Hey I just ran across this little church on YouTube, Church of the City New York, the anointing on this church is stellar, an amazing place! If I am ever in NYC I may want to pay them a visit! They have alot of videos on Youtube if you search for them! One of their videos is here: Login to view embedded media

Several years ago I had about a 4,000 gal koi pond. I had 5 or 6 adult females that had grown quite large.
One winter my ventilation system failed due to a very heavy snow and I lost them all. All but one was over 30"
I still deeply miss them.
Was just wondering if others were interested in these incredibly beautiful and friendly creatures.
I keep dreaming of getting out the shovel and digging another pond capable of supporting 3 or 4 females, but I'm simply too old for such shenanigans.
If you currently have koi, please tell me about them.
Bill

Harris descends from the Brahmin super-class super-elite -

Kamala's grandfather "Gopalan was a Brahmin, part of a privileged elite in Hinduism’s ancient caste hierarchy. In post-independence India, convention destined Brahmin offspring for arranged marriages and comfortable careers in academia, government service or the priesthood — if they were men. Women were not expected to work at all."

=================================================
And if Independents are in any way key to the outcome in this race ... well then..

Poll shows Kamala is trailing - among Independent women

37% among independents in general

• "Harris only pulls in 32% of independents in a match-up against Trump, while Biden got 46% in Marist’s last survey. She only gets 40% of white voters, compared to Biden’s 47%; and only 42% of small city/suburban women, compared to 58% for Biden.

• "Trump now leads with suburban voters, 50%-42%, when Biden had led previously, 56%-42%.

Bloomberg​

Harris Wins Soros Backing While Other Billionaire Donors Want an Open Contest​

Story by Amanda Gordon and Heather Perlberg
• 1d
(Bloomberg) -- Within hours of Joe Biden’s decision to bow out of the presidential race, many of the biggest names in Democratic politics — from Hillary Clinton to Gavin Newsom to megadonor George Soros — rushed to join him in backing Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket.

Shua is my pet sheep's name.

Top comment goes... @ronaldgreen5119 3 years ago I don't always listen to REO Speed wagon, but when I do, so does the neighborhood.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 23, 2024

Black Lives Matter calls on the DNC to host a virtual snap primary.

Washington D.C. – Black Lives Matter demands that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) immediately host an informal, virtual snap primary across the country prior to the DNC convention in August. We call for the Rules Committee to create a process that allows for public participation in the nomination process, not just a nomination by party delegates. The current political landscape is unprecedented, with President Biden stepping aside in a manner never seen before. This moment calls for decisive action to protect the integrity of our democracy and the voices of Black voters.

While Joe Biden wasn’t our preferred candidate, we cannot ignore the troubling actions of the Democratic Party:

• The DNC refused to host debates during the primary, even though a vast majority of Democratic voters wanted them. This would have likely allowed America to see the decline of Joe Biden in 2023.
• The DNC changed the primary schedule and created rules that made it almost impossible for non-Biden candidates to appear on the ballot, effectively clearing the field of any challengers to the incumbent president.
• Following the primary where millions of Black voters weighed in, after one poor debate performance, the DNC Party elites and billionaire donors bullied Joe Biden out of the race.

Now, Democratic Party elites and billionaire donors are attempting to manipulate Black voters by anointing Kamala Harris and an unknown vice president as the new Democratic ticket without a primary vote by the public. This blatant disregard for democratic principles is unacceptable. While the potential outcome of a Harris presidency may be historic, the process to achieve it must align with true democratic values. We have no idea where Kamala Harris stands on the issues, now that she has assumed Joe Biden’s place, and we have no idea of the record of her potential vice president because we don’t even know who it is yet.

Another act of violence. The media is complicit in such political hate crimes.

Lupus effects on the skin – credit Nephron, CC BY-SA 3.0

A team of scientists from Northwestern Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have identified the cause of lupus, a devastating autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million Americans.

In doing so they also believe they’ve found a cure, or at least a more sophisticated treatment, and are currently working on developing a pharmacologic method of delivering the potential cure-like molecule.

Lupus erythematosus, to use its full name, involves the body’s immune system attacking its own native cells, causing a variety of skin complications, while also potentially life-threatening damage to the heart, kidney, and brain. The cause of lupus isn’t well understood, and the scientists at Northwestern criticized existing treatments as “blunt instruments.”

Continued below.

In a scientific paper demonstrating multiple breakthroughs, scientists at Sydney and Liverpool have identified a commonly available blood thinner that doubles as an antidote to cobra venom.

The study relied on CRISPR gene modification technology to identify cells immune to snake venom and use them as case studies to figure out what would be the best mechanism for preventing necrosis from snake bites.

The authors describe snake bites in general as “the deadliest neglected tropical disease” and report that around 140,000 people every year die from them, with another 400,000 permanently wounded.

Continued below.

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – FB

Being that it took place in America, as far as volunteers at the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center were concerned it was a story that could only happen in Texas.

A family in the north Texas city of Amarillo found a baby bird lying cold and abandoned on the ground in their yard during a swim party and barbeque.

The mother acted fast, tossing a tortilla on the stove before using it like a warm blanket to scoop up the chick.

Afterwards the WWWRC was alerted by the family that they had found what they thought was an owlet, but what turned out to be a Mississippi kite.

“Undoubtedly, it was an inventive method to keep the baby warm, and surprisingly, it was effective,” the wildlife center said in a Facebook post. “Wildlife rescue is always filled with lively and unexpected moments.”


The young bird is doing well and has since been given the name Taquito.

Continued below.

Good day,

I enjoyed it so I figured I would share:

Snip....
"The Calvinist, in a word, is the man who sees God. He has caught sight of the ineffable Vision, and he will not let it fade for a moment from his eyes — God in nature, God in history, God in grace. Everywhere he sees God in His mighty stepping, everywhere he feels the working of His mighty arm, the throbbing of His mighty heart. The Calvinist is therefore, by way of eminence, the supernaturalist in the world of thought. The world itself is to him a supernatural product. not merely in the sense that somewhere, away back before all time, God made it, but that God is making it now, and in every event that falls out. In every modification of what is, that takes place, His hand is visible, as through all occurrences His “one increasing purpose runs”. Man himself is His — created for His glory, and having as the one supreme end of his existence to glorify his Maker, and haply also to enjoy Him forever. And salvation, in every step and stage of it, is of God. Conceived in God’s love, wrought out by God’s own Son in a supernatural life and death in this world of sin, and applied by God’s Spirit in a series of acts as supernatural as the virgin birth and the resurrection of the Son of God themselves — it is a supernatural work through and through. To the Calvinist, thus, the Church of God is as direct a creation of God as the first creation itself. In this supernaturalism, the whole thought and feeling and life of the Calvinist is steeped. Without it there can be no Calvinism, for it is just this that is Calvinism."
— .. , “Present Day Attitude to Calvinism” in (1909)




In Him,


Bill

Harris to skip Netanyahu’s speech to Congress but plans separate meeting​

A visiting head of state addressing a joint session of Congress and neither the President, nor the VP will attend -nice slap in the face.

Why does that sound familiar? hmmm... let's look

Biden to Skip Netanyahu Speech​

For those who are not familiar - the Vice President is the President of the Senate and sits next to the Speaker of the House on all formal meetings. Once again they demonstrate their distain for our ally.

I love the irony. MAGA types have been accusing The Lincoln Project of being 'un-American' because they dare to continue to criticise Trump.
But how 'un-American' is it to tell a group to quiet down during an election of such epic and toxic proportions?
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Hi all,
Our ABC's flagship current affairs program "4 Corners" ran a 2 part special on the American election called “Retribution”. Part 1 covered Project 2025. Login to view embedded media Australians were horrified at what we saw! Gobsmacked!

They also gave 2 extra segments on youtube - in depth interviews with:-

Paul Dans, the director of Project 2025
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Erica Newland served as an attorney at the Department of Justice under Donald Trump. Login to view embedded media
Part 2 of “Retribution” covers immigration as an issue, and the black vote, and how trite memes seem to be voted on rather than the more complex realities.

What checks and balances are there given this election is SO toxic - and given Project 2025 seems to be poised to weaponize the DOJ against America’s own citizens? “I am your retribution” Trump does not seem to know a lot about Project 2025 - but given Trump is Trump - we really think he would object to this group’s assistance in stacking the DOJ full of vetted Trump loyalists to carry out his agenda specifically?

Also - another youtube I watched had these listed as "Checks and balances" but as I'm Australian - and pushed for time - I'm keen if any lawyers here have a quick summary of these Committees and how they work?

Cheers!

There are different forms of hypnosis. Some decades ago, a famous hypnotist came to town. Out of curiosity, I attended the show. He asked for volunteers. I went forth, doubting that he would be able to hypnotize me. Well, he didn't pick me. I went back to my seat and watched him making some people bark like dogs, quack like ducks, hop like rabbits, etc. People laughed. It was funny, I guess.

Is it okay for Christians to participate in this kind of hypnosis?

It is okay if it is for occasional entertainment and not habitual. The hypnotist did not induce the subjects to do anything they didn't really want to do.

There is also the Hollywood version of hypnosis. An evil master is able to dictate an innocent person to perform an act against his will upon hearing a special keyword (cue). Scientists disagree that hypnosis can do that. Hypnosis is not mind control. Christians should not engage in mind control.

There is hypnotherapy. In a hypnotherapy session, a trained therapist guides the willing subject to address his concerns, like weight problems, stress, anxiety, phobias, self-esteem, bad habits, etc. It works on some people. In this case, the Christian patient should ensure the therapist is a fellow Christian brother.

Is hypnotism okay for Christians?

Mind control is not okay. Christians should stay away from any entities trying to control their minds. In the case of hypnotherapy, it could be okay but be warned. 1 Peter 5:

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

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Let the peace guide you. As for me, I'd rather rely on Jesus than on a Christian therapist to overcome my personal problems.

Trump had agreed that the second Biden-Trump debate was to be held September 10 on ABC with David Muir and Linsey Davis as moderators.

Illinois police release bodycam video of fatal shooting of Black woman in her home

Body-camera footage showing the fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911 for help, was released Monday in a case that has led to murder charges against a deputy.

The 36-minute video released via the Illinois State Police includes body-camera footage from each of the two Sangamon County sheriff's deputies who responded to Massey's house after midnight on July 6 after Massey called 911 to report a possible "prowler" at her home in Springfield, according to a court document filed by prosecutors.

Click to expand...

Agency retracts announced firing of key Baptist leader who had praised Biden’s withdrawal as a ‘selfless act’​

In under 48 hours, the head of the staunchly conservative public-policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention rankled fellow Baptists by applauding President Joe Biden’s “selfless act” of withdrawing his candidacy for re-election. Then, his agency reported he was fired — and now they have reaffirmed his leadership.

The head-spinning series of events started Sunday, but by Tuesday morning, the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission announced that no, leader Brent Leatherwood wasn’t fired. Rather, he has the full support of his top board members — though its chairman resigned amid the agency’s retraction.

“There was not an authorized meeting, vote, or action taken by the Executive Committee. Kevin Smith has resigned as Chair of the Executive Committee.”

Leatherwood had led the embattled agency through three years as the policy spokesman for the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, but he had not joined in the increasingly public support among many Southern Baptists for former President Donald Trump.

[Note that 3 years ago is when Russell Moore stepped down from the same position -- again probably because he was insufficiently Trumpy for an organization that is “dedicated to engaging the culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ and speaking to issues in the public square for the protection of religious liberty and human flourishing,”]

Leatherwood came to his job three years ago with conservative credentials. He was a former executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party. He was also a director of communications and policy strategy in the Tennessee General Assembly and worked for several years on Capitol Hill in Washington.

[But say a kind word about Biden announcing his departure from politics, and some apparently feel that contradicts the gospel.]

Was it okay to covet someone's house not belonging to your neighbor?

Let's see the context. Ex 20:

13“You shall not murder.
14“You shall not commit adultery.
15“You shall not steal.

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Three universal commandments.

16“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

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Was it okay to give false testimony against someone who lived in a different neighborhood?

No.

Strong's Hebrew: 7453. רֵ֫עַ (rea or rea) — 186 Occurrences

H7453-neighbor was polysemantic. BDB:

1. friend, intimate 2 in weaker sense, fellow, fellow-citizen, even another person,, with whom one stands in reciprocal relations 3 in reciprocal phrase אִישׁ ֗֗֗ רֵעֵהו Genesis 11:3 they said one to another

H7453 was a frequent word that could mean "fellow human being".

17“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

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From the context, I understand the word "neighbor" in the broad sense.

Good News Translation:

"Do not desire another man's house; do not desire his wife, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns."

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According to Ex 20:17, was it okay to covet someone's house not belonging to your neighbor?

No, you shall not covet the house that belongs to another fellow human being.

KAMALA HARRIS RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM NIKKI HALEY VOTERS PAC​

The political action committee (PAC) for former Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley pushed its support to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid just hours after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

The PAC, formally known as Haley Voters for Biden, now features Harris’ name, with a goal of uplifting the voices of former Haley supporters who support Harris’ White House campaign, Newsweek reports.

The group’s leader, Craig Snyder, said in a statement they believe Harris “is best suited to defeat Donald Trump in November.” “A tough former prosecutor, the Vice President comes from the centrist wing of the Democratic Party, not its left-most fringe,” he said. “For Haley voters, all of this puts the Vice President in a sweet spot for them to register their ongoing opposition to [former] President Trump.”

The PAC shared Biden’s endorsement of Harris on X and changed its profile header. In the post, the group encouraged Harris to “select a moderate VP.” Its Democratic gubernatorial recommendations included Roy Cooper (NC), Andy Beshear (KY), and Josh Sahpiro (PA).


The group said, “We support @JoeBiden’s recommendation and will immediately change the name of our organization to Haley Voters for Harris,”

Wow, her campaign is gaining momentum by the hour, she has already raised more than 100 million in donations in this short time. In less than 48 hours she has already locked up more than 50% of delegates needed to win the nomination. The energy and enthusiasm on the Democratic side is amazing.

One big contention regarding Biden's presidency has been the entirely way too high cost of gasoline. Those of us who remember the much lower gas price under Trump recognized almost an immediate jump as soon as Biden was handed the keys to the White House. This price increase has undoubtedly added to the cost of everything else, making inflation worse. But any time we make this connection and say we want Trump because gas was cheaper, we are told a president has no control over the price of gas and Biden had absolutely nothing to do with the increase. It was just a coincidence that the prices increased and have stayed high throughout his entire term.

However, according to this article from MarketWatch, gas prices could react if Harris assumes the White House and enacts a policy change. They also expect that if the Democrats win, the prices will remain high, but if Trump wins, the prices could lower.

It’s not yet known if Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee and if she is, what she might do differently from Biden, he said. There’s potential that gas prices could “eventually react” if Harris were to announce a policy change.

A win for Democrats in November would likely mean “a generally more prohibitive stance on oil,” which would “likely keep prices slightly higher,” De Haan said. A win by former President Donald Trump “would likely mean fewer restrictions to drilling, environmental regulation and a more pro-oil stance, which could help ease some price pressure.”

Click to expand...

Some of these articles seem contradictory. They do say the same thing: that Biden has no control over the market, but then there are lines like this hidden in them:

This was in part driven by the Biden administration's push for a greener U.S. economy, with many refineries "seeing the writing on the wall" about gas and either closing or repurposing their infrastructure, Cinquegrana said.

Click to expand...

So, it seems clear to me that Biden's policies have had a major effect on the cost of gas, and presidents in general can influence them with their agenda. Refineries closed down or changed their operating status simply because they believed Biden would enact green policies, which have only hurt our economy. Gas prices alone will be a major issue this election. What are your thoughts?

Watch The Enthusiastic Applaud after Schumers announcement For Kamala Harris For President, complete embarrassment, big smiles!

20 Second Clip Schumer Announcement, Must See!

CNN​

Schumer and Jeffries endorse Harris at Tuesday news conference​

July 23, 2024

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Rock solid
Rock solid
Rock solid
Rock solid

I met a stranger and he called me his friend,
Opened his door and invited me in,
And when he looked my way,
Got a chill up my spine,
He said, "Brother, you can stay with me,
I'll give you anything that you might need,
And this world can be yours
If your heart is inclined.
If it's money,
I've got it;
I've got a life of ease,
And if it's power,
I'll give it, "
That's when I told him,
"No thank-you please."
I'm Rock solid, I know where I stand,
Rock solid in the Master's hand,
Rock solid,
Grounded in love.


When I was leaving,
He laughed in my face,
"You'll soon be back and then I'll rest my case,
You'll depend on me
No help is in sight, "
And I responded, "I don't need your lies,
You ain't nothing but a thorn in my side,
Just a wounded snake
That looks for children to bite,
I've got power,
I've got spirit,
I've got a message that's true,
My satisfaction
Comes from Jesus,
And He is so much better than you."


Rock solid, I know where I stand,
Rock solid in the Master's hand,
Rock solid,
Grounded in love.
Rock solid, I know where I stand,
Rock solid in the Master's hand,
Rock solid,
Grounded in love.

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When you look out of your window late at night
Whisper  a prayer for the friends you made in life
Do  you remember
The ones that helped you make it through?
Are you ready to lend a hand
When  others need you, too?

Hand  in hand
We walk together
Hand  in hand
We'll serve the Lord forever
Hand in hand

Our only treasure that won't rust of fade
Are  friendships that stand on love given away
So love one another
And love the Lord with all your heart
'Cause that's the way that friendships last
And the place that we should start

Hand in hand
We walk together
Hand in hand
We'll serve the Lord forever
Hand in hand
We walk together
Hand in hand
We'll serve the Lord forever
Hand in hand

Love one another
And love the Lord with all your heart
'Cause that's the way that friendships last
And the place that we should start

Hand in hand
We walk together
Hand in hand
We'll serve the Lord forever
Hand in hand
We walk together
Hand in hand
We'll serve the Lord forever
Hand in hand

(Hand in hand)
We walk together
(Hand in hand)
Hand in hand
(Hand in hand)
We walk together
(Hand in hand)
As we serve the Lord together