Desert Dan

I have had that personal thought many times.

In California, I remember some earthquake drills in grade school. Not sure if they still do that. California - don't be jiggling Arizona over here with your quakes.😋

I don't think New Yorker's are used to them, thus the reason for making the news. But yeah, you know how the media is on a lot of things... I will say for sure though, if you haven't felt one for the first time, it can also "shake you up" a bit emotionally.

Hopefully this updated forecast map wasn't posted before in a previous message. I am an ex-Californian but quakes had always been on my mind and have been through several when growing up. People usually think of California (with which the threat covers almost the entire state) but also the Pacific Northwest risk is there also, especially Seattle. Seattle would also be a big mess if a sizable one was to occur. Where I live now, we are BAKING but not SHAKING. Perhaps shaking at the thought of what heat this summer will bring again... Where are U.S. earthquakes most likely? A new map shows the hazard risks (sciencenews.org)

You second bullet point is EXTREMELY unlikely. EXTREMELY...

Regarding various comments on the reading of news. If local or world news makes your anxiety or depression worse, then it is probably good to limit it or avoid it whenever possible. If news posted here in this discussion makes your anxiety/depression worse, then I would unsubscribe to this particular P&S topic on JW talk. Because world events and news articles are sometimes relevant, it still could cause us stress reading about them on here if we stumble across something. Ask yourself - do I need a break from it? Some of the news posted in this thread can at times be helpful to see where we are at with things relative to the end. We have been advised to pay attention. This of course does not mean neglecting spiritual responsibilities which of course are priority. A person I know hasn't watched the news in 10-20 years, which was hard for me to comprehend how that is even possible. Being selective and balanced in our news reading (as was mentioned by someone else) as we know can sometimes help us in our ministry. I had 2 conversations on both a local and world topic over the past month brought up by the householders, not me. I knew what they were referring to because I read the news. The slave has said that many times - to use it for talking points just like they produce articles for, that is, current events affecting people, such as on our website. For myself, sometimes general news headlines are enough for me and I don't need the violent or gory details of this and that. This pertains to both local and world news. Develop the balance and self-examine to see if what you are reading is affecting you mentally or spiritually, or both. Personally, certain news headlines can at times make my faith stronger, knowing things are moving in the right direction, just as foretold. It's like the needle on the instrument gauge. We want it now - we need it now - we are begging for it now, sometimes we get a bit impatient, but as mentioned, it will happen on Jehovah's timetable, and he won't disappoint. May we all endure with Jah's help and choose the right amount of news that is healthy for each of us as individuals. Only we can make that decision, not others.

Yes indeed. True peace only comes from Jehovah. When I said "The world needs peace", I was mainly referring to the 2 major conflicts right now and the hope that a 3rd one doesn't occur. In others words, people, countries and victims of these wars could use at least a brief resting period before more are added. But in this system, things keep escalating. Especially over this past year, it is really being emphasized that the world situation is very, very troubling and in a very dangerous state right now.

I would hope the US and China don't get into a conflict someday relative to Taiwan. The world needs peace. China demands the US stop any official contact with Taiwan following a congressional visit | AP News

The woman in the article below may face the possibility of up to 20 years in prison for treason for giving $51 (USD) to Ukraine. "She is accused of donating $51.80 to a Ukrainian charity in the US, according to a statement from her employer, a spa at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California." Russia arrests US-Russian citizen for treason after she gave $51 to Ukraine, employer says | CNN

Not a lot to read here but Greece and India (the most populated country in the world) discussing the pursuit of Peace and Security and their relationship in doing so. "A great power on world stage, important ally in pursuit of peace and security": Greek PM Mitsotakis lauds India (aninews.in) "Today, India is a great power on the world stage, and important ally in the pursuit of peace and security, a rising force at the heart of the G20, and a leading player in the fight against climate change, [...]"

As mentioned other times, the whole AI generation, and additional capability of video will truly be something to be aware of. And also being able to learn someone's voice and duplicate it to say whatever. I have seen the demo's and for a small price anyone can begin to experiment with it. These technologies will only improve, and very fast. As AI matures more, I am sure there will be some meeting parts on it. It wouldn't surprise me if the video had demonstrations included so those not savvy in this type of thing can see it for themselves. Even if there is no personal hobby-type interest with the brothers, they will need to learn what it's capable of.

I guess the following didn't go too well: Russia Fires a Top Geneticist Who Claimed People Could Live to 900 Before Sins Caused Biblical Flood (usnews.com)

UN Resolution for ceasefire vetoed. 13-1, almost passed. "... saying it would interfere with negotiations on a deal to free hostages abducted in Israel." 2 Timothy 3:3 always comes to mind when it has to do with politics or disagreements among nations. "...not open to any agreement" Israel-Hamas war: US vetoes UN resolution for Gaza cease-fire | AP News

Putin says no nuclear weapons in space... Russia denies US claims that Moscow plans to put nuclear weapons in space | Reuters

Yes, great advice in preparation and I have been doing similar. As I mentioned a little while back about Covid, people were taking everything on the shelf in panic, leaving it hard to even get essentials. What I do is also stock up on items as mentioned above, little by little and mark the Use By or Expiration dates on certain items. Then rotate them in and out, using up the old stuff first and re-stocking when I go to the store again, putting the newest items in the back. All it takes is some worldwide panic of (** insert problem here **) and it could be even worse than Covid (or in parts of the world where food may be scarce) and the shelves may be empty again. For those that can afford it, perhaps buy a large bucket of various packages of dehydrated food as they can last up to 20 years or so. With the world situation in such a huge mess right now, as confirmed by many of the world's leaders, we know anything could happen at any time to spook people or worse. I never want to be a burden on our other brothers/sisters because I didn't plan ahead. That would not be loving.

Quite a bold statement below. - "A close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened the use of nuclear weapons on the U.S. if it fails in its invasion of Ukraine." Putin Ally Vows Nuclear Strike on Washington if Ukraine Wins (newsweek.com)

I did the translation via the webpage. That is very interesting.

In service yesterday a sister commented to a couple of brothers that some beards look like a chia pet. I thought that was quite mean... 🤔 For those that don't know what it is, look up "Chia Pet".

From the UN website: In Munich, Guterres calls for new global order that works for all | UN News "Recommendations include reforming the UN Security Council, recommitting to eliminate nuclear weapons, and giving greater emphasis to the role of sustainable development and climate action in preventing conflict." Will the "reforming" give it "teeth"? They are also referring to the "NEW AGENDA FOR PEACE" and a link to the plan (which may have been previously posted here). Recommendations: • Make urgent progress in the intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council to make this body more just and representative. • For the Security Council, democratize its procedures as a way to enhance its ability to reach consensus and make the results of its decisions more durable, including by (i) more burden-sharing among Council members on resolutions, in particular on situations in their region to which they are not a party; (ii) systematic consultations with host States ahead of the adoption or renewal of mandates that affect them, as well as with regional organizations and troop- and police-contributing countries as appropriate; and (iii) promoting greater accountability of permanent members for the use of the veto.

Quote from link below: “Climate and conflict are two leading drivers of (our) global food crisis,” the secretary-general said. “Where wars rage, hunger reigns – whether due to displacement of people, destruction of agriculture, damage to infrastructure, or deliberate policies of denial.” UN chief warns climate chaos and food crises threaten global peace: ‘Empty bellies fuel unrest’ | PBS NewsHour

I can only imagine when future events occur, the possibility of people panic-buying in the stores, wiping the shelves clean. Covid was probably a hint at what could happen. (No comments about toilet paper please...) But don't we agree? And as we have seen, even more so recently, the tie-in to the "Security" part is getting the climate crisis figured out as well as the food shortage situation in the world.

Regarding food shortages, I pray in general to help the brothers endure but now we can be more specific in our prayers.

As per an article I read today - "The weapons system could be used to target Western satellites in space, potentially knocking out communications and military targeting systems."

"Peace is a rallying cry". I heard that the other day but that's great. Although I like anything with an engine in it or on it (#2), I am pretty sure he is referring to #1 below. 😉 ral·ly·ing /ˈralēiNG/ noun noun: rallying 1. the action or process of coming together to support a person or cause or take concerted action. "a rallying cry" 2. the sport or action of participating in a motor rally. "established names in international rallying"

*** I just want to point out as a reminder that this particular topic (as are many others on JW talk) are open to the entire world to view, not just JW's. Were you aware of that? This P&S one is not a private topic whereas you need to log in to read stuff - anyone can view the chat and I tested it just before writing this. Using terms such as "loonies", etc are not appropriate, for multiple reasons so let's keep this in mind relative to the style and verbiage used in our responses to describe people or governments. Remember - ONCE on the Internet, it may be there forever.