SNOW! Yes, we woke up this morning to falling snow....Not Happy! We still haven't finished getting all of our backyard stuff put away, and there is a lot of it. But, if it keeps falling throughout the weekend, the stuff will be covered. Worked last year, but had a bit of a mess in the spring. I'm not allowed to do much outside, so I sit and write. The trees are lightly covered and quite pretty. As to whether or not this snow is a keeper or will it melt is anyone's guess.
We have it snow off and on through October, but the winter-long snow covering didn't come until Late November, and other times the first snow stayed and just kept building up. Remembering what I did for the state, working the gambling-illegal and legal, I know a lot of bets are being made at the local bars, fraternal organizations and some of the larger betting pools. This is all illegal, but hard to bust. Same with football pools. We had one football pool for the coming Superbowl and it cost $10,000 to enter. Only football pools we popped were the ones where the bar or club forgot to pull the sign board down, when we showed up. A lot of people didn't consider illegal gambling to be a major problem, and in some ways it isn't, but the law has it marked as illegal. The sad part if listening to the wives and children who lose their house money to their husband's gambling addiction, or in a good many cases it is the mother or wife who has the problem. This all leads to violent family disputes, some ending in death. Sometimes an officer is hurt or even killed responding to a domestic dispute. Sometimes its based on mental illness, booze or the gambling. People are even hurt, found dead, because of what they owed on a gambling debt. Alaska did $250 million dollars in legal gaming the year I retired, but the illegal gambling was believed to be twice that, and maybe a bit more. Now how did I go off on that tangent????
I read a news piece this morning, released by the Washington Beacon, that stated- "NBC- Op-Ed complains "To Kill and Mockingbird" teaches children not to believe rape victims," If you watched the movie or read the book, you might have your own thoughts on that. Let me know. I'll keep your names unlisted, but I'd like to record some of your ideas. I thought the movie was highly educational in some many ways. Racism, mental illness awareness and the kindness of some children, including the hardship of a single-parent raising children. The time period of the book was based on a troubling time, especially in the south.
Book Report: Still on Book 12 of Fire & Ice Series, working on Chapter 7. I'm starting to suspect I may need a 13th and possibly a 14th book to wrap this up. I had written a prequel to A Coming Storm and then a sequel. I'm may need the extra chapters to incorporate the highlights of the Lord's 1,000 year reign, the release of Satan and a final battle for Jerusalem. Enough said.
Here's some news stories:
Gatestone Institute News: This was released on 10-14. Jakarta, Indonesia and Morocco- Story by Raymond Ibrahim- "Our Lives Have Turned to Hell". Long touted as a beacon of the Muslim tolerance and Moderation, Indonesia joined other repressive Muslim Nations in May, when it sentenced their Christian Governor, known as "Ahok", to a two-year prison term. This was for a conviction on the charge of "Blasphemy" against Islam. The charge is based on a video Ahok made. In the film he tells the voters that they were being deceived if they believed that the Islamic Koran 5:51, which requires Muslims not to vote for Non-Muslims, when Muslim candidates are available. But, Morocco's 2011 Constitution allows for the freedom of religion. Authorities claim the practice only a moderate form of Islam, that supposedly leaves room for Religious tolerance. But, in reality, Moroccan Christians still suffer from persecution. Christians are often "shunned" at work, violence occurs, and Christian kids are "bullied" at their schools. In April 2017, Islamic militants bombed two Christian churches on Palm Sunday, nearly 100 people were killed. Another attack centered on a busload of Coptic Christians, stopped by Islamic militants, when the passengers refused to recite the Muslim "Profession of Faith", 29 Christians were murdered. 10 of whom were children, 2 girls were aged 2 and 4 years old. An American citizen was among those killed in the bus, with his two sons and 2 grandsons. ( In far too many cases once the men, women and children would profess into becoming Muslims, by reciting the Profession of Faith, they are executed anyway to prevent them from recanting and returning to their Christian belief.
Global Times: China- "Fruit-flinging monkey on the loose". A monkey scaling an apartment building in Hangzhou and throwing fruit at people was reported to still be at large. It was not reported where the critter was getting the fruit from. ALSO- A Chinese frigate and their Air Force reportedly chased a U.S. Navy destroyer away from a South China island- no shots were fired, but I'm sure both forces took a lot of photos. ALSO- China's National Anthem shall be sung at formal political gatherings, to include open and closing of the National People's Congress, sessions, constitutional oath ceremonies , flag raising ceremonies , major celebrations and award ceremonies, National Memorial Day events, important diplomatic occasions and MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS- by law. (I believe this is a direct result from all of the goings on concerning our own problems over here. My own belief, a veteran, is that our flag and our National Anthem should never be used in such a way. I probably wrote about this before, but in the Air Force I still recall all the troops, NCO and young officers who ducked for cover when the music was played for the Retreat Ceremony, when the Base American Flag was lowered. They didn't want to have to stand their, at attention and their right hand saluting. I was proud to do this, even more so when I came home from Southeast Asia. Oh, I have had my problems with the military and the U.S. Government in their treatment of veterans, but things are improving. But I have lost respect for all these football players or any other national sport, who disrespect our flag in such a fashion. Okay. Oh, The NFL has their rules to use, but they refuse to. It all comes down to money, the possibility of losing a player because he was benched for his conduct. Phooey!) ALSO- Fukushima survivor in Japan has submitted evidence to the United Nations over Japanese "Human Rights abuses.
ALSO- Russian expert ( no name given) claims "US withdrawal unlikely to affect UNESCO, seriously". ALSO- India's Top Court rules that sex with child is ALWAYS rape, even if the couple is married. This ruling has closed down a legal loop hole that allowed offenders used to escape punishment for rape. ( Deals were made with parents, allowing the man to escape prison by marrying the child victims).
Telegraph -United Kingdom- "Britain Missing Billions" Revised figures reveal UK is 490-pounds poorer, than previously thought. ALSO- Baghdad accuses Kurdish rebels of making a "Declaration of War."
Japan Times: No-Go Zone around Kyushu Volcano was expanded after activity intensifies ( Have you noticed all the volcano eruptions around the planet, plus the earthquakes, and you can see our planet is unhappy about something. Maybe with all the billions of people adding their weight to all the constructions, we're just too heavy.) ALSO- North Korea is planning on turning their missile-testing outpost into a "tourism cash cow".
Manila Times: Philippines- Last Monday was a country-wide strike for all government offices and private businesses, due to a strike by Transportation Companies.
Russian Herald: Russian authorities agree to regulate "Crypto-Currency" market. They fear money laundering and crime related issues if they do not control it. ALSO- "Danish Government proposes defense budget hike to deter Russia."
Thailand News: Bangkok- "Man picks up woman online, then steals her truck. ALSO- "Floods Hit None Central Provinces" in Thailand. Bangkok also hit with flash floods. ( When those monsoons hit, WOW!).
Taipei Times: Philippines- Report that President Duterte threatens to "Arrest all". Fueling fears of a dictatorship. If your destabilization is taking place, (To oust him from office), and there is chaos already, I will not hesitate to declare a Revolutionary Government." "I will arrest all of you and we can go to a full-scale war against the reds", ( I believe he was referring to the Communist rebels in the islands. Duterte also blames the American CIA is in a plot to destabilize him. Nearly everyday he comes of sounding like former President Marcos, who stole millions from the taxpayers and lived more like a king then an elected official.
Egypt News: "UN condemns LGPT crackdown in Azerbaijan, Egypt and Indonesia."
Gatestone News: UK- British universities hosted (110) events featuring Muslim extremist speaker for the 2016/2017 school year. Most occurred in London institutions. Some of the speakers were former Guantanamo Bay prisoner detainees. ALSO- As of September 1, 2017 Britain is home to up to 35,000 "Islamist fanatics". More than any other country in the European Union. Reported by EU's Counter-Terrorism Coordinator- Giles Kerchove. ALSO- In Saudi Arabia, students as young as first grade are being taught hatred of all non-Muslims. (A bit rough on those who are so young.But, the NAZI Party did much the same thing, turning the youth of Germany against the Germ-Jew population in the 1930's and 1940's. ) In the 4th grade Muslim Youth are taught they are the superior race. ( Sounds like the fanatical Muslims are taking their lessons right from the WWII Japanese and German Nazis.)
Washington Free Beacon: The United Nations Human Rights Council is reportedly now pressuring a major Israeli telecommunications company to cease operations in disputed areas of the Jewish State, or face a potential designation as a Human Rights Abuser. This is being looked at as an attempt to blackmail international corporations into boycotting the Jewish State.
Gatestone News: Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziers proposal to introduce Muslim public holidays shows that when it comes to Islam, Europe's official "Post-Christian" secularism is simply missing in action. But one question came up, "Will Christians have the same religious freedoms in all the Islamic countries, as Muslims have here?"
Jerusalem Online: A new study conducted by the Lancet Commission on Pollution reported that pollution caused the deaths of 9-million people in 2015. (Can't wait to see what there 2016 report shows)
Gatestone News: Germany- Story by Judith Bergman, Full Censorship now Official in Germany- courts rewrite history. "Germany has made no secret of its desire to see its new laws copied by the rest of the EU." "When employees of social media companies are appointed as the state's private thought police and given the powers to shape and form of current political and culture discourse by deciding who shall be allowed to speak and what to say, and who shall be shutdown, Free Speech becomes nothing more than a fairy tale. Or is that perhaps the point?" A German court sentenced Michael Sturzenberger to six-months in jail for posting on his Facebook page a historical photograph of the Grand Mufti Haj Amin al-Husseini, (a senior Islamic Holy Man), shaking hands with a NAZI official in Berlin in 1941. The Prosecution accused Sturenberger of "Inciting Hatred Toward Islam", and "Denigration Islam" by publishing the photograph. A new law introducing State Censorship on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to censure their users on behalf of the German State. If they fail to do so, the German Government can fine the company up to 5-million Euros. ( Now, this is for Germany only, but how long such a law spreads throughout EU and possibly Canada...the USA? Now as to the photo, it is historical, for pre-World War II and during the war, many of the Islamic tribes hated the British and they sided with Germany. Many remained neutral and some fought alongside the allies. The photo recorded an historical moment of a meeting between two leaders. This is carrying things too far and I believe it has a good chance of showing up in our courts soon enough. I just wish some of these judges could spend a week with a fanatic militant living in their house for a week.)
That's it for now. I'm going back to my book writing. Snow has slowed down now, temperatures must have gotten warmer. Roads will be fun, but my driver has been handling these roads for 39-winters.
If anyone has it, I'd like to have James (our son) new e-mail address.
Life is good, Patrick and Canaan's house should arrive soon. But, they're $1,000 shy on the building material for inside. If you feel like donating, send an e-mail and I get back with you for the mailing address.
God Bless, everyone. May your prayers be answered. BILL
I read a news piece this morning, released by the Washington Beacon, that stated- "NBC- Op-Ed complains "To Kill and Mockingbird" teaches children not to believe rape victims," If you watched the movie or read the book, you might have your own thoughts on that. Let me know. I'll keep your names unlisted, but I'd like to record some of your ideas. I thought the movie was highly educational in some many ways. Racism, mental illness awareness and the kindness of some children, including the hardship of a single-parent raising children. The time period of the book was based on a troubling time, especially in the south.
Book Report: Still on Book 12 of Fire & Ice Series, working on Chapter 7. I'm starting to suspect I may need a 13th and possibly a 14th book to wrap this up. I had written a prequel to A Coming Storm and then a sequel. I'm may need the extra chapters to incorporate the highlights of the Lord's 1,000 year reign, the release of Satan and a final battle for Jerusalem. Enough said.
Here's some news stories:
Gatestone Institute News: This was released on 10-14. Jakarta, Indonesia and Morocco- Story by Raymond Ibrahim- "Our Lives Have Turned to Hell". Long touted as a beacon of the Muslim tolerance and Moderation, Indonesia joined other repressive Muslim Nations in May, when it sentenced their Christian Governor, known as "Ahok", to a two-year prison term. This was for a conviction on the charge of "Blasphemy" against Islam. The charge is based on a video Ahok made. In the film he tells the voters that they were being deceived if they believed that the Islamic Koran 5:51, which requires Muslims not to vote for Non-Muslims, when Muslim candidates are available. But, Morocco's 2011 Constitution allows for the freedom of religion. Authorities claim the practice only a moderate form of Islam, that supposedly leaves room for Religious tolerance. But, in reality, Moroccan Christians still suffer from persecution. Christians are often "shunned" at work, violence occurs, and Christian kids are "bullied" at their schools. In April 2017, Islamic militants bombed two Christian churches on Palm Sunday, nearly 100 people were killed. Another attack centered on a busload of Coptic Christians, stopped by Islamic militants, when the passengers refused to recite the Muslim "Profession of Faith", 29 Christians were murdered. 10 of whom were children, 2 girls were aged 2 and 4 years old. An American citizen was among those killed in the bus, with his two sons and 2 grandsons. ( In far too many cases once the men, women and children would profess into becoming Muslims, by reciting the Profession of Faith, they are executed anyway to prevent them from recanting and returning to their Christian belief.
Global Times: China- "Fruit-flinging monkey on the loose". A monkey scaling an apartment building in Hangzhou and throwing fruit at people was reported to still be at large. It was not reported where the critter was getting the fruit from. ALSO- A Chinese frigate and their Air Force reportedly chased a U.S. Navy destroyer away from a South China island- no shots were fired, but I'm sure both forces took a lot of photos. ALSO- China's National Anthem shall be sung at formal political gatherings, to include open and closing of the National People's Congress, sessions, constitutional oath ceremonies , flag raising ceremonies , major celebrations and award ceremonies, National Memorial Day events, important diplomatic occasions and MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS- by law. (I believe this is a direct result from all of the goings on concerning our own problems over here. My own belief, a veteran, is that our flag and our National Anthem should never be used in such a way. I probably wrote about this before, but in the Air Force I still recall all the troops, NCO and young officers who ducked for cover when the music was played for the Retreat Ceremony, when the Base American Flag was lowered. They didn't want to have to stand their, at attention and their right hand saluting. I was proud to do this, even more so when I came home from Southeast Asia. Oh, I have had my problems with the military and the U.S. Government in their treatment of veterans, but things are improving. But I have lost respect for all these football players or any other national sport, who disrespect our flag in such a fashion. Okay. Oh, The NFL has their rules to use, but they refuse to. It all comes down to money, the possibility of losing a player because he was benched for his conduct. Phooey!) ALSO- Fukushima survivor in Japan has submitted evidence to the United Nations over Japanese "Human Rights abuses.
ALSO- Russian expert ( no name given) claims "US withdrawal unlikely to affect UNESCO, seriously". ALSO- India's Top Court rules that sex with child is ALWAYS rape, even if the couple is married. This ruling has closed down a legal loop hole that allowed offenders used to escape punishment for rape. ( Deals were made with parents, allowing the man to escape prison by marrying the child victims).
Telegraph -United Kingdom- "Britain Missing Billions" Revised figures reveal UK is 490-pounds poorer, than previously thought. ALSO- Baghdad accuses Kurdish rebels of making a "Declaration of War."
Japan Times: No-Go Zone around Kyushu Volcano was expanded after activity intensifies ( Have you noticed all the volcano eruptions around the planet, plus the earthquakes, and you can see our planet is unhappy about something. Maybe with all the billions of people adding their weight to all the constructions, we're just too heavy.) ALSO- North Korea is planning on turning their missile-testing outpost into a "tourism cash cow".
Manila Times: Philippines- Last Monday was a country-wide strike for all government offices and private businesses, due to a strike by Transportation Companies.
Russian Herald: Russian authorities agree to regulate "Crypto-Currency" market. They fear money laundering and crime related issues if they do not control it. ALSO- "Danish Government proposes defense budget hike to deter Russia."
Thailand News: Bangkok- "Man picks up woman online, then steals her truck. ALSO- "Floods Hit None Central Provinces" in Thailand. Bangkok also hit with flash floods. ( When those monsoons hit, WOW!).
Taipei Times: Philippines- Report that President Duterte threatens to "Arrest all". Fueling fears of a dictatorship. If your destabilization is taking place, (To oust him from office), and there is chaos already, I will not hesitate to declare a Revolutionary Government." "I will arrest all of you and we can go to a full-scale war against the reds", ( I believe he was referring to the Communist rebels in the islands. Duterte also blames the American CIA is in a plot to destabilize him. Nearly everyday he comes of sounding like former President Marcos, who stole millions from the taxpayers and lived more like a king then an elected official.
Egypt News: "UN condemns LGPT crackdown in Azerbaijan, Egypt and Indonesia."
Gatestone News: UK- British universities hosted (110) events featuring Muslim extremist speaker for the 2016/2017 school year. Most occurred in London institutions. Some of the speakers were former Guantanamo Bay prisoner detainees. ALSO- As of September 1, 2017 Britain is home to up to 35,000 "Islamist fanatics". More than any other country in the European Union. Reported by EU's Counter-Terrorism Coordinator- Giles Kerchove. ALSO- In Saudi Arabia, students as young as first grade are being taught hatred of all non-Muslims. (A bit rough on those who are so young.But, the NAZI Party did much the same thing, turning the youth of Germany against the Germ-Jew population in the 1930's and 1940's. ) In the 4th grade Muslim Youth are taught they are the superior race. ( Sounds like the fanatical Muslims are taking their lessons right from the WWII Japanese and German Nazis.)
Washington Free Beacon: The United Nations Human Rights Council is reportedly now pressuring a major Israeli telecommunications company to cease operations in disputed areas of the Jewish State, or face a potential designation as a Human Rights Abuser. This is being looked at as an attempt to blackmail international corporations into boycotting the Jewish State.
Gatestone News: Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziers proposal to introduce Muslim public holidays shows that when it comes to Islam, Europe's official "Post-Christian" secularism is simply missing in action. But one question came up, "Will Christians have the same religious freedoms in all the Islamic countries, as Muslims have here?"
Jerusalem Online: A new study conducted by the Lancet Commission on Pollution reported that pollution caused the deaths of 9-million people in 2015. (Can't wait to see what there 2016 report shows)
Gatestone News: Germany- Story by Judith Bergman, Full Censorship now Official in Germany- courts rewrite history. "Germany has made no secret of its desire to see its new laws copied by the rest of the EU." "When employees of social media companies are appointed as the state's private thought police and given the powers to shape and form of current political and culture discourse by deciding who shall be allowed to speak and what to say, and who shall be shutdown, Free Speech becomes nothing more than a fairy tale. Or is that perhaps the point?" A German court sentenced Michael Sturzenberger to six-months in jail for posting on his Facebook page a historical photograph of the Grand Mufti Haj Amin al-Husseini, (a senior Islamic Holy Man), shaking hands with a NAZI official in Berlin in 1941. The Prosecution accused Sturenberger of "Inciting Hatred Toward Islam", and "Denigration Islam" by publishing the photograph. A new law introducing State Censorship on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to censure their users on behalf of the German State. If they fail to do so, the German Government can fine the company up to 5-million Euros. ( Now, this is for Germany only, but how long such a law spreads throughout EU and possibly Canada...the USA? Now as to the photo, it is historical, for pre-World War II and during the war, many of the Islamic tribes hated the British and they sided with Germany. Many remained neutral and some fought alongside the allies. The photo recorded an historical moment of a meeting between two leaders. This is carrying things too far and I believe it has a good chance of showing up in our courts soon enough. I just wish some of these judges could spend a week with a fanatic militant living in their house for a week.)
That's it for now. I'm going back to my book writing. Snow has slowed down now, temperatures must have gotten warmer. Roads will be fun, but my driver has been handling these roads for 39-winters.
If anyone has it, I'd like to have James (our son) new e-mail address.
Life is good, Patrick and Canaan's house should arrive soon. But, they're $1,000 shy on the building material for inside. If you feel like donating, send an e-mail and I get back with you for the mailing address.
God Bless, everyone. May your prayers be answered. BILL
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