O, Rapture Unseen - Radio Man Sends Wrong Signal
I like the photo of the lady holding the placard saying "The Bible guarantees it". That seems to be the same silly, non-questioning mentality that a lot of religious folks cling to. Questioning long-held notions is not an attack on one's faith, it's merely a rational, sensible thing to do.
If the Bible says or implies something, it doesn't mean it's true. Really. It doesn't. It's just a book. I don't believe that Maximus Decimus Meridius killed Commodus or that Superman can fly just because I saw it in the movies. It's really not that difficult to tell the difference between reality and fiction.
Read the article DAILY TELEGRAPH/The end was not nigh after all
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Jesus did say that if anyone said he was here or there don't even go out to look.
But he did say we should keep an eye on the signs of the times as mentioned in the Bible.
For example:
1. The Jews being hunted out and returning to Israel and the restoration of the Hebrew language.
2. The world ganging up against Israel.
3. The Gospel of Jesus being spread throughout the whole world.
4. One world government.
5. Buying and selling only with a number.
And many more.
You can make up your own mind.
Read the article DAILY TELEGRAPH/The end was not nigh after all
Hopefully this will wake up some people, and help them realize that the time to
live is now, while we are alive, in this life. That this may very well be the
only existence we really have, and that a god and a heaven may not be any more
real than the doomsday prophecy of a few days ago. But some people just can't
accept the possibility that once they die, that's it. Some children don't want
to stop believing in Santa either.
Read the article NPR/'Rapture'
Prophet Harold Camping Says He Had 'A Really Tough Weekend'
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As an agnostic by faith, there is only one group of people I hate worse than
fundamentalist Christians. Militant atheists. You smug jerks really ought to
cultivate some compassion. So they were wrong. That means they know about as
much as you do. Idiots.
Read the article NPR/'Rapture'
Prophet Harold Camping Says He Had 'A Really Tough Weekend'
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Most of the "atheists" have expressed sadness about the poor people who lost all
of there money and for those that have kids. They have asked if Camping would
return the money, etc. All from a place of compassion, the Christians have
called Camping a nut and said that those he bilked got what they deserved
because they didn't heed the word of the Bible.
Then there is the militant
agnostic, who thinks that just because he/she sits on the fence unable to search
within and come up with an answer for hoe he/she feels that he/she gets to sit
in judgment of all. How convenient.
Read the article NPR/'Rapture'
Prophet Harold Camping Says He Had 'A Really Tough Weekend'
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My father was a great salesman; I mean world class.
He used to tell me that
if he had it to do over he would become a preacher.
No warehouse, no
shipping, no product, no guarantee ... just collect the money.
What are the
rubes going to do? Sue you after they are dead?
"Your honor I died and when I
did I found out that my existence had ceased; no rapture, no pearly gates, no
little naked babies with wings... nothing."
Read the article NPR/'Rapture'
Prophet Harold Camping Says He Had 'A Really Tough Weekend'
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As a believer in Messiah,I see two potential outcomes, one probable and the
other speculative. This nonevent will probably reinforce the notion "those
Christians are nuts" and Camping will have the opposite effect intended of the
great commission inherent in the term Christian. I would hope this grounding of
Camping will provide the humility to reexamine his timeline in an actual
biblical terms of measuring time.
By any literal reckoning of Genesis,
the flood could not have happened 4990 B.C. This ignores the genealogies which
give us a very accurate duration for the antediluvian world. The other methods
for reckoning time extant in the Scriptures, Sabbath rests (of days and years),
Jubilees, Hebraic idiom and metaphor, day for a year, all must be evaluated in
context of an ancient Semitic culture. Sometimes we need to hit rock bottom
before the creator can get through to us. Shalom
Read the article NPR/'Rapture'
Prophet Harold Camping Says He Had 'A Really Tough Weekend'
The World's Banker and the Chambermaid
It is astonishing that there remains such an enormous gap between Latin and Anglo-Saxon cultures regarding the rights of women to be free from sexual harassment.
It seems clear from the article that, had women in France felt that the system would have supported them, Strauss-Kahn might have been removed from public life (and perhaps justly penalized) years ago. With his American-born wife defending him, and the French laissez-faire attitude to sexual harassment protecting him, however, it is unsurprising that a man with such clear boundary issues was able to rise so high.
The alleged behavior, as louche and creepy as it appears to be, might finally convince France and her Latin neighbors that horny old men acting badly are not good for the national image.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/Soul-Searching in France After Official’s Arrest Jolts Nation
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So this guy is a card carrying Socialist and he stays in a hotel that costs $3000 a night? Then, he books passage on Air France where the First Class Airfare to Paris is $7700. What a hypocrite.
And, who is going to pay his attorney's fees? And, if they offer the girl a cash settlement to go away quietly, who is going to pay that?
This behavior is outrageous and goes way beyond "Boys will be boys!" This guy sounds like he's an absolute, self-indulgent pig. I feel incredibly sorry for his wife as well trying to white wash his behavior.
Now, true, a person is innocent until proven guilty, but why wouldn't a person of this stature have a security person or an aide to protect him from such accusations?
Now, in the press and in the hearts and minds of millions of people, he will forever remain "Guilty until proven innocent." If he was set up, then he had better figure out a way to right this wrong. And, if he wasn't set up, then what is his problem? Does he really believe that he can treat people that way and get away with it? This is America where no one and I mean no one is above the law!
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/Soul-Searching in France After Official’s Arrest Jolts Nation
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Geronimo! - Sounding Off About a Mission Code-Word
As a "code WORD" the use revealed "success". If they had NOT heard the word...it would mean "failure".
The US Army uses "Geronimo" in many positive ways...naming schools and streets...and while jumping from airplanes. I have never heard it used in a negative way - and I do not believe anyone in the US government would EVER equate Geronimo with Bin Laden.
Now I do agree with the need to improve our level of respect towards Native Americans, and think a great first gesture would be to ceremoniously return Geronimo to his descendants. For those who don’t know – Geronimo is still an American prisoner of war, buried on Ft. Sill in Oklahoma.
Read the article WASHINGTON POST/American Indians object to ‘Geronimo’ as code for bin Laden raid
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The use of Geronimo's name is a insult to the Apache who revere him as a honorable leader fighting for his people, land, culture and values. He outsmarted the US Army for some years on the run from them.
I wonder why President Obama chose to allow his name to be associated with such a evil man. Was this a node to the old wild west again where the cowboys and Indians mentality rides once again?
The Army should have said something since they fly Apache gunships and even have received the blessing of the Apache to use their name in the name of patriotism. The attention to detail such as carefully preparing Osama's body for burial was in stark contrast to put it diplomatically was a failure when using the code word for Osama's killing Geronimo-EKIA, thereby insulting the Apache's.
Come on President Obama. Didn't you take history in college? Were you not honored by the Crow Nation recently? Mr. Obama, please send an apology for your oversight. We Native Americans may represent a fraction of your voter base, but you have insulted our intelligence and our people who continue to serve this country's military with honor and in numbers.
Read the article LOS ANGELES TIMES/Geronimo: A century after his death, mysteriously tied to Bin Laden, the CIA and Skull and Bones
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Who is responsible for code-naming this man after a Native American defender of his homeland.
This is particularly ironic seeing how Geronimo was a prisoner of war who was never allowed to return to his home land. His grave (at Fort Sill) was robbed by members of Yale's Skull and Cross Bones Society whose members included both Presidents Bush. I keep thinking of code names that would not be used because they would offend some race or religion.
Yes, Friedman, we killed Bin Laden with a bullet but with a name the US has smeared all Native Americans.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/Farewell to Geronimo
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Another example of pc whining. When does this nonsense stop? When will
professional victimhood end?
I am losing sympathy for all of these professional
victims who are constantly trolling for headlines and attention. Can't we (as a
people) do anything any more? Are we entering a world of total linguistic
paralysis?
We cannot call a ship or a hurricane "she", we cannot use traditional
linguistic shortcuts such as "he" unless we add "she" (or vice versa) , the
Germanic=suffix "man" is now "person" (by the way, a "peer's son", but what the
heck) . We cannot use adjectives that are racial or ethnic, and we cannot even
name our sports teams after admired groups
Everyone is so thin-skinned and
ready for victimhood it is absurd. I suggest that Bin Laden was code named
"Geronimo" because (1) he was the leader of his group, and (2) "Petunia" was
already taken.
Read the article WALL STREET JOURNAL/Onondagas rip 'Geronimo' code name in deadly raid
As a Native American myself I do find the use of Geronimo a badge of honor. People use it to symbolize bravery! To symbolize going against odds! To my other brother and sisters, stop crying about everything the States do and start worrying about fixing our communities. It was a long time ago and its time to stop blaming and start living.
Read the article ABC NEWS/Codename: 'Geronimo' for Osama Bin Laden Mission Angers Some Native Americans
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I've been deployed to Afghanistan for nearly a year now, and gone out on several patrols. Not once have I ever heard anybody say that "We're entering into Indian territory," or anything similar. The entire idea of naming a mission or objective is to make it something arbitrary that is completely unrelated to the reality of what is happening. Doing this serves two purposes: 1. Creating an extra security measure with a cover term. 2. Picking a name that everybody will recognize so that it is easy to reference.
To make an analogy, naming missions and objectives is very similar to naming hurricanes. It's an arbitrary process that is done for ease of recognition. It's weird how I don't see American's across the nation writing articles about how they are offended that NOAA and the weather services named Katrina after their daughters, sisters and mothers.
Read the article WASHINGTON POST/American Indians object to ‘Geronimo’ as code for bin Laden raid
Prince William and Kate Middleton: A Fanfare for the Royal Couple
I am not a royalist but am a realist and understand the benefits the Monarchy
brings to our country. The Royal family has a lifestyle unlike any others but
that lifestyle also has its huge personal costs.
So we have the Royal
wedding; a particularly special day for two people that will be both enjoyed and
celebrated by many around the globe. Few event offers such pleasure and this one
is taking place at the heart of the Commonwealth!
Accordingly I hope
their day goes well and is enjoyed by many. Certainly I'll lift a glass and
toast them good luck, good fortune and thank them for the bank holiday!
Read the article BBC/Royal Wedding - Love it or Hate it?
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When everything and anything worth celebrating has been torn down - on the
grounds that it's 'religious' or 'outdated' or 'pointless' - and every single
day is just another boring stepping stone on the way to our graves, then we will
have something to moan about.
A royal wedding like this is gloriously British -
a priceless feast of true fairy-tale opulence. In these times of economic
unfairness it is a good leveller - in its own way it shows that no matter how
much money you have, there are things that not even hedge fund managers and
movie stars can buy! It is as far beyond the reach of billionaire fat cat
bankers and football stars as it is for dustmen and loo cleaners.
Read the article BBC/Royal Wedding - Love it or Hate it?
DOWNLOAD
THE OFFICIAL ROYAL WEDDING PROGRAM
Fact of the matter is this, (and this is coming from somebody who is not a
Royals fanatic) the Queen is the only thing stopping government from doing
whatever the hell it is they want, she protects more land, buildings and
wildlife in this country than any of us combined, both Prince Harry and William
have paid their dues in Afghan, raised more money for charity than most of us
could make in 30 lifetimes and the Prince's Trust does amazing things for young
people in this country.
Not to mention tourism and the plain old fact that it's
tradition, this countries heritage. People are so quick to condemn this country
for the lack of patriotism, well look where it comes from!!
If all of the above
is costing you £1 per year, then except it, be gracious and go out and earn
yourself a life of luxury if this is what you resent? Or maybe try and raise as
much for charity before you complain!
Read the article BBC/Royal Wedding - Love it or Hate it?
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Wow, what feeling there is about a wedding. I hope they have a long and happy
life together and I'm not sure they can be blamed for all of the media coverage.
People do need to get over the 'they cost us a fortune' hang up. The Royal
family cost no-where near as much as it cost to bail out Lloyds bank but they
give a dam sight more. They work around the world championing charities that
most don't even know about. They attract media attention to the plight of people
that most would rather forget about and they do it all whilst carrying the
responsibility of being the royal family to one of the greatest nations on
Earth.
The Queen actually has very little power left (except dissolving
parliament, which might not be a bad thing at the minute and might be able to
claim land here and there). Many of them have served in our armed forces and
have seen active combat, again, more than most of us can say. Yes, they have
access to things many of us can only dream of but they also do more than most of
us are willing to.
Be proud of a Royal family who represent each and everyone
of us to the rest of the world and be proud of something that helps to keep our
national identity.
Hopefully William and Kate will continue this proud
tradition and enjoy their special day as millions of us have enjoyed ours. Good
Luck to them.
Read the article BBC/Royal Wedding - Love it or Hate it?
Looks like the weather will be lovely for them which is great, the amount of
street parties going ahead shows support for our Royal Family. I remember street
parties when I was young and so do our two children, something never to be
forgotten. For those who want a dictatorship by having a president, think again
as we nearly got Hitler, so if you want that regime emigrate to a country that
has one, you really wont be missed.
To the person who came back to this country
three yrs ago and hates it, no one is stopping from leaving so stop moaning.
I'm
sick of the jealousy and bitterness of those people especially of those who want
it to rain which would spoil the thousands of celebrations going on, how mean
these people are. I love the ceremony, pageantry and colour. Its lovely to see
London streets lined with people coming especially to watch from all over the
world [who love and respect our Royal family and enjoy the splendour too] who I
hope will enjoy the event regardless of the anti monarchy group and media.
Its
also bringing in income to shops, restaurants, hotels, souvenirs, cafes, pubs
and the transport system to name a few. I wish William and Kate every happiness
and hope they enjoy every moment of the day.
Read the article BBC/Royal Wedding - Love it or Hate it?
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I love pomp and ceremony and nobody does it better than us. Will definitely watch
the processions and the wedding.
I hope they have a lovely day and a long,
healthy and happy life-the same as I'd wish for any other couple........only
wish his mum could be there.
To all you anti-Royal, anti-wedding,
anti-everything-else moaners-turn the TV off and get a book out, or Scrabble,
walk the dog, wash the car, play with the children, but stop moaning and let
those who want to, enjoy it!
Read the article BBC/Royal Wedding - Love it or Hate it?
The monarchy-obsessed Americans should be reminded that not everybody in the UK is as excited as they are about the wedding.
For their information foggy old London hasn't been truly foggy for many years and we are not all grindingly poor with terrible tooth decay. (We lack the urge to undergo cosmetic dental work and we sneer at those who indulge in cosmetic surgery of any description).
But my fat and toothless wife will be heroically camping out on the street tonight in temperatures in single figures because she is planning to hold up a banner saying 'OFF WITH THEIR BEADS' in the morning.
It was supposed to say 'HEADS' but because of a typo (for which I am entirely to blame) it has become a protest about the crown jewels.
I hope you will look out for her on your TVs in the morning.
Read the article DAILY TELEGRAPH/Royal wedding live
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Oh cheer up people! I'm not a huge fan of anything royal but if something adds a bit of fun and colour to people otherwise rather mundane lives then, you know, go for it.
I agree it's not as important as some of the world's current ills (war, famine, birth certificates, etc.) but this is at least on a par with the outpouring of national emotion that Wayne Rooney and the English footie team.
And beside any excuse for a party and the mass consumption of beer is alright with most of us.
Read the article GUARDIAN/ Royal wedding trippers head to London
I would not be able to get married in front of 2 billion people. I would not be
able to walk down the aisle without my knees crumbling from nerves and every
photo would pick up a twitching face. I actually feel sorry for them! But I am
looking forward to being one of the 2 billion.
There`s nothing like a Royal
wedding to bring out the best of British! All you Royal haters go and watch a
programme about Presidents or something else that helps you forget your
heritage
Read the article DAILY MAIL/A regal wave: Kate arrives with sister and mother at their London hotel to spend
final night as a single woman... and as a commoner
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I can honestly say that I truly admired your Princess Diana and was in awe of
her strength, compassion and genuine loving spirit. Looking on at her son's
wedding, her presence will truly be missed.
If someone like me, just a bystander
looking through the lens of her life and feeling all of these different
emotions, I cannot even begin to imagine what her sons, obviously especially
William will be feeling tomorrow. I can only imagine that Princess Diana would
be extremely proud of the choice William has made in his bride... Catherine
comes across as a very strong woman, a strength that is much needed when
marrying into your Royal Family, it seems. I concur, Wills looks the spitting
image of his Mum in their official portrait. Best wishes from the
States.
Read the article DAILY MAIL/A regal wave: Kate arrives with sister and mother at their London hotel to spend
final night as a single woman... and as a commoner
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I cannot for the life of me see why anyone would take the time to post negative
comments about this upcoming wedding ! Two very young people who are in love are
about to be joined in marriage.
The royal implications not withstanding, that
fact alone should make people feel happy for this couple. That the whole country
should take pride in the future King's marriage and his place in this great
countries lineage is one that should be a source of pride throughout the
monarch.
We in America have nothing coming close to the reverence of a royal
family and we take pride in our republic. Having said that it still makes me
yearn for the beautiful love and loyal respect those who would pitch a tent days
in advance just to catch a glimpse of this historical event.
God bless this
young couple and give them strength and courage to face the scrutiny that will
forever follow them the rest of their lives. And God Bless the British people
while the world watches in awe of your traditions !
Read the article DAILY MAIL/A regal wave: Kate arrives with sister and mother at their London hotel to spend
final night as a single woman... and as a commoner
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I am am American woman who worked, 5 years each, in London, Madrid, and Paris. While their standards might be different re affairs, mistresses, and other adult consensual behavior, they have no more tolerance of rape than in the USA. Too many comments seem to be saying they are similar behaviors. They are not. Rape is not about sex, affectionate feelings but about power, violence, and other complicated factors and emotions.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/Soul-Searching in France After Official’s Arrest Jolts Nation
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I find it odd that so many French people, including govt officials, have made comments saying they certainly hoped that one could presume DSK's innocence in this situation, and not automatically make judgements, i.e. innocent until proven guilty.
This would be the automatic stance of most people in English-speaking countries with law based on English Common Law, one of whose basic tenets is the concept of "innocent until proven guilty". France (as well as most of continental Europe, and about all former Spanish, French or Portuguese colonies) is under the Napoleonic Code, which is based on exactly the OPPOSITE presumption - i.e. a person charged is presumed guilty until proven innocent.
So all the rhetoric, while a natural and admirable human sentiment, directly contradicts the edicts of France's own national legal system. Personally, I'll take English Common Law, thank you. Vive la difference!
Read the article HUFFINGTON POST/Dominique Strauss-Kahn Faces Rape Charges As Another Woman Comes
Forward
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I see some interesting reactions to DSK's affairs in the US, from my french point of view. I would like to explain a few points (and I apologize for my English which is certainly not perfect, I'll try to do my best!) :
- A "socialist" in France is not a real socialist. The "Parti Socialiste" was socialist when it was created at the beginning of the 20th century, it is not anymore. Today, it is much more close to the centre or the centre right, more or less, our equivalent of your Democratic Party. The Parti Socialiste has accepted capitalism since a long time and has encouraged France to adapt itself to the globalization in the 80's, under François Miterrand.
- You are numerous to say that we know a sort of oligarchy in France, with a two track justice system. I guess you are partly right, but it's not as developed as you think. I know you are surprised because we disapprove the treatment given to DSK, but that's not because he's famous but rather because since 2000 in France, we don't have the right to show someone arrested and submitted to the media at that time of the procedure. Consequently, we have the impression DSK is humiliated.
- And finally, if we don't really condemn DSK here, in spite of his very serious crime against that young woman, (rape is severly punished in France too, we are not as sexist as people believe), that's because he was our best hope for the presidential elections of 2012. He was charismatic, very competent, and he had done a lot to save the Euro of the crisis. The opinion polls gave him a lead of 10 points. But now DSK is politically dead and Sarkozy will be elected, again, because he is the only man with a presidential calibre... And we can't stand that.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/As case unfolds, France speculates and steams