Starting Monday 22 of March I will be taking seven days off from writing any posts. I have Carpal tunnel syndrome and I need to rest my wrists. The wrist is surrounded by a band of fibrous tissue that normally functions as a support for the joint. The tight space between this fibrous band and the wrist bone is called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel to receive sensations from the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the hand. Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve in this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers, a condition known as "carpal tunnel syndrome." I could use your prayers for a healing.
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The is a problem with people getting my updates when you subscribe so you will have to check my posts daily at my site when I begin posting again. You can just add me to your favorites to remain you. Sorry but I am engaged with the enemy.
Frank
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A draft resolution is circulating among members of the House of Representatives that endorses an Israeli military attack on Iran "if no other peaceful solution can be found within reasonable time." The resolution, written by Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) and currently being circulated for cosponsors prior to its introduction, does not clarify what is meant by a "reasonable time." "The United States does not want or seek war with Iran" the resolution states in its introductory section, "but it will continue to keep all options open to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons." It goes on to express support for "Israel's right to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by Iran…including the use of military force." http://www.niacouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1695&Itemid=2
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Russia expects a brand new level of cooperation with Qatar, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a meeting with his counterpart Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani in Moscow on Wednesday. ‘We appreciate our cooperation on a variety of regional and international issues’, Lavrov said. Qatar`s Foreign Minister added that the two countries could boost their bilateral cooperation in many spheres, including the Mideast peaceful settlement. http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/24/5591612.html
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Qatar reiterated Tuesday Syria's right to restore the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of June4, 1967, and the necessity for Israeli full withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories, and the remaining occupied Lebanese territories. Addressing the 13th session of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, Qatari representative, Faysal Abdullah Hinzab, voiced Qatar's concern over deterioration of human conditions and rights in the occupied Palestinian territories due to Israeli occupation practices and measures. The Qatari official cited the ongoing illegal settlement activities, annexation of sanctities, siege imposed on Palestinians in Gaza Strip, asserting that such practices have been causing a continued human tragedy, which could make the situation explode threatening regional and international security and peace,'' http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2010/03/23/279496.htm
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"Stop bullying Israel" and focus on Iran
The number three Republican in the House of Representatives today told reporters, "I never thought I'd live to see the day that an American administration would denounce the Jewish state of Israel for rebuilding Jerusalem." Pence is a strong supporter of Israel and his remarks came just before a bipartisan meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking of bipartisanship, Pence mentioned that he has penned a letter with Democrat Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. asking President Obama to focus more attention on Iran's quest to make nuclear weapons. The letter is expected to be released by American pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC later this week. (video link) http://blogs.cbn.com/beltwaybuzz/
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The European Commission president yesterday threw his weight behind the creation of a global bail-out system for failing banks financed by industry contributions. José Manuel Barroso also said he supported a tax on financial transactions. But he acknowledged that the wave of regulatory measures for the financial services sector could pose problems if there was a lack of co-ordination internationally or "distortive cumulative effects". http://www.ft.com/cms/s/f1ec15a4-3619-11df-aa43-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2Ff1ec15a4-3619-11df-aa43-00144feabdc0.html&_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whatdoesitmean.com%2F
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The dollar soared overnight to a new 10-month peak against a basket of currencies as renewed sovereign credit concerns in the eurozone sent investors back into defensive dollar-denominated assets. Fitch Ratings cut Portugal's sovereign credit rating to AA- from AA and maintained a negative outlook for the nation, citing deteriorating budget conditions. http://www.thestreet.com/story/10710152/1/dollar-soars-on-eurozone-concerns.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEFI
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The Quartet wants to reach a peace deal on the two-state solution within two years. Blair says that's not an unrealistic goal if talks get going. He also says Hamas could be part of the process if they are prepared to work toward a two-state solution in a peaceful way. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125072322
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Manuscripts from the Cairo Genizah, a collection of ancient Jewish writings stored in an Egyptian synagogue, which were recently examined reveal new segments of the Talmud, Mishnah (oral Jewish laws) and rabbinic literature. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3866469,00.html
Russia to ship anti-aircraft systems to Algeria
Algeria’s neighbour Libya is close to signing a contract with Russia to buy Pantsir-S1s as well, and Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in them too, the source said.
Scientists hide gold with 3D "invisibility cloak"
"For now these…cloaking devices are just a beautiful and exciting benchmark to show what transformation optics can do," said Tolga Ergin of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Russia, China push Iran to change nuclear stance
Russia and China have quietly made clear to the Iranian government they want Tehran to change its approach to the nuclear issue and accept a U.N. atomic fuel offer, Western diplomats said on Tuesday.
Israel, undeterred, to build in East Jerusalem
Undeterred by turbulence in its ties with the United States and Britain, Israel on Wednesday confirmed further plans to expand the Jewish presence in occupied East Jerusalem, with more building freshly approved.
White House Not Worried About States’ Constitutional Challenge to Health Care
At least a dozen states are prepared to sue over the individual mandate in the health care overhaul package passed by the House on Sunday. …The Obama administration is not concerned about the pending cases, said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. He said the administration’s defense will be based on the regulation of interstate commerce.
J'lem building c'tee meetings frozen
Since the furor when plans to build 1,600 new housing units in east Jerusalem's Ramat Shlomo were announced during Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Israel, all discussions by the Jerusalem Regional Planning and Building Committee over new construction in the capital have been frozen, it was announced Wednesday. Jerusalem Municipality official Yair Gabai made the statement in an interview with Army Radio, and it was later confirmed by the Interior Ministry.
PA backtracks over Christian channel
The Palestinian Authority appears to have backtracked on its decision to close down 10 TV stations, including a private Christian channel. The PA had taken the stations off the air, claiming they did not have proper licenses, but announced Wednesday that the networks would be given one month to sort out the issue. Nevertheless, the owner of the Christian station said he would not reopen the channel until the PA apologizes.
Rotarix rotavirus vaccine contaminated, officials say
Federal health authorities recommended Monday that doctors suspend using Rotarix, one of two vaccines licensed in the United States against rotavirus, saying the vaccine is contaminated with material from a pig virus. "There is no evidence at this time that this material poses a safety risk," Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg told reporters in a conference call.
Clinton pledges broader US effort on Mexico drugs gangs
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pledged increased support for Mexico in the fight against drug gangs. In Mexico as part of a high-level US delegation, she said more would be done to cut US demand for drugs and the flow of profits and guns into Mexico. The gangs "are fighting against both of our governments", she said, adding that a broader effort would aim to tackle social problems fuelling the trade.
Nigeria Islamic court 'bans Twitter feed'
An Islamic court in Nigeria has banned a rights group from hosting debates on the Twitter and Facebook websites on the use of amputations as a punishment. The court, in the northern city of Kaduna, backed a case brought by a pro-Sharia group arguing that the forums would mock the Sharia system. The rights group, the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, said it would appeal against the ruling.
China tells EU: 'Put pressure on US over climate, not developing countries'
China's chief diplomat on climate action, Su Wei, has said that the European Union must "seize the time" and increase its climate ambition to a 30 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions. …"The EU can play an important role in pushing the US in the right direction. The EU should not decide to backtrack simply because the US is trying to. The EU must insist on on the US sticking to its obligations and then the US will be under pressure to step up its commitments."
Politically motivated move, blow to intelligence-sharing
Britain’s expulsion of an Israeli diplomat over the alleged Mossad assassination of Hamas arch-terrorist Mahmoud al-Mabhouh is being seen by security experts in Israel as a politically-motivated overreaction that seems certain to damage counterterrorism intelligence-sharing between London and Jerusalem. UK media outlets reported on Monday that the diplomat who will likely be asked to leave is the head of the Mossad station in London.
Australia checks evidence against Israel
An Australian investigation into fake passports used by a suspected hit squad that assassinated a Hamas operative Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai will examine a British report that found evidence that Israel was responsible for forging the documents. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Wednesday that British Foreign Secretary David Miliband offered him the report by the Serious and Organized Crime Agency for use by Australian police in their investigation into four forged Australian passports allegedly used by the suspects.
PM, Obama meet twice at White House
US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met Tuesday in an unusual pair of low-profile meetings at the White House, which, according to the Prime Minister's Office, were "conducted in a good atmosphere." In a break with custom that seemed linked to the crisis complicating US-Israeli relations, reporters were not invited to see them shake hands and begin their talks. It is highly unusual for a visiting ally not to be seen with the president, either for photographs or statements.
23 Mar 10
'Israel's security strengthens US'
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the country’s largest pro-Israel lobby on Monday that the Israeli-Palestinian status quo was “unsustainable,” while defending her recent criticism of east Jerusalem housing as in Israel’s interest to bring about peace. “It is our devotion to this outcome – two states for two peoples, secure and at peace – that led us to condemn the announcement of plans for new construction in east Jerusalem,” – “This was not about wounded pride. Nor is it a judgment on the final status of Jerusalem, which is an issue to be settled at the negotiating table,” — “This is about getting to the table, creating and protecting an atmosphere of trust around it – and staying there until the job is finally done.”
Taliban fighters training in Iran, U.S. officials say
Iran is helping train Taliban fighters within its borders, according to U.S. military and intelligence officials. The United States has already said that the Taliban may be receiving limited training from the Iranians in Afghanistan, but the officials told CNN that training in the use of small arms was occurring within Iran. "We've known for some time that Iran has been a source for both materiel and trained fighters for Taliban elements in Afghanistan," Army Lt. Col. Edward Sholtis said Monday. But, he said, it is unknown whether that training is occurring with the support of Tehran, or it is "simply something that is happening beyond the government's control."
Nuclear terror risk to Britain from al-Qaeda
Britain faces an increased threat of a nuclear attack by al-Qaeda terrorists following a rise in the trafficking of radiological material, a government report has warned.It is feared that terrorists could transport an improvised nuclear device up the Thames and detonate it in the heart of London. Bristol, Liverpool Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast are also thought to be vulnerable.-Downing Street released an update to the National Security Strategy in which it stated that "the UK does face nuclear threats now"
Obama Signs Historic $938 Billion Health Overhaul
A beaming President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a historic $938 billion health care overhaul that guarantees coverage for 32 million uninsured Americans and will touch nearly every citizen's life, presiding over the biggest shift in U.S. domestic policy since the 1960s and capping a divisive, yearlong debate that could define the November elections.
Fox News Poll: 79% Say U.S. Economy Could Collapse
Most American voters believe it’s possible the nation’s economy could collapse, and majorities don’t think elected officials in Washington have ideas for fixing it. The latest Fox News poll finds that 79 percent of voters think it’s possible the economy could collapse, including large majorities of Democrats (72 percent), Republicans (84 percent) and independents (80 percent). Just 18 percent think the economy is "so big and strong it could never collapse."
Netanyahu gives Clinton lesson in bureaucracy
Israeli sources described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's meeting on Monday as "friendly and concise." The two met privately for an hour and a half and were later joined by officials from both sides, including Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Netanyahu presented Clinton with a sketch illustrating the long bureaucratic process entailed in securing building permits for houses in Israel, including in Jerusalem. He described a process consisting of dozens of stages, including ones that many Israeli government ministers are not adept at. Netanyahu told Clinton that he cannot guarantee that similar crises won't happen in the future, regardless of the prime minister's political stance on Jerusalem.
Debate on the future of Fannie, Freddie heats up
There would be no housing market today without the government. Over the past 18 months, Washington has taken extraordinary steps to keep home loans available and affordable. That caused a tentative housing recovery last year. Home sales reversed their four-year descent, while prices stabilized. One big reason: The government seized control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, massive companies that purchase home loans, package them into investments and guarantee them against default. The price tag has been huge — $126 billion and growing.
Grisly find in Mexico: Dismembered police officers
The pre-dawn discovery of two bodies cut into pieces and shoved into two black bags brought a tragic end Monday to a search for two missing police officers in the southern state of Guerrero.