Question:
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A day after the national capital experienced the coldest recorded day in December, the sun shone bright on Tuesday, with the temperature going up by few notches even as icy winds swept the city.

Shallow fog was reported in the morning at isolated places. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there would be “no cold wave in the city till January 4 (Saturday) and temperatures will rise further”. The department also predicted moderate fog on Wednesday and very light rain on Thursday.

The prolonged cold wave and absence of adequate sunshine due to a dense fog had caused the mercury to plummet drastically. December recorded an 18-day ‘cold spell’, the maximum after December 1997.IMD Senior scientist Kuldeep Srivastava, said strong easterly winds prevented the formation of dense fog on Tuesday morning and hence maximum temperature rose significantly.

The minimum temperature also went up from 2.8 degrees Celsius on Monday to 4.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. The maximum temperature also rose to 14.6 degrees Celsius.The minimum temperature at Palam was recorded at 4.1 degrees Celsius and Lodhi Road at 3.7 degrees Celsius. Mercury fell to 4.2 degrees Celsius in Aya Nagar.

The IMD also said that this is also the longest duration of severe cold day since 1992 “for the three months, December to February in totality”. Mahesh Palawat, a senior scientist at private forecasting agency Skymet Weather, said the “worst period” was over for now and icy winds won’t continue from northwest for long.

New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) Bringing relief to people, the cold wave in north India including the Delhi NCR region seems to have abated for the moment with day temperatures rising on New Year’s Day and touching almost 20 degrees Celsius in Delhi.

According to the India Meteorological Department, day temperatures have risen by 3-7 degrees Celsius over most parts of the northern plains of India, while Delhi has seen a rise of 5-6 degrees Celsius over Tuesday.

The IMD said that under the influence of warm moist easterlies, northern plains reported maximum temperatures around 17-20 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Delhi has reported usual average temperature – Safdarjung at 20.5 degrees Celsius and Palam at 19.6 degrees Celsius.

According to Skymet Weather, some isolated light rains are expected over Delhi-NCR on Thursday.

With this, the wind pattern has changed and has restricted the flow of chilly northwesterly winds. These winds are now blowing from the easterly direction, and are comparatively warm and humid in nature.

“With this, minimum temperatures are likely to rise across the national capital along with nearby areas of Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad. As a result, cold wave would abate and we do not expect to make a come back anytime soon as night temperatures would remain near normal,” Skymet Weather said.

Meanwhile, cold day conditions would continue for another 24 hours but are expected to abate thereafter. Days would see bright sunshine, bringing huge relief for the capital which has been bearing the brunt of extreme cold weather for the last 18 consecutive days, it added.

–IANS

san/vd

Donald Trump downplays renewed nuclear threats from North Korea's Kim Jong Un

Show Caption Hide Caption North Korea's missile program, explained Kim Jong Un has tested more missiles than his father and grandfather combined. How did North Korea have so much military spending power? We explain. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump played down rhetorical attacks from Kim Jong Un as the end-of-the-year holidays passed Wednesday without any new nuclear tests in North Korea – but with threats of future ones.

"If the U.S. persists in its hostile policy toward the DPRK (North Korea), there will never be the denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula," the Korean Central News Agency said, quoting Kim as he announced he no longer feels bound by a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear testing.

Trump, speaking with reporters at his annual New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, said he still has "a very good relationship" with Kim, with whom he has met three times.

"He likes me, I like him, we get along," Trump said, adding: "He did sign an agreement talking about denuclearization. ... I think he's a man of his word, so we're going to find out."

In announcing that his moratorium on nuclear testing is no longer operative, Kim also told a meeting of ruling party officials in North Korea he would unveil a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, the state news agency said. Kim had given the United States an end-of-the-year deadline to reduce economic sanctions on his country or face the prospect of new nuclear tests.

"The DPRK will steadily develop necessary and prerequisite strategic weapons for the security of the state until the U.S. rolls back its hostile policy," the Korean Central News Agency reported Kim as saying.

Trump administration officials had feared such a test during the holiday – a North Korea official had threatened a "Christmas gift" to the U.S. – but nothing had happened as midnight passed in North Korea.

In speaking with reporters, Trump joked that he hoped Kim's "Christmas present" was "a beautiful vase ... as opposed to something else."

Trump remains hopeful of a denuclearization agreement with North Korea, though critics say Kim's government has continued to develop nuclear programs even after the two leaders signed a document at their first summit in June of 2018. The two men also met in 2019 in Vietnam and at the North Korea-South Korea border.

While Trump often cites the Singapore agreement as a hopeful sign, critics pointed out that it was nonspecific and nonbinding when it came to North Korea giving up nuclear weapons.

"Kim signed nothing binding regarding nukes or missiles. No Kim ever has," tweeted Robert E. Kelly, professor of political science at Pusan National University in South Korea.

He added: "And Republicans used to know that the Kims shouldn’t be trusted. But now the GOP’s a cult of personality, right? So if the great leader says it’s true, it must be so."

The 2020 oil risk nobody is talking about

One New Year’s resolution to make: Do not take the price of oil for granted.

As we head into a new decade, complacency about the low price of oil is running rampant. This complacency is dangerous because it may catch U.S. businesses by surprise if oil were to experience a sharp upward move. Potentially this could cause a shock to the U.S. economy, mainly because we are not prepared for it and are not taking protection seriously.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % USO UNITED STATES OIL FUND L.P. 12.81 -0.08 -0.62%

There are reasons why many people do not fear higher oil prices in 2020 or in the years ahead. Some point to record U.S. oil production, which averaged 12.3 million barrels a day in 2019. Others point to a potential end to the OPEC, Russia and another producer alliance that led the group to reduce global supply by 2 percent by taking 1.2 million barrels per day off the market for the first six months of 2019. Others are predicting that global oil demand in the new year will fall due to alternative fuel usage and we may be seeing the beginning of a global peak for oil demand by the end of this new decade.

Despite this perception of slowing demand, crude prices are quietly having the best year since 2016. And while prices for oil are down from the highs we have seen in recent years, the outlook going forward is still quite impressive. Even though we have seen a surge in electric cars and a push for alternatives, oil demand globally in 2019 hit a record high. Even amid the U.S.-China trade war, China imported and consumed a record amount of oil.

U.S. energy production hit records last year and should again in 2020. Yet most are not paying attention to the warning signs that U.S. production might peak this year. For example, the U.S. oil rig count rang out the old year with the first drop since 2016. The drop is a potential precursor to a production plateau. Baker Hughes released its final rig count for the year and decade, and it ended on a cautionary note. They reported that total oil and gas rig count is down 26 percent from a year ago at 278 rigs. Oil rigs fell by eight per week and gas rigs held steady at 125.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % UNG UNITED STATES NATURAL GAS FUND LP UNIT (POST REV SPLIT) 16.86 -0.04 -0.24%

This reflects the largest issue of pain in the oil patch. Fifty energy companies filed for bankruptcy during the first nine months of 2019, including 33 oil and gas producers, 15 oilfield services companies and two midstream companies, according to Haynes and Boone’s Energy and Restructuring Practice Group. Overall investment in energy and oil has plunged so expectations that U.S. oil production will easily meet demand and cover risk factors are too optimistic.

There is no doubt that electric cars are going to be a part of the energy mix in the future. The thought that we can replace the internal combustion engine with electric cars is ludicrous. While many think electric cars are environmentally clean, the reality is that for every source of energy, there is a potential environmental downside. Just think about the mining of lithium and cobalt and the production of energy it is going to take to make and supply batteries. Then, stop and think about what it is going to take to charge up those millions of electric cars. Try to fathom the impact on the power grid not just here in the U.S. but in the developing world where most of the auto demand growth will happen.

Oil prices also seem immune to geo-political risk at this time. In September, there was an attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities. Yet the quick recovery of production and the fact that the Saudis seemed not to retaliate gave the market a false sense of geopolitical event invincibility. While this event did not cause a long-term price concern, there are signs that the risks to supply have not gone away. This week the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups in Iraq and Syria, which in turn was met with protests in Bagdad.

Even so, President Trump stood firm and blamed Iran for the unrest in Iraq.

The situation in Venezuela is also a geopolitical risk not to mention the old standby worries about North Korea.

All of this comes as we head into 2020 on a wave of economic optimism. Not only did the recession that many predicted last year not happen, but it also appears that the global economy will get a boost of growth as the U.S. and China work out their trade differences with the phase one agreement expected to be signed at the White House on January 15.

This wave of economic growth should cause oil demand to surge in 2020. That should lead to a much tighter physical market.

So get prepared for potentially higher prices in 2020.

Fox

As we start a new year, people tend to look back and reflect on what has passed.

Having lost my dad earlier this year, I must admit that I am rather relieved to see the back of 2019 – in the hope of happier times to come.

He slipped away in spring, and it always struck me as ironic that we lost Dad at a time when even nature seemed hopeful, with the daffodils in full bloom.

I am also aware of how lucky I am, in part due to my job.

I am privileged to speak to people every day who have been faced with extraordinary circumstances, and chosen to flourish in the face of trauma far greater than my own.

With that in mind, I am looking ahead to what 2020 will hold.

There is no resolution to be a better mum, or a more patient parent at the helm of a crafting activity which includes glitter.

I admire those who can commit to finally reading that parenting book, while simultaneously signing up to a juice diet detox.

But if this year has taught me anything, it’s that my best is good enough. When a friend asked my advice on returning to work, I told her the wisest course of action was to lower her standards at home.

That might sound a little dismal, but bear with me.

I have learned that it simply isn’t possible to keep on top of the washing, be present as a mum, hoover the stairs and clean out the vegetable drawer in the fridge.

I reason that as long as the house is vaguely clean, the rest of the chaos can wait.

I have been known to batch cook at 10pm, in the hope that it would somehow make me a better mum.

It led to a surplus of soup and partly burned lasagne, alongside a mountain of washing up.

Although mum guilt still snaps at my heels most days, I am secure in the knowledge that I have been a fairly decent parent thus far.

There is, however, one change, which should hopefully be occurring in our household.

No, not baby number two – we’re still recovering from a solid year of sleep deprivation.

Instead, I hope that 2020 will see me spend a lot more time with my other half.

It has often struck me that we are like ships in the night, discussing little else except Reuben and whose turn it is to walk the dog.

In the early days, our life revolved around our new addition.

But Reuben is no longer a tiny bundle clasped to my chest.

It is perhaps time that I cut the apron strings ever so slightly and enjoy the odd meal out which doesn’t include crayons and a high chair.

It is difficult not to be totally consumed by the feat which is taking care of a young child, with their many milestones and somewhat maddening phases.

But in dedicating every spare second to our son, we have forgotten to take time for ourselves.

You cannot expect to continue as normal upon having a baby, but nor can you risk losing each other completely.

We have vowed to go out once a month, and discuss something other than potty training and the latest episode of Peppa Pig.

We may well fall asleep before dessert, but the thought is there.

My other half has a dry sense of humour, a secret love of history and possesses endless patience. He is also notoriously private, and he therefore dreads this column.

But here it is in black and white, my resolution to catch up with the person who has held my hand through the onslaught of 2019.

The date is firmly set in the diary, although the choice of restaurant is still in debate.

So if you can recommend the perfect venue for two knackered parents, let me know.

LONDON, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Robert Kubica will be Alfa Romeo's Formula One reserve driver for the 2020 season with Polish oil company and personal backer PKN ORLEN joining as co-title sponsor, the Swiss-based team said on Wednesday.

Kubica, 35, made his race debut with the team in 2006 when they were competing as BMW Sauber.

The Pole, who suffered a near-fatal rally accident in 2011, made his comeback with struggling former champions Williams last season but left at the end of the campaign in which he scored their sole point.

"I'm starting a new chapter in my career by joining Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. This is a team that has a special place in my heart and it'll be nice to see the familiar faces I still remember from Hinwil," he said in a statement.

Alfa Romeo's race drivers this year are Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, an unchanged lineup from 2019.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Christian Radnedge)

REUTERS2

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While many party-goers up and down the UK emerged weary-eyed today from celebrating New Year, some took the opportunity to take part in brilliant and bizarre activities including racing bathtubs and taking dips in the freezing cold sea.

Other eccentric rituals included a whole village in Kirkwall, Scotland, lining the streets to play a medieval game of football.

Youths from Orkadian spent the day taking part in the Boys New Years Ba Game which is played with a hand crafted leather ball. The Ba' Game is a mass street football match which starts at the towns Mercat Cross and is played between two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies.

The game has been played in Kirkwall's streets for hundreds of years, with the teams made up of men from the south end of the town and the north end.

This is while in Gosport locals braved the chilly temperatures and celebrated the beginning of a new decade with a swim. Many wore swimming trunks while others opted for fancy dress such as hula skirts and turkey hats.

Jokers in Dorset donned masks of political leaders and took to Poole Quay in order to take part in the wild and wacky bathtub race.

Orkadian youths take part in the Boys New Years Ba Game played with a hand crafted leather ball. The Ba' Game is a mass street football match which starts at the towns Mercat Cross, is played between two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies

Two revellers attend the annual New Year's Day Swim in the sea at Stokes Bay in Gosport, Hampshire to celebrate 2020. Right, a woman takes part in the Scarborough Lions Club charity New Year's Day Dip in Scarborough

Some jokers decide to wear masks of political leaders while taking part in the annual bathtub race in Poole Quay Dorset today

Members of the public wear fancy dress as they join New Year swimmers in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth, in South Queensferry, Scotland

The Loony Dook dip (above) involves getting yourself dressed up in the wackiest outfit you can find, marching through the streets of South Queensferry and then throwing yourself into the Firth of Forth

Over 2000 people kick of 2020 with a New Years Day swim at Barry Beach, Wales. One woman (left) was seen wearing a Hula skirt while another wore stripey leggings

A charity competitor jumps off of Okeover Bridge into the River Dove during the Mapleton raft race and bridge jump, at Mapleton, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, as part of New Year's Day celebrations

Participants pose in the water with their '2020' sign as they take part in the annual New Year's Day 'Loony Dook' swim, in the Firth of Forth, near Edinburgh

Around a hundred people braved the cold Firth of Forth at the Kingshorn RNLI Loony Dook to start 2020 New Year. Two of the women above were seen wearing mermaid swimsuits while the other two wore hula skirts

The Roaring Twenties: Emilia Hoyle, 23, from Chester dresses in the style of a stylish 1920s lady at the Abersoch RNLI New Year's Day Sea Dip. Right, participants at the New Year Bridge Jump at Mappleton, near Ashbourne, which is a tradition that dates back more than 30 years and sees dozens brave the freezing River Dove from Okeover Bridge

Supporters and protesters lined the High Street to watch members of the Essex Farmer and Union Hunt parade in the High Street and Blue Boar public house Maldon Essex for their annual New Year's day meeting

Pictured: Orkadians take part in the New Years Ba Game played with a hand crafted leather ball on January 1, 2020

People take part in the Panama Swimming club New Year's Day dip, in Whitley Bay, as part of New Year's Day celebrations. The sun was seen shining today as many ran into the sea with some even wearing tutus

The 'Ba Game' has been played in Kirkwall's streets for hundreds of years, with the teams made up of men from the south end of the town and the north end

Participants brave the cold waters as they take part in the annual Scarborough Beach New Years Day Dip in Scarborough, North Yorkshire this lunch time

Despite the dark skies, sea mist and rain competitors take part in the annual New Years Day Bath Tub Race, Poole Harbour

In London today people took part in the annual New Year's Day parade. Many were pictured wearing elaborate costumers

People take part in the Panama Swimming club New Year's Day dip, in Whitley Bay, as part of New Year's Day celebrations. This trio turned up dressed at The Incredibles

The waters splashed over this pair of revellers today as they enjoyed the New Year's Day dip in Whitley Bay. It is similar to many Boxing Day traditions which involve a swim

The game took part in the local area and the competitors could be seen outside the Judith Glue shop this afternoon during the game

One woman decided to bring her dog with her to the swim in Firth of Forth today. Right, a lady takes part in the annual New Year's Day 'Loony Dook' swim in the Firth of Forth, in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh

All aboard! This group went to great lengths to look the part for the race today and were seen wearing hats with union jack flags

People wearing chicken suits take part in the Loony Dook New Year's Day dip in the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry as part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations

Two women in a 'Maids of the Forth' homemade vessel with a Scottish flag on the stern celebrate the new year in the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry

Orkadians take part in the New Years Ba Game played with a hand crafted leather ball on January 1, 2020 in Kirkwall Scotland

Supporters and protesters lined the High Street to watch members of the Essex Farmer and Union Hunt parade in the High Street and Blue Boar public house Maldon Essex for their annual New Years day meeting

Mr Blobby joins revellers taking part in the Loony Dook New Year's Day dip in the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry today

A participant reacts in the water as she takes part in the annual New Year's Day 'Loony Dook' swim, in the Firth of Forth

Women take part in the Scarborough Lions Club charity New Year's Day Dip in Scarborough, as part of New Year's Day celebrations

A self-professed 'super hunk' takes a dip in the sea wearing a stylish red cape and bright green wig at the New Year's Day Dip in Scarborough

A martial artist displays an impressive degree of flexibility in the Scarborough Lions Club charity New Year's Day Dip

People dressed up as The Incredibles take part in the Panama Swimming club New Year's Day dip, in Whitley Bay

Orkadians take part in the New Years Ba Game played with a hand crafted leather ball on January 1, 2020 in Kirkwall Scotland

People take part in the Loony Dook New Year's Day dip in the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, as part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations

A charity competitor jumps off of Okeover Bridge into the River Dove during the Mapleton raft race and bridge jump, at Mapleton, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire

A man in an impressive self-made aeroplane takes part in the Loony Dook New Year's Day dip in the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, as part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations

Members of the public wearing fancy dress react to the water as they join New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1

Orkadians gathered for the New Year Ba Game played with a hand crafted leather ball on January 1, 2020 in Kirkwall Scotland

Instruction: Retrieve semantically similar text.


Question:
Video above is WPBF 25 News to Go, a look at the days top headlines and forecast.On Nov. 8, 2019, Lion Country Safari welcomed African lion cubs Atlas and Mara, the first cubs born at the preserve in almost 20 years.The cubs are currently spending bonding time with their mother Leela before making their big debut in the lion habitat. Atlas and Mara are Leela and K'wasi's first offspring.

Video above is WPBF 25 News to Go, a look at the days top headlines and forecast.

On Nov. 8, 2019, Lion Country Safari welcomed African lion cubs Atlas and Mara, the first cubs born at the preserve in almost 20 years.

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The cubs are currently spending bonding time with their mother Leela before making their big debut in the lion habitat.

Atlas and Mara are Leela and K'wasi's first offspring.

A litter of African lion cubs were born at Lion Country Safari on Nov. 8 of last year. These are the first cubs to be born at the animal attraction in nearly 20 years.

The cubs, Atlas and Mara, are the children of mom, Leela, and dad, K'wasi.

The cubs weigh about three pounds and are sightless and completely reliant on their mom for survival. They are spending time with Leela before being brought to exhibit on the preserve. "It will be about two weeks or so until the cubs will be intermittently visible to the public but Leela and the cubs will actually set the pace for this process, says Lion Country Safari Spokesperson Haley Passeser.

Jubilant Foodworks Ltd is quoting at Rs 1668.35, up 0.97% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 34.64% in last one year as compared to a 12.82% gain in NIFTY and a 0.07% gain in the Nifty FMCG.

Jubilant Foodworks Ltd rose for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 1668.35, up 0.97% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.07% on the day, quoting at 12176.55. The Sensex is at 41298, up 0.11%. Jubilant Foodworks Ltd has added around 4.62% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty FMCG index of which Jubilant Foodworks Ltd is a constituent, has added around 2.18% in last one month and is currently quoting at 30121.5, up 0.31% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 8.35 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 7.63 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark January futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 1672.05, up 0.47% on the day. Jubilant Foodworks Ltd is up 34.64% in last one year as compared to a 12.82% gain in NIFTY and a 0.07% gain in the Nifty FMCG index.

The PE of the stock is 65.29 based on TTM earnings ending September 19.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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One man is in hospital after a number of people were assaulted in a spate of robberies in the early hours of the New Year.

Police are looking for two men riding a black moped after reports from the Ashby High Street area this morning.

Two robberies and an attempted robbery were carried out at 12.30am and 2.15am.

The victims in the later incidents were seriously assaulted, and one man is being treated in Scunthorpe General Hospital for serious injuries to his head and arm.

(Image: Scunthorpe Live)

The riders of the moped, which is missing a wing mirror, have been described as wearing black scarves or balaclavas over their faces, and were also seen with dark helmets.

Local business owners have reported seeing both sides of Ashby High Street cordoned off by police near the junction with Belmont Street this morning.

One convenience store employee said: "We have a lot of trouble with mopeds here, you see them riding on the pavements and causing problems. It's getting out of hand a bit."

(Image: Scunthorpe Live)

Another man who worked at a takeaway said: "You do hear about quite a few problems. There are a couple of robberies in the area or shops that are targeted every so often, but it's not usually so many all together.

"Luckily we were closed at that time and everyone had already gone home."

The cordon was believed to be in place during the early hours, and had been lifted by late-morning.

Other shopkeepers said they hadn't been aware of any problems overnight and believed it had been a peaceful New Year in Scunthorpe.

Humberside Police have appealed for information on the moped or the suspects.

A spokesman for the force said: "If you believe you have seen the moped or can help us identify the offenders, please contact us on our non-emergency 101 line, quoting log number 191 of January 1."

For more top stories and breaking news see GrimsbyLive

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PNN/ Nablus/

Nine Palestinians were injured with rubber-coated metal bullets and teargas suffocation of tear gas, during clashes with the Israeli occupation forces which erupted before hundreds of settlers stormed Joseph’s Tomb, east of Nablus.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Nablus told Wafa that three citizens were injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and were transferred to Rafidia Governmental Hospital for treatment, while six others were treated on the ground after they suffocated by tear gas, during the clashes that broke out near the shrine.

Hebrew media reported that 2,500 settlers stormed the shrine at dawn to perform Talmudic rituals, with heavy guard from the occupation army, which took over the roofs of a number of buildings.

Michigan goes out on sour note again as Alabama rolls in Citrus Bowl

Show Caption Hide Caption Wojo and Angelique on Michigan's loss to Alabama Bob Wojnowski and Angelique S. Chengelis of The Detroit News break down Michigan's loss to Alabama in the Citrus Bowl. The Detroit News

Orlando, Fla. — The late-season swoons continue for Michigan.

Since winning their first bowl game under coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines have lost four straight, including a 35-16 loss to Alabama before 59,746 at the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday. Najee Harris gave the Tide their last touchdown with 26 seconds left as the Tide scored 21 unanswered second-half points.

More: Wojo: Same old bowl tune for Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines

The Wolverines (9-4) were hoping to reach the 10-win plateau and numb some of the disappointment of another regular season-ending loss to Ohio State with a signature win over a big-name program. Some wondered whether Alabama, typically in the national playoff this time of year, would be mentally into playing this bowl.

Clearly, Alabama coach Nick Saban got his players’ attention in the second half, holding the Wolverines scoreless while the Tide offense hit big plays and swung the momentum after trailing 16-14 at halftime.

Michigan’s only touchdown came on a 7-yard pass from Shea Patterson to Nick Eubanks in the first quarter, and Quinn Nordin came through with three field goals, including a Michigan-record-tying 57-yarder before the half.

“Their ability to create the big play was critical in the game and their ability to keep us out of the end zone — we had long drives and settled for field goals,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “I think at the end, you know, stopping us when we had a chance on the interception and then came back and drove the length of the field for 80 yards or so (in the first quarter), that was a huge difference in the game.”

BOX SCORE: Alabama 35, Michigan 16

The main storyline during the weeks heading into the game was Alabama’s receivers, featuring three first-round NFL prospects, and they didn’t disappoint. Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy was a back-breaker for the Wolverines. On the Tide’s first play of the game, Jeudy scored on an 85-yard reception. Then, in the fourth quarter, he had a huge 58-yard catch in Alabama’s scoring drive that built a 28-16 lead. Jeudy finished with 204 yards and of Alabama’s 405 total yards, 322 were passing.

But perhaps even more telling was how Saban was able to get his players interested in finishing a season that had disappointments including key injuries on defense early on and two losses to LSU and Auburn late in the season. The Tide finished 11-2.

“This team had a lot to prove in this game,” Saban said. “We have a culture of how we play football at Alabama, with great effort, great toughness, but also discipline to execute and accountability for everybody to do their job. That's always been the trademark of what we do. And people make decisions based on what's best for the team.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh on Alabama's receivers Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh on Alabama's receivers Angelique S. Chengelis, The Detroit News

“I thought that maybe at the end of the year this year in a couple games that we played, you know, half of the LSU game and maybe at Auburn, we didn't really do that the way — to the standard that I would like and to our expectation, and I think the players realized that. And I think they wanted to prove that, you know, this is the culture that was established for a number of years here by a lot of good players, and I think they have a lot of pride in that and I think they wanted to come out today and prove that this is what Alabama football, the culture of Alabama football is really all about.”

The Wolverines had proven their vulnerability in pass defense in the loss to Ohio State when the Buckeyes had 15 receptions for 313 yards and four touchdowns. They were equally as porous against the Crimson Tide.

“I know it’s kind of hard, but I keep saying it’s explosive plays,” Michigan linebacker Cam McGrone said. “Ohio State had a whole bunch of passes down the field, quarterback scrambling, Alabama the same thing. It was like you were looking in a mirror.”

In his final game as Michigan’s quarterback, Shea Patterson was 17-of-37 for 33 yards and had one touchdown and two interceptions, including one late in the game. Michigan had 395 total yards, including 162 rushing.

“I didn’t play my best,” Patterson said. “Missed a few throws. Thought I could have calmed my feet down early on. I felt like I didn’t make enough plays. Yeah, not my best game.”

Shea Patterson on Michigan's loss in Citrus Bowl Shea Patterson said after the Citrus Bowl loss he was "proud to be a Michigan quarterback." Angelique S. Chengelis, The Detroit News

In the first half, although Michigan settled for field goals after the first touchdowns, it appeared the Wolverines had a slight upper hand. They ran 45 plays in the first half to Alabama’s 23 and had 286 total yards, including 135 rushing. Zach Charbonnet had 10 carries for 73 yards but finished the game with 84 yards on 13 carries.

Saban said Michigan was hurting Alabama running the ball in the first half, so the Tide made adjustments.

“In the second half we decided to play nickel, which gives us more multiples of things that we can to. We're a little smaller on the field when we do that, but it's easier to adjust and the players did a really good job of it and we were able to pressure more, which really helped us stop the run.”

Michigan gave up 153 rushing yards, but Najee Harris, who finished with 136 on 24 carries, got his second touchdown with 26 seconds left on a 2-yard run.

McGrone was asked how deflating it was giving up the late score.

“It was kind of a smack in the face, but it is what it is,” McGrone said. “It’s football. We’ve got to be ready all times, and we weren’t ready that play.”

In the end, Michigan couldn’t play a complete game.

“We played them well in the first half,” Patterson said. “Quinn came in and kicked the ball really well. Defense played lights out. It’s a tough one. Alabama’s a great team. They had a lot of great players. Didn’t do enough to win.”

Bowled over

Jim Harbaugh is 1-4 in bowl games as Michigan’s coach:

2015 season: Beat Florida in Citrus Bowl, 41-17

2016: Lost to Florida State in Orange Bowl, 33-32

2017: Lost to South Carolina in Outback Bowl, 26-19

2018: Lost to Florida in Peach Bowl, 41-15

2019: Lost to Alabama in Citrus Bowl, 35-16

Dirty half-dozen

Michigan has given up 35 or more points six times, all losses, during Don Brown’s tenure as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator:

2017

Penn State: L, 42-13

2018

Ohio State: L, 62-39

Florida: L, 41-15

2019

Wisconsin: L, 35-14

Ohio State: L, 56-27

Alabama: L, 35-16

Post by Lumpy Burgertushie » Tue Dec 31, 2019 4:19 am

Update phpbb 3.0 to latest 3.0 version

Backup up your board's files and database Go here and download the latest 3.0 version of phpbb3.0.14 Full Package Unzip it to your computer. Upload the included folder named "install" into your forum's directory . Browse to yourdomain.com/yourphpbb/install/database_update.php and keep clicking the continue button until it says it is finished. This will take a long time on a large board, maybe hours. Dont give up. Delete the folder named /install/ Hold one foot in the air and spin around in a circle three times saying "I am a phpbb guru". Make a new database backup.

Upgrading from phpbb 3.0.x to phpbb 3.1.x

Your server must be running at least PHP 5.4 and less than PHP 7

Most MODs for 3.0.x are incompatible with 3.1.x and their functionality will be removed in the update process.

Styles for 3.0.x cannot be installed or used on 3.1.x.

Backup up your board's files and database Download the Support Toolkit. Install it and run the database cleaner to remove all old MODs from the database. Deactivate all styles except for prosilver Ensure that the activated spambot countermeasure is one of the standard phpBB plugins (Simple image, GD image, GD 3D image, Q&A, reCaptacha). Set British English as the only language pack Delete all of your phpBB 3.0.x files EXCEPT for the following: The config.php file

file The /images/ directory

directory The /files/ directory

directory The /store/ directory Upload the contents of the phpBB3 directory from the uncompressed 3.1.x Full Package (EXCEPT for config.php ) into your forum's directory (Note: you don't want to overwrite your original config.php file) Browse to yourdomain.com/yourphpbb/install/database_update.php and keep clicking the continue button until it says it is finished. This will take a long time on a large board, maybe hours. Dont give up. Delete the folder named /install/ Hold one foot in the air and spin around in a circle three times saying "I am a phpbb guru". Make a new database backup.

Upgrading 3.1 to 3.2

Backup up your board's files and database Download the current full version zip file from 3.2.x Full Package Unzip it on your computer and remove the file named config.php Delete all of your phpBB 3.1.x files EXCEPT for the following: The config.php file

file The /ext/ directory

directory The /files/ directory

directory The /images/ directory

directory The /store/ directory copy the rest of the contents of the folder named phpBB3 to your usbwebserver/root/yourphpbb files. If asked, yes you want to merge existing files/folders. Browse to root/yourphpbb/install/ Click on update tab. click on update button, click on submit for update database only. When database update is successful, delete the folder named install Make a new database backup

first, do NOT upgrade to 3.3 it is still in release candidate stage and should not be used on a live board.you could wait for it to be final but I don't really know when that is going to happen.so, I have found that it usually works better to do the incremental upgrade/update.you will need to update from 3.0.2 to 3.0.14now, on to 3.2you should be done.this seems like a lot but it is pretty straightforward. as long as you do things exactly and in order you will be fine.don't forget to make the database backups before starting and after each upgrade.that way, if it crashed on you you can just restore the last database backup and move on from there.good luck,robert

Instruction: Retrieve semantically similar text.


Question:
Montreal: At least three military police officers were ordered to play Pokemon Go in Canadian bases across the country, after players invaded the facilities in a quest to catch them all.

The interlopers were not foreign agents but fans of the wildly popular Pokemon Go app — launched in 2016 — trying to capture as many of the game's virtual characters as possible and even wandering into restricted army areas.

A surge in the number of suspects being apprehended in the summer after the game's release puzzled the army, according to internal documents obtained by Canadian public television channel CBC.

"Please advise the Commissionaires that apparently Fort Frontenac is both a PokeGym and a PokeStop," Major Jeff Monaghan at Canadian Forces Base Kingston wrote.

"I will be completely honest in that I have not idea what that is," he said in a message among the nearly 500 pages of military documents obtained by CBC under an access to information request.

At least three military police officers, at different bases across the country, were assigned to wander around army facilities with phones and notebooks in hand to search for virtual Pokemon infrastructure and characters.

"We should almost hire a 12-year-old to help us out with this," wrote security expert David Levenick at CFB Borden in Ontario, 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of Toronto.

At the entrance to the base, one woman was caught playing Pokemon Go while her three children were climbing over tanks.

A man separately arrested at CFB Borden explained he was just collecting points playing Pokemon Go and told officers: "I have to beat my kids."

Shortly after the release of Pokemon Go, the armed forces even had to issue a public notice warning players not to venture onto military bases. But some saw a positive side to the influx of Pokemon hunters.

"Maybe some extra people will visit the museum!," wrote Major Alicia Saucier at CFB Petawawa, Ontario, where the garrison museum was a game hotspot.

Get the best of News18 delivered to your inbox - subscribe to News18 Daybreak. Follow News18.com on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok and on YouTube, and stay in the know with what's happening in the world around you – in real time.

Just before midnight on July 10, 2016, Master Cpl. Daniel Boyd of the Canadian military police spotted something suspicious. He was on duty at Canadian Forces Base North Bay, about 350 kilometers north of Toronto.

In the darkness, two men in a van driving near the edge of the base made a U-turn and headed deeper into the military facility.

Boyd followed. The van stopped. Inside, the men were looking at their smartphones. Boyd walked to the driver's window.

It turned out they were playing Pokemon Go, and their pursuit of Pikachu led them onto the air force base.

Documents obtained by CBC News show the curiosity and confusion shared by Canadian military officials after the 2016 launch of Pokemon Go, which was sending civilians onto Department of Defence property searching for "mythical digital creatures."

Pokemon Go was a mobile app that launched in Canada on July 17, 2016, but it was launched July 7 in the United States and was downloadable globally by users who knew how to fool their phone into thinking it was in the U.S.

One page from the package of documents disclosed to CBC News following an access to information request filed in July 2016. (Brett Ruskin / CBC News)

The app encouraged users to explore their communities, viewing the world through their phone's screen. Virtual creatures and items appeared in real-life locations.

Some locations were military bases. Within days of the app's launch, the Canadian Armed Forces had to issue a public warning: Pokemon Go users should keep off military property.

CBC News filed an access to information request after the warning was issued. Now, nearly 3½ years later, the Department of National Defence has disclosed 471 pages of internal files on the subject.

'Taking off like gangbusters'

Most of the emails expressed curiosity and confusion about the new game.

"Plse advise the Commissionaires that apparently Fort Frontenac is both a PokeGym and a PokeStop. I will be completely honest in that I have not idea what that is," wrote Maj. Jeff Monaghan at CFB Kingston.

"The game's premise seems to be going to the 'PokeStops/Gyms' to collect 'Pokemon's' (we should almost hire a 12-year-old to help us out with this) of which we were able to find 5 of these things on the range road itself," wrote security expert David Levenick at CFB Borden, Ont., 100 kilometers northwest of Toronto.

"There's a game out there taking off like gangbusters, and it requires people to move to digitally cached locations to get points, etc.," wrote Lieut. Col. Richard Raymond at CFB Petawawa, west of Ottawa.

Eight days after Pokemon Go launched, the military police in Canada issued a criminal intelligence advisory.

An advisory sent on July 15, 2016, to all military police officers, warned of people trying to get onto to DND property while playing Pokemon Go.

The notice was sent to all military police officers. It said: "It has been discovered that several locations within DND/CAF establishments are host to game landmarks (PokeStops and Gyms) and its mythical digital creatures (Pokemon)."

10 days after launch: kids on tanks

In the weeks after the app's launch, military police across the country suddenly saw a spike in suspicious activity.

"One lady at the Worthington Tank Park was playing the game whilst the 3 children with her were climbing all over the tanks," wrote Levenick at CFB Borden.

This tank outside the CFB Borden Military Museum, near Worthington Tank Park, was the site of a Pokestop, where players could retrieve virtual items. (Wikimedia Commons)

At CFB Greenwood in Nova Scotia, documents show a report of a vehicle "acting suspiciously in the Canex [store] parking lot." When police investigated, they found the occupants were playing the game.

When a man was stopped on CFB Borden, documents show he was playing Pokemon Go and told officers "I have to beat my kids [get more points]."

At least three military police officers (at CFB Comox in British Columbia, CFB Petawawa and CFB Kingston) were assigned an unusual task: wander around their bases, smartphones and notepads in hand, searching for virtual Pokemon infrastructure.

Handwritten notes by a military police officer stationed at CFB Comox. The corporal was ordered to search for Pokestops and Pokemon Gyms on the base.

14 days after launch: military contacts Pokemon

The documents show a wide variety of responses to the discovery of PokeStops and gyms on military bases.

At CFB Petawawa, one location where Pokemon Go players retrieved virtual items was at the Garrison Museum.

"Maybe some extra people will visit the museum!" wrote Maj. Alicia Saucier.

Officials at CFB North Bay were less enthusiastic. On July 21, 2016, they filed a complaint with Niantic, the developer of Pokemon Go.

"With the implementation of this PokeStop, there will be an increase in traffic onto the base, which could have a negative impact on 22 Wing's Mission," the request said.

Niantic responded that it would review the complaint and follow up.

Embracing Pokemon

Meanwhile, at CFB Halifax, officials tried to harness the game for their benefit. An email to Rear Admiral John Newton made a series of recommendations:

Remove the PokeStop from the Dockyard Gym, because "it presents a security risk."

Add a PokeStop at the Stadacona Gym, because "this addition, with the already existing PokeStops at the museum and the admiral's residence, would increase the museum's attendance."

If possible, upgrade the museum PokeStop to a Pokemon gym to increase traffic.

Rear Admiral Newton addressed the Pokemon generally in an email, writing: "Life and work are best accomplished if there is good fun, health and friendship.

"If Pokemon Go enables these values, while we protect our interests, then we all stand to marvel at this intersection of technology, gaming and health."

What took so long?

It took more than three years for the Department of National Defence (DND) to provide the documents requested by CBC News.

According to legislation, the normal response time should be up to 60 days.

"While our goal is to provide responses to Access to Information (ATI) requests as efficiently as possible, the review process is challenged by the size and complexity of the organization, as well as the number of requests received every year," said a statement from Jessica Lamirande, a senior communications adviser with DND.

"Recognizing that backlog files require more attention, DND recently created a new team in the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Directorate as part of a Backlog Reduction Initiative. This team has been assigned the task of working solely on backlog files so that the other processing teams can concentrate on ensuring newer files do not go late," she said.

In other words, the orders given to government staff hired to identify overdue information requests seem to be, as Pokemon says, "you gotta catch 'em all."

Skip to comments.

The Many Meanings of January 1st - A Homily

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 12-31-19 | Msgr. Charles Pope

Posted on by Salvation

The Many Meanings of January 1st – A Homily

This feast day of January 1st is a very complex tapestry, both culturally and liturgically. Perhaps we can use the second reading by St. Paul to the Galatians as a way to weave through some of the many details. We can look at it in three parts.

I. The chronology of our celebration – The text from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians says, When the fullness of time had come …

Most people in the wider culture and in the Church are going about today saying, “Happy New Year!” And rightfully so, for it is the beginning of the new year. But most people think of New Year’s Day in almost wholly secular terms. Sadly, it is best known for excessive drinking and rather loud parties.

Yet it is a mistake to see New Year’s Day simply as a secular holiday. St. Paul reminds us, in speaking of “the fullness of time,” that all time and all ages belong to God.

It is not simply 2020; it is 2020 Anno Domini (A.D.). Even the most secular and unbelieving of people in the Western world locate their place in time in relation to Jesus Christ. It is 2020 years since the birth of Christ. Every time we write the date on a check or at the top of the letter, every time we see the date at the top of the newspaper or on our computer screen, that number, 2020, points back to Christ. He is the Lord of history. Jesus sets the date; He is the clock we go by. All time belongs to Him.

Jesus says in the book of Revelation, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, The beginning and the end. He who is, and who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 22:13).

If it is true that 2020 references the birth of Christ, the question arises as to why Christmas Day is not also New Year’s Day. But this actually fits in well to liturgical and spiritual sensibilities.

In the Church, and stretching back into Jewish times, it was customary to celebrate the high feasts of faith over the period of a week. In Christian tradition this came to be known as the “octave.” Though we think of a week as seven days, it does not take long to consider that we celebrated Christmas last week on Thursday. Now this week we celebrate New Year’s Day on Thursday, and Thursday to Thursday inclusive is eight days.

Thursday, January 1, 2020 is the eighth day of Christmas. In the Christian tradition the octave is considered really as one long day that lasts eight days. Therefore, Wednesday, January 1, 2020 completes Christmas day; Christmas day is fulfilled. Or as St. Paul says, the “fullness of time” in terms of Christmas day has come. And thus the calendars flip from one year to the next. Now, at the end of Christmas day, our calendars go from 2019 to 2020 A.D.

The rest of the secular world has largely moved on already, barely thinking of Christmas anymore. As I walk in my neighborhood, I see the strange spectacle of Christmas trees already set out at the curb waiting to be picked up by the recycling trucks. Yes, for many in our hurried world, Christmas is over. But we in the Church continue to celebrate the great Christmas feast and cycle. Having completed the octave, we move on to Epiphany week.

Thus, this New Year, we contemplate the “fullness of time.” The passage of another year reminds us of the magnificent truth that to God all time, past, present, and future, is equally present. He holds all things together in Himself. He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. And whenever He acts, He always acts in our time, out of the fullness of time. This is a very deep mystery and we should ponder in silence the mystery that for God, all things ARE. He is not waiting for things to happen. For Him, everything is accomplished. I will write more on this in tomorrow’s blog.

II. The content of our celebration – St. Paul goes on to say, God sent forth his son born of a woman. And with this statement we are again reminded that we are still in the Christmas cycle.

We’ve already discussed the concept of the eighth day, of the octave. And while it is New Year’s Day, there is also a complex tapestry of religious meanings to this day as well.

As we’ve already seen, it is still Christmas day, the eighth day of the one long day that we call Christmas Day.

Historically, this is also the day of Christ’s circumcision. And for a long period in Church history that was the name given to this feast day, “The Circumcision of the Lord.” As I have written previously, I personally regret the loss of this feast, at least in terms of its title.

This is the day when Joseph and Mary brought Christ to be circumcised. In this, Jesus as man and also as God reverences the covenant He has made with His people. It is a beautiful truth that God seeks relationship with His people. And in this covenantal act of the circumcision is the moving truth that, as the Letter to the Hebrews puts it, Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers (Heb 2:11).

There is here the first shedding of blood by Jesus. It is also a sign of His love for us.

Another truth about the content of this feast is the Holy Name of Jesus. For not only was a Jewish boy circumcised on the eighth day, but he was also given his name, and all hear that name for the first time.

The name, Jesus, means “God saves.” And indeed this most Holy Name of Jesus, when used in reverence, has saving power. We are baptized in His Holy Name along with that of the Father and the Holy Spirit. And all of our prayers conclude with His Holy Name. Scripture says of His great and holy name,

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2: 9-11).

And yet another identity and content of this feast day is shown in its current, formal title, “The Solemnity of Mary Mother of God.” This title replaced the title of the Feast of the Circumcision back in 1970. However, it is the most ancient title for this feast day. Again, you can read more on this issue in a previous blog post.

We note in the reading that Paul says that God sent forth his Son, born of a woman. Jesus is the eternal Son of the Father; He is God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God. Jesus is God, and since Mary gives birth to Jesus, Mary is the Mother of God, because Jesus is not two different persons.

Mary did not just give birth to part of Jesus, she gives birth to Jesus. And thus the title “Mother of God” speaks to us as much about Jesus as it does about Mary. It is a title that she has because of the Church’s insistence that Jesus cannot be divided up into two different people. We cannot say that Mary gives birth to one Jesus but not “the other one.” There is only one Jesus, though He has two natures, human and divine.

And thus, on this feast of Christmas, on this eighth day of Christmas, we are reminded and solemnly taught that Jesus is human and also divine. In taking a human nature to Himself from his mother Mary, He remains one person. God has sent forth his son born of woman.

III. The consolation of our celebration – St. Paul goes on to say, Born under the law to ransom those under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son in our hearts crying out Abba, Father! So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and, if a son, also an heir through God.

Note three things about this text:

A. Our Adoption – We have already noted that on the eighth day Jesus is circumcised and enters into the Covenant, into the Law. In the Incarnation He joins the human family; in the Covenant He joins our family of faith. He will fulfill the old Covenant and inaugurate the new one. And by this New Covenant, by baptism into Him, we become members of His Body and thereby become adopted as sons.

We become sons in the Son. When God the Father looks to His Son, loving His Son, he is also looking at us and loving us, for we are in Christ Jesus, members of His Body through baptism. God is now our Father, not in some allegorical sense, but in a very real sense. We are in Jesus and therefore God really is our Father.

B. Our Acclamation – St. Paul says that the proof of our sonship is the movement of the Holy Spirit in us that cries out Abba! In Aramaic and Hebrew, Abba is the family term for father. It is not baby talk, like “Dada.” But just as most adults called their father “Dad” or some other endearment rather than “father,” so it is that Abba is the family term for father. It would be a daring thing for us to call God “Dad” unless we were permitted to do so, and instructed to do so by Christ.

St. Paul speaks of this word as proof that we are sons. In so doing, he emphasizes that it is not merely the saying of the word that he refers to. Even a parrot can be taught to say the word. Rather, St. Paul is referring to what the word represents: an inner movement of the Holy Spirit wherein we experience a deep affection for God the Father. By our adoption, our baptism into Christ, by our reception of the Holy Spirit, we love the Father! We develop a deep affection for Him and dread offending Him. By this gift of the Spirit, God is my Father whom I deeply love!

C. Our advancement – Notice that St. Paul then speaks of how we have moved from being a slave to being a son, an heir. In Jesus, we are not just any son, we are the only Son of the Father. And as Jesus has a kingdom from His Father, we too inherit it with Him! As sons in the Son, we are heirs with Jesus to the Kingdom! Jesus speaks of His disciples as one day reigning with Him: And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me (Lk 22:29). In Jesus, all Heaven will be ours and we will reign with Christ forever. This is not our doing, not our glory; it is Christ’s doing and His glory in which we share.

And thus we have a very rich tapestry on this New Year’s Day, this feast of the Octave of Christmas, this Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord, this Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, this Feast of Mary the Mother of God. And also we are given this feast wherein the glory of Christ is held before us and we who are members of His body are told of the gifts that we receive by His Holy Incarnation and His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

It’s not a bad way to start the new year: reminded of God’s incredible love for us, of His rich blessings and promises.

TOPICS:

Apologetics

Catholic

History

Theology

KEYWORDS:

blessedvirginmary

catholic

prayer

To: nickcarraway; NYer; ELS; Pyro7480; livius; ArrogantBustard; Catholicguy; RobbyS; marshmallow; ...

Monsignor Pope Ping!

by 2 posted onby Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

To: Salvation

We note in the reading that Paul says that God sent forth his Son, born of a woman. Jesus is the eternal Son of the Father; He is God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God. Jesus is God, and since Mary gives birth to Jesus, Mary is the Mother of God, because Jesus is not two different persons. So much error has occurred due to the Council of Ephesus' ruling on this as Rome has completely abused this decision. Scripture never refers to Mary as the "Mother of God". Rome has again departed from Scripture in favor of "tradition".

To: ealgeone

So what?

by 4 posted onby Marchmain (safe, legal and wrong)

To: Marchmain

It has led to a whole bunch of Mariolatry in Roman Catholicism.

To: ealgeone

Mariolatry... what a laugh!

by 6 posted onby Marchmain (safe, legal and wrong)

To: Marchmain

If it weren’t so false it might be funny.

To: ealgeone

Rome has again departed from Scripture in favor of "tradition". 2 Thessalonians 2:15 - Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 - Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold thewhich ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

To: BenghaziMemoriam; ealgeone

So, we know what the traditions taught by the epistles are. But are there additional traditions that the apostles taught by word, and, if so, how do you prove the traditions not written down were actually taught by the apostles?

To: BenghaziMemoriam

2 Thessalonians 2:15 - Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Rome has taken great liberty with this and the other two passages that mention tradition. However, Rome completely ignores the context of these passages. Why? Because if they don't their "traditions" will be found very un-Scriptural. However, the very early church considered tradition with what was found in the Scriptures. It's not the wide open tradition that Rome has developed over the centuries.

To: kosciusko51

Roman Catholicism cannot give this list. It has been asked for numerous times. And IF Roman Catholics are honest they will have to admit the ECFs equated tradition with what was in the Scriptures. Not this mysterious definition of "tradition" Roman Catholics try to foster on everyone.

To: kosciusko51

So, we know what the traditions taught by the epistles are. But are there additional traditions that the apostles taught by word, and, if so, how do you prove the traditions not written down were actually taught by the apostles? "As I have already observed, the Church, having received this preaching and this faith, although scattered throughout the whole world, yet, as if occupying but one house, carefully preserves it. She also believes these points [of doctrine] just as if she had but one soul, and one and the same heart, and she proclaims them, and teaches them, and hands them down, with perfect harmony, as if she possessed only one mouth. For, although the languages of the world are dissimilar, yet the import of the tradition is one and the same."

- Ireneus, Against Heresies 1:10:2

https://ccel.org/ccel/irenaeus/against_heresies_i/anf01.ix.ii.xi.html

"As I have already observed, the Church, having received this preaching and this faith, although scattered throughout the whole world, yet, as if occupying but one house, carefully preserves it. She also believes these points [of doctrine] just as if she had but one soul, and one and the same heart, and she proclaims them, and teaches them, and hands them down, with perfect harmony, as if she possessed only one mouth. For, although the languages of the world are dissimilar, yet the import of the tradition is one and the same."- Ireneus, Against Heresies 1:10:2

To: BenghaziMemoriam

Nice quote, doesn’t answer the question.

To: kosciusko51

"...if we turn our attention to the beginnings of Apostolical teaching after His ascension, we shall find ourselves unable to fix an historical point at which the growth of doctrine ceased, and the rule of faith was once for all settled. Not on the day of Pentecost, for St. Peter had still to learn at Joppa that he was to baptize Cornelius; not at Joppa and Cæsarea, for St. Paul had to write his Epistles; not on the death of the last Apostle, for St. Ignatius had to establish the doctrine of Episcopacy; not then, nor for centuries after, for the Canon of the New Testament was still undetermined . Not in the Creed, which is no collection of definitions, but a summary of certain credenda, an incomplete summary, and, like the Lord's Prayer or the Decalogue, a mere sample of divine truths, especially of the more elementary. No one doctrine can be named which starts complete at first, and gains nothing afterwards from the investigations of faith and the attacks of heresy."

- John Henry Newman, Development of Christian Doctrine

"Now, as you know, it has been held from the first, and defined from an early age , that Mary is the Mother of God. She is not merely the Mother of our Lord's manhood, or of our Lord's body, but she is to be considered the Mother of the Word Himself, the Word incarnate. God, in the person of the Word, the Second Person of the All-glorious Trinity, humbled Himself to become her Son."

- John Henry Newman, Discourses to Mixed Congregations

To: BenghaziMemoriam

If your point is true that not all Christian teachings were not completed with the apostles, how could the first century believer know what was necessary for salvation? Or did they have sufficient information at that time? And why should any current Christian be held accountable for beliefs the early Christians were not taught by the apostles?

To: kosciusko51

If your point is true that not all Christian teachings were not completed with the apostles, how could the first century believer know what was necessary for salvation? Or did they have sufficient information at that time?

And why should any current Christian be held accountable for beliefs the early Christians were not taught by the apostles? In any age, it would seem that there are certain bare basics that are required to be taught to (and accepted by) the believer. The Apostles' Creed seems to fit that (by definition). However, there's more than just knowing and believing:

"What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it. For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone."

- Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

https://ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation/imitation.ONE.1.html

"To whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48).

In any age, it would seem that there are certain bare basics that are required to be taught to (and accepted by) the believer. The Apostles' Creed seems to fit that (by definition). However, there's more than just knowing and believing:"What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it. For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone."- Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ"To whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48).

To: BenghaziMemoriam

So, what teachings necessary for our salvation and spiritual life are not taught either explicitly or implicitly in Scripture? And how do you prove that?

To: kosciusko51

So, what teachings necessary for our salvation and spiritual life are not taught either explicitly or implicitly in Scripture? And how do you prove that? How do you prove that the collection of writings that make up Scripture (particularly the New Testament) are exactly the ones that belong there (no more and no less)? When was that decided and by whom?

How do you prove that the collection of writings that make up Scripture (particularly the New Testament) are exactly the ones that belong there (no more and no less)? When was that decided and by whom?

To: BenghaziMemoriam

You answer my question first, and I’ll answer yours.

To: kosciusko51

You answer my question first, and Ill answer yours. Ok. Ill make an honest attempt to answer to your last questions and would appreciate that you do likewise.

So, what teachings necessary for our salvation and spiritual life are not taught either explicitly or implicitly in Scripture? And how do you prove that? I dont have an exhaustive list, but I do have at least one example: the obligation of Sunday Worship and its supplanting of the Jewish Sabbath. Its definitely not explicit in Scripture and its a stretch to say that its implicit. Of course, there are a few references to worship occurring on the Lords Day. However, thats different than claiming that Scripture mandates it. If you can provide that definitive info, then you can answer the Seventh-Day Adventists who claim You may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. Nevertheless, for centuries (millennia?), many (most?) Christians recognize it's necessary for salvation (myself included). While not explicit in Scripture, its arguably consistent with it. Even so, it still needed some time to develop. The very first Christians were Jewish and probably would have continued keeping the Jewish Sabbath until instructed that it was no longer binding (whereas the Sunday obligation is). I cannot provide proof (certainly none that a Seventh-Day Adventist would accept) other than what has been historically observed by several Christian writers over the centuries.

Now, as a reminder, here are my questions:

How do you prove that the collection of writings that make up Scripture (particularly the New Testament) are exactly the ones that belong there (no more and no less)? When was that decided and by whom?

Ok. Ill make an honest attempt to answer to your last questions and would appreciate that you do likewise.I dont have an exhaustive list, but I do have at least one example: the obligation of Sunday Worship and its supplanting of the Jewish Sabbath. Its definitely not explicit in Scripture and its a stretch to say that its implicit. Of course, there are a few references to worshipon the Lords Day. However, thats different than claiming that Scriptureit. If you can provide that definitive info, then you can answer the Seventh-Day Adventists who claim. Nevertheless, for centuries (millennia?), many (most?) Christians recognize it's necessary for salvation (myself included). While not explicit in Scripture, its arguably consistent with it. Even so, it still needed some time to develop. The very first Christians were Jewish and probably would have continued keeping the Jewish Sabbath until instructed that it was no longer binding (whereas the Sunday obligation is). I cannot provide proof (certainly none that a Seventh-Day Adventist would accept) other than what has been historically observed by several Christian writers over the centuries.Now, as a reminder, here are my questions:

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Nigerian duo Eberechi Eze and Bright Osayi-Samuel were impressive as Queens Park Rangers humiliated Cardiff City 6-1 in a Championship clash at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, London on New Year’s Day.

Both players were involved in five of the six goals scored by QPR as Eze scored one and assisted two while Osayi-Samuel was on target twice.

Nahki Wells scored the first goal in the ninth minute as he ran on to a lofted through ball from Eze to head home, before Osayi-Samuel doubled the hosts advantage at 27th minute with Wells turning provider this time.

Osayi-Samuel got his second of the night with four minutes before half-time to make 3-0 as he fired past goalkeeper Neil Etheridge after beating two Cardiff City players.

On 48 minutes, Wells got his second goal of the game and QPR’s fourth, heading home off an assist from Eze.

The impressive Eze got on the scoresheet when he finished off a lovely cross from Ilias Chair 12 minutes into the second half.

The two Nigerians have scored a combined 14 goals in the Championship so far this season and have set up 10 goals in total.

Queens Park Rangers are 15th in the English second tier with 35 points from 26 matches, five points off the playoff spots. They face Brentford in their next league game on January 11.

GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD: Long-time roadie in the Australian live entertainment business, Howard Freeman.

GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD: Long-time roadie in the Australian live entertainment business, Howard Freeman.

THE life of a roadie is an unusual one.

But it is a life Howard Freeman wouldn't change for the world.

He has set up and pulled down monumentally large stages for some of the biggest bands on the planet.

And with his loyal roadie mates, he then drives interstate overnight and does it all again.

Matt Collins: You are one of Australia longest serving roadies. That must be a proud badge to have?

Howard Freeman: Yeah, I can remember being four or five-years-old and going into a band room. My father had a holiday resort in Melbourne and he had a big band playing. Every year he would hold ballroom dances through the summer because pubs would close at 6 o'clock. The same year I remember my father shooting a guy in the knee who was coming up the stairs to rob us.

MC: All that when you were five?

HF: Yeah, no wonder I wanted to leave home in a hurry.

MC: How did you go in your school days? Did you enjoy school?

HF: At Caulfield Grammar, where my father spent a lot of money getting me educated, I got the lowest score in maths ever recorded in the history of education.

MC: Another proud moment.

HF: Yeah, but that was at 15 and I worked out recently in my last AC/DC concert my budget was $6.5 million, so I faked it pretty good.

MC: Let's talk about some of the huge names you have worked with. Who was the first big act?

HF: The most memorable human being to me was Billy Thorpe. When he started playing rock, he did a song at my venue once called, Cigarettes, whiskey and wild, wild woman. I was 18 at the time and I listened to the lyrics and went, 'yeah this for me'.

MC: Your first tour manager job was for a great Aussie band, Sherbet.

HF: Yeah and back then nobody knew what a touring manager did. I had a security business in Melbourne and I could count money, so I could handle myself and I was probably reasonable company then. I had hair and hips and half a brain.

MC: That was all the resume you needed.

HF: Absolutely.

MC: Explain to me what 24 hours looks like for roadie.

HF: It depends what era you are speaking. In the 80s it could be behind the wheel of a four-tonne truck driving overnight from Brisbane to Sydney after you've loaded out at 2am. You may find a hamburger on the way, you'd be drinking scotch or Bundy, you're probably smoking a joint and you could've done a line of speed. You'd arrive at approximately 1pm the next afternoon. You'd carry the gear upstairs, you'd set up and everyone would hate you because you haven't showered. And you'd probably do that again in Melbourne the night after.

MC: So why do it? What's the appeal?

HF: You do it for the people you love and work with, which is the band you represent. Somebody asked me, what was the greatest drug I had ever had. I said, when the house lights go down and the band starts playing music.

That doesn't matter whether it's a suburban pub with 20 people, or in a stadium with 100,000 people. You've built it and they have come.

Bloomberg opinion:

It's pretty much never a good idea to call out someone else's incorrect forecast in hindsight, especially if you're also in the business of prognosticating (or writing opinion columns). The reason: You'll almost surely be on the receiving end of ridicule yourself in the not-too-distant future.

This past year in fixed income, though, defies that rule of thumb. Since nearly everyone got at least something wrong, the entire bond-market community can look back and laugh at just how little they thought they knew about the stage of the credit cycle and the willingness of global central banks to abruptly change course and ease policy aggressively.

READ MORE:

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• Market Watch: Why shares are hitting new highs as economic fears rise

• Market Watch: If you'd picked these stocks you could retire early

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In 2019, every key US bond market posted positive returns, according to Bloomberg Barclays index data. A sample: High-grade corporate debt, 14.5 per cent; high yield, 14.3 per cent; Treasuries, 6.9 per cent; securitised products, 6.3 per cent; mortgage-backed securities, 6.2 per cent. Buying long-dated bonds in the aggregate index netted a profit of 20 per cent. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell to as low as 1.43 per cent, from 2.68 per cent, as the Federal Reserve embarked on back-to-back-to-back quarter-point interest-rate cuts in the second half of the year. Credit spreads are near the tightest they've been this economic cycle and the cost to protect against default is the lowest of the post-crisis era.

- Bank of America: "We forecast the Fed will hike rates four times in 2019, reaching a terminal funds rate of 3.25-3.50 per cent by year-end."

- Morgan Stanley: "We believe the credit bear market, which likely began when IG spreads hit cycle tights in Feb. 2018, will continue in 2019, with HY and then eventually loans underperforming."

- Deutsche Bank AG: "Increasingly tight policy will push bond yields higher and lead to wider credit spreads after a near-term relief rally."

- Nomura: "We expect 2019 to conclude the hiking cycle with up to two more hikes. … IG is still in focus (especially the BBB story) but it's HY that could come under pressure as growth slows."

- Citigroup: "Both equities and bonds have the potential to see positive returns in 2019. However overall return levels are likely to remain subdued."

- BlackRock: "We see equities and bonds eking out positive returns in 2019. ... We take an up-in-quality stance in credit, and overall see limited upside and asymmetric downside as the economy enters into a late-cycle phase."

- Pacific Investment Management: "Cautious on generic corporate credit, but see relative value in financials and mortgages, modestly underweight duration."

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- Fidelity Investments: "These are fertile conditions for complacency, and there is a real risk of inflation spiralling if central banks pull back from further monetary tightening."

Bloomberg News's Mark Cudmore also admitted that he and the Markets Live team missed the great year for bonds: "We never saw it coming." He chalked up the miss to underappreciating what an intensified US-China trade war would mean for the global economic outlook and being caught off guard by the Fed's quick and nimble shift from raising interest rates to lowering them.

I agree with both of those culprits. Looking back, I was too convinced that Fed Chair Jerome Powell would hold policy steady through trade tensions to avoid the appearance of backstopping President Donald Trump's standoff with China. In late April, I wrote that bond traders went overboard on their rate-cut bets. In May, I still thought the Fed was committing to an aggressive pause, and in June I wrote that the market was seeing dovish signs that weren't necessarily there. Of course, the Fed dropped its lending benchmark by a quarter-point in July and did so again in September and October.

But aside from parsing Fedspeak, it's the following takeaway from Cudmore's retrospective that might be the most important of all, and why 2020 could most likely be another year of ever-shifting expectations:

"Perhaps the broader lesson from all our asset forecasts was a lack of ambition. We fell into the common trap of anchoring our predictions in today's ranges, and not realizing how far things could run once a move started."

Across Wall Street, strategists are doing the exact same thing for 2020. Consider the 10-year Treasury yield for example, which is set to end 2019 around 1.9 per cent. Aside from outliers at Citigroup and Societe Generale, analysts at other primary dealers see the yield in a tight window of 1.5 per cent to 2.25 per cent in 12 months' time.

As for high-yield debt, analysts are forecasting a total return between 1 per cent and 7.5 per cent, which equates to fairly benign price swings given the securities' large interest payments. The median annual return on the Bloomberg Barclays high-yield index since 1984 is 7.5 per cent.

I wrote earlier this month about the bold call for 10-year yields from John Dunham. He sees inflation rapidly picking up in the first half of 2020, freaking out the Fed and forcing policymakers to raise interest rates again. Then, toward the end of the year, he sees the US tumbling into a recession. That's how the benchmark Treasury yield rises past 3% come September and drops to a record low 1.3 per cent by mid-2021.

Is that precise sequence of events - and ensuing wide price swings - likely to play out? I'm not so sure. It certainly stands in stark contrast to BlackRock's three overarching ideas for 2020: "modestly positive on risk assets," "neutral on global duration and cash" and "cautious cyclical rotation." Don't get me wrong: Strategists at the world's biggest money manager have sound reasoning for those views. But they risk falling into the same trap that snared Wall Street in 2019.

One idea BlackRock and Dunham agree on: The risk of accelerating inflation is underappreciated in markets. That might be the one thing that could most quickly reverse 2019's bond boom. The median forecast of 61 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg calls for the 10-year US yield to end 2020 at 1.94 per cent, just about where it is today. If longer-term yields were forced to move higher in a hurry, that would cause a lot of pain across fixed-income assets.

The future, it turns out, is often quite difficult to predict. As the 2020s begin, perhaps it's best to borrow a page from the Fed's 2019 playbook: Take your best shot at forecasting the road ahead, but don't hesitate to react to important new information.

- Bloomberg

The attorney-general Christian Porter has suggested the higher rate of hourly pay casual workers receive mean many will have “already made provisions” if forced to take two-weeks unpaid leave because of the coronavirus crisis, and the government will not “jump to a solution in anticipation of a problem”.

As the government struggles to answer what solutions it is putting in place for Australia’s 3.3 million unsecured workforce, who do not receive sick leave entitlements, Porter told the ABC he did not expect it to be a universal problem.

“Many people would have already made provisions for that because of course the purpose of casual employment is that you’re paid extra in-lieu of the types of entitlements,” he said.

“If it is the case that large numbers of people in particular industry sectors by virtue of the casual nature of their employment are having these types of problems and that is something we’re aware could happen, that is something that can be responded to, likely through the welfare system, but there might be other options.

“We’re not going to jump to a solution in anticipation of a problem that is broad before that problem has arisen or we reasonably know that it will arise.”

Morrison warns coronavirus hit could be worse than GFC amid recession predictions Read more

Earlier, Labor had warned the Morrison government not to drag its feet on help for casual workers in the midst of a looming coronavirus employment crisis, after a roundtable discussion on the issue led to no concrete solutions for vulnerable employees.

Tony Burke and Linda Burney said Australia’s casual and contract workforce could not afford to wait to learn whether or not they would be paid sick leave in the event they were forced to self-isolate for two weeks.

“If casuals aren’t given that reassurance sooner rather than later we run the risk people will turn up to work when they’re sick because they simply cannot afford to stay home and lose their pay,” the Labor MPs said.

“This isn’t just about supporting Australia’s often vulnerable or insecure casual workers – it’s about containing the spread of this virus.”

The government is yet to say whether or not it will support workers without sick leave entitlements as part of its coronavirus stimulus package.

Porter, who led a roundtable discussion with unions and employer and business groups on Tuesday, said the challenges faced by casual workers would be “one of the many things that need to be considered” by the government, but gave no answers on how it would do that.

“I think we’re preferring to see this problem as about how we make sure that businesses keep employing people and provide the goods and services that we rely on during challenging times,” he said afterwards.

“Of course there’s a sectorial component to that with different parts of the workforce being affected differently. We listened very carefully to what the unions have had to say, obviously, but they certainly weren’t the only voice in the room.”

The head of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Sally McManus, said the government needed to prioritise supporting casual workers who would be forced to take unpaid time off work to ensure the coronavirus was “contained and controlled”.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest ACTU secretary Sally McManus listens as industrial relations minister Christian Porter speaks during the coronavirus roundtable. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

“We do have to think about small businesses, because they’re also going to struggle if there’s a further downturn and so, for that reason, that’s why the government needs to play a role in supporting those workers and those contractors, small businesses in order to make sure people can look after themselves and keep healthy but also so the economy can keep operating,” she said.

“In terms of big business, we heard some encouraging signs today from big business representatives there, where they were saying that they’re ready to support their workforce and we’re ready to work with them to make sure that that happens as well.”

Labor has previously called for Newstart-like payments to be made available to any workers without sick pay who find themselves forced to self-isolate for two weeks.

The Australian Council of Social Service said it would welcome any form of assistance for vulnerable workers, including one-off stimulus payments, but called for the unemployment payment to be raised as a permanent measure.

Speaking to the Australian Financial Review business summit in Sydney on Tuesday, Scott Morrison said businesses, unions and even state governments needed to play their own role in steering Australia’s economy through the pandemic.

Australian government stimulus package promises financial support 'as fast as possible' Read more

“All of us are in a position today to be able to do what we need to do, over the course of this virus crisis to strengthen and see the Australian economy through,” he said.

“And it requires I think that mindset, if you want to have a bounce back stronger on the other side, then it will require I think using those balance sheets that you’ve built for such a time as this, to ensure that Australia emerges stronger.”

Porter also warned unions against the “temptation” to take industrial action during the pandemic, a prospect which has not been floated, as the government worked to protect supply chains.

“I think this is a very bad time for industrial action. I mean, there will always be a temptation to have industrial action when it has the greatest effect,” he said.

“Industrial action of any type at the moment would have a very, very large and negative effect. The reality is that there are already businesses suffering from disruptions to supply chains – that will mean that it will become harder for them to produce the goods and services that we all rely on every day.”

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