Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Hope and Fears of Christians in Syria under the New Islamist Leadership | DW News

Dec 24, 2024 | Christians in Syria are preparing to celebrate their first Christmas since the overthrow of president Bashar al Assad. After nearly five decades under the rule of the Assad family, the country faces a new era following this month's sudden rebel victory. While some Christians express hope for the future, there are concerns about the fate of religious minorities under Syria's new Islamist-led government.

For more on this, we talk to Priest Firas Lutfi. He is a Parish Priest in Damascus and Head of Franciscan community in Damascus, Syria.

Christians in Syria prepare for Christmas


Dr Suneel Dhand: I’m an MD. I Choose Natural over Pharma

Dec 24, 2024 | There needs to be more acknowledgment of the great benefits out there.

Trump's Latest Stunt BLOWS UP in His Face

Dec 24, 2024 | President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at territorially expanding America by threatening to acquire Canada, Panama Canal and Greenland.


Trump IS an arsehole! He’s a very dangerous man to boot. Arseholes often are. The clown should be sectioned. – © Mark Alexander

Jesus - The Historical Facts Documentary

Dec 24, 2024

Happy Christmas to One and All

MARK ALEXANDER: Here we are at the start of Christmas once again. How time flies by!

I should like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your very valued and continued support. Truly, it is much appreciated. In fact, your support sustains me.

As we all know, times are difficult for many, and even dangerous and life-threatening for many others. One thinks of the poor, suffering people in the Ukraine, in Gaza, in the Yemen, in Syria, and in many other countries besides. In Africa, for example, in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan itself.

Then there are areas and countries in the world which are experiencing very difficult economic challenges, such as Argentina. Many Argentinians are suffering from the anarcho-capitalist economic experiment being tried there. And even here at home in Europe, many are suffering from poverty and extreme economic challenges. Many are homeless, and many have difficulty putting food on the table for their children and loved ones. One hopes and prays for them all: hopes and prays for better times ahead for everyone.

Over Christmas, many people will be experiencing loneliness, too. Even in plenty, loneliness can be a particular challenge. Especially for the elderly or for people who have been rejected by their families, possibly because they have had the courage to be true to themselves and have come out. Many families reject their gay children or siblings. Being alone at Christmas, for whatever reason, is a particular challenge for many.

With this backdrop, I should like to send you all my sincere thanks for your staunch and continued support. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the twelve days of Christmas, and beyond, of course. I want you all to know and be sure that your visits here to this website are not only noticed, but are appreciated greatly. In a strange way, I feel that you are like my family. So, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Frohe Weihnachten! Joyeux noël! ¡Feliz navidad! Buon Natale! Nadolig Llawen! Feliz Natal! !عيد ميلاد مجيد

© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Denmark Boosts Greenland Defence after Trump Repeats Desire for US Control

BBC: The Danish government has announced a huge boost in defence spending for Greenland, hours after US President-elect Donald Trump repeated his desire to purchase the Arctic territory.

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the package was a "double digit billion amount" in krone, or at least $1.5bn (£1.2bn).

He described the timing of the announcement as an "irony of fate". On Monday Trump said ownership and control of the huge island was an "absolute necessity" for the US. » | Robert Greenall, BBC News | Paul Kirby, Europe digital editor | Tuesday, December 24, 2024

LIVE: Pope Francis Holds Christmas Eve Mass

Dec 24, 2024

How to Cook the Ultimate Roast Pork with Rejina Sabur-Cross | Recipe | Sainsbury's

Jan 10, 2014

How to Make Roast Pork with Perfect Crackling | Waitrose

Mar 20, 2016 | Rich Harris shows you a foolproof, simple method for making delicious roast pork with crisp crackling every time.


Thom Hartmann Program: Will Income Inequality Turn America into a Vigilante Empire?

Dec 24, 2024 | America's poor and working class are increasingly sick of being stuck at the bottom. But a people can only be pushed so far... the erosion of the middle class, political corruption, and societal distrust.

From Roe v. Wade's fallout to deindustrialization's impact, we explore how growing inequality and systemic failures could turn America into an empire of vigilantes.

Do you agree with his opinion?



Ronald Reagan, along with his soulmate in the UK, Margaret Thatcher, ruined the West. Nobody was taken in by them more than I at the time, but in hindsight, one can see that they were the architects of so many of our economic problems today, especially problems such as the wealth gap. – © Mark Alexander

LIVE: Christians in Syria Celebrate Christmas

Dec 24, 2024 | Christians attend mass in Damascus, Syria, celebrating Christmas for the first time since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad and the control of Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Democracy Now! Top US & World Headlines — December 24, 2024

Dec 24, 2024


Democracy Now! can be supported here.

Father Christmas - The Origin of an English Christmas Tradition

Dec 23, 2024 | The creation in mind and heart of a mythical figure, who personifies the very essence and spirit of Christmas, has long been a tradition in the culture of the western world.

England has its very own folklore tradition of a person who represents Christmas, and it is one that goes back to medieval times – and that is the jolly figure of 'Father Christmas.'

Father Christmas is often confused these days with the continental and American tradition of Santa Claus, a figure who brings presents on Christmas Eve - but they both have a distinct origin.

This video goes back to the Middle Ages and explores the origins of Father Christmas.


How The Royals Hoard Their Wealth

Dec 24, 2024

How Far-fetched Is Trump's Plan to Buy Greenland? | DW News

Aug 16, 2019 | According to the Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump could be calling on his prior experience as a real estate tycoon. As far back as last spring, Trump has expressed interest in buying Greenland. But as an autonomous Danish territory, Greenland is not for sale. The news has been met with skepticism by many in the US and in Denmark, but it wouldn’t be the first time an American President has purchased territory from another nation. Much of the United States was created that way. So, could Greenland be next? The US has reportedly tried to buy the island before! After World War II, officials secretly offered Denmark 100 million dollars in gold bars. Those plans – of course – went nowhere. But now it seems Trump is interested again. The people of Greenland? Not so much.

Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty to Murdering hHalthcare CEO | BBC News

Dec 24, 2024 | The suspect accused of killing UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson has pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York state.

Luigi Mangione, 26, appeared in court on Monday to be arraigned on 11 state criminal counts, including murder as an act of terrorism.

As well as the state-level charges, he is also accused of federal (national-level) stalking and murder offences that could lead to a death penalty sentence.

Prosecutors allege that Mr Mangione shot Mr Thompson in central Manhattan before going on the run. Authorities later arrested him at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania.


Former US Congressman Gaetz Paid for Sex and Drugs, Rthics Report Says | BBC News

Dec 24, 2024 | Matt Gaetz spent tens of thousands of dollars on sex and drugs while formerly serving as a US congressman, according to a long-awaited report from the House of Representatives ethics committee.

It follows a years-long investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use by Gaetz, who President-elect Donald Trump wanted to install as the nation's top lawman.

The committee also found evidence that Gaetz, 42, received gifts in excess of permissible amounts in connection to a 2018 trip to the Bahamas.

The former lawmaker has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, saying he is the victim of a smear campaign. Amid the controversy, he withdrew from consideration to serve as US attorney general.


Protests Erupt in Syria over Christmas Tree Burning

BBC: Protests have broken out in Syria over the burning of a Christmas tree near the city of Hama.

A video posted on social media showed masked gunmen setting fire to the tree on display in the main square of the Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town in central Syria.

The main Islamist faction which led the uprising that toppled President Bashar al-Assad said the men responsible for the arson were foreign fighters and had been detained.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the country, demanding the new Islamist rulers protect religious minorities. (+ video) » | Jacqueline Howard, BBC News. Reporting from London | Lina Sinjab, Middle East Correspondent. Reporting from Damascus | December 24, 2024

MAGA! MAGA! MAGA! PLOY! PLOY! PLOY!

MAGA Republicans don’t want wealthy people to be audited. Who’d have guessed it?

Is It Going to Be President Musk…

…or President Trump.