March 18, 2017

G20 financial leaders acquiesce to U.S., drop free trade pledge
Financial leaders of the world’s biggest economies dropped a pledge to keep global trade free and open, acquiescing to an increasingly protectionist United States after a two-day meeting failed to yield a compromise.
‘Known radical Muslim’ dead after seizing soldier’s gun at Paris airport
Security forces shot dead a man who seized a soldier’s gun at Paris Orly airport in France on Saturday soon after the same man shot and wounded a police officer during a routine police check, the interior minister said. The man was known to police and intelligence services, Interior Minister Bruno le Roux told reporters. A police source described him as a radicalized Muslim but did not identify him by name.
Rocket explodes in open area near Gaza border, no injuries
A rocket exploded in an open area Saturday morning in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. Rocket alert sirens were heard in the southern Gaza border communities. No one was injured in the incident. Additional reports indicate that a second rocket was also launched but landed within the Gaza Strip.
Russia demands explanation for Israel’s Syria strikes
Israel’s ambassador to Russia was summoned by Russia’s Foreign Minister on Friday to give an explanation for Israel’s Thursday night air strikes in Syria, Israeli media reported…An IDF source told The Jerusalem Post that Israel has no plans to escalate or intensify tension with the Syrian army; however, Israel will continue to operate according it’s red lines, working to stop transfer of weapons, mainly accurate long-range missiles being transferred from Iran, through Syria, to Hezbollah.
Netanyahu: Syria strikes were to block transfer of weapons to Hezbollah
In a rare statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday acknowledged Israeli airstrikes in Syria, saying that they were conducted to prevent the transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah. “Our policy is very consistent,” Netanyahu said. “When we detect attempts to transfer advanced weapons to Hezbollah, and we have the intelligence and feasibility to carry out an operation, we will work to prevent it.”
Rex Tillerson urged to be ‘cool-headed’ over North Korea
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the US to remain “cool-headed” over North Korean tensions. The situation was at a “crossroads”, but must not be allowed to develop into a conflict, he said after hosting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Mr Tillerson spoke of “dangerous levels” of tension, a day after suggesting the US might launch a pre-emptive strike against North Korea.
UK troops in Estonia to deter ‘Russian aggression’
The first of 800 UK troops being sent to bolster Nato defences in the Baltic have arrived in Estonia. The 120 soldiers from the 5th Battalion The Rifles will set up a UK headquarters in the country before the remaining troops arrive in April. The defence secretary said they would deter “Russian aggression”.
Germany to use voice recognition to identify migrant origins
Germany is to begin testing new voice recognition software that can tell which country migrants without documentation come from, officials say. The Federal Office for Migrants and Refugees said the automated new system would begin within two weeks. But it will not be ready for routine use for at least a year and there are doubts over its effectiveness.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Defends Globalization in China Speech
Apple Inc.’s Chief Executive Tim Cook defended globalization in a rare public speech in China, as his company faces political pressure in the U.S. to bring back factories. Mr. Cook also said data privacy was one of the company’s values, although he stopped short Saturday of criticizing decryption demands from governments as Apple has previously in the U.S. It was his first time speaking at the China Development Forum, an annual conference sponsored by China’s central government.
New Republican bill seeks to keep traveling gun owners safe from states with anti-gun laws
On Tuesday, Senate Republicans introduced a bill that would protect the rights of gun owners traveling over state lines from falling into the complicated laws that differ in each state. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) introduced S.618 , which would amend the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 to clarify key provisions in the law…the bill will prevent anyone with a gun, ammunition, or magazines from falling outside of the law simply by passing through.
Trump Responds To Obama Wiretap Question: “At Least Merkel And I Have Something In Common”
Donald Trump: “on wiretapping by this past administration, at least we have something in common.”
Trump’s Budget Revives Yucca Mountain After Obama Killed It
President Donald Trump’s budget revives plans to store nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The budget “provides $120 million to restart licensing activities for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste, repository and initiate a robust interim storage program,” according to a budget summary. “These investments would accelerate progress on fulfilling the Federal Government’s obligations to address nuclear waste, enhance national security, and reduce future taxpayer burden.”
Reagan intel analyst: Obama made world more dangerous
The man who successfully predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union says the world is increasingly dangerous because the U.S. takes less of a leadership role, but he is hopeful President Trump will reverse that trend.
Rush Limbaugh on Obamacare 2.0: ‘Why Do the Republicans Want to Hurt Trump’s Base?’
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh questioned why Congressional Republicans seem determined to inflict pain on Trump’s economically-struggling base with their healthcare bill on Friday: 
IRS Director Needs to Take the Perp Walk
Nearly two months into the Trump administration, the IRS commissioner remains on the job. IRS Director, John Koskinen, has harassed Tea Party members and audited the political enemies of former President Obama. He doesn’t need to just be fired, he needs to be prosecuted for abuse of power. Here is the complete story.
Obama’s Final Year: US Spent $36 Million in Records Lawsuits
The Obama administration in its final year in office spent a record $36.2 million on legal costs defending its refusal to turn over federal records under the Freedom of Information Act, according to an Associated Press analysis of new U.S. data that also showed poor performance in other categories measuring transparency in government.

March 17, 2017

Clinton private email probe hindered by State Department, Chaffetz says
The head of the congressional committee investigating Hillary Clinton’s handling of classified information on her private email server blasted the State Department on Wednesday for hindering its probe by not providing requested documents. “We need to understand the gravity of this. There is a reason the State Department, years after, is still holding off on giving us documents,” Chaffetz told Fox News. “The more they want to hold them, the more curious we are on what’s in them.”
It Appears that Rockets were Launched at Israel, Multiple Intercepts
3:52 AM Update: It is now believed that 3 rockets were launched at Israel from Syria at 2:43 AM. The unconfirmed reports say that two rockets landed in Israel. One rocket landed in Jordan.As a result of the rocket intercept, there are fires reported in Almog, Kibbutz Harel, Argeman, Mitzpe Yericho, Vered Yericho.
Hungary to build new line of border fences to keep out migrants
Hungary’s second line of fences on its border with Serbia will be built by the end of May and will be able to prevent any new wave of migrants coming from Turkey, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday.
U.S. policy of ‘strategic patience’ with North Korea over: Tillerson
A U.S. policy of strategic patience with North Korea has ended, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in South Korea on Friday, adding that military action would be “on the table” if North Korea elevated the threat level.
Christian Media Giant Produces Major Series Promoting God’s Land
An unusual new television series, a cooperative effort of three Christian organizations, explores the modern miracle that is Israel, and its role as an incarnation of God’s Biblical promise – from a Christian point of view. Providing an intimate look at Israel’s history, culture and modern-day life, it allows Christians an insider’s view of the unique Jewish journey.
Israeli missile defense systems now protect fighter jets
When the Arrow missile system was delivered to the Israel Air Force in 2000, Israel became the first country in the world with the ability to protect itself against ballistic missile threats…There is no room for mistakes and missiles need to be intercepted as far way as possible…If the reports are right from Friday morning’s predawn IAF raid in Syria, the Arrow missile has undergone another revolution – it can now be used to protect Israeli aircraft operating behind enemy lines from hostile surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).
AJC urges Congress to back letter to Trump calling for two-states
The American Jewish Committee is rallying support for a congressional letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reaffirm support for a two-state solution…On Wednesday, the AJC sent a letter to members of the US House of Representatives asking them to sign on and support the letter authored by Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and David Price, D-N.C., and other measures that preserve peacemaking options even though “current conditions do not provide grounds for optimism.”
Merkel and Trump to discuss trade and defence in US talks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to meet President Donald Trump in Washington, with transatlantic trade and Nato ties high on the agenda. Mr Trump has ruffled feathers in Germany by threatening its carmakers with tariffs and calling on Berlin to boost defence spending. Mrs Merkel will be accompanied by top executives from German companies Siemens, Schaeffler and car giant BMW.
Israel’s Arrow anti-missile system ‘in first hit’
Israel has shot down a Syrian missile using its most advanced anti-missile system for the first time, Israeli media say. A surface-to-air missile (SAM) was intercepted using the Arrow system, designed to stop long-range ballistic missiles, reports say. And in a rare admission, Israel said it had targeted several sites in Syria.
Republican health bill still alive despite renegade conservative votes
The much-criticized Obamacare replacement bill passed the House Budget Committee on Thursday with one vote to spare, as three conservative Republicans broke ranks to vote against Paul Ryan’s health care proposal. Reps. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, Dave Brat of Virginia and Gary Palmer of Alabama voted against the legislation. Combined with unified Democratic opposition, the bill was reported favorably by a vote of 19-17.
‘After School Satan Club’ Received Fast-Tracked Tax-Exempt Status from IRS
Documents…show the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fast-tracked tax-exempt status for an “After School Satan Club” in Tacoma, Washington, while the federal agency was discovered to be either denying conservative and Christian groups…or making them wait for years. According to the watchdog group…the After School Satan Club at Point Defiance Elementary in Tacoma applied for its tax-exempt status designation on October 21, 2014 and received it only 10 days later on October 31, 2014.
Exorcist fails to drive out ‘evil spirits,’ forcing Brazilian president to leave ‘haunted’ presidential palace
It seemed like a scene from the sci-fi movie “Ghostbusters.” The only difference was that the “ghosts” that apparently showed up at the official residence of Brazilian President Michel Temer seemed scary enough to force the president and his family to leave the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia.
New York Assemblyman Unveils Bill To Suppress Non-Government-Approved Free Speech
“…the deeper problem with the bill is simply that it aims to censor what people say, under a broad, vague test based on what the government thinks the public should or shouldn’t be discussing…”
Senators Demand State Department Probe Into Soros Organizations
“Over the past few years, the U.S. Mission there has actively intervened in the party politics of Macedonia, as well as in the shaping of its media environment and civil society, often favoring left-leaning political group over others.  We find these reports discouraging and, if true, highly problematic.  Much of the concerning activity in Macedonia has been perpetuated through USAID funds awarded to implementing entities such as George Soros’ Open Society Foundations.”
U.S. Military Power in Syria May Increase by 1000 Troops as Russia Bombs ISIS
The Pentagon has considered increasing the U.S. military presence in Syria by up to 1,000 troops as the international battle to oust the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, from their de facto capital of Raqqa heats up.
BBC team among injured in Etna volcano drama
Ten people were injured by flying rock and lava after Mount Etna, Europe’s biggest active volcano, burst into life on Thursday, according to a BBC journalist and others caught up in a terrifying drama on the upper slopes. The 10 suffered minor burns, cuts and bruises and six were hospitalised.
Southern Baptist leaders tout unity amid rift that could cost church millions
A show of unity this week by leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) puts a happy, but perhaps temporary, face on a struggle over the direction of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. The head of the 15-million-member evangelical denomination’s public policy arm, Russell Moore, has criticized President Trump and – most provocatively – SBC leaders who openly support him.

March 16, 2017

Hatred Off the Charts
America — and now the world — has lost its collective mind because the prince of this world is enraged. Satan unleashed all his wealth and power, and he lost the battle for America. The result is a level of hatred most of us have never seen in our lifetimes. It is off the charts, foul-mouthed, irrational, and violent. We are living a preview of Revelations 12:12,
Temple Mount Conflict Proves Islamic ‘Replacement Theology’ Seeks to Usurp All Religions
The conflict over the Temple Mount is a clear manifestation of Islamic replacement theology, a noted archaeologist told the Knesset on Wednesday. It is the site’s holy status in Judaism that is the basis of Islam’s interest, and this phenomenon has been seen throughout history, with Islam appropriating major Christian sites as well.
Michael Savage left bloodied, shaken in public assault
On the day he launched his new book about the fierce, sometimes violent, opposition to Donald Trump, radio talk-show host Michael Savage was assaulted by a stranger at a San Francisco Bay Area restaurant.
Queen formally approves law giving UK PM May power to trigger EU exit talks
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth on Thursday formally granted Prime Minister Theresa May the power to trigger exit talks with the European Union, approving legislation which passed through parliament late on Monday.
‘Wars of religion will start in Europe’ – Turkish FM
The comments come amid a bitter feud between the Netherlands and Turkey. Ankara suspended high-level relations with the European country on Monday, after it banned ministers from addressing Turks at a rally in Rotterdam, where they were expected to advocate for a constitutional referendum in Turkey.
US Middle East envoy meets with Judea and Samaria leaders
Jason Greenblatt, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, met today at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem with head of the Samaria Council Yossi Dagan and head of the Efrat council Oded Revivi. This is the first time an official US envoy has met with heads of the Judea and Samaria settlement movement.
IDF strikes Gaza targets overnight in response to rocket fire
The Israel air force struck two Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Thursday morning in retaliation for a rocket that landed in the Negev on Wednesday night, the army confirmed on Thursday. There was no damage or injuries from the rocket launched from the Gaza Strip and no siren sounded as the rocket landed in open territory in the Negev, the IDF spokesperson’s Unit said.
Italy pledges to affirm Jewish ties to Temple Mount at UNESCO
Italy on Wednesday renewed its pledge to Israel to oppose any resolutions at UNESCO that ignore Jewish ties to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. Visiting Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano delivered that message when he met Wednesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Last fall, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi promised Netanyahu that his country would take a stand against the Palestinian drive at UNESCO to refer to the Temple Mount solely by its Muslim name of al-Haram al-Sharif.
Dutch election: Wilders defeat celebrated
Dutch people rejected “the wrong kind of populism”, Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said, as he celebrated victory in Wednesday’s election. “The Netherlands said ‘Whoa!'” he declared after his centre-right VVD party’s lead positioned him for a third successive term as prime minister. With nearly all votes counted, his party easily beat the anti-immigration Freedom party of Geert Wilders.
Brazilians protest against reforms to pension system
Tens of thousands of people have taken part in protests across Brazil against planned reforms to the pension system. In the capital Brasilia, hundreds occupied the finance ministry, while in Sao Paulo, demonstrators brought traffic to a standstill. President Michel Temer says capping pension benefits and raising retirement age is needed to fix the country’s finances.
Trump travel ban: US judge blocks new executive order
A federal judge in Hawaii has blocked President Donald Trump’s new travel ban, hours before it was due to begin after midnight on Thursday. US District Judge Derrick Watson cited “questionable evidence” in the government’s argument that the ban was a matter of national security. President Trump described the ruling as “unprecedented judicial overreach”.
Military wins in first Trump budget; environment, aid lose big
President Donald Trump will ask the U.S. Congress for dramatic cuts to many federal programs as he seeks to bulk up defense spending, start building a wall on the border with Mexico and spend more money deporting illegal immigrants. In a federal budget proposal with many losers, the Environmental Protection Agency and State Department stand out as targets for the biggest spending reductions.
China pledges firm response if Japan interferes in South China Sea
China on Thursday pledged a firm response if Japan stirs up trouble in the South China Sea, after Reuters reported on a Japanese plan to send its largest warship to the disputed waters. The Izumo helicopter carrier…will make stops in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka before joining the Malabar joint naval exercise with Indian and U.S. naval vessels in the Indian Ocean in July….The trip would be Japan’s biggest show of naval force in the region since World War Two.
Netanyahu to meet with Trump envoy for second time on Thursday
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to meet with senior US official Jason Greenblatt for a second time on Thursday…Greenblatt, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for international negotiations, has been shuttling between Jerusalem, Ramallah and Jordan for the past few days, meeting with Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and other Israeli officials, as well as with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, other Palestinian officials and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
Russian spy ship returns off U.S. coast, near sub base
A Russian spy ship has reappeared off the U.S. eastern seaboard, sailing just 20 miles south of the U.S. Navy submarine base at King’s Bay, Georgia, and heading north. CBS News correspondent David Martin reports the Viktor Leonov, known as an AGI (Auxiliary, General Intelligence) trawler, has a port call scheduled in Jamaica for mid-April, and the assumption among U.S. officials is that it will make one more run up and down the east coast before heading to Jamaica.
Number of Swedish Children Wanting to Change Gender Doubling Each Year
Louise Frisén, child psychiatrist at the Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, told Aftonbladet that in 2016, the gender investigation team saw 197 children who were interested in ‘transitioning’ to becoming the opposite sex. “There’s a 100 per cent increase in numbers each year, and the people we’re seeing are younger and younger and more and more children are coming at very young ages,” she said, adding that “the increase is identical on the adult side of things, too,” she said.
The Latest: Judge Who Put Ban On Hold Was Nominated By Obama
The judge in Hawaii who put President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban on hold was nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama.
China Is Again Selling US Treasuries As Foreign Central Banks Liquidate $45BN
After December’s brief dead cat bounce, in which foreign central banks bought $18.6 billion in US Treasuries, breaking a streak of 12 consecutive months of selling, in January they resumed their liquidation dumping another $44.9 billion in Treasuries.
Carson Block: “The Possibility Of US Default Is Greater Than Anyone Seems To Realize”
In an ideal world, all sides would come together and not play politics with the debt ceiling again. Clearly that’s not the world in which we live. America’s partisan divide may now be so wide that a default will occur…
Fox News Poll: Trump approval slips, even as more feel economy improving
Voters think President Trump is ahead of most previous presidents on fulfilling campaign promises, and the most voters in more than a decade see an improving economy.  Yet that isn’t enough to put the president’s job rating in positive territory, according to a Fox News Poll released Wednesday.
Officials say pirates hijack freighter in latest test for Trump
Pirates have hijacked an oil tanker off the coast of Somalia, Somali officials and piracy experts said Tuesday, in the first hijacking of a large commercial vessel there since 2012. The area where the hijacking occurred is overseen by the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain.
Slaughter in the courthouse: Horrific scenes in Damascus as suicide bomb kills 32 people inside Justice Palace
A suicide bomb attack in a Damascus court has left at least 32 people dead and 45 others wounded. Another suicide explosion then struck a restaurant in the Syrian capital, killing several people.

March 15, 2017

The Washington Post notices Turkey’s “downward spiral”
By this point I’ve lost count of how many articles I’ve published on the subject. The rapid downward slide of a once very promising democracy in a primarily Muslim nation and the public rise to power of an aspiring tyrant is a very real tragedy playing on the world stage in front of us all.
The truth about Satan: Nuclear war in the 21st century
Late last year, the world’s news services were abuzz with articles about Russia’s new super weapon, an ICBM called Satan 2 that is alleged to have the capability to fly at 17 times the speed of sound, penetrate US ICBM defenses, and destroy an area the size of Texas. But do these claims hold water, and just how big is the nuclear threat that the world really faces in the 21st century? What is the truth about Satan 2?
Trump plans to seriously slash funding for U.N.
The Trump administration has not been shy about its plans to cut the federal government’s size, spending, influence and control. Among the specific targets is funding of the United Nations, including its abortion and climate change agendas, according to ForeignPolicy.com.
Starquakes reveal surprises about birth of stars in our galaxy
“The results were unexpected,” says study team member UNSW’s Dr Dennis Stello. “We found that the spins of most of the stars were aligned with each other. “Previously it had been assumed that massive turbulence would have scrambled the rotational energy of the clouds where the stars were born, and prevented this alignment.
Saudi deputy crown prince, Trump meeting a “turning point” – Saudi adviser
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump agreed in a meeting on Tuesday that Iran represents a regional security threat, a senior adviser to the deputy crown prince said The adviser also said the talks marked a “historical turning point” in US-Saudi relations.
Iran vows to ‘liberate’ Golan Heights
A new Iran-funded Iraqi Hezbollah “brigade” aims to “liberate” the Golan Heights from Israel, spokesman Seyed Hashem Moussavi last week said last week at a news conference in Iran.
Only Whites Can Be Racist, Insists University
UC Davis defines “racism” as “the systematic subordination of marginalized racial groups … by members of the agent/dominant/privileged racial group who have relatively more social power (white),” clearly indicating that only whites are capable of racism.
Saudi Prince: Trump a ‘strong president’ in fight against dangerous Iran
Saudi Arabia hailed a “historical turning point” in US-Saudi relations after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the two leaders’ shared view that Iran posed a regional security threat. The meeting on Tuesday appeared to signal a meeting of the minds on many issues between Trump and Prince Mohammed, in a marked difference from Riyadh’s often fraught relationship with the Obama administration, especially in the wake of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Dutch election: Voters go to the polls in key test for populists
Voters are going to the polls in the Netherlands in the first of three crucial eurozone elections this year. The race is dominated by Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s centre-right party and that of Geert Wilders, running on an anti-immigration platform. Mr Rutte has said the election is an opportunity for voters to “beat the wrong sort of populism”.
Syria conflict: Jets deliberately bombed Damascus spring – UN
UN human rights experts say the Syrian air force deliberately bombed a spring outside Damascus in December, cutting off the water supply for 5.5 million people living in and around the city. The Syrian government blamed rebels for damaging the Ain al-Fijeh spring during the battle for the Wadi Barada valley. But a new report by a UN commission of enquiry says evidence showed the damage was caused by at least two air strikes.
Poultry breeder Aviagen culls U.S. flock over bird flu fears
Aviagen [EWESJA.UL], the world’s leading poultry breeding company, has euthanized chickens at a farm in Alabama over concerns about bird flu, the company said on Tuesday, as likely cases of the disease emerged in a top chicken-producing state. Alabama officials said they suspected that poultry at three sites in the state were infected with the virus, about a week after some 90,500 chickens were culled over infections at two commercial operations across the border in Tennessee.
Number of sanctuary cities nears 500
Nearly 500 jurisdictions are now sanctuary cities, according to a group that’s tracked the issue for more than a decade, and who said there’s been a massive surge in the number of places trying to thwart federal immigration agents since President Trump’s election. The Ohio Jobs & Justice Political Action Committee has added more than three dozen new cities and counties to its list in 2017 alone…
Saudi deputy crown prince, Trump meeting a ‘turning point’
Saudi Arabia hailed a “historical turning point” in U.S.-Saudi relations after a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the two leaders’ shared view that Iran posed a regional security threat. The meeting on Tuesday appeared to signal a meeting of the minds on many issues between Trump and Prince Mohammed, in a marked difference from Riyadh’s often fraught relationship with the Obama administration, especially in the wake of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
CBO: Full Repeal of Obamacare Insures More Americans than Ryan’s Obamacare-lite Plan
According to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projections, a full repeal of Obamacare would insure more Americans than Speaker Paul Ryan’s Obamacare-lite reforms. The CBO’s analysis on the Republican leadership’s plan to repeal Obamacare predicts it would drop insurance for 14 million people in 2018, while 24 million would lose insurance by 2026. Compared to these figures, the CBO’s research on the 2015 full repeal bill indicated it would insure more Americans than the Ryan plan.
US buildup near Korean Peninsula aimed at ‘incapacitating’ Kim: Report
A growing U.S. presence off the Korean Peninsula, which includes drone stations, military drills and even elite American special forces, is reportedly part of a plan aimed at “incapacitating” the rogue regime in Pyongyang should conflict break out.
Who is Attorney General Loretta Lynch? FISA court handled two requests to wiretap Donald Trump
Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch signed off on both FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance) Court requests to wiretap the Trump campaign, according to reports.All applications to the FISA Court were signed off on by the attorney general, ABC news confirmed.
US Seeks First-Ever Extradition for Palestinian Terror Killer
The U.S. Department of Justice is in the process of announcing its first-ever extradition request of a Palestinian woman behind a 2001 terror attack in Jerusalem that resulted in Israeli and American deaths.
Islamic State Expands Into North Africa
A new Islamic State affiliate is gaining strength in sub-Saharan Africa as part of efforts by the Syrian-based Islamist terror group to take over large parts of the continent.
Oh, Look–More Illegal Aliens On Virginia Voter Rolls
The Washington Free Beacon reported that more illegal aliens have been found on Virginia’s voter rolls. Other outlets, like the Daily Signal and The Washington Times, have reported about these issues with the voter rolls as well.
Mexican official: 250 skulls found in clandestine graves
More than 250 skulls have been found over the last several months in what appears to be a drug cartel mass burial ground on the outskirts of the city of Veracruz, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Mother and son are becoming father and daughter
A transgender dad and daughter from Detroit are revealing their incredible journeys as they transition from mom and son.
Jim Henson Studios Opens Doors for “R-Rated” Puppet Show that Zings Trump
‘Puppet Up! — Uncensored’ creator Brian Henson thinks his father, Jim, would have loved it: “His sense of humor was very naughty and very blue.”
MSNBC’s “Tax Records” Non-Story: Trump Made $150MM, Paid 25% Tax Rate, More Than Romney, Bernie
The real story here is that there is no story: what MSNBC confirmed is that Trump made more money than some of his accusers said he made, and that he paid a generous effective income tax rate, well above that paid by Mitt Romney.
Saudi King Arrives In Japan: 10 Aircraft, 500 Limos, 500 Tons Of Luggage, 12,000 Hotel Rooms, 2 Golden Escalators
King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud landed in Japan on Sunday as part of his Asian tour, and brought with him 10 aircraft, 500 tons of luggage and 2 golden escalators; once on the ground, he was granted 500 limousines, and 1,200 rooms in Tokyo’s best hotels.
Illinois General Assembly Retirement System Only 13.52% Funded
Despite a massive rally in the stock market, Illinois public pension liabilities continue to grow. GARS, the Illinois General Assembly Retirement System, is only 13.52% funded, down from 17% funded in 2013. How long can GARS last?

March 14, 2017

Italian Archbishop Suggests Pope Benedict XVI Resigned Under Obama ‘Pressure’
It is “no coincidence” that some Catholic groups “have asked President Trump to open a commission of inquiry to investigate whether the administration of Barack Obama exerted pressure on Benedict,” said Archbishop Luigi Negri in an interview Monday, citing other revelations by Wikileaks regarding efforts by the Democratic Party to sway the direction of the Catholic Church in the United States. “It remains shrouded in mystery for now,” he said to news outlet Rimini 2.0, “but I am sure that those responsible will be found out.”
Benjamin Netanyahu Meets Trump Negotiator to Discuss Mid-East Peace
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Jason Greenblatt, US President Donald Trump’s international negotiations adviser, for over five hours in Jerusalem on Monday. They reaffirmed the joint commitment of both Israel and the United States to advance a genuine and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians that strengthens the security of Israel and enhances stability in the region.
As Jerusalem Jubilee Approaches, Knesset Seeks to ‘Reclaim’ Temple Mount
As Jerusalem’s Jubilee celebration approaches, the Israeli parliament has, for the first time, proposed establishing a government body focused on strengthening the connection between the Jewish State and its holiest site: The Temple Mount. This move has generated anger among Palestinian politicians, who believed recent efforts by the UN to erase this Jewish connection were successful.
Russia moving special forces into Libya
U.S., Egyptian and diplomatic sources say that Russia has apparently been moving special forces to an airbase in western Egypt near the border with Libya in recent days, according to a report by Reuters. Russia has shown increasing involvement in Libya in recent months and appears to be taking steps to back Haftar to lead the battle-torn kingdom…
Employers can ban the burka, European court rules
Employers can bar staff from wearing visible religious symbols such as the burka, the European Union’s top court has ruled. The ruling came in its first decision on the issue of women wearing Islamic headscarves at work.
Soros Fellow Flees Country While Wife Arrested For Welfare Scam
A lawyer and recipient of a prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros fellowship for immigrants has reportedly fled the U.S., possibly to Africa, as his wife faces criminal welfare fraud charges in Arlington, Va.
5.5-magnitude Rota quake felt on Guam
A 5.5-magnitude quake struck about 11 miles northeast of Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands before 7 p.m. yesterday, also causing some of the buildings on Guam to shake.
Earthquake rocks Andaman and Nicobar Islands
An earthquake measuring 5.9 in the richter scale rocked the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday morning, said an official. “The earthquake was experienced at 8.21 a.m,” said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) official.
Revolutionary Guard commander: Hezbollah more prepared than ever to attack Israel
As US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both continue to apply pressure on Iran…an assistant to a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps revealed…that Hezbollah has raised its level of preparedness and is ready to launch a massive attack against Israel with lethal results. The Iranian commander explained that Iran has opened factories in Lebanon for the purpose of manufacturing long-range missiles as well as other munitions and has recently passed ownership of the factories to Hezbollah.
Netanyahu, Greenblatt meet for five hours on way to move diplomatic process forward
A five hour meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump’s advisor Jason Greenblatt ended Monday evening with a statement pledging commitment to finding a true, sustainable peace agreement and the need to improve living conditions in the Palestinian Authority. According to a statement put out by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two affirmed the joint commitment of the US and Israel to advancing a “true, sustainable peace between Israel and the Palestinians that will strengthen Israel’s security and stability in the region.”
Somali pirates suspected of first ship hijacking since 2012
An oil tanker has been hijacked by suspected pirates off the coast of Somalia, reports say, the first such hijacking in the region in five years. The ship sent a distress signal on Monday evening, saying it was being approached by high-speed boats. The gunmen have told a local official they are fishermen whose equipment was destroyed by illegal fishing vessels.
EU workplace headscarf ban is legal, says ECJ
Employers are entitled to ban workers from the “visible wearing of any political, philosophical or religious sign” including headscarves, Europe’s top court has ruled. But the ban must be based on internal company rules requiring all employees to “dress neutrally”, said the European Court of Justice (ECJ). It cannot be based on the wishes of a customer, it said.
Theresa May to insist new Scottish referendum must be held AFTER Britain leaves the EU
Theresa May is today poised to emphatically reject Nicola Sturgeon’s timetable for a second vote on Scottish independence, amid fears it could undermine Brexit. Scotland’s First Minister yesterday declared she will push for another referendum just before the UK leaves the EU. She insisted Scots deserved a ‘real choice’ over EU membership and threatened to throw a grenade into Brexit talks by holding the vote between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.
American Citizens: U.S. Border Agents Can Search Your Cellphone
When Buffalo, New York couple Akram Shibly and Kelly McCormick returned to the U.S. from a trip to Toronto on Jan. 1, 2017, U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers held them for two hours, took their cellphones and demanded their passwords. “It just felt like a gross violation of our rights,” said Shibly, a 23-year-old filmmaker born and raised in New York. But he and McCormick complied, and their phones were searched.
Estrangement between Europe and Turkey grows as a referendum on Erdogan’s power nears
The unusually bitter dispute between European countries and Turkey over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s attempts to hold political rallies in their cities is sharply escalating…After its ministers were barred from giving campaign speeches…the Turkish government stoked the crisis by accusing the German government of “Nazi practices,” calling the Dutch “Nazi remnants,” warning that they will “pay the price” and telling the Dutch ambassador not to return to Ankara.
North Korea warns of ‘merciless’ strikes as U.S. carrier joins South Korea drills
North Korea warned the United States on Tuesday of “merciless” attacks if an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Carl Vinson, which is joining South Korean forces for exercises, infringes on its sovereignty or dignity. North Korea, which has alarmed its neighbors with two nuclear tests and a string of missile launches since last year, said the arrival of the U.S. strike group was part of a “reckless scheme” to attack it.
Rev. Graham: ‘Christianity Honors Women,’ Unlike ‘Islamic Countries Where Women Have No Rights’
In reference to the honoring of women in many countries on International Women’s Day, March 8, evangelical leader Franklin Graham said it was women who stayed with Christ at the Cross and first saw Him resurrected, and added that “Christianity honors women” but this is not evident in some “Islamic countries where women have no rights and are treated as property.”
CBO Report On Trumpcare Is Out: 24 Million More Uninsured By 2026, Deficit Cut By $337 Billion
The CBO scoring of the American Health Care Act, aka “Trumpcare” is out, and among the key highlights are: i) a reduction in the deficit by by $337 billion over the 2017-2026 period, ii) 14 million more would be uninsured by 2018, rising to 24 million by 2026. Furthermore, iii) average premiums for single  policyholders in the nongroup market would be 15% to 20% higher than under current law
12 Million Americans Are About To Get An Artificial Boost To Their FICO Scores
Tax liens and civil judgments soon will be taken off people’s credit reports, the latest move to omit negative information from consumer financial scorecards, in the process artifically boosting the FICO score for as many as 12 million Americans. “It’s going to make someone who has poor credit look better than they should,” said John Ulzheimer, a former manager at Experian and credit-score creator FICO.
ISIS is cornered, desperate, and leaving trail of destruction in Mosul
The forces pushing out ISIS in Iraq say the militant group is trapped inside western Mosul. The U.S. envoy to the coalition fighting ISIS says they’ve cut off the last road out of the city and it’s only a matter of time before ISIS is “totally defeated.”
Turkey’s Autocratic President Tells NATO Allies, ‘Nazism Is Alive in the West’
In one of the worst diplomatic rows between NATO allies in decades, Turkey’s Islamist president has compared the Dutch government to Nazis after it prevented two Turkish ministers from addressing rallies in the Netherlands in support of the Turkish leader’s attempts to significantly expand his powers.

March 13, 2017

After Criticizing WikiLeaks, Ben Sasse Reports Hacking Attempts
The coolest man in the Senate, Senator Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) hit at WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange, hard this past week. Well, after Sasse’s strong statements from Thursday, he began having computer troubles on Saturday, and took to Twitter to let people know.
Putin Spokesman: Russian Ambassador Met With Clinton’s Aides During the Presidential Campaign
“Well, if you look at some people connected with Hillary Clinton during her campaign, you would probably see that he had lots of meetings of that kind,” Dmitry Peskov told CNN “GPS” host Fareed Zakaria. “There are lots of specialists in politology, people working in think tanks advising Hillary or advising people working for Hillary.”
Severe storm to hit Northeast
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard watch from late Monday night through Tuesday evening for New York City and parts of northern New Jersey and southern Connecticut, while winter storm warnings and watches were issued for the remainder of the Northeast.
Ministerial initiative on Temple Mount raises ire among Arab MKs
The initiative to establish an advocacy foundation for Jewish connections to the Temple Mount has been met with fury among Arab lawmakers who claim the initiative is an attempt to change the status quo and harm an Islamic holy site.
‘US Will Not Be Happy’ With China Embracing Mediator Role in Middle East
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing was ready to help Riyadh and Tehran resolve bilateral tensions. “We hope that Saudi Arabia and Iran can resolve the problems that exist between them via equal and friendly consultations,” Wang said March 8 at an annual news conference in Beijing.
Liberman suggests new peace push afoot, calls for population swaps
Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said Monday that any future peace agreement with the Palestinians should not see some current Israeli Arab MKs as citizens of Israel. Writing on his Facebook page, Liberman suggested that a new push for peace was on the horizon and warned against repeating what he said were the mistakes of the past…Liberman said that “the only way to a sustainable agreement is through land and population swaps as part of a larger regional peace deal.”
Top Trump adviser Greenblatt to meet today with Netanyahu, Abbas
Jason Greenblatt, US President Donald Trump’s special representative for international negotiations, is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday, three days after Trump’s phone call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas about ways to advance the Middle East diplomatic process. Greenblatt is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, and with Abbas in Ramallah.
Wave of threats at Jewish centers across the US sends police scrambling
Jewish community centers and synagogues across the United States received another series of phoned-in threats Sunday, prompting another round of police response. No suspicious items were found…”We do believe that this is part of, as I mentioned on Tuesday, a larger picture – a national trend. That’s why I did mention that the FBI was involved. They are assisting us. The state police has taken a lead role from a New York state perspective,” Brighton Police Chief Mark Henderson said.
Chilean Palestinians threaten to boycott Christians over anti-BDS meeting
Palestinians in Chile threatened to boycott a local Christian organization over a scheduled meeting with the Israeli Christian-Zionist leader Father Gabriel Naddaf. Last week, Naddaf, the head of the Christian Empowerment Council, was on a tour of the South American country, sponsored by the local JNF-KKL chapter and the Zionist Federation of Chile, to speak out against the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement.
Ethiopia rubbish dump landslide: Search for survivors
Rescue workers are searching for survivors of a landslide that has killed 50 people at a vast dump in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. Officials say the death toll for the Saturday night landslide at the Koshe landfill is likely to rise. A resident said 150 people were there at the time. A number of makeshift houses are now buried under tonnes of waste.
Australia considers childcare ban on unvaccinated children
Unvaccinated children would be banned from childcare centres and preschools under an Australian government plan. Some Australian states already have “no jab, no play” laws, but PM Malcolm Turnbull is calling for nationwide legislation. Health groups have supported the push, arguing parents and the community have an obligation to protect children.
Australia considers childcare ban on unvaccinated children
Unvaccinated children would be banned from childcare centres and preschools under an Australian government plan. Some Australian states already have “no jab, no play” laws, but PM Malcolm Turnbull is calling for nationwide legislation. Health groups have supported the push, arguing parents and the community have an obligation to protect children.
Turkey rallies row: Germany and Netherlands harden stance
Several EU leaders have criticised Turkey, amid a growing row over the Turkish government’s attempts to hold rallies in European countries. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Germany and the Netherlands of “Nazism” after officials blocked rallies there. Dutch PM Mark Rutte called his comments “unacceptable”, while Germany’s foreign minister said he hoped Turkey would “return to its senses”.
IS fighters left in Mosul will die, says US envoy McGurk
Any Islamic State militants left in the Iraqi city of Mosul will die there, the US envoy to the multinational coalition battling the jihadist group says. Brett McGurk said coalition and Iraqi government forces were “committed to not just defeating them in Mosul, but making sure these guys cannot escape”. He issued the warning after the Iraqi army’s ninth division cut off the last road out of the west of the city.
Syria war: 2016 deadliest year yet for children, says Unicef
Syria’s children “hit rock bottom” in 2016, with more killed than in any other year of the civil war, the United Nations children’s organisation says. At least 652 children died – 255 of them in or near a school – last year, a 20% jump from the number killed during 2015, Unicef said. The figure includes only formally verified deaths, meaning the number could be far higher.
SXSW 2017: Why is the Vatican at a tech conference?
As Bishop Paul Tighe sat down for our interview, he joked that not only is he probably the only priest at South by Southwest, but also the only person with grey hair. His presence here marks the first time the Vatican has attended the South by Southwest Interactive conference, and their panel – titled Compassionate Disruption – is one of this year’s most talked about events. “In a world where increasingly [we’re] not invited to part of conversations, I think if people are interested in having us, we’re delighted to be here.
Palestinian children reportedly pretend to execute IDF soldiers in foreign aid-funded schools
An investigation by British newspaper Mail on Sunday found that Palestinian 24 schools named after terrorists, in addition to evidence of promoting violence against Israel by teachers, while describing terrorists as heroes. The paper also stated that these schools are funded by British foreign aid. The piece includes photos of children pretending to kill an IDF soldiers as part of a school play.
Japan plans to send largest warship to South China Sea
Japan plans to dispatch its largest warship on a three-month tour through the South China Sea beginning in May, three sources said, in its biggest show of naval force in the region since World War Two. China claims almost all the disputed waters and its growing military presence has fueled concern in Japan and the West, with the United States holding regular air and naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation.
Russia, Turkey, Iran to press ahead with Syria talks: Kazakhstan
Russia, Turkey and Iran are pressing ahead with a fresh round of Syria talks in Kazakhstan, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov said on Monday, despite a request from Syrian rebels to delay the meeting. “We are awaiting confirmations from the other parties to the meeting,” Abdrakhmanov told parliament, adding that delegations had already started arriving in the Kazakh capital, Astana.
Freed Jordanian who killed 7 Israeli girls shows no remorse
A Jordanian soldier who killed seven Israeli schoolgirls in a 1997 shooting rampage was unrepentant after his release from prison Sunday, lashing out at Israelis with harshly derogatory remarks.
My message for Evangelical Christians: stop being silly, little wimps
In July 2012 I was speaking at a youth retreat in the mountains of Tennessee when I received a call from CNN.  It seemed that Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy had publicly commented on the issue of same-sex marriage and now the gay mafia were out to destroy him and his restaurant chain.  Would I, asked CNN, be willing to offer the orthodox Christian perspective on homosexuality and defend Chick-fil-A in this controversy?  After reviewing Cathy’s remarks and concluding that they were neither outrageous nor biblically incorrect, I agreed to the interview and, later that day I defended the Christian position on the network as vigorously as possible in the time that I had.
US Exorcists: Demonic Activity on the Rise
There is an alarming increase in demonic activity being reported by those who work in exorcism ministry, said the exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Although steps are being taken to increase the number of exorcists, demand is still outpacing supply.
Global Leaders Rattle Their Sabers As The World Marches Toward War
We have entered a season where leaders all over the globe feel a need to rattle their sabers, and many fear that this could be leading us to war. Will Trump be able to show that he is tough without going over the edge and starting an actual conflict?
Czech President Mocks Media, Declares Himself An “Agent Of Putin, Trump, China And Israel”
“I am an agent of Russia, and particularly of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin” he declared, speaking in Russian. “I should add that I am also an agent of the Chinese President. Lately also of the new American President. I am an agent of Israel, which I have been supporting all this time.”
Republican senator: GOP risks losing House majority if health bill approved
Republican Sen. Tom Cotton said GOP members of the House should not “walk the plank” by approving the Republican health care bill, warning that it could cost the party the House majority and put the entire GOP agenda at risk.

March 12, 2017

WATCH: Jordanian soldier who killed 7 Israeli children receives hero’s welcome
A hero’s welcome is being planned for the Jordanian soldier who killed seven Israeli school girls in 1997 and was released from prison on Sunday after serving a 20 year sentence. Ahmad Daqamseh’s tribe is planning on throwing him a massive party in his home village of Ibdir in northern Jordan. Locals from Daqamseh’s tribe in Ibdir have welcomed him as a “hero soldier.” Video was released Sunday of well-wishers cheering him on as his vehicle made its way to the village.
German newspapers: Netanyahu is a mad dictator like Khamenei
Two German tabloids in Hamburg and Berlin wrote on Friday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one of the world’s seven most insane dictators, prompting the Israeli Embassy to slam the report as antisemitic. In unsigned articles titled “The seven looniest leaders of the world,” the papers included Netanyahu on a list with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Syria’s Bashar Assad, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte, and Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe.
Turkey referendum: Clashes as Dutch expel minister
Dutch riot police have clashed with protesters in Rotterdam, amid a diplomatic row that saw a Turkish minister escorted out of the country. Water cannon and police on horseback were used to disperse about 1,000 people outside the Turkish consulate. The minister was trying to win support among expatriates for a referendum on expanding Turkish presidential powers.
Chinese Communist Party officials harden rhetoric on Islam
China’s ruling Communist Party is hardening its rhetoric about Islam, with top officials making repeated warnings this past week about the specter of global religious extremism seeping into the country. Shaerheti Ahan, a top political and legal affairs party official in Xinjiang, became the latest official from a predominantly Muslim region to warn political leaders gathered in Beijing about China becoming destabilized by the “international anti-terror situation.”
Assad calls U.S. forces ‘invaders’, but still hopeful on Trump
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said U.S. forces in Syria were “invaders” and he had yet to see “anything concrete” emerge from U.S. President Donald Trump’s vow to prioritize the fight against Islamic State. Assad has said he saw promise in Trump’s statements emphasizing the battle against Islamic State in Syria, where U.S. policy under President Barack Obama had backed some of the rebels fighting Assad and shunned him as an illegitimate leader.
ACLU launches nationwide training on protest, resistance
The American Civil Liberties Union staged a nationwide training event Saturday to make sure people are aware of their rights as protesters and urge organized, public resistance by those opposed to policies of President Donald Trump. Organizers said the event at a sports arena on the University of Miami campus was livestreamed to locations in all 50 states. ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said 200,000 people had signed up to attend one of an estimated 2,000 local events.
Trump mulls Middle East peace conference
US President Donald Trump is mulling the option to hold a peace conference in the Middle East in an effort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after speaking on Friday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Friday’s 10-minute phone call was the first between Trump and Abbas since the former took office.
Death toll from Damascus bombing climbs to 74: Observatory
The death toll from a double bomb attack targeting Shi’ites visiting a pilgrimage site in Damascus has climbed to 74, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Sunday. Most of the dead in Saturday’s attack were Iraqi Shi’ites who were going to visit a cemetery near the Old City of Damascus. There has been no claim of responsibility. The Hezbollah-run al-Manar TV station said it was carried out by two suicide bombers.
Rules Being Enforced In Our Military About Transgenders Is Total Lunacy!
By now we all know that the “Hope and Change” drivel from BHO was all about the destruction of America as the world’s leader among nations.  From his apology tour to the Middle East, to his push for gay marriage and transgender laws; his determination to fundamentally change America was successful.
Trump Deploys Dozens Of Judges To Battle Massive Backlog Of Deportation Cases
In response to the ‘paralysis’ facing immigration courts, dealing with over 500,000 pending cases, President Trump is deploying 50 judges to immigration detention facilities across the United States, according to two sources and a letter seen by Reuters.
As Millions Of Venezuelans Try To Flee The Country They Run Into A Problem
While shortages of basic foods, medicines, and toilet paper may be a major societal problem, the people of Venezuela face an even more existential problem: the nation now lacks the materials to meet the soaring demand for new passports – making it almost impossible to leave the socialist utopia.
As North Korea’s arsenal grows, experts see heightened risk of ‘miscalculation’
On the day of North Korea’s first atomic test in 2006, aides to President George W. Bush began phoning foreign capitals to reassure allies startled by Pyongyang’s surprising feat. The test, aides said, had been mostly a failure: a botched, 1-kiloton cry for attention from a regime that had no warheads or reliable delivery systems and would never be allowed to obtain them.
When will Obama the Revolutionary Renegade strike?
Now that he’s been unceremoniously dragged off the high horse of his presidency, revolutionary renegade Barack Hussein Obama has returned to full-scale community organizing with a waiting ‘Civilian National security Force’, he promised back in 2008 that would be “just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded as the U.S. military” at his command.
Student Satanists Announce Lamb Sacrifice and Bible Burning at Clemson U
As most people know, demonic cults were a myth propagated in the 1990s with the hysteria of ritual abuse spreading throughout the US and Europe. They never existed, but it has become trendy for some people to emulate the imagined practices of Satanists. And now students at Clemson University have announced plans (via a poster) to perform a “live bloodletting and lamb sacrifice” and a burning of Bibles to commemorate the building of a new campus chapel.