Comics: http://www.drwas.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Pray for Families of US Military
Families of U.S. marines describe Haditha bloodshed
Two U.S. marines were traumatized by the aftermath of a civilian massacre allegedly committed by fellow American troops in Iraq, their parents say.
 |
| Lance Cpl. Roel Ryan Briones, shown in February 2005, developed post-traumatic stress syndrome after having to clean up the bodies of 25 civilians shot in Iraq. (Hanford Sentinel/AP) |
- INDEPTH: Iraq
At least 24 Iraqi civilians of all ages were shot to death in Haditha shortly after a roadside bomb killed Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas on Nov. 19, 2005.
read more: http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/05/31/haditha-families.html
Pray for US soldiers and their families. As more of them and their superiors commit the frequently reported acts of torture, abuse, rape, and murder around the world, it must become increasingly difficult for their colleagues and families. Can you imagine if you watched your friend (or heard of your brother) committing the heinous war crimes in Abu Garib, Guatanamo, or on the streets of Iraqi cities. What would you do if your CO or other superior ordered you to murder (or do worse to) innocent people? Can you imagine seeing it? Can you imagine being put into a position whereby you become complicit in it unless you arrest your friend or disobey orders? Pray for the soldiers and their families. Who knows maybe God can use them to end this madness...
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Roman ruler's head found in sewer
| | ||
Archaeologists found the 60cm (2ft) head while clearing an ancient drainage system in the ruins of the Roman Forum. Eugenio La Rocca, superintendent of Rome's artefacts, described the head as a rare find and said it was possible it had been used to clear a blocked sewer. Constantine, who reigned from 306 to 337, is known for ending persecution of Christians and founding Constantinople. Although most of his subjects remained pagans, he is credited with helping to establish Europe's Christian roots by proclaiming religious freedom. Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4727391.stm See also: Rome skeleton find pre-dates city Ancient Roman puzzle yields clues | ||
Big mistake
In PM Harper's rush to fashion Canada after the USA in things like stricter
immigration, less egalitarian tax reform, access to first rate education and
healthcare based on income rather than merit or need, it appears that he is
now taking concrete steps towards an elected Senate. Oh my goodness! How
much do elections cost? What a waste of money. Remember that the Bible tells
us to be good stewards of our finances. Also, who has been at the centre of
the corruption scandals? It has been the elected and not the appointed
officials. Why? Officials who are selected on a basis other than just the
changing winds of public opinion do not need to bribe, deceive or con anyone
to keep their jobs. As a matter of fact that is one of the few ways that
they would lose it. The elected officials on the other hand...Sponsorship
scandal, Mulroney era, David Emerson, Grewal,... the list goes on!
Right now we actually do have a good check and balance, in the form of the
Senate, to tides of popular opinion that we all know are affected by money,
the media, prejudice and a plethora of other things. Remember that it was
the Senate that saved us from Meech Lake and forced Molroney to call an
election over free trade - on the off chance that it would have been
possible for an elected Senate to do all these things for us it would have
cost us CONSIDERABLY more money to do so. It is just not worth it.
In this Harper led race towards annexation, we should at least slow down
enough to consider just what we are throwing away. Remember that Canadians
have died in wars to protect us from this.
I welcome any responses? Can a Christian support a 'triple e' senate in all
good consciousness? Let me know what you think: ramsay@havelock-viha.com
UN Forum urges inclusion of indigenous peoples' concerns in global anti-poverty goals
26 May 2006 – At the end of a major United Nations meeting held in New York,
indigenous leaders today urged the world’s developed countries to take into
account the concerns of indigenous communities living within their borders
while implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“Indigenous people in developed countries pointed out that they have
suffered significant disparities in the enjoyment of economic, social, and
cultural rights,” said members of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous
Issues in a draft document submitted to the UN Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC).
Read more:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=18640&Cr=indigenous&Cr1=
Monday, May 29, 2006
From Salvationist.ca - Indonesia Update (1)
Vancouver Sun Run (I ran last year...)
Over 50,500 raced in the Sun Run on a beautiful day. The Salvation Army was numbered in that total with War College students running the 10k race.
At the start of the race it was announced over the microphone that the Salvation Army was picking up the clothes left behind and people cheered and screamed....
Read more at Salvationist.ca: http://www.salvationist.ca/2006/vancouver-sun-run/
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Pray for the persecuted - Cdn gov targets immigrants
MACLEANS.CA
May 27, 2006 - 19:36
Immigrants march across Canada to protest deportations of non-status workers
MATTHEW CHUNG
TORONTO (CP) - Juan Carlos Aranga says he was relaxing in his room listening to music when Canadian border service officers burst in and demanded to see his passport.
The 23-year-old refugee claimant from Mexico, who has lived in Canada for the past four years, says he thinks the officers were looking for the person who rented the Toronto-area room prior to him....
Read more: http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/politics/news/shownews.jsp?content=n052725A
"The Harper-style immigration policies are ... intolerable," said Sima Zerehi, "We want Prime Minister (Stephen) Harper to end these practices. We want an immediate moratorium on deportations and an immediate regularization program that meets everybody's needs."
Remember, we are supposed to take care of the poor, the widow and the immigrant (or 'alien' as they are called in the US)
cf: Exodus 22:21, Exodus 23:9, Leviticus 19:10, Leviticus 19:33, Leviticus 19:34, Leviticus 23:22, Leviticus 24:22, Leviticus 25:35, Numbers 15:15, Deuteronomy 1:16, Deuteronomy 10:18-20, Deuteronomy 14:29, Deuteronomy 16:11, Deuteronomy 24:14, Deuteronomy 24:17,...
Humanitarian quote by former US President
Former US President Jimmy Carter has decried the reaction to the Palestinian
election. "It is unconscionable for Israel, the United States and others
under their influence to continue punishing the innocent and already
persecuted people of Palestine."
"Innocent Palestinian people are being treated like animals, with the
presumption that they are guilty of some crime," argues Carter, a Nobel
Peace Prize winner whose involvement in the Middle East peace process has
extended across three decades. "Because they voted for candidates who are
members of Hamas, the United States government has become the driving force
behind an apparently effective scheme of depriving the general public of
income, access to the outside world and the necessities of life."
Read more: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0526-22.htm
Published on Friday, May 26, 2006 by the Madison Capital Times (Wisconsin)
Saint John Paul (the second)?
Pope Benedict XVI paid an emotional visit on Saturday to the birthplace of John Paul II and added his voice to the movement urging sainthood for his predecessor.
 |
| Pope Benedict XVI is presented with a portrait of the late Pope John Paul II in Wadowice, Poland on Saturday. (Pier Paolo Cito/Associated Press) |
Others +
200 metres from Everest summit, Canadian halts climb to rescue man
A Calgary woman says she's very proud of her husband for being part of a team that saved an Australian climber who was left for dead on Mount Everest. 
Thumbs up - 'Others'
Retailer pulls magazine featuring Muhammad cartoons
The largest book retailer in the country (Indigo, Chapters, Coles) has pulled all copies of the June edition of Harper's Magazine because it reprints a series of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad, according to a media report.
Respect for religion versus freedom of expression? Or is something else in play here? Why would Harper's Magazine want to stir up this whole thing again? As well as the apparently Anti-Islam comics, Harper's is running the seemingly anti-Jewish response - why?
Friday, May 26, 2006
Food for Prayer...
May 25, 2006 - by Paul Harris
This week new figures came out that showed more than 2.2 million Americans now live behind bars, the highest rate of incarceration in the world. It is also a figure that is growing. There are 50,000 more Americans in jail now than this time last year. Amazingly 62 percent of them have not even been convicted of a crime. They are just waiting trial in a system that is clogged. This should be seen as a national crisis. But it is not. In America this is increasingly seen as a business opportunity. And business is booming.
Over the past few decades the free market has entered America's prison system in an ever expanding way. This is an issue that gets little mainstream attention. Yet academics and criminologists are worried. They should be.
Read more from the Observer: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/columnists/story/0,,1782114,00.html
Britain bars US clergy under 'anti-terror' law
The Times May 26, 2006
By Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent
A GROUP of trainee Methodist ministers has been barred from Britain by the Home Office under laws passed 12 years ago to prevent unqualified religious leaders entering the country.
Read more: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,29389-2197914,00.html
Interesting...
Quebec probes evolution battle at northern school
The Quebec Ministry of Education is stepping in to find out whether Inuit students in northern Quebec can be taught the same science curriculum as students everywhere else - and that includes evolution.
 |
| Quebec Education Minister Jean-Marc Fournier says an understanding can be found. (Jacques Boissinot/ Canadian Press) |
- INDEPTH: Creationism in disguise?
The ministry is investigating a complaint made last week by high school science teacher Alexandre April, who said he was given a letter of reprimand for discussing Darwin's theory in his biology class at Ikusik High School in Salluit.
Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/05/25/quebec-inuit-evolution.html
Any thoughts?: ramsay@havelock-viha.com
Thursday, May 25, 2006
A great new frontier for the Salvation Army?
INDEPTH: EDUCATION
Canada's shame
from The National | May 24, 2006
Reporter: Dan Bjarnason | Producer: Alex Shprintsen
When you think of literacy in Canada now, at the beginning of the 21st
century, you probably expect to see a rate of close to 100 per cent. That
would be wrong. The actual numbers are nowhere near that and should
embarrass us all. Lynda Richards....
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/education/canada-shame.html
As I've said and written again and again - this is the perfect outreach for
the SA. It is one of the greatest needs in this country next to salvation
therefore it is the perfect outreach for salvation... - mr
Free post-secondary education better for everyone
Student loans kill (literally?)
CBC News Online | September 3, 2004
'Student brains have been taken hostage'
Months after graduating from the post-secondary institution of their choice,
young people encounter one of the most unwelcome truths of adulthood: debt
sucks. These are young people who received student loans – $5,000 ...
$10,000 ... $40,000 – and must start repaying them. For some, it's like a
mugging in a dark alley.
The loans doubtless enabled more young people to attend universities,
colleges and technical schools, but the burden of youth debt – amounts many
homeowners owed on mortgages 20 years ago – raises questions of the efficacy
of the student loan program.
Does the student-loan debt have an unhealthy impact on the economy, with
delayed purchases of cars, homes and other big-ticket items?
Does the debt contribute in a significant way to stress, depression, even
suicide?
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/education/studentloans.html
Only when we provide higher education fairly on the basis of ability rather
than ability to pay, can we really have a just society. Anything less is the
sin of catering to the wealthy at the expense of everyone else.
Comments? - ramsay@havelock-viha.com
Deadly Sins?
Canada receives low grade for childhood fitness
Canada has received a disappointing "D" on physical activity, for the second consecutive year, in an annual report card that grades the nation on the exercise habits of its children and youth. more...
Related Web Links:
Do sports, not drugs: new UN-backed anti-narcotics programme targets youth
 |
17 May 2006 - A United Nations-backed programme to use sport to prevent drug use and criminal behaviour among young people was officially launched today with both officials and sports stars stressing the importance of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
It's a lie...(add this to freedom of press debate)
Iran summons Cdn. envoy after erroneous story
CTV.ca News Staff
Canada's ambassador to Iran was summoned to the Foreign Ministry after a
Canadian newspaper published an incorrect story claiming Iranian law would
force Jews and Christians to wear badges.
The article, published in the National Post on May 19, caused an
international uproar and prompted Iran's foreign ministry to summon
Ambassador Gordon Venner on Wednesday.
The Post, a long-time supporter of Israel and critic of Tehran, later
admitted the story was untrue
read more:
http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060524/iran_d
resscode_060524
Read the whole article, the National Post should probably (if the law is equally applied) be charged under Canada's hate crimes legislation...or does 'freedom of the press' supersede all other laws.
Disagree / Agree: ramsay@havelock-viha.com
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
An important question...
"We can't accept that the Prime Minister's Office would decide who gets to
ask questions," Yves Malo, a TVA reporter and president of the press
gallery, told CP on Tuesday. "Does that mean that when there's a crisis
they'll only call upon journalists they expect softball questions from?"
Should the PM be able to dictate what the public knows or should he be
accountable to parliament and the public? Do these questions matter for
Christians?
Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/05/24/harper05242006.html
Doctors want more $ for wages, less for healthcare...
Full-page ads placed by doctors, who are already in the top percentages of
national income earners, first appeared in Wednesday's Gazette, Le Devoir
and La Presse newspapers, say "cancer frightens you, so should our health
care system."
The specialists are demanding a faster settlement in their pay negotiations
with the province.
"Paying people more money for doing the same thing does not give one iota
more in services to the public," Health Minister Philippe Couillard said.
He said any extra money should go towards developing new services.
Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/05/24/quebecad05242006.html
What do you think? Should Christians support allocating resources to help
those in need or should we agree to use even more of our own money to give
some Canada's wealthiest citizens a raise?
Responses: ramsay@havelock-viha.com
Canadian PM cracks down on Media
The new Canadian PM, increasingly aware that his policies probably cannot
stand up to public scrutiny, is attempting to stifle the media's ability to
cover the national news.
http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060524/harper
_media_060524
Question: should the media be free to question the government or should they
just be allow to report what they are told to report by the government as PM
Harper suggests...
Or - Should we be informed voters or just trust that whoever gets elected
is probably trying to work in our best interest.
responses: ramsay@havelock-viha.com
Many parents encourage tots to watch TV: study (and read next blog)
CTV.ca News Staff
Many parents push their young children to watch television in order to manage busy schedules, keep the peace and keep the family on schedule, according to a new U.S. study.
The report, released Wednesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation, is based on a national survey of 1,051 parents with children between six months and six years old, as well as a series of focus groups held across the U.S.
The study found computer and television use increases with age, with 61 per cent of babies one year or younger watching "screen media" for an average of one hour and 20 minutes per day
Read more: http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060524/kids_tv_060524
and read next blog
Many parents push their young children to watch television in order to manage busy schedules, keep the peace and keep the family on schedule, according to a new U.S. study.
The report, released Wednesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation, is based on a national survey of 1,051 parents with children between six months and six years old, as well as a series of focus groups held across the U.S.
The study found computer and television use increases with age, with 61 per cent of babies one year or younger watching "screen media" for an average of one hour and 20 minutes per day
Read more: http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060524/kids_tv_060524
and read next blog
Study links kids' TV exposure to adult violence
Updated Sun. Mar. 9 2003 7:32 PM ET
Canadian Press
A study that looked at adult behaviour 15 years after childhood exposure to violence on television found that kids who watch violent TV shows, identify with aggressive television characters and think TV violence is realistic are more likely to be physically aggressive as young adults.
Noted childhood educator and author Barbara Coloroso was impressed with the study's approach, which looked at the long-term effects of television violence.
"For so long we have been saying 'You can't tie it in. You can't tie it in'," said Coloroso, author of The Bully, The Bullied and the Bystander. "But (violence on television) is part of the fabric of a child's life and you can't pull that thread out either."
The study, published Monday in Developmental Psychology, found that men who as children watched a lot of violence on television were more likely to have pushed, grabbed or shoved their spouses. They were also more likely to respond to an insult by shoving a person, to be convicted of a crime and to commit a moving traffic violation. For example, such men had been convicted of crimes at more than three times the rate of other men.
click HERE to read more.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
We are called to be peacemakers...
Small Arms Are a Big Problem says the United Church of Canada
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Toronto: May 22-29, 2006, marks the Global Week of Action Against Small Arms. It is a time, says The United Church of Canada, to remember that "God calls us to be peacemakers and reconcilers in a world of much conflict and division."
Small arms are a big problem-not only for Canadian cities but also for communities across the globe.
"With over 600 million small arms in circulation globally, killing over 500,000 people annually, we cannot close our eyes to the issue of small arms," says Choice Okoro, Program Coordinator for Human Rights and Reconciliation. [ More ]
Public money for public use only
In a survey released last month, Ipsos-Reid found that 60 percent of B.C. residents disagreed with using public funds to support private schools. Only 27 percent were in favour. Among 18 to 34-year-olds in the Lower Mainland, that opposition grew to 72 percent-the highest among Canada's eight major urban centres.
Of course, why should tax payers support private individuals? Taxes are meant to decrease income disparity, not increase it. Voting for fair taxation and egalitarian distribution of wealth is one way that Christian voters can show that they are sheep rather than goats.
comments: ramsay@havelock-viha.com
cyber-equality threatened by Mammon?
| Web inventor warns of 'dark' net | ||
Recent attempts in the US to try to charge for different levels of online access web were not "part of the internet model," he said in Edinburgh. He warned that if the US decided to go ahead with a two-tier internet, the network would enter "a dark period". Sir Tim was speaking at the start of a conference on the future of the web. Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5009250.stm | ||
Moral Standards in the Post-Christendom West...
 |  | Sex and drink: campus culture Three athletes are accused of raping a black stripper. Is the focus on sport and money eroding moral standards? Click HERE to read more. Observer world From the Guardian / Observer |
Monday, May 22, 2006
MP unveils fetal homicide bill
Aims to protect unborn from violence.
TONDA MACCHARLES
OTTAWA BUREAU
OTTAWA—An MP has introduced a private member's bill that would make it a
separate criminal offence to harm an unborn child in cases where a pregnant
mother is assaulted or murdered.
Harper has promised his government would not initiate any legislation on
abortion.
Read more:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Artic
le_Type1&c=Article&cid=1148248211777&call_pageid=968332188492&col=9687939721
54&t=TS_Home
Visit us...
The Renew Network website will remain down for a while. Sorry about the inconvenience. This page (with links) is also available from www.havelock-viha.com as the Sheep Speak Commentary.
Churches, Witchcraft and the 'missing' report
| By Dominic Casciani BBC News community affairs |
 Abuse: A police diagram of injuries inflicted to "Child B" |
Last year, stories emerged that African preachers were sacrificing children in secret church ceremonies in the UK. Today, we still don't know the full truth behind those claims - and African churches say the government isn't doing more to help them root out child abusers posing as Christian leaders.
RELATED BBC LINKS:
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Praise God, she's alive
Vancouver police find missing girl
Vancouver police on Sunday found a 12-year-old girl who went missing near the heart of the city's Downtown Eastside on Saturday evening.
 |
| Police say Kelsey Janiver appeared to be fine. (CBC) |
Saturday, May 20, 2006
1.4 million feet set to tramp around world on Sunday in UN-backed fight against hunger
"By engaging citizens from rich and poor countries alike, governments worldwide will heed the call, and will do more to end child hunger,"... Read more: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=18547&Cr=Hunger&Cr1=
19 May 2006 - From New Zealand to Brazil, from Moscow to the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, more than 700,000 people in over 100 countries will walk five kilometres this weekend to highlight the United Nations-backed battle against child hunger in what is billed as the most diverse demonstration in history focused on hungry children. Walk the World 2005 in India
Low Canadian birth-rate due to 'secularism': Pope
May 20, 2006. 04:14 PM
ASSOCIATED PRESS
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict said today that low birth rates in Canada are the result of the "pervasive effects of secularism" and asked the country's bishops to counter the trend by preaching "with passion" the truth of Christ
Click here to read more.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict said today that low birth rates in Canada are the result of the "pervasive effects of secularism" and asked the country's bishops to counter the trend by preaching "with passion" the truth of Christ
Click here to read more.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Voices: Canada's troops in Afghanistan
From the Toronto Star.
Blessed be the peace makers but what does Canada think? Does the government disagree with the population? Click here.
Blessed be the peace makers but what does Canada think? Does the government disagree with the population? Click here.
Set the captives free
Shut down Guantanamo prison: UN to U.S.
Last Updated Fri, 19 May 2006 12:12:58 EDT
CBC News
The United States should stop using a prison at Guantanamo Bay and either release all the prisoners there or put them on trial, said a UN torture report issued on Friday.
The United Nations Committee Against Torture also called on Washington to disclose the existence of any secret prisons and stop using them.
The panel's 11-page report details recommendations from 10 independent experts, who examined the U.S. record at home and abroad.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/05/19/un-torture-guantanamo.html
Last Updated Fri, 19 May 2006 12:12:58 EDT
CBC News
The United States should stop using a prison at Guantanamo Bay and either release all the prisoners there or put them on trial, said a UN torture report issued on Friday.
The United Nations Committee Against Torture also called on Washington to disclose the existence of any secret prisons and stop using them.
The panel's 11-page report details recommendations from 10 independent experts, who examined the U.S. record at home and abroad.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/05/19/un-torture-guantanamo.html
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Praise God, girls freed,
Trick pad bust Calgary cops rescue girls, 14 and 15
By JOSE RODRIGUEZ, SUN MEDIA
CALGARY -- A "trick pad" offering underage girls for prostitution has been
shut down by police in southeast Calgary, the Sun has learned.
Calgary city police rescued two girls - aged 14 and 15 - from an Applewood
home where they were forced to perform sex acts for money.
Read More:
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Alberta/2006/05/15/1580443-sun.html
Article pointed to by www.armybarmy.com
Split among American Baptists over homosexuality is final
May 18, 2006
By Gregory Tomlin
Baptist Press
By Gregory Tomlin
Baptist Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Following the approval of a large majority of its churches, the board of the American Baptist Churches Pacific Southwest region voted unanimously May 11 to withdraw from its covenant relationship with its parent denomination. The board's action makes final the separation of the 300-church region from the American Baptist Churches (USA) in Valley Forge, Pa.
Read more: http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=23275
Praise God, she's alive
BC girl found alive, 'transient' man in custody
CTV.ca News Staff
A man who has been described as "transient" is expected to be charged in the
abduction of an 11-year-old B.C. girl who was found Thursday after going
missing for nearly two days.
RCMP Cpl. Henry Proce of the Vernon detachment told a news conference that
the suspect, who hasn't yet been identified, and Carmen Kados, were located
separately early Thursday morning.
"This does have a happy ending ... she has been located.
Read more:
http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060517/bc_mis
singgirl_060518
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Salvation Army Position Statement on Gambling (revised)
Position Statement on Gambling
The Salvation Army takes a stand against gambling that involves the act of
risking money, property or something of value on an activity that gives
material advantage based on chance and at the expense of others. The
Salvation Army opposes gambling on spiritual and moral grounds and because
of its tragic social implications.
The Salvation Army is deeply concerned that gambling, used by governments
and organizations to raise revenues, has become an accepted aspect of our
daily lives. Gambling undermines the true spirit of charitable giving. The
Salvation Army’s experience confirms that there are those who disregard
personal and family needs to indulge in gambling and may become addicted.
Even in its simplest form gambling can lead to excess and undermine the
personality and character of the individual. The Salvation Army therefore
cautions governments and individuals of the inherent dangers of gambling.
Salvation Army soldiers pledge to abstain from gambling, based on our belief
that all our resources belong to God and that we depend on Him through faith
and work. This position is supported by Scriptural teachings* concerning the
responsibility to use money productively, to guard against greed, and not to
gain at the expense of others.
*e.g., 1 Timothy 6:3-10; 17-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Amos 6:1-6
Read to children to beat poverty
LUM MACDONALD
Web Issue 2529 May 17 2006
PARENTS who not only show an interest in their children's education but also read to them increase the chances of their child being successful by 25%, researchers have found.
The findings form part of a special report into child poverty commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Researchers studied children from poor backgrounds who escaped poverty to try to find out which factors contributed to their success.
Boys whose father showed little or no interest in their education were found to be 25% less likely to break free of poverty by the time they were 30.
The government has made reducing child poverty a priority and it will use the results of the study when drawing up policies. The study focused on children born in 1970 who had broken free of poverty by the time they were 30.
It was found educational attainment is extremely important in determining children's future prospects, and one of the most important contributory factors is parental interest.
Early attainment is another key factor, with those who were still poor at 30 found to be 15 to 20% more likely to have been in the low education group at 16 and have fewer qualifications.
It was also discovered that poor children who attended a school with a more advantaged social mix did better.
Read more: http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/62146.html
Metallica Singer: 'Sex, Drugs, And Rock 'n' Roll are Horrible'
Reuters
LOS ANGELES — Metallica frontman James Hetfield fought back tears on Friday
as he recounted his public battle with addiction, and labeled the sex, drugs
and rock ‘n’ roll ethos as a “horrible myth.”
The 42-year-old singer/guitarist was being honored at a Hollywood fundraiser
for the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides access to addiction recovery for
members of the music community.
Read More: http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=17595
Blessed be the Peacemakers
Russia, China won't support UN attack on Iran
Last Updated Tue, 16 May 2006 12:21:07 EDT
CBC News
Russia and China won't support any resolution of the United Nations Security
Council that could lead to military action against Iran, Russia's foreign
minister said Tuesday.
Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/05/16/iran-nuclear-china-russia.
html
Monday, May 15, 2006
Teachers decry school commercialism
May. 15, 2006. 09:06 PM
Canadian public schools are selling chocolate bars, scented candles and ad space in hallways and bathroom stalls to cover the cost of even their most basic needs, like plumbing repairs, a new cross-Canada survey has found.
Click Here to read more
"Governments are abdicating their responsibility to fund a public education system,"
"(The private sector) shouldn't be there to subsidize education in any way, shape or form."
Fair Trade: an alternative economic model
CBC News Online | May 12, 2006
Canadians consume more than 40 million cups of coffee a day. (CBC)
Globalization. Its supporters say it's opening up world markets to producers from Montreal to Maputo. Its detractors claim globalization does little more than allow producers to acquire their goods from developing countries by exploiting desperately poor people.
Canadians consume more than 40 million cups of coffee a day. (CBC)But there's a growing - albeit slowly - movement dedicated to making sure that producers in developing countries are paid a fair price for the goods we consume.
It's called fair trade. It's a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers who have been disadvantaged or marginalized by the traditional economic model.
Take coffee, for instance. Canadians...
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/fair-trade/index.html
Before the game, several in attendance at HP Pavilion booed the Canadian
national anthem. Edmonton overcame the reception to take the lead after the
first period even though they were outshot, 9-4.
The Edmonton Oilers won 6-3 in the fifth game of their semifinal series.
Game 6 will take place on Wednesday night at Rexall Place in Edmonton (CBC,
8 p.m. EDT).
More:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/stanleycup2006/storyview.html?/story/sports/
national/2006/05/15/oilers-sharks-summary.html
Sunday, May 14, 2006
The Lord works -in mysterious ways- to provide for the needy
Hugo Chavez: "I want to humbly offer support to the poorest people who do not have resources for central heating in winter and make sure that support arrives."
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Sunday 14 May 2006, 10:42 Makka Time, 7:42 GMT
The president of Venezuela wants to provide cheap heating oil to Europeans on low incomes.
Hugo Chavez made his announcement at a gathering in Vienna of activists and representatives of social movements and non-governmental groups on Saturday evening.
Chavez worked out a similar deal to deliver discount heating oil this past winter to needy Americans in parts of the eastern United States.
"I'd like to do the same here in Europe," he said.
Click HERE to read more.
Bishop strains China-Vatican rift
Sunday 14 May 2006, 19:49 Makka Time, 16:49 GMT
China has installed a second bishop in the state-run Catholic church in a move likely to further strain relations between Beijing and the Vatican.
On Sunday Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu celebrated mass for 500 Catholics and Chinese officials in a church in southern Ningde city to mark his formal appointment as head of the Mindong Diocese
Click HERE to read more
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Save the Children
Wealthy US poor on infant survival
Tuesday 09 May 2006, 16:20 Makka Time, 13:20 GMT
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America may be the world's superpower, but its survival rate for newborn babies ranks near the bottom among developed nations.
Among 33 industrialised nations examined in a new study, the Only Mary Beth Powers, a reproductive health adviser for Save the Children, said: "We are the wealthiest country in the world, but there are still pockets of our population who are not getting the healthcare they need." Rankings were compiled based on health data from countries and agencies worldwide. Researchers have noted that the Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/365F8AEA-0795-46BD-AA00-FB44684B9448.htm
UK Orthodox Split?
| Bitter rift in UK Orthodox Church | ||
Parish councillors say they have been expelled for opposing the plan, and that the locks on the cathedral doors have been changed to keep them out. Acting church head Bishop Basil of Sergievo says the values of the Moscow church are at odds with the UK diocese. The row is an expression of old splits over the character of the UK church. Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4764833.stm | ||
Friday, May 12, 2006
Roman Catholics protest at Da Vinci film
Thursday 11 May 2006, 17:30 Makka Time, 14:30 GMT
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Christian groups across the globe are protesting against The Da Vinci Code, the soon-to-be-released film based on the best-selling novel.
In India on Wednesday about 2,000 Roman Catholics marched through Mumbai, many carrying placards saying: "Stop hurting our faith." In the Philippines, where more than 80% of the population is Catholic, a government official called for the film to be banned in the country, describing it as blasphemous. Read More: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/AD0C766C-7316-42D2-A40E-5CB9941CB557.htm
For the sake of the children
There is an expression in The Salvation Army about "making a joyful noise". While that term originally refers to making music during church services, it is also a daily reality at the Army's Weston Corps in Winnipeg. Every weekday there is a lot of joyful noise from the 59 kids who attend the Weston Child Care Centre, located in the church. And while silence is rare, the Centre features an abundance of energy, excitement, fun and caring. Click HERE to read more.
Karen Hoeft, the pastor of the Army church where the daycare is located. "The working poor need a good quality facility where people care about kids."
Homelessness in Canada
Action Against Hunger
Again, why not just make it illegal and control it, but...
.XXX does not mark the spot for porn sites
Last Updated Thu, 11 May 2006 14:05:57 EDT
CBC News
A plan that would have had all pornography sites end with the .XXX suffix has been quashed by internet regulators.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) voted 9-5 to reject efforts to establish a domain for the porn industry.
The Florida-based company proposing the name, ICM Registry Inc., argued the domain would help the industry clean up its act because those using the domain would have to adhere to rules barring spamming and malicious programming.
Anti-porn advocates were opposed to the proposal, arguing the designated domain name would legitimize adult sites. They also said porn sites would be able to keep their .com address, making porn more accessible.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/05/11/internet-porn.html
A good idea?
Manitoba town pays for future doctor's training
Last Updated Thu, 11 May 2006 16:49:55 EDT
CBC News
A community in Manitoba is taking on the challenge of finding its own doctor - and town officials expect their efforts to pay off in about six years.
The town of Boissevain is about to sign a contract with a student from Brandon heading off to medical school in Hungary.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/05/11/mb-doctraining.html
If this works, the federal government should pay for domestic loans / scholarships for med students and make them repayable when they leave the small community. Any thoughts?
Stop Torture Now
US: Government creating "climate of torture"
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: AMR 51/070/2006 (Public)
News Service No: 109
3 May 2006
News Service No: 109
3 May 2006
Amnesty International today made public a report detailing its concerns about torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners and detainees both in the US and in US detention sites around the world.
The report has already been sent to members of the UN Committee Against Torture, who will be examining the US compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 5 and 8 May in Geneva. The Convention against Torture prohibits the use of torture in all circumstances and requires states to take effective legal and other measures to prevent torture and to provide appropriate punishment for those who commit torture.
The report has already been sent to members of the UN Committee Against Torture, who will be examining the US compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 5 and 8 May in Geneva. The Convention against Torture prohibits the use of torture in all circumstances and requires states to take effective legal and other measures to prevent torture and to provide appropriate punishment for those who commit torture.
In total, 141 states have ratified the Convention against Torture.
For a full copy of the report, please see http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engamr510612006
Amnesty International is campaigning to stop torture and other ill-treatment in the "war on terror". For more information, please go to the campaign home page: http://web.amnesty.org/pages/stoptorture-index-eng
For a full copy of the report, please see http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engamr510612006
Amnesty International is campaigning to stop torture and other ill-treatment in the "war on terror". For more information, please go to the campaign home page: http://web.amnesty.org/pages/stoptorture-index-eng
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Code of conduct on religious conversion
Vatican and WCC to pursue common code of conduct on religious conversion
The Vatican and the World Council of Churches (WCC) are launching a three-year joint study project aimed at developing a shared code of conduct on the controversial issue of religious conversion.
[read more]
The Vatican and the World Council of Churches (WCC) are launching a three-year joint study project aimed at developing a shared code of conduct on the controversial issue of religious conversion.
[read more]
Incomes, childhood well-being linked: Statscan
TERRY WEBER
Globe and Mail Update
The well-being of children is almost always associated with family income levels and the benefits do not stop after household earnings hit a certain level, a new Statistics Canada report suggested Thursday.
The government agency looked at links between family incomes and how children fared emotionally and socially as well as links between incomes and learning and behaviour patterns.
“Higher income is almost always associated with better outcomes for children,” Thursday's report said.
Read whole article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060511.wchild0511/BNStory/National/home
Stats Can Report: http://www.statcan.ca/english/research/11F0019MIE/11F0019MIE2006281.pdf
Globe and Mail Update
The well-being of children is almost always associated with family income levels and the benefits do not stop after household earnings hit a certain level, a new Statistics Canada report suggested Thursday.
The government agency looked at links between family incomes and how children fared emotionally and socially as well as links between incomes and learning and behaviour patterns.
“Higher income is almost always associated with better outcomes for children,” Thursday's report said.
Read whole article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060511.wchild0511/BNStory/National/home
Stats Can Report: http://www.statcan.ca/english/research/11F0019MIE/11F0019MIE2006281.pdf
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Power of the Word
Term Paper Changes Life
Debra Feiguth - May 2006
Active in the Jewish student movement, Marc Torchinsky had been to Israel twice, had represented Jewish students all over western Canada and had helped raise money to move a plane load of Soviet Jews. While much of his participation in Jewish life was more cultural than religious, he also longed for a deeper relationship with God.
"Something happened as I was reading," Torchinsky, now 35, remembers. Christianity had never appealed to him. "But as I read through the New Testament all my fears towards Christians just melted. They fell and dropped away."
Although he was confused and scared, he also felt warmth and peace. "It was as if the words jumped off the page and entered my heart," he says. This was the most dramatic of the events that led to his eventual conversion to Christianity and his decision to become an Anglican priest.
Read More: http://anglicanplanet.net/TAPFront0605.html
Periodical Evangelism - from www.salvationist.ca
20 ways to touch lives with the Gospel
1. Place Faith & Friends or Edge for Kids in mailboxes in your neighbourhood or introduce the magazines personally door-to-door. Include an invitation to a corps event.
2. With permission, place... (Read more)
Freedom of Religion
No photo required for some Hutterite drivers
Members of an Alberta Hutterite colony have won the right to carry driver's licences that don't carry their photographs.
The colony argued in a Lethbridge court that the government's rule violated its charter right to freedom of religion. Members believe the second commandment in the Bible prohibits them from willingly having their picture taken.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Bono and Make Poverty History React to Canada's Federal Budget
"With this budget Flaherty and Harper seem to be breaking an election pledge
to increase Canadian aid by more than the previous government. This isn't
about abstract aid targets and vague promises. This is about effective
initiatives to save lives, provide AIDS drugs, get kids in school and make a
better world. And what happened to the Canadian characteristic of good old
promise-keeping? This government has a small window to turn this around.
Many lives depend on whether it does."
Bono, May 5, 2006
"We are deeply disappointed that the world's poor did not even merit a
mention in the Finance Ministers' budget speech. Much more needs to be done
if Canada is to live up to its international obligations."
Gerry Barr, Co-chair of the Make Poverty History campaign in Canada.
http://makepovertyhistory.ca
Make Poverty History Celebrates World Fair Trade Day - May 13, 2006
World Fair Trade Day events will take place in over 60 countries and across Canada on May 13. Games will be played with soccer balls sewn without child labour, organic and fairly-traded food will be sampled, and copious amounts of delicious fairly-traded coffee will be sipped.
Read More: http://makepovertyhistory.ca/e/media/fair-trade-day-2006.html
Churches protest violence against Christians
Expressing "alarm and concern" the World Council of Churches (WCC) has presented a formal protest to the Israeli ambassador in Switzerland over two recent incidents involving violence by Israeli settlers against Christian... [Click HERE to read more]
"How is it that we react to a natural disaster but when there's a man-made one we ignore it?"
FRANCIE HEALY
May 9, 2006 - Kingston, Ont.It was after his speech, when he began answering questions, that Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire became most impassioned.
He was speaking here at an annual fundraising dinner for George Bruce, bishop of the Kingston-based diocese of Ontario, on May 8.
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"Remember the tsunami?" he asked, referring to the natural disaster in the Indian Ocean in late 2004. "All hell broke loose. It was horrific, and we responded incredibly." He paused for a second. "At that very same time," he said, "more people were killed, raped and displaced in Darfur, and not one plug nickel went to them.
"How is it," he continued, "that we react to a natural disaster but when there's a man-made one we ignore it?"
Read More from the Anglican Journal: http://www.anglicanjournal.com/extra/news.html?newsItem=2006-05-09_a.news
Freed hostages stir pacifism debate By SUE CARELESS
Three kidnapped pacifists are being called ungrateful after allied troops risked their lives to rescue them following four months of captivity.... READ MORE
Interesting take on things - any thoughts?
By TERRY VANDERHAYDEN
Going to Church regularly may help you live longer, according to recently published research....READ MORE
The above comments are from http://anglicanplanet.net/news.php
Senate advocates for Affordable Housing and the Mentally Ill
CTV.ca News Staff
A Senate committee is recommending raising taxes on beer, wine and alcohol to pay for $536 million a year in mental health initiatives.
The Senate social affairs committee also proposes the creation of a permanent Canadian Mental Health Commission in its final report, entitled "Out of the Shadows at Last."
Its mandate would be to educate Canadians about mental health. The commission would also create a national Knowledge Exchange Centre and would oversee a 10-year national anti-stigma campaign.
Another notable recommendation in the report was the development of 57,000 affordable housing units for people living with mental illness.
The cost would be funded by raising the excise tax by five cents a drink. That translates to five cents a beer, 25 cents on a bottle of wine and 85 cents on a bottle of alcohol.
Click HERE to read more.
Click the tile to read: The complete Senate report: Out of the Shadows At Last
The Salvation Army - From the Canadian Department of National Defence website:
The Salvation Army and the Propagation of the Faith:
The central mission of the Salvation Army is evangelism. The Army exists to
spread the Word of God through its distinctive methods of outreach to the
world. The Church and its members do not hesitate to reach out to the poor
and the abandoned, to help all toward salvation.
Read more: http://www.dnd.ca/hr/religions/engraph/religions29_e.asp
When legalism replaces grace?
Not a popular leader.
After Oliver Cromwell's death, the people placed his political opponents in
power, exhumed his body, hanged it, cut off its head and put it on a pole at
Westminster Hall.
New Sessional Names
The Next Sessional Names for the Training Colleges
2007 - 2009 Witnesses for Christ
2008 – 2010 Prayer Warriors
2009 – 2011 Ambassadors of Holiness
2010 – 2012 Friends of Christ
2011 – 2013 Proclaimers of the Resurrection
2012 – 2014 Disciples of the Cross
Michael Ramsay
Herald of the Good News
Monday, May 08, 2006
Canada fails to live up to social, economic and cultural commitments
May 8, 2006. 04:54 PM
CANADIAN PRESS
GENEVA - A United Nations watchdog group has harshly criticized Canada for its failure to live up to its commitments under an international treaty that protects people's economic, social and cultural rights.
In a tough assessment, one of the committee's 18 independent experts noted that "some situations (in Canada) had actually got worse" since Canada's record was last scrutinized in 1998.
Click HERE to read more from the Toronto Star.
International Fast Day Against Malaria - May 11, 2006
SPONSOR WIRE
April 6, 2006
Posted to the web April 6, 2006
Today, with a great sense of urgency and desperation, the world leaders in the fight against malaria including, but not limited to, The Malaria Foundation, Africa Fighting Malaria, Dunk Malaria, The Free Africa Foundation, Hedge Funds vs. Malaria, The World Swim Against Malaria, the UN Foundation and Be the Cause have called for an international day of fasting day to focus worldwide attention on the emergency facing billions of people living in malaria infested regions of the world. The International Fast day Against Malaria (IFAM) will be held on May 11, 2006. Adults all over the world are asked to fast from 9:00am until 6:00pm (drinks and medications are allowed). Children are asked to fast from 9:00am until 12:01pm. To participate in the fast and or sponsor your fast or the fast of others please visit www.worldswimformalaria.com/ifam.
Pray for Liberia. It has suffered...It is suffering
Aid workers giving girls food for sex in Liberia: report
The aid agency Save the Children says foreign workers and peacekeepers are sexually exploiting young girls in Liberia, despite pledges to stamp out such abuse.
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- INDEPTH: Liberia
Girls as young as eight are being forced by local and international agency workers to have sex in exchange for food, according to a report called From Camp to Community: Liberia Study on Exploitation of Children, released Monday.
"These children were engaging in sex for money for education, for food for the day, or even for something as small as a ride," said Save the Children spokeswoman Emilia Brookstein.
Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/05/08/liberia-camps-sex.html
Food for Prayer - Homeless dying in heat wave
Homeless people dying in Indian heat wave
A heat wave in India that caused many schools to shut early for the summer has killed 34 people in the past few weeks, authorities said Monday.
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