELATION 17:2-5
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Pope Meets Olmert, Praises Turn-the-Other-Cheek Policy
By Ezra HaLevi (INN) DEC 14,06
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday. The Christian leader praised Israel’s policy of adhering to a cease-fire deal despite continued attacks on its citizens. Olmert urged the Pope to encourage Christians to take a stance against Holocaust denial, in light of Iran’s state-sponsored conference this week questioning the reality of the Nazi genocide.
The Vatican released a statement directed at the Iranian conference on Tuesday, saying, The Shoah [Holocaust] was a great tragedy before which we cannot remain indifferent. The memory of those horrible events must remain as a warning for people's consciences.The Pope lauded Israel’s decision not to respond to continued missile attacks on Jewish towns in the western Negev.
He also praised Olmert’s visit to Germany.
Olmert's office said that Olmert and the Pontiff discussed the Vatican’s land holdings in Israel - including, presumably, the Catholic Church’s aims to develop a center on Mount Zion. According to Olmert’s office, the prime minister invited the Pope to visit Israel, saying his very presence would increase peace in Israel.
Benedict said he would come to Israel when things calm down. The Catholic world leader recently visited Turkey in an attempt to placate outraged Muslims following statements he made quoting an opinion that Islam is violent.Following his meeting with the Pope, which lasted 35 minutes instead of the scheduled 10-minute conversation, Olmert met with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.Israel and the Vatican established diplomatic relations in 1990.
Vaticans goals for Mt Zion!
He (Olmert) will also have a private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, during which he will invite the pontiff to visit Israel. Olmert will reportedly discuss changing the status of the Crusader-era building on Mount Zion in Jerusalem known as the Coenaculum. The holy site includes the Tomb of King David, the room where Christiantiy says Jesus and his disciples shared their Last Supper, as well as several mosques.
MUSLIM NATIONS
EZEKIEL 38:1-12
1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog,(RULER) the land of Magog,(RUSSIA) the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW)and Tubal,(TOBOLSK) and prophesy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW) and Tubal:
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,(GOD FORCES THE MUSLIMS TO MARCH) and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
5 Persia,(IRAN,IRAQ) Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
6 Gomer,(GERMANY) and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (TURKEY)of the north quarters, and all his bands:(SUDAN,AFRICA) and many people with thee.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.(RUSSIA-EGYPT AND MUSLIMS)
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
ISAIAH 17:1
1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
PSALMS 83:3-7
3 They (ARABS,MUSLIMS) have taken crafty counsel against thy people,(ISRAEL) and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:(TREATIES)
6 The tabernacles of Edom,and the Ishmaelites;(ARABS) of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon,(JORDAN) and Amalek;(SYRIA) the Philistines (PALESTINIANS) with the inhabitants of Tyre;(LEBANON)
Netanyahu: We must try Ahmadinejad for genocide
By Stan Goodenough,December 14, 2006
Former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is launching an effort to get Iranian megalomaniac Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tried on a charge of genocide at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.Ahmadinejad has frequently called for Israel's destruction, has vowed to carry this out himself, is currently hosting a conference aimed at disupting the facts about the Holocaust. All the while he is pursuing nuclear weapons with his eye on using them against Israel and the West.Netanyahu, the leader of the Opposition Likud Party and who, unlike virtually all of Israel's other prime ministers, believes in the importance of aggressive public relations on Israel's behalf, has invited 70 foreign diplomats stationed in Israel to a meeting next week.The media-savvy Israeli plans to use the event to challenge the world's complacency in the face of the mushrooming Iranian threat.Iran's nuclear program must be stopped, Netanyahu said. Ahmadinejad is saying clearly that [destroying the Jews is] his intention, and we aren't even shouting.
North American Union leader says merger just crisis away
Leading intellectual force behind effort toward EU-style unity looks at future,December 15, 2006 By Jerome R. Corsi,WorldNetDaily.com ,American University Professor Robert Pastor
Robert Pastor, a leading intellectual force in the move to create an EU-style North American Community, told WND he believes a new 9/11 crisis could be the catalyst to merge the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Pastor, a professor at American University, says that in such a case the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, or SPP – launched in 2005 by the heads of the three countries at a summit in Waco, Texas – could be developed into a continental union, complete with a new currency, the amero, that would replace the U.S. dollar just as the euro has replaced the national currencies of Europe. In May 2005, Pastor was co-chairman the Council on Foreign Relations task force that produced a report entitled Toward a North American Community, which he has claimed is the blueprint behind the SSP declared by President Bush, Mexico's then-President Vicente Fox, and Canada's then-Prime Minister Paul Martin.
At American University in Washington, D.C., Pastor directs the Center for North American Studies where he teaches a course entitled North America: A Union, A Community, or Just Three Nations? As WND previously has reported, Pastor is on the board of the North American Forum on Integration, the NAFI, a non-profit organization that annually holds a mock trilateral parliament for 100 selected students drawn from 10 universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Pastor had published an interview in Spanish in the Oct. 24 issue of Poder y Negocios. He told the magazine crises can force decisions that otherwise would not be made. The 9/11 crisis made Canada and the United States redefine the protection of their borders, Pastor explained. The debt crisis in Mexico forced the government to adapt a new economic model. The crises oblige the governments to make difficult decisions. This was the first time WND had found a major intellectual leader behind the push to integrate North America suggesting that a crisis of 9-11 proportions might be just what was needed to advance the process toward establishing a North American Union and the amero.
WND reached Pastor in his office at American University and conducted a telephone interview to make sure the Spanish publication accurately reflected his views.
He affirmed the Spanish interview represents his thinking. What I'm saying is that a crisis is an event which can force democratic governments to make difficult decisions like those that will be required to create a North American Community, he said. It's not that I want another 9/11 crisis, but having a crisis would force decisions that otherwise might not get made. Pastor noted, for example that Europeans, facing the crisis of two World Wars, turned to the European Community as a means to prevent war and advance their economic interests. The United States turned to the Marshall Plan when faced with the crisis of Western Europe falling into the hands of communism, he said. So, I'm not advocating, or encouraging, or wanting a crisis, I'm only saying that in order to take important initiatives, sometimes one manner in which this occurs is when there is a crisis to which leaders need to respond.
Pastor told WND he lamented that the leadership of the three North American countries is not positioned to make the type of tough decisions needed to advance a North American Community agenda. In his interview with Poder y Negocios, he argued, Canada has a minority government and Mexico will soon have a minority government that will be confronted with what amounts to an uprising that we hope will be peaceful. The United States has a lame duck president whose principle preoccupation is the war in Iraq and instability in the Middle East. Pastor further told WND Mexico's Fox made a tactical mistake by laying out an overly ambitious agenda to integrate with the United States. President Bush then took on the issue of illegal immigration, and it proved to be much more difficult than anticipated, he said. In the absence of strong North American leadership, is a crisis the way greater North
American integration can be expected to happen?
There are alternatives to a crisis for getting a major decision adopted by the president and by the congress, Pastor responded. But what I am saying is that we lack the kind of North American leadership we need. Our founding fathers created a system of governance that was not designed to be efficient but was designed to protect freedom. Therefore, you created checks and balances that did protect freedom but also made it difficult to move forward on important issues. Pastor was asked what North American leaders would need to do to move toward integration. We need to form a customs union to move North American integration to a new level, Pastor argued. A customs union would eliminate rules of origin on the border and agree to a common external tariff. This would not be easy but not as difficult as NAFTA was, and it would lead to efficiencies in our economies and in the end contribute to a better standard of living for all parties. Pastor also called for a North American Investment Fund to invest in Mexico's infrastructure.
If we had a North American Investment Fund, Pastor explained, over the long term, you would narrow the income gap between Mexico and the U.S. WND previously reported Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, dropped his support for legislation (S. 3622) he introduced in the 109th Congress to create a North American Investment Fund after WND pointed out the proposed law would advance an important part of Pastor's agenda to create a North American Community.
Pastor was careful to distinguish that his proposals were designed to create a North American Community and that he never has proposed to create a North American Union as an EU-style regional government. What I am recommending is a series of functional steps that are more than incremental, Pastor admitted. Each of the proposals I have laid out represent more than just small steps. But it doesn't represent a leap toward a North American Union, or even to some confederation of any kind. I don't think either is plausible, necessary, or even helpful to contemplate at this stage.
The idea seems to be to put new structures in place that change the look of the landscape. WND pointed out to Pastor that this step-by-step approach is the same approach taken to create the European Union. The memoirs of Jean Monnet, regarded as the architect of European unity, finally disclosed he had used a strategy of deceit, knowing his plan to form a European Union would never succeed if it were openly disclosed. Pastor was asked if he thought a North American Union was a bad idea.
No,he replied. I don't think a political union of North America is an inherently bad idea, nor do I think it is a good idea for North America right now. I teach a course at American University in which I look at the different options for political integration of North America, and I put the options before the students. Then why is a North American Union a bad idea right now? The reason the political integration is not a good idea at this stage now, perhaps never, is because of people like yourself who immediately begin to fear that their sense of America could disappear, Pastor responded. Somehow, if you're fearful that America's sovereignty will disappear, you won't even take small steps forward. You just get mired in the status quo. The problem is that the world is moving very rapidly, and you can't stay competitive if you don't move.
Pastor did not reject the idea that a North American Union could form, but only after further continental economic integration and the development of a North American Community in which people are able to think as citizens of North America. Is China the winner in the NAFTA super-corridors being planned for North America? If you define trade in zero-sum terms, China may be the winner in the transportation corridors, Pastor conceded. But even in zero-sum terms, consumers benefit from the increasing imports that give them more choice and give them more quality. In the final analysis, we are all consumers. Pastor affirmed he favors globalism.
I believe, he explained to WND, that globalization is a net plus for the world economy, for the middle class, and for all people.
DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast(THE EU,REVIVED ROME) shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TR BLOCKS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:(10 NATIONS) and another shall rise after them;(#11 SPAIN) and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(BE HEAD OF 3 KINGS OR NATIONS).
THE EU DICTATOR
REVELATION 6:1-2,13:1-3,7-9,16
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.(THIS IS THE EU DICTATOR)
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.(7 HEADS ARE THE 7TH WORLD EMPIRE IN HISTORY (THE EU) AS WELL AS THE VATICAN WHICH IS BUILT ON 7 HILLS. 10 HORNS ARE 10 KINGS THAT ARISE FROM THE EU, THEN #11 COMES ON THE SCENE BECOMES THE HEAD OF 3 OUNTRIES AND THEN THE EU DICTATOR, COMES FROM 1 OF THE 3 COUNTRIES THAT RULE FOR THIS TERM. I BELIEVE THE 3 COUNTRIES RULING AT THE TIME ARE SPAIN AND 2 OF THE ORIGINAL 6 THAT STARTED THE EU. FROM 1 OF THESE 3 COUNTRIES COME THE FUTURE EU DICTATOR PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION WHO GUARENTEES ISRAELS SECURITY FOR A LAND FOR PEACE 7 YEAR TREATY.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.(THE JEWISH EU DICTATOR GETS HIS POWER FROM SATAN,HE COMES FROM THE OCCULT).
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.(THE DICTATOR HAS A FALSE RESURRECTION. JUST LIKE JESUS HAD A LITERAL RESURRECTION THIS DICTATOR GETS MURDERED AT THE 3 1/2 YR MARK OF THR 7 YEAR TREATY AND COMES BACK TO LIFE. THIS IS HOW HE CAN
CLAIM TO BE GOD AND GET AWAY WITH IT AND CONTROL THE WHOLE EARTH.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
DANIEL 11:36-40
36 And the king shall do according to his will;(EU PRESIDENT) and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers,(THIS EU DICTATOR IS A EUROPEAN JEW) nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces:(HES A MILITARY GINIUS) and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds (CONTROL HEZBOLLAH,AL-QUAIDA MURDERERS ETC) with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many,(HIS ARMY LEADERS) and shall divide the land for gain.
40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south(EGYPT) push at him:(EU DICTATOR PROTECTING ISRAELS SECURITY) and the king of the north(RUSSIA) shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships;
and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
EU leaders endorse enlargement slow down by Paul Harrington Dec 15, 10:41 AM ET
BRUSSELS (AFP) -European Union leaders have put the lid on further enlargement of the bloc until the necessary reforms can be agreed to accommodate new members and the whole process gains wide public support.
With Bulgaria and Romania set to become the EU's 26th and 27th member countries in a fortnight, the leaders confirmed that they were applying the brakes to further expansion, possibly until the end of the decade.They also endorsed a decision to partially block membership talks with Turkey, by freezing eight of the 35 policy chapters it must negotiate before joining.Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen told the post-summit press conference that previous enlargements had been successful and that the EU leaders had mapped out the best ways to ensure that future enlargement is also successful.It is important that the candidate countries meet the requirements and that the Union is able to operate effectively and to develop.
This summit sends out the message that we want to get our house in order, said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.We will work on the (EU) constitutional treaty under the German presidency, starting next month, he said.This summit sends the message that ours will remain an open house. We have given new impetus to the aspirations of the Western Balkans and we have clearly kept the door open for Turkey, he added.He added that there was a consensus on the need for constitutional reform to enhance our capacity to act.Their decisions will have major repercussions for Turkey and EU hopefuls in the Balkans like Croatia, which is expected to join by 2010, and to a lesser extent Macedonia.British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who left the summit for a trip to Turkey and the Middle East, is one of the most supportive to Ankara's cause. For the EU and also Britain, it is important that we continue the process to accession with Turkey and we do not shut the door to Turkey's membership, he said.Perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome is the EU constitution, the blueprint for its future. The treaty was left in tatters last year after it was rejected in referendums by voters in France and the Netherlands.
Sixteen member countries have ratified the text, plus Bulgaria and Romania, but it had to be endorsed by all member countries before it can take effect.Encapsulated in it were reforms that would have allowed the 25-nation EU to operate more smoothly and efficiently as it expands. But the document has been in deep freeze during a prolonged period of reflection about what to do next. Germany is expected to revive talks on the constitution, although probably not using that term, and plot a roadmap for its acceptance.While no substantive decisions are expected before France takes over Europe's helm in the second half of 2008, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was looking forward to tackling the challenges facing the Union.Generally, I can say that we are looking forward to our presidency, Merkel told reporters as she arrived for the last session of the two-day summit.
There is a good climate in which to resolve certain issues, she said. Germany is not going to be alone and can have confidence that all member countries are going to cooperate. The ood climate at the summit was due in part to Turkey's trade and political problems with Cyprus being resolved by EU foreign ministers on Monday. While its strategic importance is undeniable, it would become one if the bloc's two most populous countries, securing voting rights beyond those of traditional EU heavyweights like Britain, France and Italy.
SPAIN #11 IN THE EU
DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast(THE EU,REVIVED ROME) shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TR BLOCKS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:(10 NATIONS) and another shall rise after them;(#11 SPAIN) and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(BE HEAD OF 3 KINGS OR NATIONS).
EU leaders revive constitution debate By PAUL AMES, Associated Press Writer Fri Dec 15, 10:25 AM ET
BRUSSELS, Belgium - European leaders on Friday tried to revive efforts to adopt the proposed European Union constitution, which many declared dead last year after it was rejected by voters in France and the Netherlands. The 25 EU nations have moved from silent reflection to a more active thinking on the constitution, Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen declared.Spain and Luxembourg are seeking to enlist the majority of EU nations that voted in favor of the landmark constitutional treaty, in a drive get it back on track.Those having ratified the treaty — these are 18 member states of the European Union — have the right to become more outspoken, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters Thursday.
Spain has called a friends of the constitution conference next month in Madrid for the 18 nations that supported the measure, including Bulgaria and Romania, which will join the EU formally on Jan. 1.Chancellor Angela Merkel said she will try to revive the constitution — intended to deepen Europe's integration — during Germany's six-month presidency of the bloc starting in January.
What's not clear is how pro-constitution forces will move forward. France and the Netherlands both have said they will not hold repeat referendums, although some hope for a shift in the French position after next year's presidential election.Although a majority of nations backed the text, it needs unanimous approval to come into force.
The constitution was designed to streamline EU decision-making following the entry of 10 new member nations in 2004. Without it, many leaders say it will be impossible to bring more members into the bloc.We don't think that further enlargements could be made without giving some deepening reform to Europe, Juncker said.Previous EU treaties have been voted down by referendums in Ireland and Denmark, but both nations changed their minds in second votes after the texts were adjusted.Even if the French and Dutch are persuaded to change their minds,though, the constitution would still face possible vetoes from British and Danes, traditional Euro-skeptics who must still vote on the charter.The Swedes, Poles, Czechs, Irish and Portuguese have not yet voted on the compact, either.Despite the uncertainty, supporters still think the constitution can eventually be adopted.We cannot throw out the entire text and start from scratch, said Finland's Vanhanen, whose country ratified the constitution last week.Supporters of the constitution have suggested several ways out of the current impasse — including incorporating some provisions of the charter in a mini-treaty that could be passed by the member states without further referendum votes.
The European Union Turns Fifty DEC 15,06
In March of 2007 Europe and the United States will observe one of the most important anniversaries of the post-Second World War era.
This date marks the signing of the Treaty of Rome, the document which established the European Economic Community (EEC) among six countries - Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Fifty years later, the EEC is now called the European Union (EU) and proudly boasts a membership of 27 nations. The road from EEC to EU has been long and often difficult. The ultimate goals of its founding fathers are far from being achieved. But even so, the EU has grown far beyond its original task of harmonizing tariffs and trade among its six original members, to become a community of more than 450 million inhabitants stretching from Ireland and Portugal in the West to Estonia and Finland in the East. It unites the traditional democracies of Western Europe with the newly emerged democracies of the former Soviet bloc. It even includes three members, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, that between 1941 and 1992 were illegally incorporated into the Soviet Union.
As such, the EU can already be described as one of history's greatest accomplishments. Built on the ruins of the Second World War, the framework for economic and political cooperation provided by the EU has made possible not only the rebuilding of the continent and the reconciliation of former enemies, but also the incorporation of a large portion of Europe into a community of nations determined to construct a democratic political federation across the entire continent.
The EU today is one of the world's leading economies and its largest trading community. It has established a common currency, the Euro, which has joined the Dollar and the Yen as an important international means of exchange. The European Parliament is a directly elected legislative body organized on party, rather than national lines. Fledgling European Security and Defense Cooperation has begun to undertake vital peacekeeping missions in many parts of the world. Cooperation among member states has extended to virtually every area of public interest, both at home and abroad.
Together with the United States and Canada, the member nations of the EU build a trans-Atlantic democratic community of nearly a billion persons. This cooperation is embodied most directly in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which has guarded our mutual security since its founding in 1949. As the EU has expanded, many new areas of close trans-Atlantic cooperation have been agreed. The EU speaks officially for its members at international trade negotiations and in the World Trade Organization, WTO.
Equally as important is the close coordination between the European Central Bank and the United States Federal Reserve System and Treasury Department on the critical issues connected with maintenance of international financial stability.
Of growing importance is an active EU antitrust effort and close coordination in the international war against terrorism. In each of these areas, the EU is an essential framework for broader international cooperation. No single European country could offer the breadth of cooperation made possible by the EU. The roots of today's EU go back to the early postwar years. Determined to banish once and for all the destructive nationalism which had taken Europe to war three times in 75 years, leaders on both sides of the Atlantic called for building a European political union. The goal was described dramatically by Britain's great wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill as nothing less than a United States of Europe.
Europe's American allies took important first steps towards European unity in 1948 with establishment of the European Recovery Program, popularly known as the Marshall Plan after its founder Secretary of State George C. Marshall. The Marshall Plan provided credits to those European countries that wished to participate, for the reconstruction of their towns and their factories. But these credits came with a condition.
The money could be applied only on the basis of a joint program, worked out among the countries of Europe for the rebuilding of their continent. The Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was born. This theme of economic cooperation was taken a step further in 1951, when Germany and France agreed to pool their industries with those of four other countries into the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). This was the first European initiative for economic integration.
A similar effort to join Europe's military forces into a single army proved to be somewhat premature and it failed when voted down by the French parliament. But it too added to the momentum of cooperation which culminated in signature of the Treaty of Rome. A step-by-step practical approach to unity has become the trademark of the EU. Over the years areas of cooperation among members have steadily increased. Important subjects such as trade, agriculture, health standards and others have been added to the original mandate of the Treaty of Rome. A major step forward was establishment of a truly unified single market for industrial and agriculture trade in 1992. The vision behind these economic steps has from the beginning been Churchill's call for political unity.
Important milestones include establishment of the European Parliament and successive unification treaties signed in the 1980s and 1990s. A common program for military security was established in 1998. Even though its member states maintain responsibility for foreign policy and security matters, areas of cooperation overseas have also grown. So, as its reaches fifty both the EU and its American partners can be proud of what they have achieved. But as 2007 approaches, it has also become clear that the postwar period embodied in the Treaty of Rome has long since come to an end. The formalized structures of the EU which demand consensus on most important issues are slow and inefficient. The large bureaucracy and expensive common programs for agriculture, industrial development and research no longer serve to stimulate necessary economic growth. The strains of enlargement from six to twenty-seven members has made progress on unification very difficult. And the twin challenges of aging of the population and globalization have turned the European social welfare state from an advantage to an expensive burden.
European populations sometimes seem to have lost touch with the original vision of the Treaty of Rome. They are looking more to individual needs in their home countries. This growing disinterest was reflected in failure of the European Constitutional Project in 2005.This anniversary of the Treaty of Rome is as important for Americans as it is for Europeans. Our task today is every bit as
great as it was in 1957, but the road ahead is not yet clear. One thing is clear, however. America and Europe compose the largest and strongest group of democracies in the world. If we are to ensure a democratic future for ourselves and the rest of the world, we must work together. That is why it is important to understand the role of the European Union on the interests of the United States.
And that it why it is very fitting to wish our European cousins a warm happy birthday on this important date. John Kornblum was US Ambassador to Germany from 1997 to 2001. Since 2001 he has been Chairman of the investment bank Lazard Germany.
www.europa.eu
EARTHQUAKES
MATTHEW 24:7-8
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
MARK 13:8
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(ETHNIC GROUP AGAINST ETHNIC GROUP) and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
LUKE 21:11
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS (USGS)
Update time = Sat Dec 16 12:02 AM EDT
DEC 16,2006
MAP 3.1 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 2.5 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.3 KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
DEC 15,2006
MAP 5.3 SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
MAP 2.9 CENTRAL ALASKA
MAP 5.1 TAJIKISTAN
MAP 3.9 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 5.4 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 5.5 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 5.0 GUADELOUPE REGION, LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAP 2.7 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 2.6 CENTRAL ALASKA
MAP 2.8 PUERTO RICO REGION
MAP 3.8 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 2.5 WASHINGTON
DEC 14,2006
MAP 3.3 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 3.1 CENTRAL ALASKA
MAP 2.6 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 4.6 EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 4.4 TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA REGION
MAP 4.2 OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
MAP 2.9 PUERTO RICO REGION
MAP 4.5 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.6 ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS., ALASKA
MAP 3.1 MOUNT ST. HELENS AREA, WASHINGTON
MAP 4.8 TAIWAN REGION
MAP 5.1 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 5.2 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 3.3 VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
MAP 2.6 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
STORMS HURRICANES-TORNADOES
LUKE 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;(MASS CONFUSION) the sea and the waves roaring;(FIERCE WINDS)
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Dec 15, 2006
Third windstorm to hit B.C. south coast in a week packs a powerful punch (WEA-BC-Storm)
VANCOUVER (CP) The third Pacific storm to hit the British Columbia coast this week pounded Vancouver Island and southern B.C. with howling winds that left thousands of people without power.
At the peak of Friday‘s blast before daybreak, winds of 157 kilometres an hour were recorded in Victoria, where the largest number of trees were toppled, bringing power lines down with them. Howling winds meant a restless sleep for many people on B.C.‘s south coast, where 240,000 households were without power.In the morning, some streets became an obstacle courses for drivers trying to dodge trees, branches and other debris.Some traffic lights were also not functioning and crews were expected to do repair work throughout the weekend.
Staff are working as fast as they can, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan said in a statement.We appreciate the public‘s patience as we work through this situation.The havoc meant cancelled ferry sailings, disrupted transit and school closures.
Vancouver‘s famed Stanley Park was closed for the weekend, as was the aquarium.The latest storm throttled the coast as 20,000 customers were still without power from storms earlier this week.In North Vancouver, one of the hardest hit areas, residents were asked to stay out of all parks and trails because of danger from downed trees.Some parks were closed to the public.B.C. Hydro spokeswoman Elisha Moreno said repair crews hit the streets at first light to begin assessing the damage.First thing we‘re looking at right now is circuits to hospitals, care homes, pumping stations, sewage and water treatment plants and then we would focus on the larger circuits so we can get the smaller pockets and homes back on, Moreno said.
She advised people to have an emergency kit handy to deal with being without power for 72 hours.I‘m talking food, water, flashlight, batteries, blankets, any additional medications that they might need, a cellphone or a non-cordless phone and a battery-operated radio.People should also have a backup plan to stay with family or friends if they don‘t think they can cope without power for a few days, she said.
Back-to-back power outages from rain, snow and wind storms have left crews stretched to the limit.We‘re getting storm fatigue, Moreno said.Folks around here who have worked here 30 to 35 years have not seen storms of this magnitude before ever. It‘s just the wind speed and the consistency that‘s the challenge for us. Our threshold for damage is more than 80 kilometres an hour.But we‘ve seen sustained wind speeds and gusts of up to 157 kilometres an hour and I don‘t know of any system that can sustain wind speeds of that nature.
Moreno advised people to stay away from downed power lines.You can never be sure that those lines can be live and we want to make sure that customers understand that there is a risk to them, and a significant one.The utility isn‘t providing restoration estimates because officials don‘t want to create any false sense of optimism, she said, adding many customers will be in the dark for three days.About 1.5 million homes and businesses in Washington and Oregon had no power early Friday after howling windstorms and heavy rain caused at least three deaths, closed two major bridges and prompted flooding.The Associated Press reported that one of the concourses at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was without electricity, and an airport spokesman said some flights were cancelled.About 30 flights were scratched at Portland International Airport, a spokesman said, and Amtrak cancelled service between Portland and Seattle.A 41-year-old Seattle woman died Thursday after she became trapped in her basement while it flooded. Neighbours had called for help after they heard screaming.Also in Washington, two people died in traffic accidents involving windblown trees.INDEX: ENVIRONMENT UTILITIES TRAVEL TRANSPORT
State sets record for tornadoes in 2006
By Scott Richardson DEC 14,06
srichardson@pantagraph.com
BLOOMINGTON Illinois has seen a record 126 tornadoes so far this year, according to the National Weather Service.
That number is slightly more than the previous record of 120 set just three years ago.Don’t blame the rise on global warming. Weather experts put a less ominous spin on the news, citing better detection rather than climate change as the cause.And don’t let your guard down just yet. Chris Miller, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS office in Lincoln, warned the warm weather patterns now over Central Illinois are the kind that produce severe thunderstorms, which can spawn tornadoes.
Any time of the year, even in the middle of the winter, we can get tornadoes, Miller said. We haven’t closed the book on 2006 just yet. We have three more weeks to go.Proof that mild winters are a mixed blessing came when Central Illinois recorded the first tornado in the United States in 2006 when a twister struck near Shelbyville on Jan. 2 during a relatively warm month, Miller added.Mild winter weather in January and February, along with a very vigorous storm track over Illinois early in the spring, played major roles in the active tornado season across Illinois, he said.The remainder of the year, from May through November, the numbers of tornadoes that occurred in the state were not too far from average.
January and February recorded one tornado each. March saw 21, April had 60, May had 17, June logged 2, July had 16 and September had six. August, October, November, and December, so far, had no tornadoes.Sangamon County had the most tornadoes, with 11. Logan and Christian counties each had nine, Macon County had eight and Champaign, Madison, Piatt, and Pike counties each had six.As for tornado frequency, the average number of severe tornadoes has remained unchanged over the past 50 years, said Illinois state climatologist Jim Angel. However, more smaller tornadoes are being recorded thanks to improvements in radar, expanded weather spotter networks and the prevalence of cell phones, he said.In the past, some would spin out in a farm field
and never be seen by anyone but the farmer, Angel said. But, it’s pretty hard for a tornado to escape notice anymore. We have a better audit.We’re seeing more F0s and F1s, the weak tornadoes, agreed Miller. There are fewer and fewer of these slipping through the cracks.On the coastlines, global warming has been blamed for creating more severe hurricanes as warmer oceans feed a storm’s fury. But scientists have not seen a similar relationship between warm weather and storms on land, Angel said. In fact,sustained warm temperatures such as those recorded during the drought last year lead to fewer severe thunderstorms. That, in turn, should lead to fewer tornadoes, Angel said.
Illinois experienced just 19 twisters during all of last year.
The flip side of better tornado detection is improved warning of approaching storms, Angel and Miller said. Before advanced Doppler radar arrived in Central Illinois in the mid-1990s, warnings preceded the arrival of severe storms by just 3 to 4 minutes, he said. Since then, warnings have been sounded on an average of 15 to 16 minutes before a severe storm strikes, Miller said.
Twisters - 2006 (through Dec. 13) 126 ,2005 19 ,2004 80 ,2003 120 ,2002 35 - SOURCE: National Weather Service
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
REVELATION 8:7
7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
No end in sight for fire crews
tRenee Switzer,December 14, 2006
Firefighters are unable to see an end to the massive job of containing the raging fires that are spreading across the state.Victoria's fires have now burnt over 425,000 hectares and with no significant rain forecast, it is expected many of the DSE and CFA staff and volunteers will spend their Christmas protecting other people's homes instead of being at their own with their families.I can imagine that a large number of firefighters will still be working on these fires for month or two, DSE spokesman Kevin Monk told theage.com.au.There's no significant rain on the horizon and this fire's so large there's still a lot of work to be done on it.Basically we know that during the summer there's going to be restrictions on our time, holidays, that type of thing.CFA deputy chief officer Graham Fountain admitted the fires were taking their toll on firefighters.
We are conscious of the resource drain that currently exists, we're conscious of the fatigue on our members and also the pressures associated with Christmas itself, he said.It's taking its toll (on firefighters). We've been on this since December 1 ... it creeps up on us and we need to make sure we build in adequate rest periods for our people and provide necessary support and sustenance to them and their families.Subject to a fair dinkum rainfall event there's no end in sight for these (fires) at this stage, these are going to cause problems for us throughout summer and the rain is not forecast.Temperatures in the mid 30s in fire areas today and a late south westerly wind change is expected to change the fires' direction, causing more problems for firefighters.Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Dean Stewart said there should be showers accompanying the overnight change but only a few millimetres.Mr Monk said the wind had prevented firefighting aircraft from entering the fire zones because of the smoke.He said the wind change late this afternoon could result in more of the fires merging and that could cause ember attacks on different parts of the fire's edge.
The pressure will be on the Crooked River which is just north of Dargo right around to Valencia Creek - there will be pressure on making sure the embers get put out really quickly and protection of properties, and the same thing again around the Woods Point Jamieson area and then around to the Tawonga Gap fire and Mount Beauty.He said works to prevent the Thomson catchment from contamination were progressing. We're working on the strengthening of about 60 kilometres of control line and when the conditions ease after today they will continue to do backburning and strengthening of the control line.Meanwhile EPA Victoria has lowered the smoke advisory for Melbourne from high to low.EPA director science and technology Stuart McConnell said the conditions were improving, given the change in weather conditions.Melburnians will have noticed their visibility improving from yesterday's high peaks and levels are expected to further reduce throughout the day as the northerly wind picks up.theage.com.au
This Week with Rabbi Eckstein
December 14, 2006
Dear Friend of The Fellowship,
Tomorrow at sundown marks the beginning of the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, when Jews celebrate two miracles.The first miracle is the military victory, 2,100 years ago, of a small group of Jews, the Maccabees, against a powerful Greek-Syrian army that had invaded and occupied Israel, defiled the Temple, and tried to impose paganism upon the Jewish people. Despite overwhelming odds, the Jews fought fiercely and prevailed through God's favor, gaining freedom to worship Him as commanded in the Bible.The second is a miraculous flask of oil. After overcoming the invaders, the Jews set about to purify the Temple during the eight day dedication process recorded in the Bible. Upon entering the Temple, they found only one flask of purified oil for the eternal flame—enough to keep it burning for just one day of the dedication. But, miraculously, the oil lasted eight days and nights until more pure oil could be brought. This is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, and why it is called the festival of lights.
Hanukkah is a joyous holiday—a time for lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, and for gift-giving, especially to children. To help you experience the joy of Hanukkah, we have developed a number of online resources for you. On our Hanukkah page you can play a dreidel game or light our children's virtual menorah, take a Hanukkah quiz, hear clips of traditional Hanukkah songs, and more. And if you want to know more about Hanukkah, you will also find a special teaching I have prepared that delves more deeply into the history and meaning of this best-known of Jewish holidays.I also encourage you to send one of our beautiful Hanukkah e-cards to your Jewish friends. After years of bridge-building between Christians and Jews, I can attest to the fact that understanding is often best built on a one-to-one basis. When you reach out to your Jewish friends by acknowledging their holidays, you show them you care. It is a wonderful way to mark this most blessed of seasons.
Thank you, my dear friend, for your continued support of Israel and her people. May your holiday season—and the coming new year—be filled with light.
With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Rabbi on Hanukkah
http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServer?pagename=rabbi_study_holidays_Hanukkah_indepthteaching&
JServSessionIdr012=pipj7aa6z1.app13a
Opec cuts supply to force up price
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard,15/12/2006
The Opec cartel of oil exporters has struck a controversial deal to cut output by 500,000 barrels a day from February even if prices strengthen, raising the risk of an energy spike over the winter months. Brent crude rose nearly a dollar a barrel to $62.20 on the move, which follows a 960,000 barrel-a-day cut in production since October.
Opec president Edmund Daukoru
Opec president Edmund Daukoru swept aside criticisms, saying the cartel was forced to act to head off an impending oil glut. The market is out of balance, stocks are at more than a five-year high, he said.The US energy secretary, Sam Bodman, questioned the move, calling on Opec to delay any cuts.
The International Energy Agency criticised the supply squeeze as a blow to industry and a risk to global growth.Further cuts are unwelcome in the light of existing high prices, elevated supply risks and the onset of the peak winter heating season. The moves that Opec have already made have quite significantly begun to tighten the market, said the watchdog.The IEA predicted an increase in oil demand of 1.5m barrels a day to 86m in 2007. It disputed Opec claims of excess supply, saying global inventories had slipped by 40m barrels since October.Barclays Capital predicts higher oil prices next year even before the cuts, forecasting $75 a barrel by mid 2007 and $80 in the third quarter.Opec is taking much more off the market than it really should, said Kevin Norrish, the bank's chief oil analyst.
A strong rebound in energy costs could push up inflation over coming months in Europe and America, forcing central banks to tighten monetary policy yet again.Jean Claude-Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank, said a fresh spike in oil prices was the biggest lurking threat to eurozone growth. Past commodity price increases are in the pipeline and we still have a risk there.
The oil price could increase again.Barclays Capital accused Opec of overstating the level of global oil inventories and the likely level of future supply. The cartel is already producing 1m barrels a day less than a year ago.Output by the non-Opec countries is falling as North Sea oil reserves dwindle and new rigs run into difficulties. Production by Britain, Norway, Mexico and the US has plummeted by 2.5m barrels a day to under 15.5m over the past four years.At the same time, China has emerged as the world's second biggest consumer of oil, increasing demand from 4.5m to 7m barrels a day. Critics accuse Opec of playing down looming shortages in order to justify an aggressive price policy.
The 11-nation cartel effectively set a floor of $60 earlier this year under pressure from hawks such as Venezuela and Iran. Opec appears to be ratcheting up the target level to nearer $80.Mr Daukoru said the cartel would not carry out the cuts if it risked damaging the global economy, but this was contradicted by Qatar's oil minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah who said the plans would go ahead irrespective of the price.
REVELATION 17:2-5
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Pope Meets Olmert, Praises Turn-the-Other-Cheek Policy
By Ezra HaLevi (INN) DEC 14,06
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday. The Christian leader praised Israel’s policy of adhering to a cease-fire deal despite continued attacks on its citizens. Olmert urged the Pope to encourage Christians to take a stance against Holocaust denial, in light of Iran’s state-sponsored conference this week questioning the reality of the Nazi genocide.
The Vatican released a statement directed at the Iranian conference on Tuesday, saying, The Shoah [Holocaust] was a great tragedy before which we cannot remain indifferent. The memory of those horrible events must remain as a warning for people's consciences.The Pope lauded Israel’s decision not to respond to continued missile attacks on Jewish towns in the western Negev.
He also praised Olmert’s visit to Germany.
Olmert's office said that Olmert and the Pontiff discussed the Vatican’s land holdings in Israel - including, presumably, the Catholic Church’s aims to develop a center on Mount Zion. According to Olmert’s office, the prime minister invited the Pope to visit Israel, saying his very presence would increase peace in Israel.
Benedict said he would come to Israel when things calm down. The Catholic world leader recently visited Turkey in an attempt to placate outraged Muslims following statements he made quoting an opinion that Islam is violent.Following his meeting with the Pope, which lasted 35 minutes instead of the scheduled 10-minute conversation, Olmert met with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.Israel and the Vatican established diplomatic relations in 1990.
Vaticans goals for Mt Zion!
He (Olmert) will also have a private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, during which he will invite the pontiff to visit Israel. Olmert will reportedly discuss changing the status of the Crusader-era building on Mount Zion in Jerusalem known as the Coenaculum. The holy site includes the Tomb of King David, the room where Christiantiy says Jesus and his disciples shared their Last Supper, as well as several mosques.
MUSLIM NATIONS
EZEKIEL 38:1-12
1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog,(RULER) the land of Magog,(RUSSIA) the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW)and Tubal,(TOBOLSK) and prophesy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW) and Tubal:
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,(GOD FORCES THE MUSLIMS TO MARCH) and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
5 Persia,(IRAN,IRAQ) Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
6 Gomer,(GERMANY) and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (TURKEY)of the north quarters, and all his bands:(SUDAN,AFRICA) and many people with thee.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.(RUSSIA-EGYPT AND MUSLIMS)
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
ISAIAH 17:1
1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
PSALMS 83:3-7
3 They (ARABS,MUSLIMS) have taken crafty counsel against thy people,(ISRAEL) and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:(TREATIES)
6 The tabernacles of Edom,and the Ishmaelites;(ARABS) of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon,(JORDAN) and Amalek;(SYRIA) the Philistines (PALESTINIANS) with the inhabitants of Tyre;(LEBANON)
Netanyahu: We must try Ahmadinejad for genocide
By Stan Goodenough,December 14, 2006
Former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is launching an effort to get Iranian megalomaniac Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tried on a charge of genocide at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.Ahmadinejad has frequently called for Israel's destruction, has vowed to carry this out himself, is currently hosting a conference aimed at disupting the facts about the Holocaust. All the while he is pursuing nuclear weapons with his eye on using them against Israel and the West.Netanyahu, the leader of the Opposition Likud Party and who, unlike virtually all of Israel's other prime ministers, believes in the importance of aggressive public relations on Israel's behalf, has invited 70 foreign diplomats stationed in Israel to a meeting next week.The media-savvy Israeli plans to use the event to challenge the world's complacency in the face of the mushrooming Iranian threat.Iran's nuclear program must be stopped, Netanyahu said. Ahmadinejad is saying clearly that [destroying the Jews is] his intention, and we aren't even shouting.
North American Union leader says merger just crisis away
Leading intellectual force behind effort toward EU-style unity looks at future,December 15, 2006 By Jerome R. Corsi,WorldNetDaily.com ,American University Professor Robert Pastor
Robert Pastor, a leading intellectual force in the move to create an EU-style North American Community, told WND he believes a new 9/11 crisis could be the catalyst to merge the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Pastor, a professor at American University, says that in such a case the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, or SPP – launched in 2005 by the heads of the three countries at a summit in Waco, Texas – could be developed into a continental union, complete with a new currency, the amero, that would replace the U.S. dollar just as the euro has replaced the national currencies of Europe. In May 2005, Pastor was co-chairman the Council on Foreign Relations task force that produced a report entitled Toward a North American Community, which he has claimed is the blueprint behind the SSP declared by President Bush, Mexico's then-President Vicente Fox, and Canada's then-Prime Minister Paul Martin.
At American University in Washington, D.C., Pastor directs the Center for North American Studies where he teaches a course entitled North America: A Union, A Community, or Just Three Nations? As WND previously has reported, Pastor is on the board of the North American Forum on Integration, the NAFI, a non-profit organization that annually holds a mock trilateral parliament for 100 selected students drawn from 10 universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Pastor had published an interview in Spanish in the Oct. 24 issue of Poder y Negocios. He told the magazine crises can force decisions that otherwise would not be made. The 9/11 crisis made Canada and the United States redefine the protection of their borders, Pastor explained. The debt crisis in Mexico forced the government to adapt a new economic model. The crises oblige the governments to make difficult decisions. This was the first time WND had found a major intellectual leader behind the push to integrate North America suggesting that a crisis of 9-11 proportions might be just what was needed to advance the process toward establishing a North American Union and the amero.
WND reached Pastor in his office at American University and conducted a telephone interview to make sure the Spanish publication accurately reflected his views.
He affirmed the Spanish interview represents his thinking. What I'm saying is that a crisis is an event which can force democratic governments to make difficult decisions like those that will be required to create a North American Community, he said. It's not that I want another 9/11 crisis, but having a crisis would force decisions that otherwise might not get made. Pastor noted, for example that Europeans, facing the crisis of two World Wars, turned to the European Community as a means to prevent war and advance their economic interests. The United States turned to the Marshall Plan when faced with the crisis of Western Europe falling into the hands of communism, he said. So, I'm not advocating, or encouraging, or wanting a crisis, I'm only saying that in order to take important initiatives, sometimes one manner in which this occurs is when there is a crisis to which leaders need to respond.
Pastor told WND he lamented that the leadership of the three North American countries is not positioned to make the type of tough decisions needed to advance a North American Community agenda. In his interview with Poder y Negocios, he argued, Canada has a minority government and Mexico will soon have a minority government that will be confronted with what amounts to an uprising that we hope will be peaceful. The United States has a lame duck president whose principle preoccupation is the war in Iraq and instability in the Middle East. Pastor further told WND Mexico's Fox made a tactical mistake by laying out an overly ambitious agenda to integrate with the United States. President Bush then took on the issue of illegal immigration, and it proved to be much more difficult than anticipated, he said. In the absence of strong North American leadership, is a crisis the way greater North
American integration can be expected to happen?
There are alternatives to a crisis for getting a major decision adopted by the president and by the congress, Pastor responded. But what I am saying is that we lack the kind of North American leadership we need. Our founding fathers created a system of governance that was not designed to be efficient but was designed to protect freedom. Therefore, you created checks and balances that did protect freedom but also made it difficult to move forward on important issues. Pastor was asked what North American leaders would need to do to move toward integration. We need to form a customs union to move North American integration to a new level, Pastor argued. A customs union would eliminate rules of origin on the border and agree to a common external tariff. This would not be easy but not as difficult as NAFTA was, and it would lead to efficiencies in our economies and in the end contribute to a better standard of living for all parties. Pastor also called for a North American Investment Fund to invest in Mexico's infrastructure.
If we had a North American Investment Fund, Pastor explained, over the long term, you would narrow the income gap between Mexico and the U.S. WND previously reported Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, dropped his support for legislation (S. 3622) he introduced in the 109th Congress to create a North American Investment Fund after WND pointed out the proposed law would advance an important part of Pastor's agenda to create a North American Community.
Pastor was careful to distinguish that his proposals were designed to create a North American Community and that he never has proposed to create a North American Union as an EU-style regional government. What I am recommending is a series of functional steps that are more than incremental, Pastor admitted. Each of the proposals I have laid out represent more than just small steps. But it doesn't represent a leap toward a North American Union, or even to some confederation of any kind. I don't think either is plausible, necessary, or even helpful to contemplate at this stage.
The idea seems to be to put new structures in place that change the look of the landscape. WND pointed out to Pastor that this step-by-step approach is the same approach taken to create the European Union. The memoirs of Jean Monnet, regarded as the architect of European unity, finally disclosed he had used a strategy of deceit, knowing his plan to form a European Union would never succeed if it were openly disclosed. Pastor was asked if he thought a North American Union was a bad idea.
No,he replied. I don't think a political union of North America is an inherently bad idea, nor do I think it is a good idea for North America right now. I teach a course at American University in which I look at the different options for political integration of North America, and I put the options before the students. Then why is a North American Union a bad idea right now? The reason the political integration is not a good idea at this stage now, perhaps never, is because of people like yourself who immediately begin to fear that their sense of America could disappear, Pastor responded. Somehow, if you're fearful that America's sovereignty will disappear, you won't even take small steps forward. You just get mired in the status quo. The problem is that the world is moving very rapidly, and you can't stay competitive if you don't move.
Pastor did not reject the idea that a North American Union could form, but only after further continental economic integration and the development of a North American Community in which people are able to think as citizens of North America. Is China the winner in the NAFTA super-corridors being planned for North America? If you define trade in zero-sum terms, China may be the winner in the transportation corridors, Pastor conceded. But even in zero-sum terms, consumers benefit from the increasing imports that give them more choice and give them more quality. In the final analysis, we are all consumers. Pastor affirmed he favors globalism.
I believe, he explained to WND, that globalization is a net plus for the world economy, for the middle class, and for all people.
DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast(THE EU,REVIVED ROME) shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TR BLOCKS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:(10 NATIONS) and another shall rise after them;(#11 SPAIN) and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(BE HEAD OF 3 KINGS OR NATIONS).
THE EU DICTATOR
REVELATION 6:1-2,13:1-3,7-9,16
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.(THIS IS THE EU DICTATOR)
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.(7 HEADS ARE THE 7TH WORLD EMPIRE IN HISTORY (THE EU) AS WELL AS THE VATICAN WHICH IS BUILT ON 7 HILLS. 10 HORNS ARE 10 KINGS THAT ARISE FROM THE EU, THEN #11 COMES ON THE SCENE BECOMES THE HEAD OF 3 OUNTRIES AND THEN THE EU DICTATOR, COMES FROM 1 OF THE 3 COUNTRIES THAT RULE FOR THIS TERM. I BELIEVE THE 3 COUNTRIES RULING AT THE TIME ARE SPAIN AND 2 OF THE ORIGINAL 6 THAT STARTED THE EU. FROM 1 OF THESE 3 COUNTRIES COME THE FUTURE EU DICTATOR PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION WHO GUARENTEES ISRAELS SECURITY FOR A LAND FOR PEACE 7 YEAR TREATY.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.(THE JEWISH EU DICTATOR GETS HIS POWER FROM SATAN,HE COMES FROM THE OCCULT).
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.(THE DICTATOR HAS A FALSE RESURRECTION. JUST LIKE JESUS HAD A LITERAL RESURRECTION THIS DICTATOR GETS MURDERED AT THE 3 1/2 YR MARK OF THR 7 YEAR TREATY AND COMES BACK TO LIFE. THIS IS HOW HE CAN
CLAIM TO BE GOD AND GET AWAY WITH IT AND CONTROL THE WHOLE EARTH.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
DANIEL 11:36-40
36 And the king shall do according to his will;(EU PRESIDENT) and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers,(THIS EU DICTATOR IS A EUROPEAN JEW) nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces:(HES A MILITARY GINIUS) and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds (CONTROL HEZBOLLAH,AL-QUAIDA MURDERERS ETC) with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many,(HIS ARMY LEADERS) and shall divide the land for gain.
40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south(EGYPT) push at him:(EU DICTATOR PROTECTING ISRAELS SECURITY) and the king of the north(RUSSIA) shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships;
and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
EU leaders endorse enlargement slow down by Paul Harrington Dec 15, 10:41 AM ET
BRUSSELS (AFP) -European Union leaders have put the lid on further enlargement of the bloc until the necessary reforms can be agreed to accommodate new members and the whole process gains wide public support.
With Bulgaria and Romania set to become the EU's 26th and 27th member countries in a fortnight, the leaders confirmed that they were applying the brakes to further expansion, possibly until the end of the decade.They also endorsed a decision to partially block membership talks with Turkey, by freezing eight of the 35 policy chapters it must negotiate before joining.Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen told the post-summit press conference that previous enlargements had been successful and that the EU leaders had mapped out the best ways to ensure that future enlargement is also successful.It is important that the candidate countries meet the requirements and that the Union is able to operate effectively and to develop.
This summit sends out the message that we want to get our house in order, said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.We will work on the (EU) constitutional treaty under the German presidency, starting next month, he said.This summit sends the message that ours will remain an open house. We have given new impetus to the aspirations of the Western Balkans and we have clearly kept the door open for Turkey, he added.He added that there was a consensus on the need for constitutional reform to enhance our capacity to act.Their decisions will have major repercussions for Turkey and EU hopefuls in the Balkans like Croatia, which is expected to join by 2010, and to a lesser extent Macedonia.British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who left the summit for a trip to Turkey and the Middle East, is one of the most supportive to Ankara's cause. For the EU and also Britain, it is important that we continue the process to accession with Turkey and we do not shut the door to Turkey's membership, he said.Perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome is the EU constitution, the blueprint for its future. The treaty was left in tatters last year after it was rejected in referendums by voters in France and the Netherlands.
Sixteen member countries have ratified the text, plus Bulgaria and Romania, but it had to be endorsed by all member countries before it can take effect.Encapsulated in it were reforms that would have allowed the 25-nation EU to operate more smoothly and efficiently as it expands. But the document has been in deep freeze during a prolonged period of reflection about what to do next. Germany is expected to revive talks on the constitution, although probably not using that term, and plot a roadmap for its acceptance.While no substantive decisions are expected before France takes over Europe's helm in the second half of 2008, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was looking forward to tackling the challenges facing the Union.Generally, I can say that we are looking forward to our presidency, Merkel told reporters as she arrived for the last session of the two-day summit.
There is a good climate in which to resolve certain issues, she said. Germany is not going to be alone and can have confidence that all member countries are going to cooperate. The ood climate at the summit was due in part to Turkey's trade and political problems with Cyprus being resolved by EU foreign ministers on Monday. While its strategic importance is undeniable, it would become one if the bloc's two most populous countries, securing voting rights beyond those of traditional EU heavyweights like Britain, France and Italy.
SPAIN #11 IN THE EU
DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast(THE EU,REVIVED ROME) shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TR BLOCKS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:(10 NATIONS) and another shall rise after them;(#11 SPAIN) and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(BE HEAD OF 3 KINGS OR NATIONS).
EU leaders revive constitution debate By PAUL AMES, Associated Press Writer Fri Dec 15, 10:25 AM ET
BRUSSELS, Belgium - European leaders on Friday tried to revive efforts to adopt the proposed European Union constitution, which many declared dead last year after it was rejected by voters in France and the Netherlands. The 25 EU nations have moved from silent reflection to a more active thinking on the constitution, Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen declared.Spain and Luxembourg are seeking to enlist the majority of EU nations that voted in favor of the landmark constitutional treaty, in a drive get it back on track.Those having ratified the treaty — these are 18 member states of the European Union — have the right to become more outspoken, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters Thursday.
Spain has called a friends of the constitution conference next month in Madrid for the 18 nations that supported the measure, including Bulgaria and Romania, which will join the EU formally on Jan. 1.Chancellor Angela Merkel said she will try to revive the constitution — intended to deepen Europe's integration — during Germany's six-month presidency of the bloc starting in January.
What's not clear is how pro-constitution forces will move forward. France and the Netherlands both have said they will not hold repeat referendums, although some hope for a shift in the French position after next year's presidential election.Although a majority of nations backed the text, it needs unanimous approval to come into force.
The constitution was designed to streamline EU decision-making following the entry of 10 new member nations in 2004. Without it, many leaders say it will be impossible to bring more members into the bloc.We don't think that further enlargements could be made without giving some deepening reform to Europe, Juncker said.Previous EU treaties have been voted down by referendums in Ireland and Denmark, but both nations changed their minds in second votes after the texts were adjusted.Even if the French and Dutch are persuaded to change their minds,though, the constitution would still face possible vetoes from British and Danes, traditional Euro-skeptics who must still vote on the charter.The Swedes, Poles, Czechs, Irish and Portuguese have not yet voted on the compact, either.Despite the uncertainty, supporters still think the constitution can eventually be adopted.We cannot throw out the entire text and start from scratch, said Finland's Vanhanen, whose country ratified the constitution last week.Supporters of the constitution have suggested several ways out of the current impasse — including incorporating some provisions of the charter in a mini-treaty that could be passed by the member states without further referendum votes.
The European Union Turns Fifty DEC 15,06
In March of 2007 Europe and the United States will observe one of the most important anniversaries of the post-Second World War era.
This date marks the signing of the Treaty of Rome, the document which established the European Economic Community (EEC) among six countries - Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Fifty years later, the EEC is now called the European Union (EU) and proudly boasts a membership of 27 nations. The road from EEC to EU has been long and often difficult. The ultimate goals of its founding fathers are far from being achieved. But even so, the EU has grown far beyond its original task of harmonizing tariffs and trade among its six original members, to become a community of more than 450 million inhabitants stretching from Ireland and Portugal in the West to Estonia and Finland in the East. It unites the traditional democracies of Western Europe with the newly emerged democracies of the former Soviet bloc. It even includes three members, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, that between 1941 and 1992 were illegally incorporated into the Soviet Union.
As such, the EU can already be described as one of history's greatest accomplishments. Built on the ruins of the Second World War, the framework for economic and political cooperation provided by the EU has made possible not only the rebuilding of the continent and the reconciliation of former enemies, but also the incorporation of a large portion of Europe into a community of nations determined to construct a democratic political federation across the entire continent.
The EU today is one of the world's leading economies and its largest trading community. It has established a common currency, the Euro, which has joined the Dollar and the Yen as an important international means of exchange. The European Parliament is a directly elected legislative body organized on party, rather than national lines. Fledgling European Security and Defense Cooperation has begun to undertake vital peacekeeping missions in many parts of the world. Cooperation among member states has extended to virtually every area of public interest, both at home and abroad.
Together with the United States and Canada, the member nations of the EU build a trans-Atlantic democratic community of nearly a billion persons. This cooperation is embodied most directly in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which has guarded our mutual security since its founding in 1949. As the EU has expanded, many new areas of close trans-Atlantic cooperation have been agreed. The EU speaks officially for its members at international trade negotiations and in the World Trade Organization, WTO.
Equally as important is the close coordination between the European Central Bank and the United States Federal Reserve System and Treasury Department on the critical issues connected with maintenance of international financial stability.
Of growing importance is an active EU antitrust effort and close coordination in the international war against terrorism. In each of these areas, the EU is an essential framework for broader international cooperation. No single European country could offer the breadth of cooperation made possible by the EU. The roots of today's EU go back to the early postwar years. Determined to banish once and for all the destructive nationalism which had taken Europe to war three times in 75 years, leaders on both sides of the Atlantic called for building a European political union. The goal was described dramatically by Britain's great wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill as nothing less than a United States of Europe.
Europe's American allies took important first steps towards European unity in 1948 with establishment of the European Recovery Program, popularly known as the Marshall Plan after its founder Secretary of State George C. Marshall. The Marshall Plan provided credits to those European countries that wished to participate, for the reconstruction of their towns and their factories. But these credits came with a condition.
The money could be applied only on the basis of a joint program, worked out among the countries of Europe for the rebuilding of their continent. The Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was born. This theme of economic cooperation was taken a step further in 1951, when Germany and France agreed to pool their industries with those of four other countries into the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). This was the first European initiative for economic integration.
A similar effort to join Europe's military forces into a single army proved to be somewhat premature and it failed when voted down by the French parliament. But it too added to the momentum of cooperation which culminated in signature of the Treaty of Rome. A step-by-step practical approach to unity has become the trademark of the EU. Over the years areas of cooperation among members have steadily increased. Important subjects such as trade, agriculture, health standards and others have been added to the original mandate of the Treaty of Rome. A major step forward was establishment of a truly unified single market for industrial and agriculture trade in 1992. The vision behind these economic steps has from the beginning been Churchill's call for political unity.
Important milestones include establishment of the European Parliament and successive unification treaties signed in the 1980s and 1990s. A common program for military security was established in 1998. Even though its member states maintain responsibility for foreign policy and security matters, areas of cooperation overseas have also grown. So, as its reaches fifty both the EU and its American partners can be proud of what they have achieved. But as 2007 approaches, it has also become clear that the postwar period embodied in the Treaty of Rome has long since come to an end. The formalized structures of the EU which demand consensus on most important issues are slow and inefficient. The large bureaucracy and expensive common programs for agriculture, industrial development and research no longer serve to stimulate necessary economic growth. The strains of enlargement from six to twenty-seven members has made progress on unification very difficult. And the twin challenges of aging of the population and globalization have turned the European social welfare state from an advantage to an expensive burden.
European populations sometimes seem to have lost touch with the original vision of the Treaty of Rome. They are looking more to individual needs in their home countries. This growing disinterest was reflected in failure of the European Constitutional Project in 2005.This anniversary of the Treaty of Rome is as important for Americans as it is for Europeans. Our task today is every bit as
great as it was in 1957, but the road ahead is not yet clear. One thing is clear, however. America and Europe compose the largest and strongest group of democracies in the world. If we are to ensure a democratic future for ourselves and the rest of the world, we must work together. That is why it is important to understand the role of the European Union on the interests of the United States.
And that it why it is very fitting to wish our European cousins a warm happy birthday on this important date. John Kornblum was US Ambassador to Germany from 1997 to 2001. Since 2001 he has been Chairman of the investment bank Lazard Germany.
www.europa.eu
Friday, December 15, 2006
EZEKIELS PROPHECIES GETTING CLOSE
1-WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS.2-Dear Crosswalk Friend. 3-Americans believe in God, with conditions. 4-Oil producers shun dollar. 5-A New Czar Rises In Russia. 6-Syrian guerrillas to launch resistance within months. 7-Modern day Gog and Magog.
I WILL BE TAKING THE WEEKEND OFF, I AM VISITING FAMILY, WHEN I GET BACK I'll GET THE STORIES CAUGHT UP.
DECEMBER 14,2006 STAN. ENJOY THE LAST STORY ITS A WINNER. SEE ALL IN A FEW DAYS.. I AM PUTTING ON THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS STORIES.
EARTHQUAKES
MATTHEW 24:7-8
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
MARK 13:8
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(ETHNIC GROUP AGAINST ETHNIC GROUP) and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
LUKE 21:11
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS (USGS)
Update time = Fri Dec 15 12:53 AM EDT
NO QUAKES YET DEC 15,06
DEC 14,2006
MAP 2.6 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
DEC 13,2006
MAP 3.4 NORTH OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
MAP 2.5 PENNSYLVANIA
MAP 4.1 ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS., ALASKA
MAP 4.9 TAIWAN REGION
MAP 2.5 SOUTHERN IDAHO
MAP 4.9 STATE OF YAP, FED. STATES OF MICRONESIA
MAP 5.1 EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.5 HAWAII REGION, HAWAII
MAP 4.7 NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
MAP 4.4 ALAMAGAN REG., NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
MAP 2.8 PUERTO RICO
MAP 2.7 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 5.2 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.7 PUERTO RICO REGION
MAP 5.2 KURIL ISLANDS
STORMS HURRICANES-TORNADOES
LUKE 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;(MASS CONFUSION) the sea and the waves roaring;(FIERCE WINDS)
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Dear Crosswalk Friend
With all that U.S. troops are facing right now, I want to let you know how you can reach out to share the hope of Christ with our men and women in uniform. The Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ is partnering with military chaplains to place Rapid Deployment Kits - filled with New Testaments, daily devotionals, and evangelistic tracts - into the hands of service members.
Requests for approximately 20,000 RDKs are coming in each month, including many from chaplains in Iraq. To learn more about how you can help spiritually equip our troops to face the challenges ahead.Or visit: http://give2.ccci.org/featured/rdk-email
Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
Blessings in Christ,
Megan Hawkes
Director, Donor Relations
Campus Crusade for Christ, International
Americans believe in God, with conditions
By Jennifer Harper,THE WASHINGTON TIMES,November 14, 2006
The vast majority of Americans believe in God. But in the land of the free, ideas about the more personal nature of God can be subject to some interpretation.Only 1 percent of Americans overall, for example, think God is female, according to a wide-ranging Harris poll of 2,010 adults. Among men, Protestant and Born-Again Christian respondents, the number was 0 percent; among women and Catholics it was 1 percent; among Jews, 7 percent.More than a third -- 36 percent -- said God was male. More women than men thought God was male, 39 percent to 34 percent, respectively. More than half of Born-Again Christians agreed, along with about 47 percent of the Protestants and Catholics. Other responses were mixed. Overall, 37 percent said God was neither male nor female. Ten percent said God was both male and female, while 17 percent were not entirely sure what they believed. Does God look like Michelangelo's vision on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Maybe. The survey showed that 9 percent said God appeared like a human with a face, body, arms, legs, eyes, though the percentage was slightly higher -- 13 percent -- among Protestants, but just 1
percent among Jews.
More people -- 41 percent-- were comfortable with the idea that God is a spirit or power that can take on human form, but is not inherently human.The sentiment was highest among Born-Again Christians, with 60 percent agreeing with the statement. More than a quarter of Americans overall say God is a spirit or power that does not take human form, a belief shared by 49 percent of Jewish respondents.Beliefs about God's involvement in events on Earth also varies. Twenty-seven percent of Catholics said God controls what happens on Earth, compared with 41 percent among Protestants and 57 percent among Born-Agains. Forty-four percent said God observes but does not control what happens here. That figure rises to 58 percent among Catholics, but falls to 37 percent among Born-Agains.A slim majority of Americans -- 51 percent -- believe Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God, the poll found. That idea is shared by 63 percent of Catholics, about 48 percent of Protestants and Jews and 34 percent of Born-Agains.
Almost a third overall said the three faiths do not worship the same God, and 16 percent were unsure.
Intensity of belief also varies among faiths and political parties. Overall, 73 percent of Americans believe in God; the numbers are 97 percent among Born-Agains, 90 percent among Protestants, 84 percent among Catholics, 64 percent among Jews, 83 percent among Republicans and 72 percent among Democrats.Are Americans absolutely certain there is a God? Born-Agains are the most adamant, with 93 percent agreeing with the statement, followed by 76 percent of Protestants, 64 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Jews. Overall, 6 percent are absolutely certain there is no God.Almost half of Americans overall -- 46 percent -- attend church a few times a year, 35 percent go once a month and a quarter go every week or more often. The survey was conducted Oct. 4-10 and has a margin of error of two percentage points.
Oil producers shun dollar DEC 14,06
Oil producing countries have reduced their exposure to the dollar to the lowest level in two years and shifted oil income into euros, yen and sterling, according to new data from the Bank for International Settlements.The revelation in the latest BIS quarterly review, published on Monday, confirms market speculation about a move out of dollars and could put new pressure on the ailing US currency. Market liquidity is traditionally low in December, and many traders have locked in profits, potentially reinforcing volatility.
Russia and the members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the oil cartel, cut their dollar holdings from 67 per cent in the first quarter to 65 per cent in the second.Meanwhile, they increased their holdings of euros from 20 to 22 per cent, the BIS said. The speed of the shift may help to explain the weakness of the dollar, which recently fell to a 20-month low against the euro and a 14-year low against sterling.
The BIS, the central bank for the developed world's central banks, is customarily cautious in its language. However, it noted: While the data are not comprehensive, they do appear to indicate a modest shift over the quarter in the US dollar share of reporting banks liabilities to oil exporting countries.The review shows that Qatar and Iran, whose foreign exchange policy has sparked widespread market speculation, cut their dollar holdings by $2.4bn and $4bn respectively.Such shifts may be modest compared with the total assets held, but they provide a crucial indication on future thinking.Currency switches are likely to be progressive, subtle and discreet, as untoward attention could hit the dollar, lowering the value of depositors' remaining dollar-denominated assets.The last time oil-exporting countries cut their exposure to the dollar – in late 2003 – it pushed the euro to an all-time high against the dollar.
Eighteen months ago, the exposure to the dollar of oil producing countries was above 70 per cent.
A New Czar Rises In Russia DEC 14,06
The assassination of an KGB-operative-turned-critic-of-Vladimir-Putin in London by radioactive poison has stunned the West and raised chilling new questions about who Putin is, what he wants, and how far he's willing to go to get it. It's about time. For the last six years, few in Washington -- including conservatives -- have been willing to carefully assess, much less confront, Putin's increasingly anti-Western rhetoric and actions. But the murder of FSB Colonel Alexander Litvinenko may change all that. The cold hard truth is that Putin is not a friend of the U.S. or the West. He is neither a partner for peace nor worthy of G8 or WTO membership. He is dismantling democracy in Russia, re-socializing the Russian economy, taking over the Russian media, rebuilding the Russian military, forming alliances with radical Islamic nations, arming our worst enemies -- including Iran and North Korea -- and positioning himself as Russia's new Czar.
For a man who was trained by the KGB and at one time was Russia's top spy, Putin has been surprisingly candid about his long-term objectives and his strategies for achieving them, at least to those who are watching closely and listening carefully. In 1999, for example, Reuters ran the following headline: RUSSIAN PREMIER VOWS TO REBUILD MILITARY MIGHT. Putin, then prime minister under Yeltsin, had just delivered a speech declaring that the government has undertaken to rebuild and strengthen the military might of the state to respond to the new geopolitical realities, both external and internal threats. He focused special attention on new threats that have emerged on our southern frontiers.Putin also announced a 57 percent increase in military spending in the year 2000.No sooner had Yeltsin stepped down than Putin repeated the vow to rebuild his country's badly withered military machine. Our country Russia was a great, powerful, strong state, he declared in January 2000, and it is clear that this is not possible if we do not have strong armed forces, powerful armed forces.
Putin has kept his word. Consider 2004, for example.
In January, Putin ordered the largest maneuvers of Russian nuclear forces in two decades, scrambling strategic bombers, launching cruise missiles, test-firing ballistic missiles, and sending new spy satellites into orbit, in what analysts described as an imitation of a nuclear attack on the United States.
In February, Putin insisted that Russia does not have and cannot have aggressive objectives of imperial ambitions. Yet he ordered dramatic improvements in the Russian military to achieve a more combat-capable army and navy, causing one of China's leading dailies to worry about the resurrection of the Russian military.
In August, Putin ordered a 40 percent increase in Russia's defense budget, including new fighter aircraft, new rockets, and two new army divisions.
In December, as the election crisis in Ukraine was still unfolding, Putin ordered the test launch of a Cold War-era Russian intercontinental ballistic missile known as the SS-18 Satan, the first time the Russians had fired such a missile since the Soviet Union collapsed.
With the rebuilding of Russia's conventional military and strategic nuclear missile forces underway, Vladimir Putin then delivered a speech on April 25, 2005, that I believe ranks as the most dangerous presidential address of our times. First and foremost, he declared, it is worth acknowledging that the demise of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. As for the Russian people, it became a genuine tragedy. Tens of millions of our fellow citizens and countrymen found themselves beyond the fringes of Russian territory.
Putin went on to argue that since the threat to Russia from terrorism was still very strong, the Kremlin must be strong to eradicate such terror. The moment we display weakness or spinelessness, our losses will be immeasurably greater. Then he insisted that Russia should remain connected to the former republics of the USSR. He argued that Russia and her neighbors have a single historical destiny together, and said he wants to synchronize the pace and parameters of the reform processes in Russia and those former Soviet republics. Consider for a moment what such a speech says about the lenses through which the leader of Russia views his country and the world. When Vladimir Putin looks out over the vast expanse of the twentieth century, he is not primarily concerned with the 20 million people who perished under Stalin's reign of terror. Or the 6 million Jews who died in the Holocaust under Adolf Hitler. Or the 3 million who died in the killing fields of Cambodia under Pol Pot.
Rather, he believes that the disintegration of the Evil Empire ranks as the greatest political catastrophe of the century and that its reintegration and synchronization is a matter of historic destiny.
Such fondness for an empire so murderous and cruel would be chilling if it were voiced by the leader of any country possessing 10,000 nuclear warheads. But it is particularly chilling coming from the leader of Russia, a country described in the Scriptures as having expansionist ambitions in the last days. Yet this was not the first time Putin had discussed such views or such ambitions on the record. In 2000, three Russian journalists-Nataliya Gevorkyan, Natalya Timakova, and Andrei Kolesnikov-published First Person, in my view the most important book ever written about Putin. It is important not because the journalists offered their own insights or analysis into Putin but because they let Putin speak for himself. They interviewed the Russian leader six separate times. Each interview lasted about four hours. The book is merely a transcript, and when it comes to understanding Putin's ambitions and approach, it is a goldmine of intelligence. Putin on his mission in life - My historical mission, he insisted, is to stop the collapse of the USSR (p. 139). To do this, he vowed to consolidate the armed forces, the Interior Ministry, and the FSB [the successor to the KGB, the secret police of the Soviet Union] (p. 140). If I can help save Russia from collapse, then I'll have something to be proud of (p. 204).
On his style - Everyone says I'm harsh, even brutal, Putin acknowledged, without ever disputing such observations. A dog senses when somebody is afraid of it, and bites, he observed. The same applies to dealing with one's enemies. If you become jittery, they will think they are stronger. Only one thing works in such circumstances-to go on the offensive. You must hit first, and hit so hard that your opponent will not rise to his feet (p. 168). On the czars - From the very beginning, Russia was created as a supercentralized state. That's practically laid down in its genetic code, its traditions, and the mentality of its people, said Putin, adding: In certain periods of time . . . in a certain place . . . under certain conditions . . . monarchy has played and continues to this day to play a positive role. . . . The monarch doesn't have to worry about whether or not he will be elected, or about petty political interests, or about how to influence the electorate. He can think about the destiny of the people and not become distracted with trivialities (p. 186).
On his choice of history's most interesting political leader - Napoleon Bonaparte (p. 194). On his rise from spy to president - In the Kremlin, I have a different position. Nobody controls me here. I control everybody else (p. 131). On his critics - To hell with them (p. 140). Putin has repeatedly promised that he will not attempt to extend his time in office when his second term ends in 2008, and every person I interviewed in Russia in 2004-including every political officer and diplomat I spoke with at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow-told me they believed he would leave peacefully when the time came. Should he really do so, Putin will pass on to his successor executive power unparalleled since pre-Gorbachev times and a dynamic that suggests a future of more, rather than less, centralization of power. But how seriously should Putin's many pledges be taken? On at least six separate occasions after becoming president, he vowed not to end direct elections of Russia's regional governors and appoint them himself. Yet in 2004, when it suited his purposes, he did just that. Why should his promise to leave office in 2008 be any different? Now in his fifties, Putin is still a young man, at the top of his game, with no professional experience of any kind other than being a KGB-trained suppressor of dissidents and a rising political leader. What if he wants to change the constitution to allow him to stay? Belarus did it in 2004 (and President Alexander Lukashenko was reelected in 2006 with 83 percent of the vote). Other ex-Soviet republics have done it as well, including Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
What if Putin is looking for a pretext for himself to become a new Russian monarch? Would a terrible new series of terrorist attacks-perhaps similar to the Beslan school hostage crisis-be enough? What about an assassination attempt, or attempts at a coup, or new revolutions in the former Soviet republics? What about polls showing that in the absence of Putin, the leading two contenders for Russia's presidency are ultranationalist fascist Vladimir Zhirinovsky and communist hardliner Genady Zyuganov?
Might the will of the Russian people suffice? In 2004, only 27 percent of Russians supported a third Putin term (perhaps this is why every expert I spoke with dismissed the possibility). By June 2006, however, the number had shot up to 59 percent. Bottom line: He is a Czar in the making and he is leading Russia down a very dangerous path.
MUSLIM NATIONS
EZEKIEL 38:1-12
1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog,(RULER) the land of Magog,(RUSSIA) the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW)and Tubal,(TOBOLSK) and prophesy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW) and Tubal:
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,(GOD FORCES THE MUSLIMS TO MARCH) and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
5 Persia,(IRAN,IRAQ) Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
6 Gomer,(GERMANY) and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (TURKEY)of the north quarters, and all his bands:(SUDAN,AFRICA) and many people with thee.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.(RUSSIA-EGYPT AND MUSLIMS)
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
ISAIAH 17:1
1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
PSALMS 83:3-7
3 They (ARABS,MUSLIMS) have taken crafty counsel against thy people,(ISRAEL) and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:(TREATIES)
6 The tabernacles of Edom,and the Ishmaelites;(ARABS) of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon,(JORDAN) and Amalek;(SYRIA) the Philistines (PALESTINIANS) with the inhabitants of Tyre;(LEBANON)
EZEKIEL 39:1-8
1 Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog,(LEADER OF RUSSIA) and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech (MOSCOW) and Tubal: (TUBOLSK)
2 And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts,(RUSSIA) and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:
3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands,( ARABS) and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
6 And I will send a fire on Magog,(NUCLEAR BOMB) and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.
JOEL 2:3,20,30-31
3 A fire(NUCLEAR BOMB) devoureth before them;(RUSSIA-ARABS) and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army,(RUSSIA,MUSLIMS) and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.(SIBERIAN DESERT)
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.(NUCLEAR BOMB)
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
Syrian guerrillas to launch resistance within months DEC 14,06
Baath official tells WND new militant organization ready to attack if Israel doesn't vacate strategic land By Aaron Klein,WorldNetDaily.com
GOLAN HEIGHTS /If Israel does not vacate the Golan Heights within months, a guerrilla organization allegedly formed in Syria will soon launch resistance operations against Israeli positions and Jewish communities in the Golan, an official from Syrian President Bashar Assad's Baath party told WND in an exclusive interview. If in the coming months an agreement is not forged between Israel and Syria [for an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan], the Committees will begin attacks, said the official, who spoke on condition his name be withheld during an in-person interview with WND and with the G. Gordon Liddy national radio show. The official was referring to the Committees for the Liberation of the Golan Heights, a Hezbollah-like guerrilla organization Baath party sources claim was formed in Syria to attack Israeli positions in the Golan.
The Baath official told WND Syria learned from Hezbollah's military campaign against Israel that fighting is more effective than peace negotiations with regard to gaining territory. Hezbollah claims its goal is to liberate the Shebaa Farms, a small, 12-square-mile bloc situated between Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
The cease-fire resolution accepted by Israel to end its military campaign in Lebanon this past summer calls for negotiations leading to Israel's relinquishing of the Shebaa Farms. The Baath official told WND Syria's new Committees for the Liberation of the Golan Heights was formed this past June and that the group consists of Syrian volunteers, many from the Syrian border with Turkey and from Palestinian refugee camps near Damascus. He said Syria held registration for volunteers to join the Committees in June. The official said attacks by the Committees may include the infiltration of Jewish communities in the Golan, rocket attacks against Israeli positions or raids of Golan-based Israeli military installations. He said all attacks would be launched from the Syrian side of the border.
The Golan Heights is strategic mountainous territory captured by the Jewish state after Syria used the terrain to attack Israel in 1967 and again in 1973. The Heights looks down on major Syrian and Israeli population centers, but there are a few areas where the Israeli and Syrian sides are level. Military officials here long have maintained returning the Golan Heights to Syria would grant Damascus the ability to mount an effective ground invasion of the Jewish state.
The Heights has a population of about 35,000 – approximately 18,000 Jewish residents and 17,000 Arabs, mostly Druze. The Arab residents retain their Syrian citizenship, but under Israeli law they can also sue for Israeli citizenship. About a dozen officials from Assad's Baath party live and operate in the Golan.WND first reported in June on the alleged formation of the Front for the Liberation of the Golan. One month later, a man identified as the leader of the Front gave an interview to state-run Iranian television. Israel is taking the information seriously. Amos Yadlin, head of the IDF's intelligence branch, told the Knesset in October that Syria is indeed in the early stages of forming a Hezbollah-like group.
Israeli warning: Syria preparing its army for war
The Baath official's claim of possible attacks against Israel follows a warning yesterday by the intelligence branch of the Israeli Defense Forces that Syria is preparing its army for war against the Jewish state. Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz, head of the IDF's intelligence research division, said the Syrian army has been placed on high alert for attacks. He said Assad ordered increased production of long-range missiles and instructed the Syrian military to position antitank missiles closer to the Syrian border with Israel. But Baidatz said while Assad is preparing for war, on the other hand, he is not ruling out the possibility of reaching a political settlement with Israel.
IDF holds military exercises near Syrian border
In response to the information, senior military officials say the IDF is preparing for a possible breakout of hostilities by the summer. Israeli military positions in the Golan have been put on heightened alert, according to military sources. Border fences and checkpoints have been fortified. Golan residents say they noticed the placement of additional IDF positions the past two months.
WND has learned special units, including reserve and reconnaissance branches, held a series of live training exercises in the Golan the past few weeks. Large numbers of reservists have been called up and have been practicing key scenarios for war. The IDF also recently asked Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government to approve contracts for the production of more Israeli tanks and to postpone an earlier decision to shorten military service terms here for reserve units, according to military officials.
The military prepared an assessment, recently presented to Olmert's security cabinet, that war could breakout within months, military officials said. The officials said the assessments, compiled by the general staff of the IDF, are based on intelligence information and what they said is the ongoing estimate by Syria and Hezbollah that military confrontations achieve results. They said Hezbollah considered itself victorious against Israeli troops in Lebanon in July and August.
Explained a military official: While Hezbollah took some major hits, the group's rocket infrastructure is still intact; they are capable of firing more rockets into Israel. The war ended without Hezbollah having to return [Eldad] Regev and [Ehud] Goldwasser, (the two soldiers it kidnapped in July, originally prompting the confrontations). The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorized to talk to the media, said a cease-fire imposed in August by the United Nations achieved a political win for Hezbollah. It recognized Hezbollah's claims to the Shebaa Farms and called for future negotiations. It also restricts Israel's ability to stop Hezbollah from rearming and regrouping, which is what they are currently doing, the military official said. Military officials here said the past few weeks Syria and Iran have been smuggling weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. They said the smuggling is taking place in front of a contingent of international troops stationed in Lebanon. Israeli overflights have detected the weapons smuggling, said an Israeli intelligence official. We've shared the information with the U.N. and yet nothing is being done about it. Hezbollah is openly re-establishing itself in south Lebanon, an Israel military intelligence official told WND.
Assad: War with Israel coming
The IDF actions come amid statements by top officials in Damascus saying Syria is preparing for a war against Israel. The officials, including Assad, claimed the Jewish state would attack Syria first. We must remain ready at all times. We have begun preparations within the framework of our options, Assad told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anba last month. He gave a series of interviews to other media outlets making the same statements.
Assad said Israel could attack Syria at any moment and that Israeli leaders have abandoned the peace process and are seeking a war. Last month, in a rare visit to the Israeli controlled Golan Heights, Syria's information minister, Mohsen Bilal, delivered what amounted to a pep speech to Golan residents, telling them Damascus would use resistance to liberate the strategic territory if a political solution does not ensure Israel vacates the Golan Heights within the next few months. If in the next coming months there will not be a political solution, military resistance will be the only solution for Syrians, announced Bilal, shouting on a loudspeaker from the Syrian border just feet from a fence that separates the Israeli controlled sections of the Golan from Syria.
Damascus prepping public for war
Security officials here told WND there have been indications Syria is seeking to launch a provocation. Besides Assad's statements, the officials say state-run Syrian media have been broadcasting regular warlike messages unseen since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which Syria and Egypt launched invasions from the Golan and the Sinai desert. The tone [in Syria] is one of preparing the public for a war, said a senior security official. He said any Syrian provocation would likely be coordinated with Iran. Tehran and Damascus, which both support Hezbollah, have signed several military pacts. Reuven Erlich, a Syrian expert and director of the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at Israel's Center for Special Studies, told WND Assad's threats are to be taken seriously. Assad's support for terrorism, for the insurgency in Iraq, for Hezbollah and his alliance with Iran are all indication of the direction in which Syria is headed. Assad needs to demonstrate he is willing to sue for peace, but everything seems to indicate the opposite. Especially following the war in Lebanon, Erlich said.
FOR THE REST OF EZEKIEL 38 - 39 VERSES READ ABOVE LAST STORY. EZEKIEL 38:1-12 and EZEKIEL 39:1-8. HERE IS THE REST OF EZEKIEL 38 AND 39 TO COMPLETE THE VERSES. THE 1ST WAVE OF WW3 RUSSIA AND ARABS MARCH TO ISRAEL.
EZEKIEL 38:13-23
13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?
15 And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:
16 And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
17 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them?
18 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.
19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
20 So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.
21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.
22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
EZEKIEL 39:9-29
9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:
10 So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD.
11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog.
12 And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land.
13 Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD.
14 And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.
15 And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man’s bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog.
16 And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land.
17 And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.
18 Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.
19 And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you.
20 Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.
21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.
22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward.
23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.
24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.
25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;
26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.
27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;
28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.
29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Modern day Gog and Magog DEC 14,06 Ynet news
Similarities between Ezekiel's prophecies, today's Mideast reality uncanny
Ines Ehrlich
Current world events are beginning to increasingly resemble the 2,500 year old bible prophecy made by Ezekiel in chapters 38-39. Ezekiel foresaw the rise of Russia (or Turkey, depending on the interpretation) in a coalition with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries (Sudan, Ethiopia and Libya).The coalition is foretold to attack Israel from the north in a bid to destroy it during the earth's last days, commonly known as the war of Gog and Magog.Throughout history it was thought that the prophecy had been put on hold, until perhaps today when it seems frighteningly more feasible. In Joel C. Rosenberg's book The Ezekiel Option, the author points to Ezekiel's prophecies in chapters 36-37, which have largely come true.
Rosenberg then asks the obvious question: If prophecies such as the rebirth of the State of Israel, the return of the Jews to the Holy Land after centuries in exile, the re-blossoming of desolate desert land to produce abundant food, fruit and foliage, and the creation of an exceedingly great army materialized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, then why shouldn't the next prophecies come true in our lifetime?
Let's try and place the biblical names and locations into today's reality, and see the parallel unfolding of events: Gog is commonly believed to represent a person's name rather than a place, a tyrannical leader who may hatch an evil plan – in today's reality this honor could be most suited to the President of Iran, Ahmadinejad, or perhaps Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon . Magog, according to some scholars, refers to Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union, or perhaps Turkey. Others will argue that the exact location has not been fully ascertained and that the word Magog may simply be a generalization for an enemy of Israel, leaving the location open.
Under attack
According to the prophecy in question, many peoples with you who will attack along the mountains of Israel implies that other countries will be involved in the Russian (or Turkish), Iranian, Sudanese, Ethiopian and Libyan coalition, and who border on the mountains of Israel. This includes Lebanon, Syria and possibly Jordan as well. Is it so farfetched to imagine the axis between Hizbullah, Iran and Syria, especially after the second war in Lebanon when these three forces overtly united and continue to support each other's goal to destroy Israel? In his book, Rosenberg notes a conspicuous absence of Egypt and Iraq in the original prophecy, which also makes a lot of sense at this point in time. Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979 and Iraq is embroiled in its own war of survival and both are unlikely to join a coalition against Israel. According to the prophecy Magog will build a military coalition and prepare a strike against Israel. Gog will use overwhelming force against Israel - could this be referring to nuclear force?
And his coalition will come like a storm…like a cloud covering the land.
But let's not become hysterical. According to the prophecy, there is no need for Israel to become alarmed, as the Lord God will bring judgment upon the enemies of Israel beginning with Gog (the tyrant). Ezekial prophesizes a great earthquake and the turning of Gog's forces against each other. The next step, which prophesizes God subjecting the enemy to pestilence, blood, torrential rains, hailstones and fire from heaven, is unclear and sounds like someone pressed the nuclear button, and if so, then who, and who in the region would survive it?
But as in all happy endings, Israel, it is prophesized, will regain its economic prosperity. So the question remains: Should we wait for future developments and hope for the best, or look more closely at Ezekiel's prophecy and consider preemptive action to stop what may be seen as an imminent threat rising from the anti-Israel coalition? With this said, Ezekiel's prophecy says nothing about an Israeli pre-emptive strike to avert a possible attack – and indeed, it appears such a strike is unlikely considering the current state of our dubious, weak leadership.Ines Ehrlich is an editor at Ynetnews
I WILL BE TAKING THE WEEKEND OFF, I AM VISITING FAMILY, WHEN I GET BACK I'll GET THE STORIES CAUGHT UP.
DECEMBER 14,2006 STAN. ENJOY THE LAST STORY ITS A WINNER. SEE ALL IN A FEW DAYS.. I AM PUTTING ON THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS STORIES.
EARTHQUAKES
MATTHEW 24:7-8
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
MARK 13:8
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(ETHNIC GROUP AGAINST ETHNIC GROUP) and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
LUKE 21:11
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS (USGS)
Update time = Fri Dec 15 12:53 AM EDT
NO QUAKES YET DEC 15,06
DEC 14,2006
MAP 2.6 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
DEC 13,2006
MAP 3.4 NORTH OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
MAP 2.5 PENNSYLVANIA
MAP 4.1 ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS., ALASKA
MAP 4.9 TAIWAN REGION
MAP 2.5 SOUTHERN IDAHO
MAP 4.9 STATE OF YAP, FED. STATES OF MICRONESIA
MAP 5.1 EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.5 HAWAII REGION, HAWAII
MAP 4.7 NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
MAP 4.4 ALAMAGAN REG., NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
MAP 2.8 PUERTO RICO
MAP 2.7 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 5.2 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.7 PUERTO RICO REGION
MAP 5.2 KURIL ISLANDS
STORMS HURRICANES-TORNADOES
LUKE 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;(MASS CONFUSION) the sea and the waves roaring;(FIERCE WINDS)
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Dear Crosswalk Friend
With all that U.S. troops are facing right now, I want to let you know how you can reach out to share the hope of Christ with our men and women in uniform. The Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ is partnering with military chaplains to place Rapid Deployment Kits - filled with New Testaments, daily devotionals, and evangelistic tracts - into the hands of service members.
Requests for approximately 20,000 RDKs are coming in each month, including many from chaplains in Iraq. To learn more about how you can help spiritually equip our troops to face the challenges ahead.Or visit: http://give2.ccci.org/featured/rdk-email
Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
Blessings in Christ,
Megan Hawkes
Director, Donor Relations
Campus Crusade for Christ, International
Americans believe in God, with conditions
By Jennifer Harper,THE WASHINGTON TIMES,November 14, 2006
The vast majority of Americans believe in God. But in the land of the free, ideas about the more personal nature of God can be subject to some interpretation.Only 1 percent of Americans overall, for example, think God is female, according to a wide-ranging Harris poll of 2,010 adults. Among men, Protestant and Born-Again Christian respondents, the number was 0 percent; among women and Catholics it was 1 percent; among Jews, 7 percent.More than a third -- 36 percent -- said God was male. More women than men thought God was male, 39 percent to 34 percent, respectively. More than half of Born-Again Christians agreed, along with about 47 percent of the Protestants and Catholics. Other responses were mixed. Overall, 37 percent said God was neither male nor female. Ten percent said God was both male and female, while 17 percent were not entirely sure what they believed. Does God look like Michelangelo's vision on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Maybe. The survey showed that 9 percent said God appeared like a human with a face, body, arms, legs, eyes, though the percentage was slightly higher -- 13 percent -- among Protestants, but just 1
percent among Jews.
More people -- 41 percent-- were comfortable with the idea that God is a spirit or power that can take on human form, but is not inherently human.The sentiment was highest among Born-Again Christians, with 60 percent agreeing with the statement. More than a quarter of Americans overall say God is a spirit or power that does not take human form, a belief shared by 49 percent of Jewish respondents.Beliefs about God's involvement in events on Earth also varies. Twenty-seven percent of Catholics said God controls what happens on Earth, compared with 41 percent among Protestants and 57 percent among Born-Agains. Forty-four percent said God observes but does not control what happens here. That figure rises to 58 percent among Catholics, but falls to 37 percent among Born-Agains.A slim majority of Americans -- 51 percent -- believe Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God, the poll found. That idea is shared by 63 percent of Catholics, about 48 percent of Protestants and Jews and 34 percent of Born-Agains.
Almost a third overall said the three faiths do not worship the same God, and 16 percent were unsure.
Intensity of belief also varies among faiths and political parties. Overall, 73 percent of Americans believe in God; the numbers are 97 percent among Born-Agains, 90 percent among Protestants, 84 percent among Catholics, 64 percent among Jews, 83 percent among Republicans and 72 percent among Democrats.Are Americans absolutely certain there is a God? Born-Agains are the most adamant, with 93 percent agreeing with the statement, followed by 76 percent of Protestants, 64 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Jews. Overall, 6 percent are absolutely certain there is no God.Almost half of Americans overall -- 46 percent -- attend church a few times a year, 35 percent go once a month and a quarter go every week or more often. The survey was conducted Oct. 4-10 and has a margin of error of two percentage points.
Oil producers shun dollar DEC 14,06
Oil producing countries have reduced their exposure to the dollar to the lowest level in two years and shifted oil income into euros, yen and sterling, according to new data from the Bank for International Settlements.The revelation in the latest BIS quarterly review, published on Monday, confirms market speculation about a move out of dollars and could put new pressure on the ailing US currency. Market liquidity is traditionally low in December, and many traders have locked in profits, potentially reinforcing volatility.
Russia and the members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the oil cartel, cut their dollar holdings from 67 per cent in the first quarter to 65 per cent in the second.Meanwhile, they increased their holdings of euros from 20 to 22 per cent, the BIS said. The speed of the shift may help to explain the weakness of the dollar, which recently fell to a 20-month low against the euro and a 14-year low against sterling.
The BIS, the central bank for the developed world's central banks, is customarily cautious in its language. However, it noted: While the data are not comprehensive, they do appear to indicate a modest shift over the quarter in the US dollar share of reporting banks liabilities to oil exporting countries.The review shows that Qatar and Iran, whose foreign exchange policy has sparked widespread market speculation, cut their dollar holdings by $2.4bn and $4bn respectively.Such shifts may be modest compared with the total assets held, but they provide a crucial indication on future thinking.Currency switches are likely to be progressive, subtle and discreet, as untoward attention could hit the dollar, lowering the value of depositors' remaining dollar-denominated assets.The last time oil-exporting countries cut their exposure to the dollar – in late 2003 – it pushed the euro to an all-time high against the dollar.
Eighteen months ago, the exposure to the dollar of oil producing countries was above 70 per cent.
A New Czar Rises In Russia DEC 14,06
The assassination of an KGB-operative-turned-critic-of-Vladimir-Putin in London by radioactive poison has stunned the West and raised chilling new questions about who Putin is, what he wants, and how far he's willing to go to get it. It's about time. For the last six years, few in Washington -- including conservatives -- have been willing to carefully assess, much less confront, Putin's increasingly anti-Western rhetoric and actions. But the murder of FSB Colonel Alexander Litvinenko may change all that. The cold hard truth is that Putin is not a friend of the U.S. or the West. He is neither a partner for peace nor worthy of G8 or WTO membership. He is dismantling democracy in Russia, re-socializing the Russian economy, taking over the Russian media, rebuilding the Russian military, forming alliances with radical Islamic nations, arming our worst enemies -- including Iran and North Korea -- and positioning himself as Russia's new Czar.
For a man who was trained by the KGB and at one time was Russia's top spy, Putin has been surprisingly candid about his long-term objectives and his strategies for achieving them, at least to those who are watching closely and listening carefully. In 1999, for example, Reuters ran the following headline: RUSSIAN PREMIER VOWS TO REBUILD MILITARY MIGHT. Putin, then prime minister under Yeltsin, had just delivered a speech declaring that the government has undertaken to rebuild and strengthen the military might of the state to respond to the new geopolitical realities, both external and internal threats. He focused special attention on new threats that have emerged on our southern frontiers.Putin also announced a 57 percent increase in military spending in the year 2000.No sooner had Yeltsin stepped down than Putin repeated the vow to rebuild his country's badly withered military machine. Our country Russia was a great, powerful, strong state, he declared in January 2000, and it is clear that this is not possible if we do not have strong armed forces, powerful armed forces.
Putin has kept his word. Consider 2004, for example.
In January, Putin ordered the largest maneuvers of Russian nuclear forces in two decades, scrambling strategic bombers, launching cruise missiles, test-firing ballistic missiles, and sending new spy satellites into orbit, in what analysts described as an imitation of a nuclear attack on the United States.
In February, Putin insisted that Russia does not have and cannot have aggressive objectives of imperial ambitions. Yet he ordered dramatic improvements in the Russian military to achieve a more combat-capable army and navy, causing one of China's leading dailies to worry about the resurrection of the Russian military.
In August, Putin ordered a 40 percent increase in Russia's defense budget, including new fighter aircraft, new rockets, and two new army divisions.
In December, as the election crisis in Ukraine was still unfolding, Putin ordered the test launch of a Cold War-era Russian intercontinental ballistic missile known as the SS-18 Satan, the first time the Russians had fired such a missile since the Soviet Union collapsed.
With the rebuilding of Russia's conventional military and strategic nuclear missile forces underway, Vladimir Putin then delivered a speech on April 25, 2005, that I believe ranks as the most dangerous presidential address of our times. First and foremost, he declared, it is worth acknowledging that the demise of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. As for the Russian people, it became a genuine tragedy. Tens of millions of our fellow citizens and countrymen found themselves beyond the fringes of Russian territory.
Putin went on to argue that since the threat to Russia from terrorism was still very strong, the Kremlin must be strong to eradicate such terror. The moment we display weakness or spinelessness, our losses will be immeasurably greater. Then he insisted that Russia should remain connected to the former republics of the USSR. He argued that Russia and her neighbors have a single historical destiny together, and said he wants to synchronize the pace and parameters of the reform processes in Russia and those former Soviet republics. Consider for a moment what such a speech says about the lenses through which the leader of Russia views his country and the world. When Vladimir Putin looks out over the vast expanse of the twentieth century, he is not primarily concerned with the 20 million people who perished under Stalin's reign of terror. Or the 6 million Jews who died in the Holocaust under Adolf Hitler. Or the 3 million who died in the killing fields of Cambodia under Pol Pot.
Rather, he believes that the disintegration of the Evil Empire ranks as the greatest political catastrophe of the century and that its reintegration and synchronization is a matter of historic destiny.
Such fondness for an empire so murderous and cruel would be chilling if it were voiced by the leader of any country possessing 10,000 nuclear warheads. But it is particularly chilling coming from the leader of Russia, a country described in the Scriptures as having expansionist ambitions in the last days. Yet this was not the first time Putin had discussed such views or such ambitions on the record. In 2000, three Russian journalists-Nataliya Gevorkyan, Natalya Timakova, and Andrei Kolesnikov-published First Person, in my view the most important book ever written about Putin. It is important not because the journalists offered their own insights or analysis into Putin but because they let Putin speak for himself. They interviewed the Russian leader six separate times. Each interview lasted about four hours. The book is merely a transcript, and when it comes to understanding Putin's ambitions and approach, it is a goldmine of intelligence. Putin on his mission in life - My historical mission, he insisted, is to stop the collapse of the USSR (p. 139). To do this, he vowed to consolidate the armed forces, the Interior Ministry, and the FSB [the successor to the KGB, the secret police of the Soviet Union] (p. 140). If I can help save Russia from collapse, then I'll have something to be proud of (p. 204).
On his style - Everyone says I'm harsh, even brutal, Putin acknowledged, without ever disputing such observations. A dog senses when somebody is afraid of it, and bites, he observed. The same applies to dealing with one's enemies. If you become jittery, they will think they are stronger. Only one thing works in such circumstances-to go on the offensive. You must hit first, and hit so hard that your opponent will not rise to his feet (p. 168). On the czars - From the very beginning, Russia was created as a supercentralized state. That's practically laid down in its genetic code, its traditions, and the mentality of its people, said Putin, adding: In certain periods of time . . . in a certain place . . . under certain conditions . . . monarchy has played and continues to this day to play a positive role. . . . The monarch doesn't have to worry about whether or not he will be elected, or about petty political interests, or about how to influence the electorate. He can think about the destiny of the people and not become distracted with trivialities (p. 186).
On his choice of history's most interesting political leader - Napoleon Bonaparte (p. 194). On his rise from spy to president - In the Kremlin, I have a different position. Nobody controls me here. I control everybody else (p. 131). On his critics - To hell with them (p. 140). Putin has repeatedly promised that he will not attempt to extend his time in office when his second term ends in 2008, and every person I interviewed in Russia in 2004-including every political officer and diplomat I spoke with at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow-told me they believed he would leave peacefully when the time came. Should he really do so, Putin will pass on to his successor executive power unparalleled since pre-Gorbachev times and a dynamic that suggests a future of more, rather than less, centralization of power. But how seriously should Putin's many pledges be taken? On at least six separate occasions after becoming president, he vowed not to end direct elections of Russia's regional governors and appoint them himself. Yet in 2004, when it suited his purposes, he did just that. Why should his promise to leave office in 2008 be any different? Now in his fifties, Putin is still a young man, at the top of his game, with no professional experience of any kind other than being a KGB-trained suppressor of dissidents and a rising political leader. What if he wants to change the constitution to allow him to stay? Belarus did it in 2004 (and President Alexander Lukashenko was reelected in 2006 with 83 percent of the vote). Other ex-Soviet republics have done it as well, including Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
What if Putin is looking for a pretext for himself to become a new Russian monarch? Would a terrible new series of terrorist attacks-perhaps similar to the Beslan school hostage crisis-be enough? What about an assassination attempt, or attempts at a coup, or new revolutions in the former Soviet republics? What about polls showing that in the absence of Putin, the leading two contenders for Russia's presidency are ultranationalist fascist Vladimir Zhirinovsky and communist hardliner Genady Zyuganov?
Might the will of the Russian people suffice? In 2004, only 27 percent of Russians supported a third Putin term (perhaps this is why every expert I spoke with dismissed the possibility). By June 2006, however, the number had shot up to 59 percent. Bottom line: He is a Czar in the making and he is leading Russia down a very dangerous path.
MUSLIM NATIONS
EZEKIEL 38:1-12
1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog,(RULER) the land of Magog,(RUSSIA) the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW)and Tubal,(TOBOLSK) and prophesy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech(MOSCOW) and Tubal:
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,(GOD FORCES THE MUSLIMS TO MARCH) and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
5 Persia,(IRAN,IRAQ) Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
6 Gomer,(GERMANY) and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (TURKEY)of the north quarters, and all his bands:(SUDAN,AFRICA) and many people with thee.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.(RUSSIA-EGYPT AND MUSLIMS)
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
ISAIAH 17:1
1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
PSALMS 83:3-7
3 They (ARABS,MUSLIMS) have taken crafty counsel against thy people,(ISRAEL) and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:(TREATIES)
6 The tabernacles of Edom,and the Ishmaelites;(ARABS) of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon,(JORDAN) and Amalek;(SYRIA) the Philistines (PALESTINIANS) with the inhabitants of Tyre;(LEBANON)
EZEKIEL 39:1-8
1 Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog,(LEADER OF RUSSIA) and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech (MOSCOW) and Tubal: (TUBOLSK)
2 And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts,(RUSSIA) and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:
3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands,( ARABS) and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
6 And I will send a fire on Magog,(NUCLEAR BOMB) and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.
JOEL 2:3,20,30-31
3 A fire(NUCLEAR BOMB) devoureth before them;(RUSSIA-ARABS) and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army,(RUSSIA,MUSLIMS) and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.(SIBERIAN DESERT)
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.(NUCLEAR BOMB)
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
Syrian guerrillas to launch resistance within months DEC 14,06
Baath official tells WND new militant organization ready to attack if Israel doesn't vacate strategic land By Aaron Klein,WorldNetDaily.com
GOLAN HEIGHTS /If Israel does not vacate the Golan Heights within months, a guerrilla organization allegedly formed in Syria will soon launch resistance operations against Israeli positions and Jewish communities in the Golan, an official from Syrian President Bashar Assad's Baath party told WND in an exclusive interview. If in the coming months an agreement is not forged between Israel and Syria [for an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan], the Committees will begin attacks, said the official, who spoke on condition his name be withheld during an in-person interview with WND and with the G. Gordon Liddy national radio show. The official was referring to the Committees for the Liberation of the Golan Heights, a Hezbollah-like guerrilla organization Baath party sources claim was formed in Syria to attack Israeli positions in the Golan.
The Baath official told WND Syria learned from Hezbollah's military campaign against Israel that fighting is more effective than peace negotiations with regard to gaining territory. Hezbollah claims its goal is to liberate the Shebaa Farms, a small, 12-square-mile bloc situated between Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
The cease-fire resolution accepted by Israel to end its military campaign in Lebanon this past summer calls for negotiations leading to Israel's relinquishing of the Shebaa Farms. The Baath official told WND Syria's new Committees for the Liberation of the Golan Heights was formed this past June and that the group consists of Syrian volunteers, many from the Syrian border with Turkey and from Palestinian refugee camps near Damascus. He said Syria held registration for volunteers to join the Committees in June. The official said attacks by the Committees may include the infiltration of Jewish communities in the Golan, rocket attacks against Israeli positions or raids of Golan-based Israeli military installations. He said all attacks would be launched from the Syrian side of the border.
The Golan Heights is strategic mountainous territory captured by the Jewish state after Syria used the terrain to attack Israel in 1967 and again in 1973. The Heights looks down on major Syrian and Israeli population centers, but there are a few areas where the Israeli and Syrian sides are level. Military officials here long have maintained returning the Golan Heights to Syria would grant Damascus the ability to mount an effective ground invasion of the Jewish state.
The Heights has a population of about 35,000 – approximately 18,000 Jewish residents and 17,000 Arabs, mostly Druze. The Arab residents retain their Syrian citizenship, but under Israeli law they can also sue for Israeli citizenship. About a dozen officials from Assad's Baath party live and operate in the Golan.WND first reported in June on the alleged formation of the Front for the Liberation of the Golan. One month later, a man identified as the leader of the Front gave an interview to state-run Iranian television. Israel is taking the information seriously. Amos Yadlin, head of the IDF's intelligence branch, told the Knesset in October that Syria is indeed in the early stages of forming a Hezbollah-like group.
Israeli warning: Syria preparing its army for war
The Baath official's claim of possible attacks against Israel follows a warning yesterday by the intelligence branch of the Israeli Defense Forces that Syria is preparing its army for war against the Jewish state. Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz, head of the IDF's intelligence research division, said the Syrian army has been placed on high alert for attacks. He said Assad ordered increased production of long-range missiles and instructed the Syrian military to position antitank missiles closer to the Syrian border with Israel. But Baidatz said while Assad is preparing for war, on the other hand, he is not ruling out the possibility of reaching a political settlement with Israel.
IDF holds military exercises near Syrian border
In response to the information, senior military officials say the IDF is preparing for a possible breakout of hostilities by the summer. Israeli military positions in the Golan have been put on heightened alert, according to military sources. Border fences and checkpoints have been fortified. Golan residents say they noticed the placement of additional IDF positions the past two months.
WND has learned special units, including reserve and reconnaissance branches, held a series of live training exercises in the Golan the past few weeks. Large numbers of reservists have been called up and have been practicing key scenarios for war. The IDF also recently asked Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government to approve contracts for the production of more Israeli tanks and to postpone an earlier decision to shorten military service terms here for reserve units, according to military officials.
The military prepared an assessment, recently presented to Olmert's security cabinet, that war could breakout within months, military officials said. The officials said the assessments, compiled by the general staff of the IDF, are based on intelligence information and what they said is the ongoing estimate by Syria and Hezbollah that military confrontations achieve results. They said Hezbollah considered itself victorious against Israeli troops in Lebanon in July and August.
Explained a military official: While Hezbollah took some major hits, the group's rocket infrastructure is still intact; they are capable of firing more rockets into Israel. The war ended without Hezbollah having to return [Eldad] Regev and [Ehud] Goldwasser, (the two soldiers it kidnapped in July, originally prompting the confrontations). The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorized to talk to the media, said a cease-fire imposed in August by the United Nations achieved a political win for Hezbollah. It recognized Hezbollah's claims to the Shebaa Farms and called for future negotiations. It also restricts Israel's ability to stop Hezbollah from rearming and regrouping, which is what they are currently doing, the military official said. Military officials here said the past few weeks Syria and Iran have been smuggling weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. They said the smuggling is taking place in front of a contingent of international troops stationed in Lebanon. Israeli overflights have detected the weapons smuggling, said an Israeli intelligence official. We've shared the information with the U.N. and yet nothing is being done about it. Hezbollah is openly re-establishing itself in south Lebanon, an Israel military intelligence official told WND.
Assad: War with Israel coming
The IDF actions come amid statements by top officials in Damascus saying Syria is preparing for a war against Israel. The officials, including Assad, claimed the Jewish state would attack Syria first. We must remain ready at all times. We have begun preparations within the framework of our options, Assad told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anba last month. He gave a series of interviews to other media outlets making the same statements.
Assad said Israel could attack Syria at any moment and that Israeli leaders have abandoned the peace process and are seeking a war. Last month, in a rare visit to the Israeli controlled Golan Heights, Syria's information minister, Mohsen Bilal, delivered what amounted to a pep speech to Golan residents, telling them Damascus would use resistance to liberate the strategic territory if a political solution does not ensure Israel vacates the Golan Heights within the next few months. If in the next coming months there will not be a political solution, military resistance will be the only solution for Syrians, announced Bilal, shouting on a loudspeaker from the Syrian border just feet from a fence that separates the Israeli controlled sections of the Golan from Syria.
Damascus prepping public for war
Security officials here told WND there have been indications Syria is seeking to launch a provocation. Besides Assad's statements, the officials say state-run Syrian media have been broadcasting regular warlike messages unseen since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which Syria and Egypt launched invasions from the Golan and the Sinai desert. The tone [in Syria] is one of preparing the public for a war, said a senior security official. He said any Syrian provocation would likely be coordinated with Iran. Tehran and Damascus, which both support Hezbollah, have signed several military pacts. Reuven Erlich, a Syrian expert and director of the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at Israel's Center for Special Studies, told WND Assad's threats are to be taken seriously. Assad's support for terrorism, for the insurgency in Iraq, for Hezbollah and his alliance with Iran are all indication of the direction in which Syria is headed. Assad needs to demonstrate he is willing to sue for peace, but everything seems to indicate the opposite. Especially following the war in Lebanon, Erlich said.
FOR THE REST OF EZEKIEL 38 - 39 VERSES READ ABOVE LAST STORY. EZEKIEL 38:1-12 and EZEKIEL 39:1-8. HERE IS THE REST OF EZEKIEL 38 AND 39 TO COMPLETE THE VERSES. THE 1ST WAVE OF WW3 RUSSIA AND ARABS MARCH TO ISRAEL.
EZEKIEL 38:13-23
13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?
15 And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:
16 And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
17 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them?
18 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.
19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
20 So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.
21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.
22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
EZEKIEL 39:9-29
9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:
10 So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD.
11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog.
12 And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land.
13 Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD.
14 And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.
15 And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man’s bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog.
16 And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land.
17 And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.
18 Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.
19 And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you.
20 Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.
21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.
22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward.
23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.
24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.
25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;
26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.
27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;
28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.
29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Modern day Gog and Magog DEC 14,06 Ynet news
Similarities between Ezekiel's prophecies, today's Mideast reality uncanny
Ines Ehrlich
Current world events are beginning to increasingly resemble the 2,500 year old bible prophecy made by Ezekiel in chapters 38-39. Ezekiel foresaw the rise of Russia (or Turkey, depending on the interpretation) in a coalition with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries (Sudan, Ethiopia and Libya).The coalition is foretold to attack Israel from the north in a bid to destroy it during the earth's last days, commonly known as the war of Gog and Magog.Throughout history it was thought that the prophecy had been put on hold, until perhaps today when it seems frighteningly more feasible. In Joel C. Rosenberg's book The Ezekiel Option, the author points to Ezekiel's prophecies in chapters 36-37, which have largely come true.
Rosenberg then asks the obvious question: If prophecies such as the rebirth of the State of Israel, the return of the Jews to the Holy Land after centuries in exile, the re-blossoming of desolate desert land to produce abundant food, fruit and foliage, and the creation of an exceedingly great army materialized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, then why shouldn't the next prophecies come true in our lifetime?
Let's try and place the biblical names and locations into today's reality, and see the parallel unfolding of events: Gog is commonly believed to represent a person's name rather than a place, a tyrannical leader who may hatch an evil plan – in today's reality this honor could be most suited to the President of Iran, Ahmadinejad, or perhaps Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon . Magog, according to some scholars, refers to Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union, or perhaps Turkey. Others will argue that the exact location has not been fully ascertained and that the word Magog may simply be a generalization for an enemy of Israel, leaving the location open.
Under attack
According to the prophecy in question, many peoples with you who will attack along the mountains of Israel implies that other countries will be involved in the Russian (or Turkish), Iranian, Sudanese, Ethiopian and Libyan coalition, and who border on the mountains of Israel. This includes Lebanon, Syria and possibly Jordan as well. Is it so farfetched to imagine the axis between Hizbullah, Iran and Syria, especially after the second war in Lebanon when these three forces overtly united and continue to support each other's goal to destroy Israel? In his book, Rosenberg notes a conspicuous absence of Egypt and Iraq in the original prophecy, which also makes a lot of sense at this point in time. Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979 and Iraq is embroiled in its own war of survival and both are unlikely to join a coalition against Israel. According to the prophecy Magog will build a military coalition and prepare a strike against Israel. Gog will use overwhelming force against Israel - could this be referring to nuclear force?
And his coalition will come like a storm…like a cloud covering the land.
But let's not become hysterical. According to the prophecy, there is no need for Israel to become alarmed, as the Lord God will bring judgment upon the enemies of Israel beginning with Gog (the tyrant). Ezekial prophesizes a great earthquake and the turning of Gog's forces against each other. The next step, which prophesizes God subjecting the enemy to pestilence, blood, torrential rains, hailstones and fire from heaven, is unclear and sounds like someone pressed the nuclear button, and if so, then who, and who in the region would survive it?
But as in all happy endings, Israel, it is prophesized, will regain its economic prosperity. So the question remains: Should we wait for future developments and hope for the best, or look more closely at Ezekiel's prophecy and consider preemptive action to stop what may be seen as an imminent threat rising from the anti-Israel coalition? With this said, Ezekiel's prophecy says nothing about an Israeli pre-emptive strike to avert a possible attack – and indeed, it appears such a strike is unlikely considering the current state of our dubious, weak leadership.Ines Ehrlich is an editor at Ynetnews
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