Just John Alex and I at home today. Mona and Susan are over in Soldotna, 65-miles west of the house and Canaan, Richard (family friend they brought down from Fairbanks) and the two great-grandchildren are up in Anchorage- about 90-miles north of us. Canaan's husband - Patrick, is up in the Willow are, about 170 miles north of us, seeing his father and looking for car parts he is in need of. House is so quiet, gives me time to write, but wanted to get the Journal out first. A few household chores completed too- trying to do my part. Paint the walls, lower the roof, replace a window or two. Funny how no one will trust me with any tools when people are around, so I do it on the sly and then face their rage and panic that I might've left my TV watching chair and corrected a few mistakes the original designer had forgot to add. My caring wife has concerns about my working with tools....I can't imagine were she got that from. Oddly enough, the Mechanic Score when I enlisted was my highest score, but this was during the days of the Draft, and I scored 20-points for breathing and 3-points for having both eyes the same color. So, they made me a military cop. They had no idea what they were doing in effecting my future and that of my wife and children.
Pastor Eric just stopped by, probably concerned with all the hammering I was doing outside, but it keeps the bears away.
Now for some NEWS:
Jerusalem Online: To work with the Palestinians, the Israel Defense Force removed the metal detectors, followed by the all those security cameras. At first it was for men 50 and older, but once again, the IDF gave in and opened it completely because the Palestinians threatened violent disturbances through out Jerusalem. Which is exactly what the Palestinian Authority wanted, so they could tell the world in how well they controlled the Israelis.
Gatestone News: "The Battle Over Jerusalem Has Just Begun." (In reference to the article above, but several days passed between the news stories and this latest one happened on August 1st). Story by Bassam Tawil. Palestinians feel triumphant now that Israel complied with their demands to remove security measures, now clarify this is only the first step to eradicate Israeli presence in the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Palestinians admit this is a battle for sovereignty on the Temple Mount. For the Palestinians, the real battle is over the Jew's right to live in their own state in the Middle East. Palestinians" aim at an escalation of violence because they believe what Israel did is the first step toward even more concessions and even further defeat.
Gatestone News: Britain- "Nazir Afzal, a former Chief Crown Prosecutor and one of the most prominent Muslim lawyers in Britain, warned that an "Industry of Islamist Groups" in the country is undermining the fight against terrorism . He singled out the Islamist-Dominated Muslim Council of Britain and also condemned "Self-Appointed" Community Leaders who sole agenda was to present Muslims as victims and not as those, who sole agenda was to present Muslims "As victims and not those who are potentially becoming radicals."
Gatestone News: Britain, "Col. Richard Kemp, former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, charges London's Mayor Sadiq Khan with "appeasing jihadists for authorizing Al-Quds Day March".
"Gatestone News: Britain- "More than 40 Foreign jihadists have used Human Rights Laws to remain in Britain, according to an unpublished report delayed by the Home Office". ( Before, during and for a time afterward, Germany spies used U.S. Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution to remain in our country. Following World War Two, Russia used the same American laws to help keep Communists spies in our country.)
Washington Free Beacon: Washington D.C.- (From an earlier posting), "Nuclear workers call for congressional investigations after charges from 'Labor Department Whistleblower.' "
Washington Free Beacon: Washington D.C.- U.S. Government through Homeland Security and FBI has spent millions in taxpayer dollars on programs to combat violent extremism, despite any evidence that these programs have prevented the growth of terrorism in the United States. FBI and Homeland Security is still providing upwards of $10 Million to fund a slew of Community Organizations, with little evidence these programs have had no impact. In some cases the money has been awarded to "Partisan" Organizations, that have ties into anti-Israel Movement and Radical groups, such as "Black Lives Matter", according to Congress. Homeland Security has declined to share any information on the grant recipients with Congress and has also refused multiple requests from Law Makers for providing a briefing on this situation. (No information, no briefing, I'd recommend no funds.)
Washington Free Beacon: Raheel Raza, President of "Muslims Facing Tomorrow", which seeks to counter extremist Ideologies, sought Congress to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Raza pointed to recent polls his organization did, showing 27% of Muslims support execution of non-believers , while 26% of young Muslims believe that suicide bombing against non-Muslims can be justified.
Washington Free Beacon: China- Foreign Ministry of China denounces CIA Director Pompeo for "Calling Beijing a Greater Long Term threat than Russia."
Global Times: Russia- Authorities detain 7 Middle-East foreigners for plotting attacks on the rail transport system and other crowded location in St. Petersburg- Russia's 2nd largest City.
Global Times: Russia- Russia President Putin assured the World that the ongoing Russia-China joint-naval drill in the Baltic Sea, was not meant to start a new military alliance. They had completed phase-one on the joint drills. ( Personally, I do believe in alliance being discussed, and the forthcoming ASEAN will also be involved.)
Egypt Times: Court jails 58 supporters of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood to 25-years each for anti-police violence in late 2013.
Global Times: India- Accounts for about 33% of the world's child marriages, with nearly 103 million Indian girls married before the age of 18.
Egypt News: Egypt plans to restore Alexandria Synagogue in a bid to promote diversity.
Central Asia Times: Italy plans Navy patrols of the coast of Libya to stop migrants- helping Libya's Coast Guard to stop smugglers, who have been transported thousands of migrants.
Iran Herald: Iran- "Propaganda Piece", accuses U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier of acting in an "Unprofessional manner" when it fired a "warning shot" at Iran "Guard" gunboats. (Gunboats received verbal warnings to stay away, but they refused to comply. There was no damage to the boats and no injuries.)
Iran Herald: "Propaganda Piece", "A truly shocking and disturbing action is currently afoot in the United States Congress, "Bills have been introduced in House and Senate to "Draconian Israel anti-Boycott Act that already has 300- co-sponsors in both House and Senate that carries with it severe punishment fines of $250,000 to a maximum of $1 Million, with an additional 20-year prison sentence to any U.S. Citizen, company or corporation - anywhere in the world- that dares to engage in any boycott divestment or sanctions against Israel for the many vile, heinous things to it continues to commit against the all but helpless Palestinian Peoples." (I've been waiting for such an article to appear. To see what newspapers may print this anti-Israel article. This article is long and really attacks the U.S.- Israel relationship and Israel's 'desire to hurt Palestine.')
Jerusalem Online: Saudi Arabia- has asked a Manhattan Judge that it be dismissed from 25-lawsuits pending from 9-11 events.
Gatestone News: Germany- "Even If We Refuse To Believe It, parts of Germany is ruled by Islamic Law! Polygamy, child marriages, appointment of sharia judges- for far too long the German Rule of Law has not been enforced". Self-appointed "Sharia Police", urges both Muslim and Non-Muslims passersby to attend mosques, and to refrain from alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, gambling, music, pornography and prostitution.- promoting the establishment of a parallel Islamic legal system in Germany. Muslim "biker gangs, styled after the Hell's Angels of the U.S., vow to "protect fellow Muslims" . These vigilantes on bikes, are out enforcing Islamic justice and becoming more common place in Germany. ( This could spread throughout European Union, if the law enforcement authorities get a handle on this. I recall how some of these European Cops gave us a hard time for not putting a stop to our biker problems in the U.S. Well, now they can show us the answer. But right now, they appear to be ignoring them.)
Gatestone News: "Tehran's New Scheme for Iraq." Iraqi Vice-President Al-Maliki met in Moscow on July 25, 2017 with Russian President Putin- inviting Russia to build "a significant presence" in Iraq to counter-balance that of the United States. Al-Maliki is reputed to be Tehran's candidate as their next Prime Minister. (This Russian presence could have a disastrous effect on our American troops stationed there.)
Global Times: Russia- Clashes broke out in Moscow's Regional Court, leaving three defendants dead and 5-others wounded.
Global Times: England- Prime Minister May's office says, "Free movement of people would come to an end when Britain leaves the European Union."
Global Times: Australia- A National Study has shown that more than half of the University students in Australia were sexually harassed last year and 7% report being sexually assaulted on at least one occasion.
Global Times: Okinawa- The United States is returning a sliver of land to the island nation from a U.S. Airbase.
Manila Times: China- ASEAN and China to work together is establishing a Sea Code of Conduct on the South China Seas. ASEAN is the Association (I recall when it was referred to as "Alliance") of Southeast Nations. This will take effect during the upcoming 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting. (I also recall when ASEAN began as a benefit for the ten-countries to boost their economy. Now they are growing closer to what I show in my story, "A Coming Storm", and will be detailed in my 12-book series, "Fire & Ice".
Book Report: I am working on Book # 7 "In The Days Ahead", of the "Fire and Ice Series." This books will be mostly all new stories, in the days leading up to the invasion, launched on Alaska from two fronts. One front is the Oriental Alliance Pact Naval and Marine forces sailing up the Cook Inlet to secure the City of Anchorage, Prince William Sound and all of the Kenai Peninsula. The Marine forces will then move north to secure Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base, prior to heading north for Fort Greeley and the long awaited last battle to secure all of Alaska. The Oriental Alliance Pact Army Forces will cross the ice bridge, blasting the City of Wales and making their way southeast for Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base, before moving on Fort Greeley. At Fort Greeley, the two OAP forces will join together, 5-million strong, against the Alaskan force of less then 500,000. 10 to 1 odds, but the Alaskans are prepared to fight to the last man, women and child.
So, I have 5 1/2 books left to go and I'd appreciate all your prayers in writing this story.
My new western, "Blake's War" is out there now and it's been edited. "In Search of Honor" has its new cover. This one shows men preparing to load up on Hueys. If You buy any of my books and for some reason want it signed, mail it to me and I'll cover the cost to mail it back. I still dream of the day one of the Christian movie producers will want to take one of my stories on. Another Alaskan author who write Christian work has had one Class B producer do one of his pieces and has now signed up for his second. It's Class B based on the amount the people can spend on making the movie. The look for a lot of their actor who might volunteer their work and get them out there to be seen by Class A producers.
Will, time for dinner, John Alex has been busy in the kitchen.
Oh, Sally and Leo Wakefield, have just celebrated their 57 wedding anniversary. I should've put that at the front and I apologize. 57 years-WOW! Sally, thanks for the photos of the old days. Sally is my Sister-in-Law and poor Leo get stuck with me as a brother-in-law.
Time to go. Blessing in abundance to all of you. BILL