News on the Net

Hundreds participate in Springfield Nativity Scene Committee’s 5th annual Opening Day Ceremony

Springfield, IL – On Tuesday, November 27th, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) held its fifth annual opening day celebration in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda. In 2008, the SNSC made history when the first ever Nativity Scene was put on display in the Illinois Capitol next to the Governor's "Holiday" tree. Mississippi also displays a Nativity Scene.

What U.N. Recognition of Palestine Really Means

This article by Anne Bayefsky appears on National Review Online. To comprehend what went down at the U.N. on Thursday when the Palestinians were given “non-member observer state status” by a vote of 138 for, 9 against, and 41 abstentions, consider these statements made in New York over the course of the day:

Update: Potential Mass Genocide Threatens Sudanese Christians

(Source: Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin) The threat of genocide looms in Sudan as Christian and non-Arab communities in three regions have been targeted by President General Omar al-Bashir, a notorious leader well known for the systematic slaughter of those who oppose Islamisation.

OPA, Hydro One need to be up front about upfront deposits

QUEEN’S PARK – It’s time the Ontario Power Authority and Hydro One come clean with project proponents about their applications, PC Energy Critic and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said today.

Families Get “Away for the Holidays” with BridgeStreet

This winter, BridgeStreet Residences, Serviced Apartments and Suites encourages families to get “Away for the Holidays,” and experience the spirit of the season from spacious serviced apartments worldwide, with rates starting at $75/night. Now - Jan. 6, 2013, BridgeStreet guests get a glimpse of a snowy skyline – or defrost from one – without compromising all the comforts of home. Offer code: HOLIDAY2012.

Tallahassee Launches Florida’s 500-Year Commemoration of Spanish Exploration

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – While Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon set foot on Florida's shores elsewhere in 1513, Tallahassee, one of the New World’s most significant early settlements, plays a central role in launching the state’s 500th anniversary of Spain’s arrival with the "Viva Florida 500" commemorative events. The year-long commemoration begins with the reenactment of the first Christmas celebration in North America at Mission San Luis, a national historic landmark and the only reconstructed mission site in the Southeast. The only surviving site open to the public of the state’s original 100 missions, it originally served as the western capital of the Florida missions.

Flip the switch on heating and lighting costs

About 20 percent of the operational expenses in office buildings, schools and hospitals goes toward energy — HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and electricity. Usually a default temperature is set for all year round, and the HVAC system and lights stay on even in unused rooms.

Afghanistan vet adopts bomb-sniffing dog 

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - When word recently arrived in the Sault that Willy was ready for adoption, Gage LaMothe didn't hesitate.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford vows to fight to keep his job

Toronto Sun

The America in which we live…

End of the doctor’s surgery

London Express

Some Dog Lovers Make A Push To Stop ‘Debarking’ Surgery

CBS News

Judicial Watch Lawsuit Forces Release of bin Laden Burial Records from U.S. Navy

WASHINGTON, -- Judicial Watch announced today that it has obtained bin Laden burial records from the United States Navy as a result of its July 18, 2012, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit seeking "any funeral ceremony, rite, or ritual" confirming that the slain terrorist was given full Islamic burial honors. Following the May 2, 2011, Navy SEAL raid that led to bin Laden's capture and killing, the al Qaeda leader was reportedly transported by the USS Carl Vinson and buried at sea in accordance with Muslim law.

Space Tech Startup, UrtheCast Named One of Canada’s ‘20 Hottest Innovative Companies’

VANCOUVER, – UrtheCast is honored to be named one of Canada’s ‘20 Hottest Innovative Companies’ by the Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX). On November 27, UrtheCast – the company that’s developing the world’s first HD Earth video platform, streamed from space – will join 19 other ‘hot’ innovators at CIX’s annual event in Toronto. At MaRS Discovery District, CIX will host Canadian investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in digital media and communication technology, and will lead hot-topic discussions surrounding the emerging trends and pioneers in Canada’s tech scene.

Trudeau’s apology falls flat, say opponents

Calgary Sun

Illinois one of two states to erect a Nativity Scene in state capitol

SPRINGFIELD--On Tuesday Nov. 27th, 2012, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will again erect a display depicting the birth of the Christ Child. For the fifth year in a row, the crèche will stand in the center of the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda (next to the Governor’s “holiday tree”) located at South 2nd Street & East Capitol Avenue in Springfield, Illinois.

Update: Blasphemy charges against Pakistani teenager dropped

(Source: Release International) The charges against Rimsha Masih, a teenager accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, were dropped on November 20th due to lack of witnesses. Rimsha, who was accused of burning sacred Islamic texts, spent three weeks in an adult prison before being released on bail in September (for more information, click here).

National anguish at death of five Chinese street children

London Telegraph

New life in the midst of conflict

Mohamed Ashgar is bored. The 11-year-old, who suffers from rheumatic heart disease, has been at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon for a week waiting for surgery, but it was delayed because of poor blood test results. Now he just wants to have the operation and get back home quickly to his parents and his four brothers and sisters. His dream when he is finally well again – to go back to school. Ill health has kept him out of class for over a year already.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 79TH Anniversary of the Holodomor

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement commemorating the 79th anniversary of the Holodomor taking place this Saturday: “I invite all Canadians to pause this Saturday and honour the millions of men, women and children - mostly Ukrainian, but also some Kazakhs and Russians - who perished during the 1932-1933 famine-genocide perpetrated by the barbaric communist regime of Josef Stalin.