Relief and Ramifications. What's Next? Middle East is the ground zero of Bible prophecy. Freedom Tower. Cargo Trailer and Kittens.

 

Osama Bin Laden Killed - Relief and Ramifications.    A commentary by Darris McNeely
"Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, has been killed by U.S. military forces. While we all feel a portion of justice has been accomplished, the world is a still a dangerous place. What will follow this momentous event? 
Bin Laden's death "momentous" True to the information age in which we live, it turns out a local Pakistani live-Tweeted the helicopter attack on the home. Sohab Athar, an IT consultant, knew something was up when he saw the attack and came to realize it was not part of the Pakistan military. His "live reporting" gained him thousands of new followers in a matter of minutes.

Former President George W. Bush, who launched the War on Terror after the 9/11 attacks that made Bin Laden a household name, called the event a "momentous achievement."
Bin Laden's death came eight years to the day after Bush declared "mission accomplished" aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. In his statement, Bush said, "This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."
More at: http://www.ucg.org/commentary/osama-bin-laden-killed-relief-and-ramifications/

What next for the Middle East?
"Bin Laden's death comes at a critical moment throughout the Middle East. U.S. troops are scheduled to leave Iraq later this year. Many speculate whether the Iraqi government and military can hold the country together against the competing pressures of sectarian violence and regional ambitions of neighboring Iran. Unrest in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen are yet to determine the future shape of these nations.
Egypt has seen the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. New elections in September could create a more Islamist centered government. The military supported government has just recently moved to form closer ties with Iran, something not seen in recent decades under the Mubarak regime.

With Libya still in civil war and the fate of Muammar Gaddafi in question, that corner of the Arab neighborhood continues to keep NATO and the West intensely focused. The entire region is in turmoil with unstable governments, shifting alliances and foreign troop occupation. Now with the death of Bin Laden, many wonder what impact it will have on the Arab mood—especially the hardcore terrorist network.

The Middle East continues to be the focus of the world. Not since the end of World War I, when the current map of the region was created, have we seen such a time of change in this region. More change will come, and it appears a new map of alliances and relationships will emerge.

One final note of irony: The announcement of Bin Laden's death comes on the same day the death of Adolph Hitler was announced in Berlin. Can we not take some hope in divine justice from this fact? " 
From http://el-paso.ucg.org/ Our booklet The Middle East in Bible Prophecy fills in much of background and details of what to expect in the final round.
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Why is the Middle East is so often in the news?

"The answer is simple—the Middle East is the ground zero of Bible prophecy. Yes, Bible prophecy is global in its scale and reach. But it begins in and is centered on the Middle East—the Holy Land and its nearby neighbors.

The Bible story begins with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden somewhere in today’s Middle East. The stories of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Israelites, David, Solomon, the biblical prophets and Jesus of Nazareth are set there. Prophetically, the events that lead to the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God are set in motion by events triggered in the Middle East. So it’s vitally important that we understand what’s taking place there, and what is foretold to happen in the future!

As is obvious from the news, a major trend is sweeping the Middle East. The leaders of Tunisia and Egypt have been swept from office in popular uprisings. Libya is engulfed in civil war. Yemen and Syria are approaching or are on the brink. A swath of unrest stretches across North Africa and the Middle East from the Atlantic Ocean to Afghanistan, affecting virtually every country in an arc extending some 3,000 miles.
The big question is, as these governments and leaders fall, what will replace them?
At this point it’s too early to tell, as elections are still some time off. But it’s obvious that the region is seeing a resurgence of Islamic militancy, with its leaders demanding the establishment of a revived Islamic empire destined, in their thinking, to eventually dominate the entire world.
Does this sound far-fetched? Not to students of Bible prophecy. They understand that the Hebrew prophet Daniel foretold a new end-time power that will arise from the Arab world, leading to a clash of civilizations between East and West.

As these Arab strongmen are toppled in the Middle East, what will replace them? Will we see the region swept by a new wave of Islamic fundamentalism leading to the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy? You need to read this issue!
Several eye-opening articles will help you understand what is happening now in the Middle East, where it might be leading, and what Bible prophecy foretells for this region. We deeply appreciate the faithfulness of those whose generosity and dedication to the good news of the coming Kingdom of God make it possible to share these truths, and we hope you’ll join us in praying that many others will have their eyes opened and to see the seriousness of the times in which we find ourselves."
The Middle East: What Now?
Turmoil: What's Behind the Unrest Sweeping the Middle East?
Egypt in History and Prophecy
Gaddafi's Violent Past Catching Up in Libya
From: http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1d04480cefc2e7c4492fe4a04&id=b445e3a5fa&e=72c729d811
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 The Freedom Tower is due to be completed in 2013.
"The New York City Freedom Tower, which will stand 1,776 feet tall on the site of the former World Trade Center, is the work of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. It will serve as a beacon of freedom, and demonstrate the resolve of the United States, and the people of New York City.

Construction on the tower, which will have a cubic base, began in early 2006. Steel became visible aboveground in 2007, and by 2013 the building will be ready for occupancy - twelve years after the World Trade Center was destroyed by terrorist attacks. "

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Yesterday:



My back that I had put 'out', really hurt me with sharp pains all through the night, but during the morning it seemed to get better.  Very carefully, I went up and down the steps into the cargo trailer and my attic stairs with no pain.  Maybe I put it back 'in' again, I hope so, as the chiropractor's office won't be open again until Monday. (Later: No, it is still 'out')

Ray primed some more doors, stiles and rails as we made them.   I measured and marked, then Jay cut them.  Some of these were to hold the new fridge in position and stable.  I decided to put the fridge on the left side of the space, so the remainder of the area could be used to store things like trays, or other flat things.  No sense in wasting a valuable space, as every inch counts.  My late DH used to say I could pack 10 lb of stuff in a 5 lb bag!

Another thing that Jay and I made was a barrier behind the folding door to the storage closet in the grooming room.  We made it out of some tub surround as it is too slick for the kittens to climb.  Once in a while they would slip between my feet and get in the grooming room.  The storage closet was a wondrous place to them.  If I needed too, there was no way I could get them out from behind the folded up cages, pet strollers, and puppy playpen stored in that closet. 
This will also stop little cat toys from being batted in there.












Previously they had been restricted to the Middle Room, but they are getting more adventurous, so they also have the grooming room to play in, as of yesterday.

News: MS River Floods. AL Tornadoes. US Train. Bad Nick Hit It On The Head. Kid In Pakistan. Mexican Gold. Buy American. Cargo Trailer.

Feds Consider Blasting More Levees As Water Continues To Rise.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- "Flood worries that prompted the U.S. government to blast open a Missouri levee to ease pressure on some towns are rippling down the Mississippi River, leading to more evacuations and unease as the Army Corps of Engineers weighs whether to purposely inundate more land with water.
The breach of southeastern Missouri's Birds Point levee was heralded by some Illinois towns along the Ohio River as a needed relief from record flooding, and the man who ordered that action says he may do the same with other Mississippi River spillways as flood prospects mount."
More at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/04/mississippi-river-floods-2011_n_857342.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk2%7C212178

PS. Three levees have been opened now.
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My heart and prayers go out to those who have dirty, muddy water rushing through their houses, if their homes are even still there!
After rebuilding from a fire, my house had only been finished for 6 months, when it went through a 100 year flood in 1994. So I know what they are going through.
But is is going to be very hard for those who lost loved ones, as well as their homes.  Maybe our prayers will comfort them.
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VIDEO: Alabama Tornado Disaster     May 5, 2011 by Sean Michael

"There’s nothing lighthearted about severe weather and tornadoes. But when a historic disaster happens in our backyard, it can’t be ignored. And this topic DOES relate to camping.  Those of us who camp are especially vulnerable to twisters. The last time I checked, no RV is equipped with a basement. If you plan to do any serious RV camping, sooner or later you will confront this issue." 

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Bin Laden Raid Discovery: Al Qaeda Considered Attacking U.S. Train On 9/11 Anniversary

"Holed up in a compound in Pakistan, Osama bin Laden was scheming how to hit the United States hard again, according to newly uncovered documents that show al-Qaida plans for derailing an American train on the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The confiscated materials reveal the rail attack planning as of February 2010. One idea outlined in handwritten notes was to tamper with an unspecified U.S. rail track so that a train would fall off the track at a valley or a bridge. Counterterrorism officials said they believe the plot was only in the initial planning stages, and there is no recent intelligence about any active plan for such an attack."
More at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/bin-laden-raid-train_n_858315.html
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Bad Nick Said:  Pissant Pakistan

"Pakistan is criticizing the United States for what it calls an "unauthorized unilateral action" into their country; the raid by Navy SEALS that that killed Osama bin Laden. The Pakistani government is upset that American authorities did not tell them in advance of the raid on bin Laden’s compound in a town that houses some of their own top military officials.
The American government said that the mission was kept a secret because of security issues, which is a nice way of saying “We didn’t trust you bastards not to tip off bin Laden before we got there.”

Who give’s a rat fart what Pakistan thinks? There is no way they didn’t know that the world’s most wanted fugitive was hiding inside the walled compound where he was killed in the raid. I mean, it isn’t like he was hanging out in a cave in the hinterlands, as was long believed. He was right there in the middle of a freaking town! Again, a town known as a center for the country’s military elite. Intelligence reports indicate that he has been there for years.

American officials have said for years that they believed that at least some upper echelon Pakistani government officials knew bin Laden’s whereabouts. And the country’s security forces have long been suspected of being in bed with the very militants we are fighting in Afghanistan.

All of this while the United States has been subsidizing Pakistan with billions of dollars a year in foreign aid. Yep, your tax dollars at work. Tax money we could be spending right here at home to support welfare mothers and greedy oil companies. (Well, we know they’re not going to give any of it back to us, right?)

Sometimes I’m not sure who our real enemies are.
But I’m pretty sure of who our friends aren’t! And Pakistan is not our friend. It’s a pissant little country in a region that is the armpit of the world. We should pull all of our people and dollars out of the place and let them go back to herding camels. "  From: http://badnickblog.com/2011/05/pissant-pakistan/
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A Kid's Life in Pakistan


"Haai! Maaee naem iz Krishn'aa.  That's Punjabi for, "Hi!  My name is Krishna." 
Punjabi is the language we speak here in Pakistan.  I am an 11 year old girl, and I live with my four sisters, one brother, and my mother and father.  Would you like to know what it is like to live here in Pakistan?  Well, first of all I think you should know where Pakistan is located in the world.  It is a small country in southern Asia.

The temperature here can get really HOT!  In central Pakistan the summers can get up to 120°F.  That is HOT!
Also we only get 10 inches of rain a year!  That is not enough for farmers (including my father) to grow crops.  There are many dams built to save up the water.

The wildlife here is amazing!  In the south, there is the Indus River.  In the murky waters of the river, the crocodiles dwell.  Scary huh?  Also, many animals live on the banks of the river.  These animals are boars, deer and porcupines.  In central Pakistan, there are jackals, hyenas, and a bunch of different wild cats.  (My brother claims he's seen a panther, but I don't believe him.)  There are a bundle of Marco Polo sheep near  where we live.  There are also Urial sheep, Markhor and Ibex goats, Himalayan bears, and snow leopards.  Many animals are killed.  I once saw my neighbor shoot one of his sheep.  I couldn't bear it!  Because of poaching, there are wildlife sanctuaries to protect the animals.  I love animals, and I think it is a great idea.

Now I will tell you about our clothes.  The men wear baggy pants that get narrow at the ankles.  They are called salwar.  They also wear long shirts that hang down to their knees, called kameez.  Woman wear scarves on their heads called dupattas.  In the big cities, we would wear western style clothes.
 
About 90% of our people are Muslim, including me.  Muslims are people who practice the Islam religion.  We all follow our holy book called the Koran and believe in one God called Allah.
 
Our houses only have one floor.  Our roofs are very flat.  Inside there is no running water and no electricity.  We get our heat from a fire.  There are no windows.  My sisters, brother, my parents, and my grandparents all live in one house.  Most Pakistanis live that way.

This might sound strange to you, but less than half of the kids between the ages of five and nine go to school.  If they do go to school, the boys and the girls are taught separately.  This is one of the customs of the Koran.  Many of the adults cannot read or write.  My parents can't, and I don't know very many people who can.
     
After we finish our chores, we go to the beach.  I always ride the camel.  Camels give rides on the beach.  They are decorated with very festive blankets and beads.  Also, we play games like hopscotch, marbles, and also team games like cricket, soccer, and volleyball.  One of my favorite pastimes is making kites and then flying them.  Otherwise we do not have many toys.

Would you like to know about the food?  Well, because of the Koran, there are a lot of things that we cannot eat.  We can't eat anything from a pig.  Any meat that we do eat has to be butchered and prepared by a specially trained butcher.  My favorite food is a lot of meat, with a very thick sauce made of garlic, chili, and ginger.  It's delicious!  We also eat a lot of vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower, and peas.  Our bread is very flat.  It is called Nan.  For drinks we have water and strong tea.

I would like to tell you about some of my favorite places.  I love to go sailing on Keenjhar, our lake.  My father likes to go fishing on it too.  I go for picnics at Jallo park, which has a lake, zoo, and a picnic area. 
Just in case you ever come to Pakistan, you can use this to feel more comfortable.  Bye! "
From: http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212302/pakistan.html
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Bank of Mexico buys 100 tons of gold in two months    By Rhiannon Hoyle

May 4, 2011, 12:22 p.m. EDT. LONDON (MarketWatch) -- "Mexico's central bank purchased almost 100 metric tons of gold in February and March, another signal that emerging markets are likely to steadily raise their gold reserve holdings, industry participants say.  According to the data, the central bank of Mexico bought 93.3 tons of bullion over the two-month period, vastly increasing its total reserves, which stood at just 6.9 tons in January.
"Prior to this, they held very little metal, so it is a decent size change," Spall said. "People are going to view this as bullish, and will now be closely watching other countries in the region, and elsewhere, for further changes."

"Mexico seems to be following the trend established by several other central banks recently and is moving toward restoring a prior balance between gold and currency reserves," said George Milling-Stanley, Managing Director of Government Affairs at the WGC.
The Bank of Mexico traditionally holds most of its reserves in U.S. dollar-denominated investments.

The main source of reserves is oil revenue, as the bank changes dollars for state oil monopoly Petroleos Mexicanos. The bank also uses put options to buy up to $600 million a month from commercial banks when the peso is appreciating against the U.S. dollar.
The peso is currently trading at its strongest level against the dollar since early October 2008, closing Tuesday at MXN11.5620 after dipping below MXN11.50 in recent sessions.
Foreign reserves were a record $125.8 billion as of April 29.

May IMF data also show continued buying by Russia and Thailand, of 18.8 tons and 9.3 tons respectively."
Complete article at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bank-of-mexico-buys-100-tons-of-gold-in-two-months-2011-05-04
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Month of May, Don't buy Chinese!  BUY AMERICAN.

"Did you see that Diane Sawyer had a special report? They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that were not made in the USA .
There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During the special they are going to show truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything and will be talking about how to find these items and the difference in price etc..

It was interesting that Diane said that if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs!
I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART and ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA’
FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '
I WAS SHOCKED SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF. Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think while the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets? 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.
Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?    DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example. The point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.
THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!

Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on May 1st and continue it until June 1st. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they might have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

Remember, MAY 1 TO JUNE 1st !!!!!!    START NOW.
Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.
If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!
Pass it on, America......  BUY AMERICAN  !!!!!
From: http://www.teapartytribune.com/2011/04/12/did-you-see-the-diane-sawyer-report-on-checking-out-where-the-products-we-buy-come-from/      
Originally broadcast in April, but let's sock it to them anyway!
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Our Chinese Bondholders

"“A government that loses its sovereignty to its bondholders cannot guarantee prosperity or freedom,” Reince Priebus, Republican National Committee chairman told the City Club of Chicago. “An economy that is completely controlled by China cannot possibly compete with China.”
That being the case, why have GOP House leaders already conceded to President Obama’s demand that they raise the legal debt limit of the United States?
The answer is simple: They don’t wish to displease our Chinese bondholders."
More at: http://www.teapartytribune.com/2011/04/21/our-chinese-bondholders/
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Yesterday:

Ray and I worked on the cargo trailer, while Jay went shopping with his mother. 
We covered the caulk in the metal AC area with some silver Eternabond to make sure that it would be completely leak proof. 
Ray primed and painted the trim outside of that area on the front of the trailer, too. 
Then he primed the drawer that Jay and I had made, and a couple more doors.

This is how the closet and shelf/drawer area looks so far, without the doors installed.



We have had to make lots of doors:

The trailer is slowly coming along on another lovely "NO AC" day.

Navy Seals Under Fire. More Seals. Pine Tree "Worms"

 3 NAVY SEALS ARE ACCUSED BY A TERRORIST

“TERRORISTS LIE. WHO DOESN'T KNOW THAT?
So why is out U.S. military believing the lie of a terrorist? It is perverse.
This terrorist mastermind of the barbaric murders of four Americans only had to whine and whimper and say he'd been punched and the futures of 3 heroic SEALS are destroyed.
Whatever the outcome of the court martial, these 3 SEALS have been branded, their careers ruined.
It's infuriating to know a terrorist can cause such destruction of 3 of America's finest.

This wimp of a terrorist is responsible for ambushing four Blackwater security guards who were working for the United States. The ambush took place in Fallujah, in 2004.
Those four security guards were tortured, burned, shot to death, and two were hung from a bridge so their bodies would be seen by everyone. The pictures were flashed around the world and are still on the internet. Their deaths were brutal and barbaric, and their families and friends left to suffer the knowledge of how they died.”
From: http://hubpages.com/hub/3-NAVY-SEALS-COURT-MARTIAL-OUTRAGE
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"These three men are charged with abusing a terrorist they captured in a daring nighttime raid on or about 1 September 2009. On that night, they -- as part of a platoon from SEAL Team 10 -- captured and detained Ahmed Hashim Abed, one of the most barbaric and dangerous terrorists in Iraq. 
Here is the link to protest the Court Martial of the three Navy Seals who captured the despicable Ahmed Hashim Abed."
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=34775
But time is running out. The Court Martial Trial is set for May 3rd. The time is NOW to put the final pressure on the Secretary of Defense to drop these charges.
But thus far only one new outlet–FoxNews–has even reported this outrage.
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More about Seals:



Hunters gather pelts as the annual East Coast seal hunt starts in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence around Quebec's Iles de la Madeleine on Monday, March 23, 2009. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/05/05/f-seal-hunt.html#ixzz0kQbamgMu
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Where does the Atlantic seal hunt take place?

“The hunt usually opens in March in the "Gulf" areas around the Magdalen Islands and Prince Edward Island. The main hunt on the so-called "front" usually begins in April off the east coast of Newfoundland. It's pretty much over by May.
The total allowable catch for harp seals is split between two areas: 70 per cent for the waters off Newfoundland and 30 per cent for the St. Lawrence Gulf region.”
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/05/05/f-seal-hunt.html#ixzz0kQdSY6QE
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Don't seals eat cod?

“Yes, harp seals do eat cod, among other things. But both sides now appear to agree that seals and cod can coexist. In March 2005, Greenpeace called on then federal Fisheries Minister Geoff Regan to "dispel the myth that seals are hampering the recovery of cod stocks." A letter from Greenpeace said, "the DFO has been a partner in perpetuating this myth."
But the DFO says sealing opponents are setting up a straw man and then knocking it down. The federal government says anti-sealing groups are wrong to suggest that it's allowing the hunt to help cod stocks recover.
"The commercial seal quota is established based on sound conservation principles, not an attempt to assist in the recovery of groundfish stocks," the DFO says. "Seals eat cod, but seals also eat other fish that prey on cod."”
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/05/05/f-seal-hunt.html#ixzz0kQclFdXA
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The predicted 50% chance of thunderstorms hasn’t started yet, but it is very humid.  At 10.30 AM:

74.2 °F
Overcast.      But it is so humid that one has to have the AC on.

The pine trees are still blowing yellow pollen all over the place, and now they are shedding those little worm shaped baby pine cones that will never mature on the trees.  They are a mess to clean up.

I am grooming Muffie today.