Leaderboard

At least 125 people have been killed and many more injured in an explosion claimed by the Islamic State group in Baghdad, Iraqi police say. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36696568 You know, I was on Facebook this morning. I did not see one post of support for the victims of this bombing. Nobody changed their avatars to the Iraqi flag. Nobody stood in solidarity. For that matter, nobody was flying the Bangladesh flag or the Turkish flag, either. Funny how people's support and solidarity for bombing and terrorist victims is so fickle.

Resurrections are good thing aren't they . And I'm just planning ahead for the real resurrection. Then I can add a third date to the tree - Date of Birth, Death, Resurrection.

Well I just made a discovery: All videos on jw.org are on JW Broadcasting. There are no videos that are exclusively on jw.org that are not on tv.jw.org. Anyway, I've created an Excel file that has every single video and its link as of June 28, 2016. I've highlighted the duplicates and added a checkbox so that I can keep track of the ones I've watched. I'm attaching a copy here in case anyone wants it. (I tried to convert it to a pdf but the links don't transfer) JW BROADCASTING all videos June 28, 2016.xlsx

This story was in the Korean Times/July 1, 2016 News on Internet: Deglobalization looming large Protectionism to threaten Korean economy slowly, silently By Kim Jae-kyoung SINGAPORE ― The most profound question the Britain's exit from the EU is posing is what will come in the coming decades. For Korea, a small, open economy vulnerable to external shocks, the Britain's historic decision has bigger implications. Market analysts said that UK's vote to leave the 28-member bloc should be seen as the beginning of a shift from decades-long globalization toward "deglobalization" and "protectionism." In other words, the UK's divorce from the EU is not an isolated problem in Europe but part of a global phenomenon ― the process of diminishing interdependence and integration. "Brexit is the first step in deglobalization. The short term impact is limited to financial markets, especially the ones in a bubble state. All the bubbles will blow up," independent economist Andy Xie told The Korea Times. He is a former Morgan Stanley economist. "Popular uprisings (against globalization) are inevitable. The Brexit is the first step. The U.S. presidential election is more important. If Donald Trump is elected, globalization is basically finished." It will take many years for the world to crystallize what Brexit will look like eventually but it is obvious that uncertainty created by the event will linger long, destabilizing financial markets and thus leaving the global economy in the lurch. Niall Ferguson, a world-renowned British historian from Scotland, said that the 2008 global financial crisis was the harbinger of deglobalization, expecting Brexit will provide the impetus for accelerating the development. "Deglobalization has been underway since September 2008 ― measured by volumes of trade as well as by political commitment to globalization," Ferguson said via email. "This is just the biggest step down since then," added Ferguson who is a history professor at Harvard University specializing in international economic and financial history. U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's popularity can also be explained in this context. Sick and tired of soaring immigrants and U.S.'s growing role in international conflicts, more Americans are being attracted to Trump who has vowed to place a top priority on protecting U.S. interests. On Wednesday, Trump pledged to rip up international trade deals, describing the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal as a "rape of the country." According to the latest report released by Nomura, the demographic profile of Brexit supporters is found to be strikingly similar to that of American Trump supporters. The report said that the UK polls showed the Brexit and Bremain camps to be close to neck and neck going into the referendum, as are the U.S. polls on the two main U.S. presidential candidates, Trump and Hilary Clinton. Silent threat Shin Jang-sup, an economics professor at the National University of Singapore, said that this phenomenon can be understood in the context of deglobalization ― the result of anger and outrage against globalization and capitalism. "If you look at economic data from 1950s and 1980s when globalization had yet to begin in earnest, there was a strong middle class and they lived in better conditions than now," Shin said. "Globalization gained momentum in 1990s with financial capitalism taking center stage in the global economy. Total global output has since increased but wealth has not been distributed fairly, which is shrinking the middle class," he said. "More people have come to believe that they are worse off due to globalization." Once deglobalization materializes it is likely to deal a blow to Korea. What makes the situation more demanding is that it won't be easy to see the threat coming because it comes very slowly and silently. "Korea is export oriented. It ultimately depends on trade. When globalization unwinds, the economy will suffer. It will be a prolonged process. It doesn't feel much in the short term. But, in ten years, we will find a big difference," Xie said. Taking this long but slow process of global shift into consideration, Korea should take a two-pronged strategy in order to survive in a post-Brexit era. In the short term, the country must deploy all policy tools ― fiscal and monetary ― to stabilize financial markets and keep the economy afloat. In the longer term, the government should develop its economic model into a more sustainable one through structural reforms to better respond to changes triggered by deglobalization and protectionism. "There's still some buffer for Asia to hold up growth. But there isn't enough ammo to go into a prolonged battle," Frederic Neumann, co-head of Asian economics research at HSBC, wrote in a report titled "Brexit Ripples." "What the region really needs, therefore, is a more sustainable growth model. And that will not come until structural reforms are tackled."

This reminds me of a story that may help explain the Western world view of the Middle East One day, a frog and a scorpion are standing by the river bank. They both want to get across to the other side. The frog can swim; the scorpion can’t. So the scorpion asks the frog to carry him across. “But,” protests the frog, “if I let you on my back you’ll sting me!” “Don’t worry,” answers the scorpion. “Why would I do that since if I sting you I’ll drown?” This makes sense to the frog. He lets the scorpion climb aboard, jumps into the water, and starts swimming. In the middle of the river the scorpion does indeed sting the frog, paralyzing him. And as they sink down into the depth, the frog speaks his last words: “Why did you do that! Now we’ll both die!” The scorpion shrugs and says, “Oh well, this is the Middle East."

My adopted mother had all kinds of notables in her family line, but I have no claim to them. My daughter did an extended search on Ancestor.com an only found two entries that stood out, first both my wife’s family and my family can be traced back through Stephen Hopkins of the Mayflower. Nothing really unique there, Stephen Hopkins had many children. The other thing of interest that my daughter discovered was how far back she was able to pursue our family line, all the way to Constantinople in the 11th century. She can’t remember the name, but it was Latin. Leslie is trying to find the paper work she stored away before going to ChristianCouplesSchool. In the mean time I might change my name to Latin. How does LUDOUICUS FULGENTIUS JUSTICE sound? Really Old?

Almost midnight here and still nada...not even in Albanian.

Too, too true...it appears. Talk about going back on your word/promise...the scorpion didn't mind losing his life and the frogs also...just so he could act on an impulse....oh well! Some people act worse than the most ferocious animals. I have not, in my life time seen anything as demented and bloodthirsty as ISIS is capable of....just never have seen anything like it!

It's an old story and there are many variations of it. I just found this one.. [Reader's Digest, 1967] A story popular in Lebanon at the time of its bank crisis last fall tells of a scorpion on the bank of the Nile who asked a frog to ferry him to the other side. "Oh no," the frog said. You would sting me." "That's ridiculous," the scorpion replied, "because then I would drown." Convinced, the frog took the scorpion on his back and began to swim the river. In midstream, the scorpion's lethal urge became too strong and he plunged his stinger into the frog's neck. The sinking frog groaned, "Why, why?" The scorpion gave his final shrug and replied, "This is the Middle East."

There is more than a kernel of truth in your story...Bro. Tortuga. Life seems to not have much value in the Middle East generally...but with ISIS...it's like they have a death wish...at the center of their belief structure...life seems so cheap to them! Also, they are extremely brutal and depraved....it appears the more brutal their inhumanity is...the more they relish it....or so it seems....and their deep seated feelings are wrapped up in religious fervor. How could we not be hoping and praying for Jehovah Gods new world, when humans? like this share space with us on the earth!

Let me be the first to say... Nothing posted yet Check again in about 5-6 hours

Yep, "Gone With the Wind, Ray, James Brown, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Hotel Rwanda, etc, etc, etc. I remember Tarzan, and wanted to see the latest. But after viewing the trailer...no way! Why? So much violence for one, then I heard the word "evil..." And then saw it's produced or directed by the same person who did Harry Potter!! Bummer! Oh well.

I'm adopted. I don't really have any interest in knowing my birth parents, but I am curious if I have any brothers or sisters. Too bad the adoption agency I came from closed down soon after I came. Tis a shame

I just wonder...how long will it will take....for the powers that be...e.g. governments, United Nations, countries....to get so feed up with ISSI's slaughtering of people....that they will react very primordially...could all the societal norms give way to rage against the terrorist group....because, it appears they can and do exactly as they chose at any time, at present. At some point, THEY will most likely decide to throw off the shackles of political correctness, then who knows what will transpires....only Jehovah knows! We wait on him to exert his justice and power. P.S. And since the ISSI ideology and their desire for a Caliphate is supposedly based squarely on the Quran....their religious book....how will the secular authorities approach any battle that may erupt....it seems likely there would be a loud outcry, if this does happen.

That may be a tough one to explain. . We, of course, feel compassion for the ones suffering in this hated satanic world but we aren't going to 'identify ' with anyone or anything other than Gods Kingdom. The Western world has trouble having sympathy for anything that isn't western world. They figure it is a Eastern, Muslim problem and they, the Muslims, need to figure it out. The West figures the Muslims are the main cause of the Western world pain and may think that it's just deserts for the Muslim world. All of which you know, I'm just talking out loud. ....

In reality, I believe thread resurrections can be a problem mostly when there are many pages of posts and then we end up having to reread all of them to get the context of the discussion. I think you're in the clear.

Oh yeah, I am. .. I like to joke with people and tell them I am part Indian. . We are related to Gen Custer and they shot so many arrows into him it just seems like I should be some part Indian. .. (Gramma on pops side maiden name was Custer, think Gen Custer was her uncle) I think we are related to Betsy Ross too...not sure how, but moms side I think. .

And there it is. Boom goes the dynamite. Ha! Hey, 4 year-old thread resurrected. Jonathan is in the doghouse now.

Just wondering if I had any relatives here...

Anyone here related to General George Custer?

A relative of my wife did their family on her Dad's side and found that they came from Scotland. My family - well, I know my last name is English and there is also English on my Mother's side. My Grandfather on my Dad's side was from Colorado but the family name came into the US through the Carolinas. My Grandfather used to own a great deal of land in Southern Colorado but one of my Uncles lost it for the family. That said, there is a Canyon out there named for my Grandfather

I've just started to research my tree. But I've already found a cool find. On the grave stone of my Great-Great Grandfather is quoted Isaiah 26:4. One of the four places with the name Jehovah in the KJ. On my Great-Great Grandmother's grave is quoted Matt 24:44 KJ. He also fathered 13 children with 2 wives. And his 2nd wife was 38 years younger than he was!

Hmm, I've long been aware that downloading the jwb videos on one's device is more cost effective for the branch so this is what I do to assist in any way I can. That being the case, is retaining the "streaming" segment of the website better than say, downloading each and every video and deleting them whenever you want?

I can really testify that having a translation in the language of the heart makes a huge difference. I could understand perfectly the Brazilian version, but the portuguese just reaches my heart and emotions in places never touched before... I have an indescribable joy reading it Note: It's not yet available on jw library but we can download the jwpub file and add it to the app by clicking on it

Winner ? Global market system needs access to global markets to survive, UK exiting EU becomes an "individual player" and this in turn effects how businesses operate in UK. For example Poland and UK produce "torches" Poland has semi automatic access to sell the goods within EU markets, UK has to straggle for it. Within EU markets EU members operate much easier, taxes, red tape ...etc ...etc ...etc ... Winner ? I am not sure about it. If I had big business to run I would prefer to run it under EU. Interesting quote below: British billionaire businessman Richard Branson warned that leaving the European Union would be "the worst decision the British public ever made". The Virgin Group founder made the comments at the launch of the company's new train in London. "The damage it will do to this country, the people who live in this country, will be enormous. So, I really do believe that in the end, sense will prevail," said Branson. Branson, who is an avid supporter of the trade bloc, urged Britain to vote to remain in the EU in the 23 June referendum. "Why create these barriers? Why create all this extra bureaucracy that's going to go into the nightmare of extra taxes, extra overheads... unnecessary. We've got a great market, let's make the best of it," he said.

Me, too! Coz for the first time, I'll be able to watch the broadcast with my son AND my mother! She's coming in tonight to go to the convention with us this weekend and we'll be watching July broadcast on Monday! We also have our CO visit starting Tuesday, so I'll be floating on spiritual bliss overload!

Well, since we're getting so close to that date, why don't we put the link up right away? Be the first kid on your block to see the new broadcast maybe as early as Sunday evening! https://www.jw.org/download/?fileformat=MP4&output=html&pub=jwb&issue=201607

You know, you will save the Branch money if you download. There is a charge to them every time content is streamed. Download and you can watch any time without incurring a fee or needing Internet access Just a thought.

This is the first time in a long time that I am looking forward to the 4th of July....

Agree, we must be closer, real close. People more than ever before are really rattled that they cannot live their "normal" lives anymore. What used to only happen in other countries far away from us is now potentially going to affect us doing our normal everyday things. And on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:25-28).

I think we all agree that terrorism, mostly sponsored in some way by Islamic influences, is the biggest problem in the world today. But we don't know how far it will go before the term 'for the sake of the holy ones' will have real meaning. The problem with terrorism, when it comes to countries unifying to combat it, is that it can re-emerge anywhere. We've seen it in places like Nigeria, quiet little Belgium (went to a meeting in lovely Liege the other week), or right in the seats of power in London or Washington. It strikes airliners travelling internationally, it strikes people in their homes asleep. This week, of course, we saw someone who was influenced by these groups hit out at homosexuality on what might well have been his own personal vendetta. But it was a murderous attack with links to the Islamic world's radicals, who seem to be specialising in taking people of all kinds under their wings to disrupt and terrorise the world. The internet has proved a wonderful boon to all walks of life, we see it being used for great good in the Society's efforts to reach people, but it's also being used by Satan and his many agents to disrupt and destroy lives all over the world too. The powers that be are working on this and monitoring what they call 'internet chatter' to try and stay abreast of the main thrust of terrorists. This week they have warned that more are headed for Belgium and France for further possible attacks, but irrespective of what they do prevent or thwart, the influenced individuals like the one in Florida will spring up unexpectedly. Satan is angry, he is thrusting his weapons out into the world and we are all at some kind of risk. All we can do is take comfort in knowing that Jehovah knows more than all of them. He is just waiting to put an end to all of this and the fact that they appear to be having success is evidence that the day is drawing ever closer.

Larry Amazing history you have. Is mine blowing when you see on a log of names who is connected to who.

Working 'in service'/as a servant was a great way to see life if you hadn't much money, especially if your employer was a fair person. This seems to have been my mother's family in Lancaster/Borwick/Warton, Lancashire. Coachmen, gardeners cooks and maids to the 'Worthies of Lancaster' such as Mayor Sir Thomas Storey (19th Century Mill, mine and railway owner on whose land Lancaster University is built). Kind employer Sir T Storey Gt grandmother as young cook (centre) with Storey's kitchen maids.Sir T allowed my Gran, Uncle and Aunty to play with his children in the nursery as he liked our family so much, he couldn't let Gt Grandma or Gt Grandad, his coachman/gardener go when she had children. So many Americans come to the Warton church to investigate it's records - 1st President,George Washington's family lived there and his father and brothers often returned from USA for school/business in the area and stay with clergy relatives who helped build the parish church, that the Parish decided to put all the records from the 1500's onwards online with the local government website, so tracing my own family records has not cost the usual expensive subscriptions you pay National Archives to access them. My family members not in service, owned and worked at Gill Farm, which is a lovely old 17th Century building, tenants to Sizergh or Hornby & Lancaster Castle. Mother's family were a jolly lot who enjoyed organising parties, charabanc (early coach)- trips and sports days for their neighbourhoods. Look forward to meeting them in the resurrection. blue satin & velvet stripe with tassels -dress given by employers to Gt Gt Grandmother for a wedding gift, now at Lancaster City Museum c.1860's passed down eldest daughters to my mother.Girl modelling it was my aunty's secretary - only one with tiny enough waist for it! Dad's family was researched by a wealthier relative who could afford the archive subscriptions. His family were among the founders of the early labour movements and Unions in the Sheffield then from 1873 Cumberland (steelworks and shipyards) area.Originally Welsh - Howells were Methodist and temporance (against alcohol drinking ruining working men's lives) laypreachers and charity workers for the poor in the towns they settled in.