'Hark The Herald.' Americans are really focused on the news topics of the day; the two wars of Afghanistan and Iraq, the healthcare debate, the climate summit, the latest sex crime or scandal, their prescription drugs, keeping food on the table and any kind of recreation they can afford to enjoy. Let’s not miss what may be happening in our own neighborhoods. After the record snowfall a man with a shovel in his hand rang the doorbell. Although, by the time this old lady had reached the door he had walked away. I assumed he had grown weary of shoveling for the day. I hoped and prayed that he had made a few dollars somewhere. This year three families on the block have packed up, left and moved; two closed out their bank accounts and moved to southern states. The other moved away without saying goodbye to anyone and we wondered why. But there is a silver living; they have moved into a much nicer neighborhood which we coincidently drive through nearly every day. Real estate sales are picking up especially if the price is right or a virtual steal. Besides obtaining a much lower price than the buyer would have found two years ago; they are asking to keep the appliances, as well. This really takes some nerve. Who do they think they are dealing with, or fooling? How do I know that they don’t already have their own appliances and would like to have these for the purpose of selling them and to have a few extra dollars to pay on the first monthly mortgage payment? This rough economy is producing plenty of scam artists with crafty green schemes; some of which are being professionally packaged by slick, fast talking real estate agents. Well, they have also purchased a tax bill. Everyone’s Christmas decorations are up and we are mostly entertaining a few good thoughts towards a Christmas vacation and the Christmas holiday season. We are living in cautionary times of vigilance, vindication, presence and prophecy; the ‘yes we can’ revolution of change. - Zuria
The Magazine That Keeps You Informed. 'The Trumpet', is a delightful, informative, attention-grabbing and well written news magazine which covers a wide range of current topics, news and other issues taking place in the world and society. It includes articles and commentary on most subjects and stories about terrorism, religion and new developments in the field of technology. One might compare the publication to 'Time', 'Newsweek', or 'U.S. News & World Report'; but, 'The Trumpet' is slightly different. It is a unique publication that strives to carry a message of hope, peace and tranquility for our time. If you want to think, study and investigate news around the world from an additional perspective this is certainly a terrific resource. http://www.thetrumpet.com
Follow An Educational Blog. The things we miss on the web; because everything is not widely marketed. If you find a good blog post it here; so it can be read. Thought you'd like to know you and I might be able to learn something from the opinions of educators at the University of California Berkeley. They don't mind drawing traffic because you can 'twitter' all their stuff. - Zuria http://blogs.berkeley.edu
Washington Diplomacy In Pyongyang. Added to U.S. President Barack Obama’s foreign relations’ team is, Stephen Bosworth, special envoy to North Korea. Bosworth travels to Pyongyang Tuesday, December 8, to meet with North Korean officials. His goal is that of establishing communications and to try to resume negotiations with North Korea to halt its continual development of nuclear programs. Bosworth has a high degree of experience, interest and competence for the North Korean envoy post and was appointed in February, 2009. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/120809.htm (Meanwhile, the Obama administration and allies have begun to consider serious sanctions against nuclear Iran). http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/default.asp?Subgrp=10
Good Life In The U.S. Deteriorating. Because of the economy and recession in the U.S. nearly every city, state (or school) is broke, going broke, broken or breaking. Citizens are being asked to pay higher local and state taxes and crime is rising; terrible shootings, ect., especially in some of the larger cities. Between the wrangling of Republicans and the confusing Democrats what are we all to do? I say, pray and be ready to die and face the judgment. They look out for themselves and not the people. - D. McKinney
A Decision On Afghanistan. Eight years and counting; eight years plus five as in thirteen years of war in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai has taken his second oath of office for a five-year term. In his inaugural address he assured his listening audience that the Afghan military would be able to handle “security and stability” throughout Afghanistan by the end of his term. During this time Karzai is counting on the continued support of the United States and allied NATO forces to help shoulder the battle against a strengthening Taliban insurgency. According to U.S. Command Officer General Stanley McCrystal additional troops are needed in Afghanistan in order to beat down the advancements of the Taliban and to win the war. U.S. and NATO forces remain dangerously in the thick of battle as casualties add up . U.S. President Barack Obama has met with his top advisers to decide whether to and how many troops he will order to the war front. Tuesday, December 1, in a televised address he will speak to the nation to reveal the plan for Afghanistan and the continuance of the mission there, the contingent of troops he will order (sons and daughters); all, even though it is a war that his administration has had to adopt. When Obama was informed that the timing was right to send in additional troops he weighed making a hurried decision. He sought the advice of all pertinent advisers. And because war was not in his political profile he most likely has anguished over the decision. No matter what his decision on Tuesday the American people have already asked Obama to end another war, that in Iraq. Now a lot of the same protest groups for the Iraq war are beginning to reconvene to plan protest events for 2010 against another costly war in Afghanistan. Obama is known for listening to the American people. While weekend news reports are estimating the number of troops Obama will send, at least there is a strategy and maneuver in place for ending the war; indicating that common sense prevails in the Obama administration. Obama is a man of peace and was awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. This is a great compliment in itself. - Zuria See: http://answercoalition.com
Quote: " It is estimated that up to 60 percent of personal computers used in offices in the United States are left on overnight. As a result, some 14.4 million tons of carbon dioxide are needlessly emitted by electric power plants every year." - World Watch, USA