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Sunday, January 31, 2021
Religious Books Seized and Burned in Communist China, Believers Given Jail Terms
Religious Books Seized and Burned in Communist China, Believers Given Jail Terms: Years ago, the horrors of the holocaust paved the way for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; however, ...
Putin signs extension of last Russia-US nuclear arms treaty
Putin signs extension of last Russia-US nuclear arms treaty: The treaty limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, and envisages sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance.
Been There, Done That (Not!) - TomDispatch.com
Been There, Done That (Not!) - TomDispatch.com: Joe Biden's got a problem -- and so do I. And so, in fact, do we. At 76 years old, you'd think I'd experienced it all when it comes to this country and its presidencies.
As many as 750 killed in massacre at Ethiopian church
As many as 750 killed in massacre at Ethiopian church: 750 killed in massacre at Ethiopian Orthodox Christian church
Relief tinged with scepticism - Asia is hungry for reassurance from Joe Biden | Asia | The Economist
Relief tinged with scepticism - Asia is hungry for reassurance from Joe Biden | Asia | The Economist: It worries that a distracted America will pay it too little attention
'It's endemic': state-level Republican groups lead party's drift to extremism | Republicans | The Guardian
'It's endemic': state-level Republican groups lead party's drift to extremism | Republicans | The Guardian: Despite national failures at the ballot box, radicalised state parties are fighting for Trump’s election lies and defending QAnon followers
Thriving as Catholics - The Catholic Thing
Thriving as Catholics - The Catholic Thing: Bevil Bramwell OMI: Beware of ways the “unclean” may enter - often via our belief that we know better how to live than does God Himself.
New Report From Rep. Katie Porter Reveals How Big Pharma Pursues 'Killer Profits' at the Expense of Americans' Health | naked capitalism
New Report From Rep. Katie Porter Reveals How Big Pharma Pursues 'Killer Profits' at the Expense of Americans' Health | naked capitalism: Rep. Katie Porter kicks some Big Pharma ass and takes names.
New Covid Cases Plunge 25% or More as Behavior Changes | naked capitalism
New Covid Cases Plunge 25% or More as Behavior Changes | naked capitalism: A dozen states are reporting drops of 25% or more in new covid-19 cases and more than 1,200 counties have seen the same, federal data released Wednesday shows.
Xi Jinping and the Future of Chinese Power | Foreign Affairs
Xi Jinping and the Future of Chinese Power | Foreign Affairs: How power will—and won't—reshape Chinese ambitions.
The China lobby: TikTok parent boosts K-street spending tenfold - Nikkei Asia
The China lobby: TikTok parent boosts K-street spending tenfold - Nikkei Asia: PALO ALTO, U.S./GUANGZHOU -- Chinese tech companies spent more on U.S. lobby firms last year amid political and regulatory uncertainty, avai
How to Derail the U.S. Rush Toward War with China? Two Peace Activists Suggest an Answer - CovertAction Magazine
How to Derail the U.S. Rush Toward War with China? Two Peace Activists Suggest an Answer - CovertAction Magazine: Two U.S. peace researchers, Michael T. Klare, professor emeritus of peace and world security studies at Hampshire College, and Joseph Gerson, president of the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security, have launched a new organization, the Committee for a SANE U.S.-China policy that seeks to counter the U.S. drive to war with China. At […]
Community Bands Together to Rescue Elderly Woman Medically Kidnapped – The Life of a Senior is Still Precious to Some
Community Bands Together to Rescue Elderly Woman Medically Kidnapped – The Life of a Senior is Still Precious to Some: In a week where it was reported that the New York State Attorney General admitted that nursing home deaths in New York State for 2020, already recorded as
Which Covid Vaccine Should You Get? Experts Weigh the Effect Against Severe Disease - The New York Times
Which Covid Vaccine Should You Get? Experts Weigh the Effect Against Severe Disease - The New York Times: Infectious disease doctors say getting a shot of the J&J vaccine, which has a lower efficacy against the virus than other vaccines, would still be well worthwhile.
These COVID-19 patients are incubating new coronavirus strains - Los Angeles Times
These COVID-19 patients are incubating new coronavirus strains - Los Angeles Times: COVID-19 patients who take months to overcome their coronavirus infections despite treatment can become incubators of dangerous new strains.
How Russia began 'grooming' Donald Trump 40 years ago by saving him from financial ruin, book claims | Daily Mail Online
How Russia began 'grooming' Donald Trump 40 years ago by saving him from financial ruin, book claims | Daily Mail Online: American Kompromat How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery by Craig Unger is out January 26.
Robinhood Is a Perfect Example of Fintech’s Insidious Power
Robinhood Is a Perfect Example of Fintech’s Insidious Power: Biden’s team enters the regulatory fight with one hand already tied behind its back.
The Qatar blockade is over, but tensions with Bahrain are not | Middle East Eye
The Qatar blockade is over, but tensions with Bahrain are not | Middle East Eye: A chequered past blocks Manama from embracing Doha even after signature of Gulf unity deal this month
Scientists develop new anti-COVID-19 nasal spray for patients
Scientists develop new anti-COVID-19 nasal spray for patients: In a recent study at the University of Birmingham, researchers found that a nasal spray can provide effective protection against the COVID-19 virus. It used materials already cleared for use in humans. The study is published in BioRxiv. One author is Dr. Richard Moakes. In the study, the team formulated the spray using compounds already widely […]
Flu Is Now ‘Almost Completely Wiped Out’, Experts Say - LADbible
Flu Is Now ‘Almost Completely Wiped Out’, Experts Say - LADbible: In the second week of January, the number of flu-like illnesses reported to GPs was just 1.1 per 100,000 people
New State Department cyber bureau stirs opposition | TheHill
New State Department cyber bureau stirs opposition | TheHill: A newly established State Department bureau focused on cybersecurity and emerging technologies could give the Biden administration a launch pad for strengthening ties with allies after a massive Russian hack on the federal government.
Plaza Accord II: Currency a catalyst for US-China deal? – Asia Times
Plaza Accord II: Currency a catalyst for US-China deal? – Asia Times: Senior Biden Administration officials have suggested Western nations might unite behind a major revaluation of China’s yuan, along the lines of the 1985 Plaza Accord with Japan. Surprisingly, some …
GameStop, Robinhood, Reddit, and Populism: With Stock and Squalor - Rolling Stone
GameStop, Robinhood, Reddit, and Populism: With Stock and Squalor - Rolling Stone: Music, Film, TV and Political News Coverage
Out of Europe, Britain looks to the Pacific for new trade partners | Euronews
Out of Europe, Britain looks to the Pacific for new trade partners | Euronews: Out of Europe, Britain looks to the Pacific for new trade partners
'The Longer Telegram' Is a Recipe for Costly Failure | The American Conservative
'The Longer Telegram' Is a Recipe for Costly Failure | The American Conservative: The idea that the U.S. has the ability to force such changes in the Chinese government's behavior is sheer fantasy.
What went wrong with America’s $44 million vaccine data system? | MIT Technology Review
What went wrong with America’s $44 million vaccine data system? | MIT Technology Review: The CDC ordered software that was meant to manage the vaccine rollout. Instead, it has been plagued by problems and abandoned by most states.
Biden should seek a new 'Asia rebalance' policy - Nikkei Asia
Biden should seek a new 'Asia rebalance' policy - Nikkei Asia: BANGKOK -- Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the U.S. on Jan. 20, amid the aftershocks of the Capitol riot fanned by his predecessor, Do
Saturday, January 30, 2021
EconoSpeak: Is China Now Number One?
EconoSpeak: Is China Now Number One?: Actually I think focusing on such questions can be a not very useful exercise, but here I am asking it anyway. As it is, indeed the People...
Poll: Millennials, Gen Z Have Nuanced Perspective on Abortion | RealClearPolitics
Poll: Millennials, Gen Z Have Nuanced Perspective on Abortion | RealClearPolitics: The vast majority of abortions take place today among Millennials and Gen Z, whose interests many claim to speak for, from Planned Parenthood to politicians...
‘The Americans will sign a deal with Iran with or without Israel’ - Israel News - Haaretz.com
‘The Americans will sign a deal with Iran with or without Israel’ - Israel News - Haaretz.com: It’s convenient for Netanyahu to have security officials disagree with the U.S., ostensibly with no political agenda. But officials describe the military chief’s Iran speech this week as an own goal, even as he insists he carried out his duty
COVID vaccine: The inside story of the fastest vaccine ever developed
COVID vaccine: The inside story of the fastest vaccine ever developed: Credit for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine belongs in part to discoveries dating back 15 years. The team behind it was inspired by two infant deaths.
Council of Europe Bans Forced Vaccination
Council of Europe Bans Forced Vaccination: Holy See risks falling foul of resolution prohibiting discrimination
Don’t Starve the Energy Beast When a Diet Will Do
Don’t Starve the Energy Beast When a Diet Will Do: In politics, any idea can be pressed into service if it fits a purpose. The one I have in mind has been snatched from its Republican originators and is now at work on the left wing of the Democrati…
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Prophetic work is justice work | National Catholic Reporter
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Prophetic work is justice work | National Catholic Reporter: This fourth Sunday in ordinary time marks the end of the first month of the new year 2021. Yet, this time is hardly ordinary. Still immersed in a global pandemic, separated from one another by masks a...
What’s Wrong with the Way We Work | The New Yorker
What’s Wrong with the Way We Work | The New Yorker: Americans are told to give their all—time, labor, and passion—to their jobs. But do their jobs give enough back?
What the Lincoln Project Gets Wrong About Israel-Palestine | by Peter Beinart | The New York Review of Books
What the Lincoln Project Gets Wrong About Israel-Palestine | by Peter Beinart | The New York Review of Books: Ever since a group of Republican operatives launched the Lincoln Project, more than a year ago, to defeat Donald Trump, skeptical progressives have
China to build $300bn electronics parts sector in break with US - Nikkei Asia
China to build $300bn electronics parts sector in break with US - Nikkei Asia: BEIJING -- The Chinese government on Friday announced plans to expand the domestic market for electronic components to 2.1 trillion yuan ($327 billion
Reddit squeeze in Asia: GameStop inspires Malaysians to buy Top Glove - Nikkei Asia
Reddit squeeze in Asia: GameStop inspires Malaysians to buy Top Glove - Nikkei Asia: NEW YORK -- The GameStop trading bonanza in the U.S. has inspired some Malaysian retail investors to orchestrate their own collective bet&nb
Mercedes, Audi and BMW driven deeper into China by pandemic - Nikkei Asia
Mercedes, Audi and BMW driven deeper into China by pandemic - Nikkei Asia: FRANKFURT, Germany -- Top German makers of luxury cars have become more reliant than ever on China, earnings reports show, underscoring the market's i
AIPAC demands NBC retract report on NSC aide who’s a big donor to lobby group– and NBC complies! – Mondoweiss
AIPAC demands NBC retract report on NSC aide who’s a big donor to lobby group– and NBC complies! – Mondoweiss: There are times when foreign policy influence in Washington takes on a farcical level, and this story is one of them.
Republicans are whining as Democrats prepare to play hardball - Alternet.org
Republicans are whining as Democrats prepare to play hardball - Alternet.org: President Joe Biden has gone out of his way to repeatedly emphasize that he wants to push forward with his governing agenda in a unifying and bipartisan way, if at all possible. But has also suggested that he's not going to let the Republican Party obstruct him from following through on campaign pro...
Republicans are no longer a political party. They’re a mob | Salon.com
Republicans are no longer a political party. They’re a mob | Salon.com: Only a handful of Republicans have renounced Trump, or his mob of violent supporters. That's who their party is now
Is China a Global Leader in Research and Development? | ChinaPower Project
Is China a Global Leader in Research and Development? | ChinaPower Project: R&D is the backbone of innovation. It supports the development of new scientific methods, technologies, and commercial goods - all of which can boost economic productivity and raise living standards. After decades of export led-growth, China is increasingly turning to innovation as a driver for its economy.
Launch of SMILE plant ageing management project : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
Launch of SMILE plant ageing management project : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: A virtual meeting was held on 13-14 January to launch the new Studsvik Material Integrity Life Extension project. The five-year project, supported by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, aims to investigate and improve the understanding of materials ageing and degradation in metallic components during the operation of a nuclear power plant.
Movies we think Pope Francis would love | America Magazine
Movies we think Pope Francis would love | America Magazine: We're told the pope abstains from TV, but likes a good movie. Here's some suggestions from America staff and contributors.
Your guide to pro-life films and TV shows on Netflix and Amazon | America Magazine
Your guide to pro-life films and TV shows on Netflix and Amazon | America Magazine: You do not have to look hard to find movies and television shows that celebrate the (sometimes unexpected) gift of life.
PG&E wildfire victims fund is $1 billion short, official says | The Sacramento Bee
PG&E wildfire victims fund is $1 billion short, official says | The Sacramento Bee: The Fire Victim Trust said the shortfall is the result of a downturn in PG&E’s stock price.
Poland Approves New Restrictions on Abortion
Poland Approves New Restrictions on Abortion: Poland's government put into effect on Wednesday a constitutional court decision banning terminations of pregnancies with fetal defects.
New Covid variants are going to ‘hit us pretty hard,’ says Dr. Peter Hotez
New Covid variants are going to ‘hit us pretty hard,’ says Dr. Peter Hotez: Dr. Peter Hotez explains why the U.S. is “in for a tough ride” as new Covid variants spread across the country.
Vaccine distribution is a disaster so far. But it’s not too late to fix it. - The Washington Post
Vaccine distribution is a disaster so far. But it’s not too late to fix it. - The Washington Post: About 1 million people need to get immunized every day.
Anti-science kills: From Soviet embrace of pseudoscience to accelerated attacks on US biomedicine
Anti-science kills: From Soviet embrace of pseudoscience to accelerated attacks on US biomedicine: This Essay argues that COVID-19 exposed how a rising tide of anti-science rhetoric and activities can dramatically exploit society's vulnerabilities to an infectious disease, suggesting that anti-science extremism has become as big a threat as the virus itself.
Friday, January 29, 2021
Democrats Introduce Bill to ‘Massively Expand’ Mail-in Voting
Democrats Introduce Bill to ‘Massively Expand’ Mail-in Voting: Democrat lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill that seeks to "massively expand vote-at-home ballot access,"
A New History of the Cultural Revolution, Reviewed | The New Yorker
A New History of the Cultural Revolution, Reviewed | The New Yorker: The great question of China’s Maoist experiment now looms over the United States: Why did a powerful society suddenly start destroying itself?
Top FDA official: Agency working on 'streamlined' process for updating vaccines if needed | TheHill
Top FDA official: Agency working on 'streamlined' process for updating vaccines if needed | TheHill: A top Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official said Friday that the agency will try to have a "streamlined" process for authorizing any updates that are required for COVID-19 vaccines to adapt to the threat of new variants.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine 66 percent effective, drops against South Africa variant | TheHill
Johnson & Johnson vaccine 66 percent effective, drops against South Africa variant | TheHill: A COVID-19 single-shot vaccine from Johnson & Johnson was 66 percent effective in preventing moderate or severe disease in a phase 3 clinical trial, a level of protection above the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) minimum but lower than th
Fauci: Virus mutations are a 'wake-up call' | TheHill
Fauci: Virus mutations are a 'wake-up call' | TheHill: The emergence of new coronavirus variants should be a "wake-up call" for the country, Anthony Fauci said Friday.
Biden appoints Rob Malley as Iran envoy, despite right-wing allegations of 'anti-Israel bias' - U.S. News - Haaretz.com
Biden appoints Rob Malley as Iran envoy, despite right-wing allegations of 'anti-Israel bias' - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: Malley has long been a target of the right-wing for his alleged anti-Israel bias, and was forced to cut ties with Obama's 2008 presidential campaign after reports emerged that he had met with members of Hamas
Foreign Policy Restraint: A Bold Idea for Biden's First 100 Days | The American Conservative
Foreign Policy Restraint: A Bold Idea for Biden's First 100 Days | The American Conservative: The new president needs to focus on the home front, not give in to the temptation to throw his military might around the world.
Biden’s Bipartisan Dream Is Already Over | The New Republic
Biden’s Bipartisan Dream Is Already Over | The New Republic: Republicans have blown their chance. It’s time to move on.
School’s out - Covid-19 disrupts China’s rise as a destination for foreign students | China | The Economist
School’s out - Covid-19 disrupts China’s rise as a destination for foreign students | China | The Economist: Africans appreciate China’s low fees and relatively high standards—but are shut out
Bishops ask Biden not to use tax dollars for abortion in developing countries
Bishops ask Biden not to use tax dollars for abortion in developing countries: The US bishops responded to President Joe Biden’s reversal of the “Mexico City Policy” with the following statement on January 28: ~ Today, President Joe Biden signed an executive order allowing U.S. taxpayer funds to be sent to organizations that both promote and provide abortions in developing countries. The policy which he overturned, known as Read More…
Padre Pio's powerful words of advice when a pandemic hit Italy
Padre Pio's powerful words of advice when a pandemic hit Italy: During the summer of 1918, Italy was hit hard by the Spanish flu, forcing schools to close down and local businesses to halt. It was a scary time to be alive, as everyone appeared to get infected by this wild virus. Many were frightened by this sudden turn of events, and in Italy they turned Read More…
Ruling On The Record: The Senate’s Looming Prudential Questions Could Weigh Heavily With Members On Witnesses and Conviction – JONATHAN TURLEY
Ruling On The Record: The Senate’s Looming Prudential Questions Could Weigh Heavily With Members On Witnesses and Conviction – JONATHAN TURLEY: Below is my column in the Hill on the prudential (as opposed to the constitutional) concerns raised by the second Trump impeachment trial. Senators will have to resolve these questions before reaching the merits. The prudential concerns may also weigh heavily in the possible rejection of witnesses after the snap impeachment. The House blundered (again)…
Joe Biden’s missed opportunity on abortion | America Magazine
Joe Biden’s missed opportunity on abortion | America Magazine: By rescinding the Mexico City Policy, the president did serious damage to his own goal of unifying the country.
New Biden era of confrontation in the South China Sea – Asia Times
New Biden era of confrontation in the South China Sea – Asia Times: All the pieces are falling into place for a new era of US-China confrontation in the South China Sea under the newly inaugurated Joe Biden administration. On Wednesday, Beijing said its deployment …
Impeachment in the Age of Trump: Laurence Tribe’s Evolving Views Of Impeachable Conduct – JONATHAN TURLEY
Impeachment in the Age of Trump: Laurence Tribe’s Evolving Views Of Impeachable Conduct – JONATHAN TURLEY: Harvard Professor Laurence Tribe was on CNN last night reassuring viewers that the Constitution clearly and unequivocally allows for the trial of a former president. In what has become a signature of Tribe's commentary, he declared any contrary view as "stupid" while engaging in gratuitous personal insults. I have previously written about Tribe's past personal…
Finding Christ in the NFL (with Joe Reitz) - Ascension Press Media
Finding Christ in the NFL (with Joe Reitz) - Ascension Press Media: Dr. Sri sits down with former NFL player, Joe Reitz to talk about faith, family, and football. Joe opens up about living out his Catholic faith in the NFL.
Pfizer CEO Says Science Will Prevail With Covid-19 Here to Stay | by Bloomberg Businessweek | Bloomberg Businessweek | Jan, 2021 | Medium
Pfizer CEO Says Science Will Prevail With Covid-19 Here to Stay | by Bloomberg Businessweek | Bloomberg Businessweek | Jan, 2021 | Medium: In an interview with Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait, one of the people most responsible for helping to vaccinate the world against Covid-19 discusses how his company is navigating the…
Antibody Drugs Could Act as a Temporary Covid-19 Vaccine | by Emily Mullin | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog
Antibody Drugs Could Act as a Temporary Covid-19 Vaccine | by Emily Mullin | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog: Lab-made antibodies are showing promise for preventing Covid-19 infection in those at high risk of contracting the disease. With vaccines in short supply in the United States and elsewhere, the drugs…
How Vaccines Are Faring Against the Variants | by Yasmin Tayag | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog
How Vaccines Are Faring Against the Variants | by Yasmin Tayag | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog: There are still 20 vaccines in phase 3 trials, eight approved for limited use, and two approved for full use in some countries after fully completing phase 3 trials — the vaccines from…
There’s a ‘Vaccine War’ Happening in Europe | by Elad Simchayoff | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog
There’s a ‘Vaccine War’ Happening in Europe | by Elad Simchayoff | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog: Days after opening its gates, the largest Covid-19 vaccination center in Berlin, Germany, had to close down due to lack of doses. Merely 321 miles away in the city of Mainz, stands a building full of…
Can Immunocompromised People Get the Vaccine? | by Yasmin Tayag | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog
Can Immunocompromised People Get the Vaccine? | by Yasmin Tayag | Jan, 2021 | Medium Coronavirus Blog: The most recent U.S. federal guidance opened up vaccination to anyone age 65 and older and any adults who are considered high risk for Covid-19. It didn’t, however, include details on the eligibility…
MIT convenes influential industry leaders in the fight against climate change | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT convenes influential industry leaders in the fight against climate change | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT has announced the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium (MCSC), which convenes influential industry leaders from a broad range of industries with the aim of vastly accelerating shared solutions to address climate change.
MIT convenes influential industry leaders in the fight against climate change | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT convenes influential industry leaders in the fight against climate change | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT has announced the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium (MCSC), which convenes influential industry leaders from a broad range of industries with the aim of vastly accelerating shared solutions to address climate change.
CA drought still looms despite latest ‘atmospheric river’ | The Sacramento Bee
CA drought still looms despite latest ‘atmospheric river’ | The Sacramento Bee: Here’s how much rain and snow the Golden State needs to avoid severe cutbacks for agriculture and lawn watering.
Is the Establishment Still Terrified of Trump? – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website
Is the Establishment Still Terrified of Trump? – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website: The establishment fears that Trump could make a comeback, win the Republican primaries in 2024, become the nominee, and return in triumph as president. They are determined to abort that possibility. Many openly admit it. As soon as the Senate received the lone article of impeachment accusing President Donald Trump of "incitement of insurrection" in…
200 Lemons, 30 Bananas: Online Shoppers Accidentally Buy Too Much - WSJ
200 Lemons, 30 Bananas: Online Shoppers Accidentally Buy Too Much - WSJ: Novices who overbuy get creative with their cooking; ‘I salted them, I sugared them, I stewed them and I juiced them’
US, China or Europe? Here's who is really winning the global race for AI | ZDNet
US, China or Europe? Here's who is really winning the global race for AI | ZDNet: A new report shows that in the ever-more competitive race for AI, the US has a strong lead that China is catching up with, while the EU is falling behind little by little.
Trans Militant Comes For UD Prof | The American Conservative
Trans Militant Comes For UD Prof | The American Conservative: Not even a top academic at conservative Catholic college is safe from cancel culture
How COVID-19 Has Strengthened Religious Faith | Pew Research Center
How COVID-19 Has Strengthened Religious Faith | Pew Research Center: A Pew Research Center survey conducted in the summer of 2020 reveals that more Americans than people in other economically developed countries say the coronavirus outbreak has bolstered their religious faith and the faith of their compatriots.
Biden To Allow Tens Of Thousands More Refugees Into The U.S., Report Says | The Daily Wire
Biden To Allow Tens Of Thousands More Refugees Into The U.S., Report Says | The Daily Wire: President Joe Biden is expected to increase the number of refugees allowed into the United States by tens of thousands.
Pro-life, Catholic leaders condemn repeal of Mexico City Policy
Pro-life, Catholic leaders condemn repeal of Mexico City Policy: Catholic and pro-life leaders responded to the White House’s planned repeal of the Mexico City Policy on Thursday.
NY nursing home COVID deaths 50% higher than stated: AG probe
NY nursing home COVID deaths 50% higher than stated: AG probe: The finding in state Attorney General Letitia James report found that mismanagement and long-standing problems in the private care business turned nursing homes into COVID death traps.
A Camoufleur - The Catholic Thing
A Camoufleur - The Catholic Thing: David Warren: When reading reports on “science” – scientific findings that seem to be apolitical – one may feel encroaching glibness.
Suck It, Wall Street | RealClearPolitics
Suck It, Wall Street | RealClearPolitics: Suck It, Wall Street | RealClearPolitics
Trump’s Long Shadow and the End of American Credibility | Foreign Affairs
Trump’s Long Shadow and the End of American Credibility | Foreign Affairs: Even with Trump’s defeat, the rest of the world cannot ignore the country’s deep and disfiguring scars. They will not soon heal.
Malaysia a case study in how China wins friends and influences Asia - Nikkei Asia
Malaysia a case study in how China wins friends and influences Asia - Nikkei Asia: Dr. Shankaran Nambiar is head of research at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, and a visiting fellow at the Crawford School of Public Poli
U.N. voices alarm about Myanmar after military threats, coup fears | Reuters
U.N. voices alarm about Myanmar after military threats, coup fears | Reuters: The United Nations and Western governments voiced alarm on Friday over threats by Myanmar's military that have stirred fears of a coup in the aftermath of an election the army says was fraudulent.
Texas Governor Orders Agencies to Sue Biden Administration for Climate Actions that ‘Kill Jobs’
Texas Governor Orders Agencies to Sue Biden Administration for Climate Actions that ‘Kill Jobs’: Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday vowed to oppose what he called the Biden administration's bid to destroy jobs with its volley of actions targeting the oil and gas industry.
Democrats Introduce Bill to ‘Massively Expand’ Mail-in Voting
Democrats Introduce Bill to ‘Massively Expand’ Mail-in Voting: Democrat lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill that seeks to "massively expand vote-at-home ballot access,"
Iran says US, not Tehran, should act first to resolve nuclear deal row – Middle East Monitor
Iran says US, not Tehran, should act first to resolve nuclear deal row – Middle East Monitor: The United States should act first by returning to world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that it ditched in 2018, the Iranian foreign minister tweeted on Thursday after Washington demanded Tehran ...
China builds Digital Silk Road in Pakistan to Africa and Europe - Nikkei Asia
China builds Digital Silk Road in Pakistan to Africa and Europe - Nikkei Asia: KARACHI -- China is set to lay the final stretch of a cross-border fiber optic cable in Pakistan that will create the Digital Silk Road, serving the g
New Biden Directive Shields Federal Scientists From Political Interference - Defense One
New Biden Directive Shields Federal Scientists From Political Interference - Defense One: President also calls on agencies to overhaul their vehicle fleet.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
The Shipler Report: The Religion of Democracy
The Shipler Report: The Religion of Democracy: By David K. Shipler If America has a state religion, the historian Robert Kelley used to say, it is constitutional democr...
Merkel sides with Xi on avoiding Cold War blocs – POLITICO
Merkel sides with Xi on avoiding Cold War blocs – POLITICO: The German chancellor shows wariness toward the creation of contending factions.
Biden Needs to Dump the Trump Playbook on Trade With China
Biden Needs to Dump the Trump Playbook on Trade With China: Washington should get back in the trade game and use it as leverage against Beijing.
Study finds Pfizer vaccine effective against mutations in new COVID-19 variants | TheHill
Study finds Pfizer vaccine effective against mutations in new COVID-19 variants | TheHill: A Pfizer study released Wednesday determined that the mutations in the COVID-19 variants originally found in the United Kingdom and South Africa have “small effects” on the effectiveness of the company’s vaccine dev
Novavax vaccine almost 90 percent effective in trial, but not against South Africa variant | TheHill
Novavax vaccine almost 90 percent effective in trial, but not against South Africa variant | TheHill: Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be almost 90 percent effective in a clinical trial in the United Kingdom, the company said Thursday, but was far less effective in a separate trial in South Africa given the variant prevalent there.
COVID-19 cases drop, but variants point to dangers ahead | TheHill
COVID-19 cases drop, but variants point to dangers ahead | TheHill: The number of Americans testing positive for the coronavirus has dropped substantially from an early January zenith, easing the strain on hospitals across the nation that faced danger over the winter holidays.
Ctrl+Z - Joe Biden terminates much of Donald Trump’s legacy | United States | The Economist
Ctrl+Z - Joe Biden terminates much of Donald Trump’s legacy | United States | The Economist: What a recent flurry of executive orders shows about the drawbacks of executive fiat
Biden Re-Examining U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. - WSJ
Biden Re-Examining U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. - WSJ: The Biden administration is reviewing billions of dollars in weapons transactions approved by former President Donald Trump, according to U.S. officials.
(2) Taiwan air force flexes muscles after latest Chinese incursion - YouTube
(2) Taiwan air force flexes muscles after latest Chinese incursion - YouTube: Taiwan’s air force conducted drills to simulate a war scenario on Tuesday. The exercises took place just two days after the country’s air defence identificat...
The Arctic Threat That Must Not be Named - War on the Rocks
The Arctic Threat That Must Not be Named - War on the Rocks: In May 2019, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Finland to deliver remarks to the Arctic Council, using the occasion to do some
Who’s Making All Those Scam Calls? - The New York Times
Who’s Making All Those Scam Calls? - The New York Times: Every year, tens of millions of Americans collectively lose billions of dollars to scam callers. Where does the other end of the line lead?
BDS ‘verges’ on anti-Semitism, says Biden’s pick for UN ambassador – Middle East Monitor
BDS ‘verges’ on anti-Semitism, says Biden’s pick for UN ambassador – Middle East Monitor: US President Joe Biden's nominee for America's ambassador to the UN has denounced the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. Linda Thomas-Greenfield pledged to figh...
The New Face of Russian Protest - Carnegie Moscow Center - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The New Face of Russian Protest - Carnegie Moscow Center - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Saturday’s protests were undeniably anti-regime, anti-elite, and anti-corruption, but not necessarily liberal, pro-Western, and pro-democracy. It’s not surprising that such protests frighten not only the authorities, but also successful members of society: even those who don’t consider themselves supporters of the regime.
New COVID-19 Variants | CDC
New COVID-19 Variants | CDC: Since November 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) has reported a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in London and southeast England. This rapid increase in cases has been linked to a different version—or variant—of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).
A World Divided: The Conflict with Chinese Techno-Nationalism Isn’t Coming – It’s Already Here - War on the Rocks
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Nursing home workers opt out of coronavirus vaccine in Maryland, Virginia, D.C. - The Washington Post
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San Francisco Scraps 44 School Names, Citing Reckoning With Racism - The New York Times
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A test of Biden's commitment to diplomacy: Appointing Rob Malley as Iran envoy | Salon.com
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Has the Pandemic Transformed the Office Forever? | The New Yorker
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Wednesday, January 27, 2021
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Life’s
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Fr. Warren's Week Reflection January 27, 2021
FRANCISCAN FRIARS of the ATONEMENT - SERVING OTHERS FOR OVER 120 YEARS - THIS WEEK'S REFLECTION from Fr. Bob Warren, SA - Volume 7 Issue 4
Fr. Bob’s Reflections – 3rd Sunday
The first reading usually gets ignored, so maybe it is time to take a look at Jonah. When we hear his name we think of one or two things: three days in the belly of a whale, or a character who brings bad luck wherever he goes. He is, at best, an unwilling missionary, a bigot, who by his own admission hated foreigners. He did not deem them worthy of his time and effort, or of the message that he was sent to preach.
We are told that the Lord orders Jonah to go to Ninerva, the Capital of Assyria. He is to preach repentance to the Ninevites for their wickedness has come before the Lord. This vocation brings no joy to Jonah. Preach repentance to Pagans, announce salvation to non-Jews, not for Jonah. He runs away and buys a ticket on a freighter and in the midst of a storm, the pagan sailors draw lots to discover who has brought them such bad luck.
Of course, it is Jonah and he gets thrown overboard. Swallowed by a whale who takes him to where God wants him to go and preach to the Ninevites. So why put such a reluctant prophet in God’s book? The point is the book of Jonah is not really centered on Jonah. Yes, it tells us much about him, but it tells us much more about God. Yes, we discover once again how stupid a man sent by God can be, how difficult for him to grasp the goodness of his God, how narrow his outlook on those who are different, who worship other Gods.
More importantly we glimpse through Jonah how good God is, how loving, how His compassion embraces every creature in His universe. All people are of His caring, and so all are called to repent, for to repent simply means to turn to God. Jonah could not see that. He was not a bad person, just myopic, shortsighted, too wrapped up in his narrow nationalism. God was his God, God of the Hebrews, imprisoned in one country, one temple, one Ark of the Covenant.
The meaning of the story of Jonah is that God’s loving mercy waits for all who repent, wherever they live, whatever they have done. Jonah tried to limit God to his own people, and he had to find out the hard way that no one is exempt from God’s love and His mercy. What message does his story have for us?
I think that the first message it gives is to think big about God. Do not limit God. We have to admit that many times we Christians shape God in our own image. In each case, a dreadfully small God.
Some of us still believe that only Roman Catholics will get into heaven. Some will let other Christians in, but only on a selective basis, as long as they’re our kind of people. Some are not sure that they will get in, they cannot forgive themselves, even for things done long ago. Or tragically, refuse to believe that God can or will forgive them. My sin is too great. God will never forgive me, again, limiting God.
Some try to run from God. But most of us flee God in some way, at some time, to some extent. Some of us limit God to one hour a week. Resent it if mass is a little long. Some ignore God, He cannot help me. My marriage is breaking up and it is killing me. Did you think to discuss that with the Lord? My loved one is dying, it is so cruel, I hate God. Why don’t you tell Him that? After 30 years in one company, I am being laid off, I am devastated. Take some of that devastation to the foot of the cross.
You see, everything we experience, Christ experienced it before us. In the divine scenario, God’s son would become human just like us. He lived as we live, grew as we grow, ate as we eat, got tired, frustrated. He experienced all of our doubts and fears, and when we exclude Him from our life, when He takes second place, God ceases to be God, and each of us is in danger of being Jonah.
We cannot let this happen. We must not run from God or ignore Him. To only think of Him on Sunday is rather like holding your breath for a week. Challenge God if you must. Ask Him to show you His face. Dump your anger and resentment on Him. But do not flee from Him, do not try to run away or ignore Him.
I did not say that if you keep fleeing you will be miserable. I have never forgotten a moral theology professor telling me one day, “Do not let anyone tell you that sinners are not happy, at least for a time.”
This I do promise you: if you stop fleeing and running from God, if in response to Jesus you repent and believe in the Gospel, if you turn to the God who lives and loves, and lives inside of you, a God who loves you so much that even when He left you, He stayed with you in the Eucharist. For in the final analysis we can echo the words of St. Peter…Lord, to whom should we go? Only You have the words of eternal life.
Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Robert Warren, S.A. Signature
Fr. Bob Warren, SA
FRANCISCAN FRIARS of the ATONEMENT - SERVING OTHERS FOR OVER 120 YEARS
www.AtonementFriars.org
GRAYMOOR P.O. Box 301, Garrison, NY 10524
For more information call us at 888-720-8247.
© 2021
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Tuesday, January 26, 2021
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Biden faces balancing act in dealing with China, Opinion - THE BUSINESS TIMES: AS CHAIRMAN of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee and later, as an influential vice-president in the administration of President Barack Obama, Joe Biden, one of Washington's leading foreign policy voices, tended to echo the bipartisan consensus that dominated US policy toward China since the opening to the communist regime following President Richard Nixon's
Biden's U.N. Ambassador Pick Linda Thomas-Greenfield Assembles Team With Deep Experience in U.N. Affairs
Biden's U.N. Ambassador Pick Linda Thomas-Greenfield Assembles Team With Deep Experience in U.N. Affairs: Linda Thomas-Greenfield is staffing her New York and Washington offices with a range of career and political foreign-policy hands with extensive experience in U.N. affairs.
Gang Chen's case should be the end of the DOJ’s 'China Initiative' - SupChina
Gang Chen's case should be the end of the DOJ’s 'China Initiative' - SupChina: The Department of Justice launched the "China Initiative" two years ago to counter perceived "national security threats." But with the recent indictment of MIT professor Gang Chen — whose colleagues delivered a strong, coordinated show of support on his behalf — we have a clear example of how the policy fails.
Israelis Say They Will Attack Iran If US Returns to Nuclear Deal - News From Antiwar.com
Israelis Say They Will Attack Iran If US Returns to Nuclear Deal - News From Antiwar.com: A Likud minister openly threatened to attack on Iran
The First 100 Minutes: Tiptoeing Through Trump's Landmines - Antiwar.com Original
The First 100 Minutes: Tiptoeing Through Trump's Landmines - Antiwar.com Original: As Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo withdrew in the dying days of their administration, they sowed the foreign policy ground with landmines. The - Ted Snider for Antiwar.com Original
Broadband Monopolies Keep Getting Money For Networks Never Fully Deployed | Techdirt
Broadband Monopolies Keep Getting Money For Networks Never Fully Deployed | Techdirt: As we've noted a few times, there's an underlying belief in American tech policy that if we just keep throwing money at entrenched broadband monopolies we can lift US broadband out of the depths of mediocrity. But as we've noted more...
How the KGB Hooked Trump - SpyTalk
How the KGB Hooked Trump - SpyTalk: 'American Kompromat,' a new book by Craig Unger, gets the lowdown from former Russian and U.S. spies
To Learn the Army’s Ethic, Officers Should Study the Army’s History - War on the Rocks
To Learn the Army’s Ethic, Officers Should Study the Army’s History - War on the Rocks: A senior officer says to a junior one: You are placed in a position where conflicting laws, with adverse authorities and interests, operating powerfully
Israel's chief of staff: Return to Iran deal is 'wrong,' military action 'should be on the table' - Israel News - Haaretz.com
Israel's chief of staff: Return to Iran deal is 'wrong,' military action 'should be on the table' - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Amid talk of a Biden administration return to the 2015 deal, Kochavi says 'anything resembling the current agreement is bad and must not be permitted'
The world is dangerously dependent on Taiwan for semiconductors | The Japan Times
The world is dangerously dependent on Taiwan for semiconductors | The Japan Times: With carmakers including Volkswagen, Ford and Toyota forced to halt production and idle plants, Taiwan’s importance has suddenly become too big to ignore.
SCE settles 2018 wildfire insurance claims for $2.2B, faces potential fines over energy efficiency program | Utility Dive
SCE settles 2018 wildfire insurance claims for $2.2B, faces potential fines over energy efficiency program | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
The end of European influence in Asia - Nikkei Asia
The end of European influence in Asia - Nikkei Asia: William Bratton is author of "China's Rise, Asia's Decline." He was previously head of equity research, Asia-Pacific at HSBC.As China rises, governmen
Narendra Modi has turned India into a quagmire - Nikkei Asia
Narendra Modi has turned India into a quagmire - Nikkei Asia: Ashis Ray was CNN's network's founding South Asia bureau chief. He is now an international affairs analyst for the BBC.Today marks 70 years of India a
Biden administration enlists unions in anti-China drive, reopening policy - World Socialist Web Site
Biden administration enlists unions in anti-China drive, reopening policy - World Socialist Web Site: The Biden administration has made it clear the unions will play a key role in promoting the anti-China drive and enforcing the deadly reopening of schools and workplaces.
Dr. Anthony Fauci: The Highest Paid Employee In The Entire U.S. Federal Government
Dr. Anthony Fauci: The Highest Paid Employee In The Entire U.S. Federal Government: In the latest year available, his 2019 salary of $417,608, made him not only the highest paid doctor in the federal government, but the highest paid out of all four million federal employees.
Gorilla Gets Monoclonal Antibody Therapy For COVID-19 : Coronavirus Updates : NPR
Gorilla Gets Monoclonal Antibody Therapy For COVID-19 : Coronavirus Updates : NPR: An older silverback gorilla in Escondido, Calif., received an array of treatments after it and others in its troop contracted the coronavirus. The therapy came from a supply meant for nonhumans.
Vaccines have been oversold as the pandemic exit strategy
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Lilly antibody combo therapy cuts risk of COVID-19 deaths | Reuters
Lilly antibody combo therapy cuts risk of COVID-19 deaths | Reuters: Lilly antibody combo therapy cuts risk of COVID-19 deaths
Lilly antibody combo therapy cuts risk of COVID-19 deaths | Reuters
Lilly antibody combo therapy cuts risk of COVID-19 deaths | Reuters: Eli Lilly and Co said on Tuesday treatment with a combination of two of its antibodies helped significantly reduce risk of hospitalizations and death due to COVID-19 in a late-stage trial.
International team finds new, more effective drug to treat COVID-19
International team finds new, more effective drug to treat COVID-19: Instead of randomly testing existing drugs or targeting key proteins in the virus, the team focused on human proteins needed by the virus.
Violence erupts in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods over coronavirus restrictions
Violence erupts in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods over coronavirus restrictions: Rioters pelted police with stones and set a bus on fire as the government attempted to increase compliance in areas where infections are among the highest.
Global ice loss accelerating at record rate, study finds | Environment | The Guardian
Global ice loss accelerating at record rate, study finds | Environment | The Guardian: Rate of loss now in line with worst-case scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Poor Lives Matter, But Less | naked capitalism
Poor Lives Matter, But Less | naked capitalism: How the metrics for development and poverty, which drive policies and spending, often do the poor a disservice.
White nationalists are accosting disillusioned Trump, QAnon supporters, experts warn | intelNews.org
White nationalists are accosting disillusioned Trump, QAnon supporters, experts warn | intelNews.org: WHITE NATIONALISTS IN THE United States are launching a concerted effort to recruit disillusioned supporters of former President Donald Trump, as well as adherents of the QAnon conspiracy, accordin…
Donald Trump’s Brains | by Jacob Heilbrunn | The New York Review of Books
Donald Trump’s Brains | by Jacob Heilbrunn | The New York Review of Books: A battle for the future of conservatism is in effect being fought between anti-Trump conservatives—those who, like Eliot A. Cohen, David Frum, and Stuart Stevens, see him as a sinister mountebank who is destroying true conservative principles—and pro-Trump conservatives associated with the Claremont Institute, which for years has been discussing the Federalist Papers, the dangers of progressivism, and, above all, the wisdom of the German exile and political philosopher Leo Strauss. For some both in and out of government, the Trump presidency is a deliverance—or at least offers tantalizing promises of an audacious new conservative era in domestic and foreign policy.
The Man Behind National Conservatism | The New Republic
The Man Behind National Conservatism | The New Republic: Yoram Hazony has written the closest thing to a manifesto for intellectuals on the right.
Trump's OMB director to start a new think tank - Axios
Trump's OMB director to start a new think tank - Axios: It aims to keep Trump's cultural issues front and center in the Republican Party and coming elections.
Sen. Leahy, who voted to convict Trump last year, will preside over Trump's second impeachment trial | Just The News
Sen. Leahy, who voted to convict Trump last year, will preside over Trump's second impeachment trial | Just The News: Leahy, the new Senate pro tempore, voted in favor of convicting Trump on both articles of impeachment during the first Senate trial
Trump’s Political Team Disavows ‘Patriot Party’ Groups, Has No Plans To Leave Republican Party | The Daily Wire
Trump’s Political Team Disavows ‘Patriot Party’ Groups, Has No Plans To Leave Republican Party | The Daily Wire: President Donald Trump's political team disavowed "Patriot Party" groups that have filed with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) in recent days
Joe Biden Reverses Trump's Transgender Military Ban| National Catholic Register
Joe Biden Reverses Trump's Transgender Military Ban| National Catholic Register: Biden’s order prohibits certain military actions taken against servicemembers because of gender-transitioning, such as “involuntary separations, discharges, a...
The Left Said Amy Coney Barrett’s Faith Made Her ‘Radical.’ Now, They Say Joe Biden’s Faith Makes Him ‘Devout’ | The Daily Wire
The Left Said Amy Coney Barrett’s Faith Made Her ‘Radical.’ Now, They Say Joe Biden’s Faith Makes Him ‘Devout’ | The Daily Wire: On Sunday, President Joe Biden attended Sunday Mass at Holy Trinity, a Roman Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. that he’s attended since his days as Vice