In a video released over the weekend, terrorist group al-Shabaab called on like-minded individuals to launch terror attacks on American malls.
This is the same al Qaeda-linked group responsible for the Nairobi, Kenya mall assault back in 2013.
Don't remember? Let us refresh your memory: At about noon on September 21, 2013, four masked assailants, carrying AK-47s and grenades, attacked the upscale Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi.
The siege, which lasted 3 days, resulted in 67 deaths and over 175 people wounded.
The Observer, a British newspaper, reported that Kenya had prior intelligence that the attack was coming but was unable to prevent it from happening.
The aftermath? Lots of finger pointing and a massive "blame game", of course. Fast forward to this past Sunday.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson warned that al-Shabaab is calling for attacks on shopping malls in the US, Canada and the UK, specifically mentioning the Mall of America in Minnesota.
"I would say that if anyone is planning to go to the Mall of America today, they've got to be particularly careful," Johnson said.
"We're beyond the phase now where these groups would send foreign operatives into countries after being trained someplace."
Apparently, this is the "new phase" in the war on terror: Foreign terrorists use videos to recruit homegrown sympathizers to carry out the dirty work on their own homeland. No passports necessary.
Federal authorities are taking the threat "seriously", said Johnson, who also advised Americans to be more "vigilant," reports The New York Post.
Oh, and if you're planning a little trip to the mall? You might think about wearing some body armor...just sayin'.
A wise man once said: "How do you defeat terrorism? Don't be terrorized." -- Salman Rushdie, author
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will" --(Romans 12:1-2).
News:
Fox News Channel: EU Parliament member, Nigel Farage, warns US to take hard line against ISIS threat to prevent it becoming "impossible to live as a Christian".
Reuters: Air strikes hit ISIS in Syria after over 300 Christians abducted.
MSM: ISIS Militants Destroy Ancient, "Incredibly Precious" Biblical Artifacts.
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Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
"Fifty Shades of Grey"
Last Saturday, a bunch of us went out for a group Valentine's "Date Night"--nothing original, just the usual dinner & a movie.
The theater was a zoo. The long-awaited adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey" was showing on three screens. The lines went around the block.
Comprised of 80% women, audiences forked over $85 million domestically during the 3-day weekend making this "romance" the biggest February opening in movie history.
Yep--it toppled former record holder "The Passion of the Christ" as the top ranking movie premiere. While the picture may be a huge success for Universal Pictures, it's a mega disaster for young American women.
In fact, many countries banned the film for its "unnatural" and "sadistic" content including: Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, China, United Arab Emirates and parts of Russia.
The theater actually had to ask patrons to leave their whips, duct tape and spurs (spurs?!?) at home.
Anti-pornography watchdog group Morality in Media argues that the movie's 'R' rating "severely undermines the violent themes in the film and does not adequately inform parents and patrons of the film's content."
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation calls "Fifty Shades" a movie "about sexual abuse and violence against women that sends the message that sexual violence is enjoyable."
Since when does sadomasochistic torture pass for romance? And no, we did not see this movie.
Our choice? "Old Fashioned", a romantic, unrepentantly faith-based flick you'll be urging your dating-age children to see.
A wise woman once said: "So disturbed by how popular this series (Fifty Shades of Grey) has become with mainstream women. It's as though the enemy has us sitting in pots on the stove while he slowly turns up the heat. Our children will be the ones to reap what we've sown--a society that has no idea about right or wrong, good or evil." --Rachel, Christian Post commenter
The apostle Paul warns:
The theater was a zoo. The long-awaited adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey" was showing on three screens. The lines went around the block.
Comprised of 80% women, audiences forked over $85 million domestically during the 3-day weekend making this "romance" the biggest February opening in movie history.
Yep--it toppled former record holder "The Passion of the Christ" as the top ranking movie premiere. While the picture may be a huge success for Universal Pictures, it's a mega disaster for young American women.
In fact, many countries banned the film for its "unnatural" and "sadistic" content including: Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, China, United Arab Emirates and parts of Russia.
The theater actually had to ask patrons to leave their whips, duct tape and spurs (spurs?!?) at home.
Anti-pornography watchdog group Morality in Media argues that the movie's 'R' rating "severely undermines the violent themes in the film and does not adequately inform parents and patrons of the film's content."
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation calls "Fifty Shades" a movie "about sexual abuse and violence against women that sends the message that sexual violence is enjoyable."
Since when does sadomasochistic torture pass for romance? And no, we did not see this movie.
Our choice? "Old Fashioned", a romantic, unrepentantly faith-based flick you'll be urging your dating-age children to see.
A wise woman once said: "So disturbed by how popular this series (Fifty Shades of Grey) has become with mainstream women. It's as though the enemy has us sitting in pots on the stove while he slowly turns up the heat. Our children will be the ones to reap what we've sown--a society that has no idea about right or wrong, good or evil." --Rachel, Christian Post commenter
The apostle Paul warns:
"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5: 19-21).News:
- ABC News: "Teens Mob Mall After Being Denied Entry to 'Fifty Shades'"; 100 teens rushed the theater because the 'R' rating required the viewer to be at least 17.
- New York Daily News: N.J teacher, the mother of 2 young children, has sex with six 14- & 15-year old male students. Makes sex tape.
- LA Times: Super bug linked to 2 deaths at UCLA Hospital; 179 potentially exposed.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
"Is Your TV Spying On You?"
Did you hear that noise? It was the sound of all the paranoid conspiracy theorists flinging off their tinfoil hats.
That's right gang--all those crazies who insist they're being spied upon are right!
Samsung admits (hidden deep within the fine print) that while we watch our TVs, our TVs are watching us--or more accurately, listening in on our personal conversations.
Yep--all that pillow talk you and your significant other are having in the "privacy" of your bedroom are not only heard, but recorded and distributed to mysterious third parties.
Outrageous? You betcha. Makes us so angry we just might turn the stupid thing off.
According to ABC News Australia: "The company is warning people as part of its privacy policy that anything they say around their television will be 'among the data captured and transmitted to a third party' because of a voice recognition feature."
Oh, and if the transmission is not encrypted? "A Smart Hacker could conceivably turn your TV into an eavesdropping device," Samsung warns. (Don't look now, but we're thinkin' Samsung already has).
Privacy advocate, Katherine Albrecht, Ed.D., cautions consumers on the impact new technologies have on their civil liberties: "The explosion of new technologies that enable the tracking and monitoring of individuals has moved faster than any legal system can adapt." It appears it's up to the consumers to protect themselves.
While TPTB might like us to keep this stuff under our (tinfoil?) hats, we believe you have a right to know.
Bottom line? Buying a 'Smart TV' may be a dumb move.
A wise man once said: "Anyone who makes you choose between privacy and security wants you to have neither." -- Cory Doctorow, writer
News:
That's right gang--all those crazies who insist they're being spied upon are right!
Samsung admits (hidden deep within the fine print) that while we watch our TVs, our TVs are watching us--or more accurately, listening in on our personal conversations.
Yep--all that pillow talk you and your significant other are having in the "privacy" of your bedroom are not only heard, but recorded and distributed to mysterious third parties.
Outrageous? You betcha. Makes us so angry we just might turn the stupid thing off.
According to ABC News Australia: "The company is warning people as part of its privacy policy that anything they say around their television will be 'among the data captured and transmitted to a third party' because of a voice recognition feature."
Oh, and if the transmission is not encrypted? "A Smart Hacker could conceivably turn your TV into an eavesdropping device," Samsung warns. (Don't look now, but we're thinkin' Samsung already has).
Privacy advocate, Katherine Albrecht, Ed.D., cautions consumers on the impact new technologies have on their civil liberties: "The explosion of new technologies that enable the tracking and monitoring of individuals has moved faster than any legal system can adapt." It appears it's up to the consumers to protect themselves.
While TPTB might like us to keep this stuff under our (tinfoil?) hats, we believe you have a right to know.
Bottom line? Buying a 'Smart TV' may be a dumb move.
A wise man once said: "Anyone who makes you choose between privacy and security wants you to have neither." -- Cory Doctorow, writer
"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops" (Luke 12:2-3).
News:
- Associated Press: Obama proposes war authorization against Islamic State; "militants could pose threat to US homeland," he says.
- KFI Radio: Boston, already struggling under record snowfall amounts, expecting two more snowstorms this week.
- Moscow Times: "Russia Would See US Moves to Arm Ukraine as Declaration of War; Could Spark Escalation of Conflict," Russian defense analyst says.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
"5 Signs of Coming War"
The Department of Defense (DOD) believes China is upping the ante when it comes to war.
According to a recent Pentagon report, "The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in a massive, extensive modernization program. Upgrading and expanding all military branches and equipment."
The problem? "A lack of transparency regarding China's intentions," says the DOD.
Meanwhile, things are heating up in Ukraine.
"The upsurge in fighting in Ukraine with Russian troops and equipment pouring across the border, is a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to engage the West in a dangerous game of "chicken", says The Wall Street Journal in an opinion piece by David Satter.
Angered by economic sanctions and fearing "they could help lead to the destabilization of Russia," Satter writes that "Russia is shooting itself in the foot with its actions..." and "Putin could lash out with military action against the West."
"Russia is on a dangerous path," Satter concludes.
And what about those cagey Iranians? The Jerusalem Post reports Israel's Eros-B satellite, launched last April, revealed a "never seen before" Iranian launch pad with a new 27-meter long missile.
"The missile and the launch pad indicate Iran's ballistic missile program, which is an integral part of its nuclear weapons program, is moving forward full throttle."
This "expanded range" of Iran's ballistic missiles means its nuclear weapons program is not merely a threat to Israel and Europe. "It is a direct threat to the United States as well."
And then there's North Korea, who vowed on Wednesday to respond to any US aggression with nuclear strikes.
Oh, and let's not forget ISIS, (or ISIL or whatever they're calling themselves these days) who never seem to tire of thinking up sick new methods of execution.
Tuesday ISIS released video showing captured Jordanian pilot, Moaz al-Kasasben being burned alive before they ran him over with a bulldozer. Charming group. Their goal? More atrocities. And not just in the Mideast or Europe, either. FBI Director James Comey today issued a warning that "ISIS is already in 49 US states."
When Jesus was asked, "What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?" He answered, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8).
A wise man once said: "The primary purpose of prophetic teaching is not to satisfy our curiosity, but to motivate us to change our lives. Rather than working for things that will ultimately be destroyed, we should work for things that are eternal." --Len Woods, Th.M.
News:
According to a recent Pentagon report, "The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in a massive, extensive modernization program. Upgrading and expanding all military branches and equipment."
The problem? "A lack of transparency regarding China's intentions," says the DOD.
Meanwhile, things are heating up in Ukraine.
"The upsurge in fighting in Ukraine with Russian troops and equipment pouring across the border, is a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to engage the West in a dangerous game of "chicken", says The Wall Street Journal in an opinion piece by David Satter.
Angered by economic sanctions and fearing "they could help lead to the destabilization of Russia," Satter writes that "Russia is shooting itself in the foot with its actions..." and "Putin could lash out with military action against the West."
"Russia is on a dangerous path," Satter concludes.
And what about those cagey Iranians? The Jerusalem Post reports Israel's Eros-B satellite, launched last April, revealed a "never seen before" Iranian launch pad with a new 27-meter long missile.
"The missile and the launch pad indicate Iran's ballistic missile program, which is an integral part of its nuclear weapons program, is moving forward full throttle."
This "expanded range" of Iran's ballistic missiles means its nuclear weapons program is not merely a threat to Israel and Europe. "It is a direct threat to the United States as well."
And then there's North Korea, who vowed on Wednesday to respond to any US aggression with nuclear strikes.
Oh, and let's not forget ISIS, (or ISIL or whatever they're calling themselves these days) who never seem to tire of thinking up sick new methods of execution.
Tuesday ISIS released video showing captured Jordanian pilot, Moaz al-Kasasben being burned alive before they ran him over with a bulldozer. Charming group. Their goal? More atrocities. And not just in the Mideast or Europe, either. FBI Director James Comey today issued a warning that "ISIS is already in 49 US states."
When Jesus was asked, "What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?" He answered, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8).
A wise man once said: "The primary purpose of prophetic teaching is not to satisfy our curiosity, but to motivate us to change our lives. Rather than working for things that will ultimately be destroyed, we should work for things that are eternal." --Len Woods, Th.M.
News:
- Newsmax: Experts: Iran Now a Nuclear-Ready State, Missiles Capable of Hitting U.S.
- Fox News Channel: Jordanian fighter jets carried out 'massive' air strikes today against ISIS, vowing: "Just the beginning and you shall know who the Jordanians are."
- The Drudge Report: Hollande & Merkel fly to Russia for crisis talks amid growing fears of 'total war.'
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