There is disagreement about whether the end of this decade is today—Dec. 31, 2019—or whether the decade ends a year from today—Dec. 31, 2020. There is a great deal of information indicating that each decade, on the Gregorian calendar, begins in a year ending with the digit 1 and concludes in a year ending with the digit 0.
However, I disagree. In my view, today ends the present decade; and a new decade begins tomorrow, the first day of 2020. I explain my reasons for this view in detail here: Every year for the past 10 years (2010 to 2019) has begun with the digits 201. Therefore, as I view it, today completes the years in that 10-year cycle or decade of the “tens” or ”teens.” Likewise, the end of 2029 will complete the years in the next 10-year cycle or decade of the "twenties," where each year will begin with the digits 202. |
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Tonight is the 7th night of the 8-night Hanukkah holiday. I attended a fun Hanukkah party put on by the local Jewish community. As usual, all of the food was outstanding. 38-second slideshow |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was up 0.08% to 28,645.26, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up a tiny fraction to 3,240.02, also a record high. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 28,600 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.37% to 28,621.39, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.51% to 3,239.91, also a record high. The NASDAQ Composite index closed above 9,000 for the first time; it was up 0.78% to 9,022.39. Also today, I went to WalMart and got 244.85 oz. (15.30 lb.) of 50%-off Christmas clearance candy. Most of it was paid for by a Season’s Greetings WalMart gift card that a friend gave me. 5-second slideshow |
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15-second slideshow Merry Christmas to those who celebrate this holiday. I celebrate the birth of Jesus during the week of the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot. You can see my Oct. 14 entry for more about that. Also, see Emperor Constantine, as well as my email response to someone here: |
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This the first full day of Hanukkah, which began last night, Dec. 22, after sunset. There are Hanukkah Blessings to say for eight nights as menorah candles are lit. Happy Hanukkah Blessings! 15-second slideshow The first day of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is the 25th day of the Hebraic month of Kislev. Most likely, this is when Jesus, the Light of the world, was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Nine months later He was born at the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles = Sukkot, which is when God came to “tabernacle” with us in human form. “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” This is what the LORD says—the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isaiah 49:6,7) Jesus, who was Jewish, observed Hanukkah = the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22,23). I feel that Jesus’ millennial Temple probably will be dedicated during Hanukkah after He returns. In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 28,500 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.34% to 28,551.53, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.09% to 3,224.01, also a record high. |
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Two days ago, on Dec. 20, a Boeing Starliner space capsule was launched aboard a booster rocket into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida. After separating from the rocket, the capsule was to continue out into space and rendezvous with the International Space Station. faulty astronaut capsule test mission |
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Tonight the December Solstice will take place. That will occur at 11:19 p.m. EST = 8:19 p.m. PST. Winter Solstice of the Decade |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 28,400 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.28% to 28,455.09, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.49% to 3,221.22, also a record high. The NASDAQ Composite index closed above 8,900 for the first time; it was up 0.42% to 8,924.96. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 28,300 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.49% to 28,376.96, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.45% to 3,205.37, also a record high. In other news, following the impeachment vote in the U.S. House yesterday, it looks like Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not be sending the articles of impeachment to the Republican-led Senate anytime soon. She declined to say when that process might happen, if at all.
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After a lengthy debate in the full U.S. House of Representatives today, two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump were passed tonight. He now has become the second U.S. president to be impeached; the first was Andrew Johnson in 1868, and the second was Bill Clinton in 1998.
Presumably, the charges will be forwarded to the U.S. Senate for a trial next month, although Speaker Pelosi indicated it is possible that the House would not send the articles of impeachment to the Senate. If they do send them, there is virtually no chance that the Republican-controlled Senate will cast the two-thirds vote required to convict Trump and remove him from office. as Pelosi floats holding up Senate trial |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed up 0.11% to 28,267.16, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.03% to 3,192.52, also a record high. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 28,200 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.36% to 28,235.89, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.71% to 3,191.45, also a record high. The NASDAQ Composite index closed above 8,800 for the first time; it was up 0.91% to 8,814.23. |
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The Miss World 2019 pageant took place in London, United Kingdom tonight. There were 111 contestants from around the world who participated. reaction to losing the Miss World crown |
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13-second slideshow Some people consider black cats to be forboding of bad luck on Friday the 13th. I do not, and I really like black cats. Three of my favorite black cats are brothers Bear and Python (as in, Black Bear and Black Python) and Simba. They all belong to friends and make me laugh a lot. I won’t see any of them today; but if I did, they would love to be petted and rubbed. Fear of the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia. Fear of spooky dates is paraskevidekatriaphobia. I have neither, but I think that the possible origin of superstition on Friday the 13th is interesting. It may be that it originates from the Last Supper, where there were 13 attendees: Jesus and the 12 disciples. One of the disciples was Judas, who betrayed Jesus, and this resulted in His going to the cross. Furthermore, tradition has it that the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion took place on a Friday. Thus, “bad luck” would be associated with Friday the 13th. Of course, I am convinced that the Last Supper and the crucifixion of Jesus took place on Good Thursday, not on Good Friday. However, I don’t anticipate that Thursday the 13th will replace Friday the 13th as a superstitious day of bad luck. In other news, the U.S. House Justice Committee has voted 23-17, along party lines, on each of two articles of impeachment against President Trump. The two articles are abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. of President Trump and sends to House Many may consider this to be an “unlucky” Friday the 13th for Trump. On the other hand, even if a vote for impeachment is made by the full House next week, it next will go to the Senate, where it almost assuredly will be rejected. A 67% vote, required for conviction, will be virtually impossible. |
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In the United Kingdom general election today, the Conservative Party won 43.6% of the vote and the Labour Party won 32.2% of the vote. Ten other parties won lesser vote percentages. As a result, Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a commanding victory and has retained his position as the head of government. He has vowed to deal with the Brexit issue by Jan. 31 of 2020. European markets hit record high after Conservative sweep |
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Tonight and early in the morning will be the last full moon of the decade, ending this year. From our view on the earth, the moon is full at the moment that it is directly opposite the sun. |
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This morning, House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump:
United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Speaking about Trump, Judiciary chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), said “He endangers our democracy; he endangers our national security.” He added, “Our next election is at risk. ... That is why we must act now.” On the contrary, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said at a GOP press conference that Trump’s actions are “absolutely” not impeachable. White House slams 'baseless and partisan' effort |
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The Miss Universe 2019 pageant took place in Atlanta, Georgia, USA tonight. There were 90 contestants from around the world who participated. Miss Universe 2019 |
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Today is the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. President Roosevelt referred to it as “a date which will live in infamy,” as indeed it has. |
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Yesterday, there was a very lengthy impeachment inquiry in the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. Numerous questions were asked of four legal experts. against Trump: 'No choice but to act' An abbreviated 2-minute video of Pelosi’s speech today can be seen here (the volume may need to be turned up): |
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Today the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), began public impeachment hearings regarding President Trump. Questions were asked of three extremely liberal law professors: Noah Feldman, Pamela S. Karlan and Michael Gerhardt.
Yet, in a very objective 53-page Written Statement dated today, Turley included the following, indicating that he is very fair-minded in his opposition to the impeachment of President Trump: These points are not meant to curry favor or approval. Rather they are meant to drive home a simple point: one can oppose President Trump’s policies or actions but still conclude that the current legal case for impeachment is not just woefully inadequate, but in some respects, dangerous, as the basis for the impeachment of an American president. To put it simply, I hold no brief for President Trump. My personal and political views of President Trump, however, are irrelevant to my impeachment testimony, as they should be to your impeachment vote. Today, my only concern is the integrity and coherence of the constitutional standard and process of impeachment. President Trump will not be our last president and what we leave in the wake of this scandal will shape our democracy for generations to come. I am concerned about lowering impeachment standards to fit a paucity of evidence and an abundance of anger. If the House proceeds solely on the Ukrainian allegations, this impeachment would stand out among modern impeachments as the shortest proceeding, with the thinnest evidentiary record, and the narrowest grounds ever used to impeach a president. That does not bode well for future presidents who are working in a country often sharply and, at times, bitterly divided. The hearing today lasted about 8 hours 25 minutes. It can be watched and heard below. The call to order by Jerrold Naddler begins at the 37:30 point, and he adjourns at the 9:02:30 point. |
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Last month the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, under the leadership of Adam Schiff (D-CA), held several hearings on an impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump. Now they have released a 300-page written impeachment report: No specific articles of impeachment or impeachable offenses are named in the report. Responsibility for the legislation of impeachment now rests with the House Judiciary Committee, under the direction of Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). scheme to 'solicit foreign interference' in 2020 race Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee are pushing back against the impeachment investigation into President Trump, saying that Democrats have not proven “evidence of bribery, extortion, or any high crime or misdemeanor.” A 123-page report has been released by Devin Nunes (R-CA), Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Michael McCaul (R-TX): Inquiry In The House Of Representatives Efforts: No 'Bribery, Extortion' Proven A new set of impeachment hearings is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Dec. 4, in the House Judiciary Committee. President Trump, or one of his lawyers, has been invited to attend. However, the administration has said that it rejects the invitation. |
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Sometimes the access to AOL email is not possible, due to outages. There is an outage happening this morning. In the “AOL problems last 24 hours” chart below, it does not reflect the total number of problems but only the ones that have been called in. |
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I last organized my vitamins and supplements into individual compartments on June 15. Each day, I have taken the following: a daily multiple; vitamins A, B complex, C, D and E; calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, fish oil, saw palmetto, glucosamine/chondroitin, glucosamine sulfate, iron, turmeric curcumin, Probiotic 10 and hyaluronic acid. This supply will last for 24 weeks (168 days, which also happens to be the same number of hours in a week). Keeping them in the refrigerator prevents them from losing their potency. |
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This is Thanksgiving Day in the USA. Our first president, George Washington, issued a General Thanksgiving Proclamation. Its focus is on the Almighty God, to whom we all should be thankful for both good and happy times, as well as bad and sad times. 15-second slideshow In a prayer to the Lord, King David said the following: Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:12-24) In his instructions to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul wrote the following: Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-24) On this special day, the prominent phrase that Paul wrote is, “give thanks in all circumstances.” For many who are going through difficult and trying circumstances, this is not easy to do. Spiritual maturity enables us to understand that we should give thanks even for the thorny and challenging things in life. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed up 0.15% to 28,164.00, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.42% to 3,153.63, also a record high. The NASDAQ Composite index closed above 8,700 for the first time; it was up 0.66% to 8,705.18. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 28,100 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.20% to 28,121.68, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.22% to 3,140.52, also a record high. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed up 0.68% to 28,066.47, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.75% to 3,133.64, also a record high. The NASDAQ Composite index closed above 8,600 for the first time; it was up 1.32% to 8,632.49. |
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At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with Jill Martin Rische (daughter of Dr. Walter Martin) and Eric Barger. They sounded a warning about the rise of witchcraft and the occult in the U.S. and in the world. It even has entered segments of the Church. Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18:21) We live in a supernatural reality that, increasingly, is dissociated from God. It progressively is breaking into the main stream media and other places. |
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This is the 56th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, TX. Also, today is Friday, and that event took place on a Friday. In fact, the entire yearly calendars of 1963 and 2019 are identical. |
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Netanyahu responded by saying he is the victim of an attempted coup. He said he would not resign but would continue to lead Israel “in accordance with the law.” It is not clear what this means for Mr. Netanyahu’s future. According to Israeli law, he can stay in office until the final verdict is issued. However, his political allies will have to decide whether to stick with him in ongoing coalition negotiations. Members of the opposition said this was a sad day for Israel. They immediately called on Mr. Netanyahu to step down and fight his case in court. for bribery, fraud and breach of trust In other news, the U.S. National Debt has exceeded $23 trillion. Anyone who thinks that the ever-increasing U.S. debt is “no big deal” is living in a fantasy. Moreover, anyone who thinks that the national debt ever will be decreased substantially also is living in a fantasy. That unpopular but vitally important process needed to begin years ago, but it has not and probably will not. |
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In the ongoing hostilities and confrontations between Israel and its enemies, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have struck targets in Syria belonging to Iranian forces and the Syrian regime. This was in response to four rockets launched from Syria into Israel yesterday. defense batteries destroyed, Israeli military says |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed up 0.11% to 28,036.22, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.05% to 3,122.03, also a record high. Tonight, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) seemed to do what he does best. While being interviewed on the air by Chris Matthews at MSNBC and speaking hot air as he usually does, he apparently let go of some hot air from another source. |
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According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), ongoing changes in weather patterns on the earth are natural and normal. They have nothing to do with human activity.
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Public impeachment inquiry hearings continued today in the U.S. House. Marie “Masha” Yovanovitch, former US ambassador to Ukraine, testified before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In other news, in another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 27,800, above 27,900 and above 28,000 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.80% to 28,004.89, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.77% to 3,120.46, also a record high. |
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Public impeachment inquiry hearings began today in the U.S. House. They focused on the circumstances surrounding President Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25.
The hearing today lasted approximately 5 hours 45 minutes. It can be watched and heard below, beginning with George Kent and William Taylor being shown at the 27:30 (27 minute 30 second) point in the video. They are introduced by Chairman Adam Schiff beginning at the 51:00 point and sworn in for questioning beginning at the 53:30 point. The video is not very loud, so it would be a good idea to turn the volume way up. In other news, in another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 27,700 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.33% to 27,783.59, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.07% to 3,094.04, also a record high. |
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The home of Islamic Jihad field commander Baha Abu al-Atta, in the Gaza Strip, was hit by an Israeli strike early today. The Iran-backed Palestinian militant leader was killed. Reports also say that his wife was killed and his children were wounded. After Airstrike Kills Militant Leader In other news, the stock market did something today that has not happened since Apr. 24, 2014. Compared to the closing amount yesterday (which was a record high), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed at exactly the same value today. It did not gain or lose even 0.01 point. |
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Today is the 101st anniversary of Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day. World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Veterans Day is an official public holiday in the U.S. 15-second slideshow To all the vets out there: Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your faithfulness. Many of you have paid an extremely high price for my freedom, and I appreciate that. In other news, in another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed up 0.04% to 27,691.49, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was down 0.20% to 3,087.01. |
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The Berlin Wall separated Western Europe from the Eastern Bloc from 1961 to 1989. The Wall separated West Berlin from East Berlin and from all of East Germany. We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall! Thirty years ago today, on Nov. 9, 1989—just ten months after the end of Reagan’s 8-year term as president—was the beginning of the fall of the Berlin Wall. On that date, following several weeks of civil unrest in East Germany, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) announced that all GDR citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin. 15-second slideshow
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Although the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down most of the day, it ended up with a slight gain by the time the stock market closed. The DJIA was up 0.02% to 27,681.24, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.26% to 3,093.08, also a record high. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 27,500 and above 27,600 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.66% to 27,674.80, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.27% to 3,085.18, also a record high. |
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The latest news about the impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald Trump was announced today by Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA). The Democratic-led congressional committee will hold its first public hearings on the issue next week. to start 'open hearings' Nov. 13, Schiff says It seems that there are many who believe the impeachment of a U.S. president means that he is immediately removed from office. This is not the case, though. For example, in the Impeachment of Bill Clinton in Dec. 1998, the president was impeached by the U.S. House on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed up 0.11% to 27,492.63, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was down 0.12% to 3,074.62. The NASDAQ Composite index also was up 0.02% to 8,434.68, a record high. |
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In another record high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 27,400 for the first time. The Dow was up 0.42% to 27,462.11, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index was up 0.37% to 3,078.27, also a record high. |
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Exactly one year from today is the next U.S. presidential election. I suspect that all of the political arguing, ranting, turmoil, disruptions and upheavals will just get worse and increasingly out of control over the next year. I dread it like the plague. UGH!! Is Exactly One Year Away |
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Most of the United States will “fall back” to Standard Time early tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 2:00 a.m. I like the following clock because it is accurate to the second, plus it can be adjusted to any time zone: https://time.gov. Except for Hawaii and most of Arizona, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed tonight. in USA & Canada Some people prefer Standard Time because they typically get up early and like it when the sun rises an hour earlier. Personally, I prefer Daylight Saving Time because I like the extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day. I wish Daylight Saving Time could continue year-round. |
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I walked into Walmart at 6:58 a.m. this morning to buy 50%-off Halloween candy. Other customers were looking for half-priced candy as well. I said, “This is the best part about Halloween!” and they agreed. 8-second slideshow |
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Happy Halloween, if that is your thing. For me, it is just another day. However, I will include a few Halloween cartoons below. 30-second slideshow In other news, the U.S. House of Representatives voted today to approve a resolution establishing the procedures for the impeachment inquiry’s next phase. The vote, 232 for and 196 against, was mostly along party lines, although Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ) voted against the resolution. Every Republican voted against the resolution. approves Trump impeachment process |
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The Washington Nationals are the World Series champions after beating the Houston Astros tonight in game 7. Congratulations, Nationals! The game lasted 9 innings. In the series, the Nationals won 4 games and the Astros won 3 games. It was the first time ever that the Nationals have won the World Series. |
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An impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump was begun in the U.S. House of Representatives on Sep. 24. Today, an 8-page resolution was released by the House. A vote on the resolution is expected on Oct. 31. detailing next steps in impeachment inquiry |
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The world’s most wanted terrorist, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is dead. Last night, a U.S.-led special forces operation stormed his terrorist compound in northwest Syria. Wearing a suicide vest, he blew himself up, as well as three of his six children who were with him. No special forces were injured or killed in the raid. defeat of once-powerful group |
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Tens of thousands of new evacuations have been ordered due to an increase of wildfires in California. Furthermore, strong winds are expected to blow through much of the region during the weekend.
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A few nights ago (Sunday night into Monday morning), at least nine tornadoes of varying magnitudes hit the area in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth area of northern Texas. This is in the southern portion of what commonly is referred to as “Tornado Alley.” |
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The San Andreas Fault, about 750 miles in length, is the longest fault in California. The second-longest fault in the state is the Garlock Fault, about 160 miles in length. The two faults meet in the Antelope Valley.
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This is the 30th anniversary of the 6.9 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. A great deal of damage was done to San Francisco and the Bay Area due to that sizeable quake. 15-second slideshow It was late afternoon that day, and I was sound asleep in a chair next to the swimming pool half a block away from my home in Irvine. At 5:04 p.m., I suddenly woke up but had no idea why. It felt like someone had shaken my chair, but no one was around and there were no unusual noises. I am an extremely light sleeper, though. Prieta earthquake in photos Today, a statewide earthquake alert system is being launched in California. It doesn’t predict shaking before it happens, but it can warn people before the tremors reach them. alert system launches Thursday |
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During the Democratic debate last night on CNN, Ron Reagan was featured in a commercial. He is the son of former President Ronald Reagan (1981–1989), who was a conservative Republican and a strong Christian. On the contrary, Ron is a liberal Democrat and has been a staunch atheist since the age of 12. Dem debate following plug for atheist group I’ve always hoped that, somehow, Ron Reagan would change his views about God and be saved. If he does not, once he finds himself in hell, he instantly will change his mind about not being afraid to burn in hell. Presumably though, at that point, it will be too late. |
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This is the first full day of the week-long Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot. It also is a special Sabbath when no regular work is to be done (Leviticus 23:33-35). 15-second slideshow All native-born Israelites are to construct and to dwell in booths or “sukkot” (which is the plural of booth or “sukkah”) for a week. This is a reminder to them of the temporary tabernacles in which their Israelite ancestors lived for 40 years after leaving ancient Egypt (Leviticus 23:42,43). The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the Only Begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) The words in that verse translated as “made his dwelling” among us are more accurately translated as “tabernacled” among us. So Jesus tabernacled with mankind for a few decades while He was here the first time. At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. (Jeremiah 3:17) More information can be found here: Do you think that Jesus was born on December 25 of the Gregorian calendar, or could He have been born at a time that aligned with the Hebraic calendar of feasts and festivals? |
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Federal Judge David Briones in Texas has ruled that President Trump’s proclamation declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border is unlawful. Trump made this declaration in a speech at the White House back on Feb. 15.
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Hundreds of thousands of people in northern California have been out of power since yesterday. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has shut off the power due to predicted high winds, which could down power lines and start wildfires.
In other news, Turkey began a military assault on Syria, specifically on Kurdish fighters, earlier this week. The killings by airstrikes and artillery shelling are continuing today, with no end in sight. than 150 Kurdish fighters dead, officials say |
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Today is the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur. It is the highest holy day of the Hebraic year. Today also is the final day of the 40-day season of Teshuvah, a major period of repentance, asking God for forgiveness and returning to a meaningful relationship with Him. 15-second slideshow God ordained this day in ancient Israel for the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, and later the temple. He was to make atonement for his sins and for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:1-34).
I have been abstaining from food since sunset last evening, which is when Yom Kippur began. I will be fasting for 25 hours. |
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One of the main things I like about being here in Marin County is being able to eat lots of fresh vegetables, spicy hot chili peppers and apples that grow in my friend’s garden and yard. These organic edibles do not flourish as much in autumn as they do in late summer (such as on Sep. 4, 2018), but there still is a nice abundance of them growing. I can’t get enough. 25-second slideshow Those two conjoined tomatoes amuse me. They make me think about Ben Carson and the pair of conjoined twins, connected at their heads, that he reportedly separated back in 1987. I wonder if he might be as effective in separating the two tomatoes. |
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15-second slideshow Today is Shabbat Shuvah, which means “Sabbath of Return.” It always is the Sabbath between Rosh haShanah (the Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Shabbat Shuvah also is a play on the phrase “Shabbat Teshuvah” or Sabbath of Repentance. Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9) This is a day of reflection leading up to the highest holy day of Yom Kippur, which is a few days from now on Oct. 9. It is a time of penitence, seeking reconciliation with God, knowing that we have fallen short of His high expectations. |
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This has been a very strenuous and fatiguing day. It was one of those days where almost everything that could go wrong did go wrong. 1-minute slideshow |
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On Sep. 6, 2018, Dallas police office Amber Guyger, now 31, mistakenly entered an apartment on a floor other than her own, thinking it was her apartment. Inside his own apartment, Botham Jean, 26, was eating an ice cream cone. If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15) was sentenced for his brother's murder in a powerful courtroom moment |
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Every Oct. 1, often referred to as “Shocktober 1st,” I’m always reminded of the 5.9 Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987. It happened at 7:42 a.m., just as I was finishing breakfast before going to work. and Helpful Home Modifications to Consider |