T.I. gave New York their first taste of his next album last night at a private listening session. Above, Nigel D.catches the Kang speaking on the project. Trouble Man December 18.

“I think this is my best work ever because all of my albums have been snapshots of where I was in life as a man, I’m in a better position right then I was then.”

ARIES (March 21-April 20)

Aries, you have big plans and are focused this week on how they might be realized. You have help from a variety of sources and they involve both monetary and career issues. Be open to new experiences to gain maximum benefit.

TAURUS (April 21-May 20)

Taurus, while financial issues surface for you this week, your attention is on more than money. You will find that a change in perspective comes from reexamining a relationship and your vision for how you want to be in the future.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Geminis, the entire week is in your hands. Colleagues may seem slower than usual and there are cost implications. It is up to you to step up and take charge of the relationship. You can make an incredible difference if you are prepared to put yourself out there.

CANCER (June 22-July 23)

Cancers, if you can’t fight the tendency to retreat into your shell this week, use the time creatively and to find the wherewithal to transform an important relationship. You have what it takes, so put in the effort. It will be worth it.

LEO (July 24-August 23)

Leos, this week calls for your creative approach. Those at home and who work alongside you are looking to you for leadership. You have great influence at this time and should use it to support what works and begin change on what does not.

VIRGO (August 24-September 23)

Virgos, you are the support this week. Everyone is looking to you for leadership and the authority your experience can bring to bear on the situation. Pack it full of content, but remember to keep the delivery lighthearted so people are more receptive.

LIBRA (September 24-October 22)

Libras, it is a busy time for you and your challenge is to provide the structure you need to reach out to make your vision a reality. Others will rely on you to step forward and make a real and lasting difference in their lives and your own.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 22)

Scorpios, your value and the value of what you offer becomes abundantly clear to you this week. Your mind will be swirling with the implications. It is up to you to figure out how you can make the internal changes needed to make the most of what you know and can do.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21)

Sagittarius, your focus for the week is on yourself and what you want. This will impact an important relationship in your life and has the potential to transform it for the better if you are able to stay firm and stick to your principles.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20)

Capricorns, you are likely to need some quiet time this week Being alone does not mean being lonely. In fact, the insights you gain from this solitude could have a profound effect on your approach to work and those with whom you work.

AQUARIUS (January 21-February 18)

Aquarius, others call on you this week and you will have to divide your attention. If creativity and entertainment are what you want, you will need to find ways to balance work demands without over-reaching or tiring yourself out. Energy management is the key.

PISCES (February 19-March 20)

Pisces, this week finds you drawing on your skills and expertise. It is a chance to shine and show their value. The opportunity to inspire others means you should be on the lookout for those who are ready to make a difference and influence the world.

Yes! I am interested in a private astrology reading based on my own unique birth chart!

All suites are half price during Tuesday home games, too. You can purchase 12 seats for $360, 15 seats for $450, or 18 seats for $540. Or you might choose an Ice Box for half price (only $750), for 50 tickets located in the first three rows of section 107.

If you’d like to purchase group tickets for your scout troupe, church group or just for friends, you can buy 20 group tickets and receive the customary $6 discount off of the walk up price PLUS the 2 for 1 deal. This means that you can get 40 tickets for $9 a piece!

Contact the T-Birds by phone at 253.239.PUCK or email stbirds@seattlethunderbirds.com to take advantage of 2-for-Tuesday tickets specials on Group, Suite and Ice Box tickets.

ShoWare Center is located at:
625 W James Street
Kent, WA 98032
http://www.showarecenter.com

Having Cee-Lo on your hook with a Neptune beat will definitely get a warm welcome. With that said, here’s the latest offering off  Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head. Album drops December 18.

Django Unchained soundtrack drops on December 18. The Quentin Tarantino-directed film hits theaters Christmas day.

For 1977‘s opening track, Terius puts his troubled relationship on to the small screen. Disturbingly, his girl got the worst of it in the end. Album in stores December 18.

David Lanz Winter Solstice Concert
Tuesday and Wednesday
December 18 and 19
7:30pm
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.9729
http://www.jazzalley.com

David Lanz’ Winter Solstice concert has become a Seattle tradition. This year at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, it will be twice the enjoyment as we help David celebrate the release of two new CDs! You will hear performances from both, Joy Noel, his new 2012 holiday CD, and Cristofori’s Dream…Re-Envisioned, the just released 25th Anniversary Solo Piano Edition. Tickets available online.

Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
Friday, December 21
about 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Downtown Snohomish, WA 98290
http://www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org

Stroll with friends, come a-caroling, or simply contemplate the beauty of the evening along the Riverfront Trail.

Winter Solstice Sunset Viewing Event
Friday, December 21
4:05pm – 4:35pm
Solstice Park
7400 Fauntleroy Way SW
Seattle, WA 98136
http://www.alicesastroinfo.com

Although there may be celebrations and fun all over Seattle, there is at least one place where you can actually measure the astronomical significance of the longest day of the year: Solstice Park in West Seattle. Walk past the tennis courts, through the P-Patch and continue on up the hill. When the trail ends go five more feet to enter the stonework circle and get the best views of sunset. The official sunset is at 4:20pm. Dress warmly!

Winter Solstice Meditation and Music
Friday, December 21
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Source Yoga
6720 Regents Blvd
University Place, WA 98466
253.238.3688
http://www.sourceyogaonline.com

Come together with your Source community for a quieting yoga and meditation practice with live music to acknowledge the shortest day and longest night of the year and to celebrate the returning of the sun! Your yoga and meditation practice will be deepened by the exquisite accompaniment of the Native American and Chinese Flutes played by world renowned musician Gary Stroutsos. Cost $35/person. Register online.

Longest Night Service and Labyrinth Walk
Friday, December 21
4:00pm – 9:00pm
Plymouth Church Seattle
1217 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
206.622.4865
http://www.plymouthchurchseattle.org

Walking the labyrinth is a spiritual practice. Whether you pray, meditate, reflect or walk in gratitude, the rhythm of walking, putting one foot in front of the other, on this archetype of wholeness, empties the mind, relaxes the body and refreshes the spirit. The Labyrinth will be open for walks from 4:00pm – 7:00pm, and again after the 7:00pm service until 9:00pm.

Honoring the Darkness, Celebrating the Light Solstice Fire Ritual & Gong Meditation
Friday, December 21
6:30pm
Hummingbird Studio
West Seattle
206.309.4667
http://www.innerlistening.com

Bring a candle and join with like-minded souls to mark this terrifyingly wonderful dark night. The ritual portion will be held outdoors rain or shine so come prepared. Then, we will move inside for a special gong meditation. Last year’s event was tremendously inspiring for many people. Don’t miss this powerful earth-based gathering! Refreshments provided. Cost is $28/person. Please pre-register online or by phone.

Changing of the Ages: A Special Winter Equinox Class
Friday, December 21
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Seattle Unity Church
200 Eighth Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
seattleunity.org

Be sure to join in on this special evening to strengthen and align yourself with the cosmic vibrations of our mother earth and build your caliber for easy transit into the full Aquarian experience.

Sultan Solstice Celebration
Friday, December 21
7:00pm
Sky Valley Visitor Center
320 Main Street
Sultan, WA 98294
360.793.0983
http://www.snohomish.org

The theme for this gathering is “Bestowing Comfort and Embracing Hope”. You are invited to gather at the Visitor Center for a night of support and compassion.

Winter Solstice Concert
Saturday, December 22
7:30pm
Phinney Neighborhood Center Community Hall
6532 Phinney Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98103
206.528.8523
http://www.seafolklore.org

On the longest night of 2012, celebrate the winter solstice with the traditional tunes, songs and poetry of Stanley and Kip Greenthal, with Jamie Laval and Christos Govetas. Jamie Laval is one of the best Celtic violinists around. Christos Govetas sings and plays clarinet, oud and bouzouki, performing regulary in Seattle. Stanley sings and plays guitar and bouzouki while Kip adds vocal harmony and percussion. Together they light a blazing solstice hearth for this unique winter evening. Tickets are $16/person. Children $8/each. Reserve online or by phone.

The troubled man, T.I. releases what looks to be a single for upcoming album Trouble Man.  Thing that caught my idea was the feature from Andre 3000.  Really enjoyed this track after listening to it a couple times and am really looking forward to the release of Trouble Man December 18.  This single is available on iTunes and is selling fast.  Rumors state there are going to be lots of features from various hot artist.  A classic rapper like Andre 3000 ensures more great names to be incorporated in the studio album.  The slow beat and dirty flows make a good song to jam to.  Download Sorry (feat. Andre 3000) – T.I. below.  #Hustlegang

This is T.I.’s eighth studio album and the first since his incarceration. There have been a few false starts but the 16-track treat will definitely be released on December 18 – just in time for Christmas.

There have been some promotional single released in the run-up to the album release, the most popular being Ball which features New Orleans’ own Lil Wayne. Check out the video here.

Today, #TroubleManTuesdays brought us a new track fromt the album called Sorry which features André 3000. T.I. enlists the aid of a nice mix of artists on Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head including ASAP Rocky, P!nk and CeeLo Green, Meek Mill and more.

What do you think of the album art? Leave a comment below and check out the tracklist.

Tracklist: Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head
1. The Introduction
2. G Season (feat. Meek Mill)
3. Trap Back Jumpin’
4. Wildside (feat. ASAP Rocky)
5. Ball (feat. Lil Wayne)
6. Sorry (feat. André 3000)
7. Can You Learn (feat. R. Kelly)
8. Go Get It
9. Guns and Roses (feat. P!nk)
10. The Way We Ride
11. Cruisin’
12. Addresses
13. Hello (feat. CeeLo Green)
14. Who Want Some
15. Wonderful Life (feat. Akon)
16. Hallelujah

Chicago native Chief Keef has been blowing up the air waves. And I can’t sit back and lie like he has not been working on his image. Every video has gotten better, flows still keepin’ the Young Chop produced beat cranking. Director Hi-Def takes Sosa out to the city of angels for this track entitled ‘Kobe‘, what better place to be. Finally Rich arrives December 18.

Qanoon ki pasdari zaroori hay (Abiding law is essential)

On this day in 1916, the Battle of Verdun began on the Western Front in World War I, between French and German forces. This battle waged in northeastern France killed close to 700 000 troops. Some 40 million artillery shells were fired before the battle concluded on the 18th December 1916 in a virtual stalemate, though regarded as a French win.

For more, visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Verdun

My celeb birthday list rocks! Each one boast success in his or her areas of expertise. I feel connected to them all as kindred spirits representing different facets of my personality. You know, like Sybil.

Keith Richards
Keith is Party Jenny, who reigned supreme during the college years. Although I limited my substances to the liquid variety, I could always be counted on to keep the party going by buying another round for the crowd. I also enjoyed loud music, loud outfits and loud blokes.

 Steven Spielberg
I love all thing cinema and the fact that Steven and I are blowing out the candles on the same day. I’m not saying that every one of his films is a favorite, but with so many choices, it’s inevitable that he has been involved in at least one of your top ten. My geek side is addicted to Close Encounters and Minority Report.  

Ray Liotta
Ray is my man in the mirror. Both of us are natives of New Jersey with dark hair, blue eyes and some remains of an unfortunate case of acne. Plus, he’s in Goodfellas, one of the few films that has more ball-busting and F-bombing than even I can dish out in one day. Awesome!

Brad Pitt
Here’s something I never thought I would say, but Brad is from Missouri, the state I now call home. Brad and I also share an affinity for changing our hairstyles frequently and skipping shaving for months at a time.

Katie Holmes
Katie is…uh…she’s…oh, never mind.  

Christina Aguilera
Christina is Vampy Jenny, bangled, busty and sometimes bloated. I also have a very big mouth.

Robert Wahlberg
Bobby and I are on the same cosmic journey, as we were born on the same day in the same year. The other thing we have in common is that I am totally willing to ride on the coattails of family or friends to become famous. Applications now being accepted.

Shippingport Atomic Power Station Reactor

December 18, 1957: The first nuclear power plant in the US begins producing power. The Shippingport Atomic Power Station was the world’s first full-scale atomic power plant devoted exclusively to peacetime uses. The Calder Hall reactor was the first nuclear power to connect to the grid, however British Magnox also produced plutonium for military uses. This first American plant is located in Pennsylvania on the Ohio River. It is about 25 miles from Pittsburgh.

Construction began on September 9, 1954. President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a speech the year before entitled Atoms for Peace. The audience was the United Nations. His theme proposed atomic energy could be used for more than bombs. The energy could actually be used to power homes. Dequesne Light Company made a proposal which was accepted by Admiral Rickover and the idea of the Nuclear Power Plant became viable. The ground breaking was done by Eisenhower who used a remote system to turn the first shovelful of dirt over.

The reactor first went critical on December 2, 1957 as power was beginning to generate. Sixteen days later, on this day, the reaction reached full power although it was still in test mode. It was actually put into the grid on May 26, 1958. It had taken just 32 months to construct at a cost of $72.5 million. It operated for 25 years and was decommissioned on October 1, 1982. The facility was dismantled beginning in September 1985. By December 1988 the reactor pressure vessel was removed from the ground to be buried in Washington State. The site has been cleaned up at a 1985 estimate cost of $98 million. The area is now in use without restrictions.

Today, nuclear power is used around the world. Armenia has the smallest capacity with 376 megawatts capacity. Even that small amount accounts for 45% of the nation’s power supply. The US has the greatest megawatt capacity at 101,229. Even that largest number, nearly twice that of France, the next producer, is only 20% of American power usage. France, with 63,236 megawatts capacity gets 75% of its energy from this source. While China does use nuclear energy and creates 10,234 megawatts, it accounts for only 1.9% of their energy use, the smallest percentage of nuclear power users.

“If nuclear power plants are safe, let the commercial insurance industry insure them. Until these most expert judges of risk are willing to gamble with their money, I’m not willing to gamble with the health and safety of my family.” – Donna Reed

“If we are to meet the growing electricity demand in the United States without significantly increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, we must maintain a diverse supply of electricity, and nuclear power must be part of that mix.” – Judy Biggert

“Nuclear power will help provide the electricity that our growing economy needs without increasing emissions. This is truly an environmentally responsible source of energy.” – Michael Burgess

“All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant can be stored under a desk.” – Ronald Reagan

Also on this day:

The Grinch – The Dr. Seuss tales came to television for the first time.
Ancient Pueblo Housing – In 1888, Cliff Palace was discovered.

Though as expected not a lot of us found the current rescue plan that great.

“So your plan is to assault a possibly heavily defended prison camp not with heavily armored troop carriers with superior firepower with a large force of men but with a couple of trucks and just under fifteen men, if we’re lucky, armed with whatever they can carry into battle?” Antenori deadpanned as he stared me straight in the eye.

“Look I know it sounds crazy…”

“Half the stuff that comes out of your mouth is crazy Murdock.” He interrupted me.

“but we don’t have the logistical capabilities to bring the LAV’s over to Kansas then over the border to colorado from here. And like it or not shitty help at this point is a better than no help, at the least having a noter trigger puller puts more lead down range.” I told him.

“Well I guess it’s just gives them something else to shot at… but you realize the mission is to stop Holmes’ and take him down. We’re not some rescue team, I mean, as much as I want to help, Holmes and his thugs are enough trouble for us. These guys are just going to be extra baggage… we might be better of trading the Damn LAV’s for some kitted up pick-ups.” He said resting back against the side of the LAV.

“I know… but we can’t just leave those people in their. You’ve seen the facilities, you know what Holmes is capable of, do you really want to just leave them there.” I told him, “We have to help them, who knows, maybe these guys will have a change of heart and help us all the way to colorado.” I said with a smirk.

“You’re nuts… but hell I can’t fight him alone. The bastard got my men killed, my friends, my family… if saving those damn people will bring me a step closer to him. Then fine but you better not get us killed Murdock.” He said with a soft growl before heading into the LAV with our supplies.

Sometimes I forget our resident beret is just like the rest of us. He’s not just some army brat, he lost friends, family, comrades just like the rest of us, but unlike us he lost his whole team, all his men crushed by Hellhound one of Holmes first major nightmares.

After Wolfe, Slim, and Mac Tavish had setup the LAV’s around the camp to act as a stationary defense, it won us a few moor brownie points and honestly we just can’t afford to keep the beasts gassed up for the long haul over to Kansas. We moved all our equipment and kit into four separate pick-ups a bunch of Toyota Hilux’s Wolfe, Slim, and the SAS got to work on rigging up the gear on to the sides and back of the pick ups while giving our gunners whatever room we could to allow them to use the primary weapons, essentially a couple of old M60 machine-guns and a couple of Minime’s both of which looked like they’ve seen far better days.

None of us felt very comfortable with the weapons current status, but Wolfe took it as his responsibility to get them back up to decent firing order.

While the boys were busy, Nika and Antenori were negotiating for medical goods with whatever we could barter with, usually spare weapons we got from the last outpost and some MRE’s. tough dealing considering with every passing day medical goods get harder and harder to come by, though I’ve heard people talking about medical facilities still active within government controlled areas, we might just check those places out somewhere in the future.

While the Captain, Sam, and I continued to plan things out with Thomas and Stan. But things were’t exactly going our way.

“NO! I’m not risking any of my men on some wild goose chase! If they choose to go that’s there choice but I’m not ordering them to their death on some rescue mission to some facility in Kansas who’s only existence is based of some database from some secret facility!” Thomas yelled.

“Thomas! The data is accurate!” Sam yelled in response, “And so far everything I’ve gathered shows that there are a number of camps around there, and Stan confirmed that those camps have a number of your people. You can’t just leave them there!”

“Sam… I can’t risk more people. I just can’t ok. Maybe the camp is there and our people are in there, but I’ve seen these government areas there crawling with security. Kansas is a border state of a government controlled area, meaning they have UAV’s and probably scouts going around there and from what I’ve seen they’re not too happy to see us. They call us marauders and they have a shoot first ask questions later policy.”

The Captain watched the two siblings bicker a little longer before interrupting the both of them.

“Both of you shut the hell up.” The Captain said sharply as she hit her fist on a nearby table, “Thomas this people are your responsibility correct?”

He looked the captain in the eye, “Yeah.”

“Well like it or not, these people are our responsibility to. Last I remember our job was to rescue civilians, but we can’t do that alone right now. I know you don’t want to risk your people, but can honestly just leave them in some prison camp with a mad man who has experimented on living people in the past. And I know for a fact that, that’s true… I’ve seen it… Davoren’s good friend was a victim of it… and if you don’t help us they will probably meet the same fate. And I’m sure the last thing you’ll want to do is have to fight them when they get released into the world, twisted, mindless, angry, and infected.” The Captain’s voice was sharp and her yes stern. “We’ve had to do that more than a few times already, and believe me, it’s never easy having to shot something that was once a person you knew and cared about.” Her tone was a little shaky with those last words.

I saw her eyes softened, seems like a lot more happened while I was away in Russia then she mentioned.

“Thomas, spare what men you can and I promise I’ll do everything in my power to keep them alive and save your people. All we ask in return is some help getting into Colorado, maybe set of wheels, and whatever you can spare. Then after that you won’t have to deal with us ever again.”

“Fine, but Sam’s staying here.” Thomas spat.

Still the overprotective brother but Sam wasn’t going to have any of that.

“I’m staying with Davoren. I have a bone to pick with Mr.Holmes… because of him… I lost my camp and people died. I’m not letting him get away with that. And you’re not going to stop me.”

“You’re all nuts…” Thomas muttered.

He’s partially right. This rescue mission entailed fighting of both Holmes’ PMC and probably US military personnel. People will probably die in this assault but we can’t just leave those people in there.

We signed up to save lives and defend freedom against all enemies foreign and domestic.

We’re saving those people, then Holmes and his associates… We’re going to kill them all.

- 1st Sergeant Davoren Murdock

Qatar’s National Day is mainly celebrated in commemoration of the historic day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad Al Thani, the founder of Qatar, succeeded his father, Sheikh Muhammad bin Thani Al Thani as the ruler of Qatar and led the country towards unity. Furthermore, Qatar’s National Day emphasizes the history and identity of the tiny Arab Gulf nation and also pays tributes to the women and men who participated in the foundation and building of the country.

A couple of years ago, there was no National Day in Qatar. Instead, we celebrated Qatar’s independence from Britain every year on September 3rd (Qatar gained its independence from Britain on September 3rd, 1971). Eventually, the Independence Day was scrapped and the National Day was formed to combine Qatar’s unification and independence.

Here is a picture of the cake that my family had specifically made for Qatar’s National Day:

Happy National Day! (Credit goes to my cousin, Fatima Al Attiyah, who took the picture and uploaded it on her twitter account @FatmaAlattiyah)   

Happy National Day Qatar!

Sources:

The Official Website for Qatar’s National Day. “Day Importance.” (link: http://bit.ly/uPIHQp)

Here’s a link to the picture (which my cousin took) of the cake: http://bit.ly/spnoRU

Also, I used some of my personal knowledge for this blogpost.

Matthew 27:34, 48

When Jesus hung at Calvary, He did so as the substitute for all of the sinners in the world, you and I included. He took the wrath of the Father so that we would be spared God’s anger. Thank God that Jesus was a worthy vessel in which God could pour out His holy justice.

We are well aware that just before He cried, “It is finished”, Jesus received vinegar and drank it (John 19:30). The word ‘vinegar’ is “sour wine”, fulfilling God’s prophecy of Jeremiah 31:29 in which He promised that the time would come that men would no longer have the right to say, “The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”. When Jesus drank the sour wine, He did it so that your teeth would never be set on edge. Jesus freed you from the sins of your fathers!

With that event in mind, we find that Jesus’ drinking of the vinegar just before His death was not the first time that He was offered something to drink at the cross. Matthew’s gospel records both instances in which the soldiers offered Jesus vinegar; once on the ground at the foot of the cross, and once while hanging on the cross. The one in which He accepts is found in Matthew 27:48 where we see them giving Him vinegar to drink followed by His crying with a loud voice (verse 50). Though the text does not say that He drank, we know that according to John 19 that He did, and the crying out with a loud voice was Him crying, “It is finished”.

The first offer came earlier in that same chapter, just after Jesus’ arrival at Golgotha. The beating put on Him by the soldiers of Pontius Pilate, followed by the carrying of His own cross must have had a heavy effect on the soldiers assigned to the actual crucifixion. They saw this bloody mass of a man approach the hill and they felt an uncommon compassion on Him. “They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall” (Matthew 27:34). The Greek word for ‘gall’ is often “myrrh” which was often used to bring comfort or relief. The soldiers had mingled some myrrh with the vinegar to provide Jesus with a bit of relief in His state of pain.

“And when He had tasted, He would not drink” (Matthew 27:34). Notice that when Jesus tastes what they have done to the vinegar, He refuses to drink. You can almost see this moment of Jesus spitting the vinegar out, refusing to put any comfort or medicine into His body. Jesus took no relief from the pains of the cross so that He could fully bear the brunt of all that was supposed to happen to us. In short, Jesus took no relief so that you could take all relief!

When you think of Jesus hanging on the cross at Calvary, don’t think of how pitiful that you are in light of how much that He did for you. Instead, think of how punished that Jesus was so that you could always go free. See the sacrifice of Christ as a finished work; one in which Jesus drank the cup of judgment and wrath so that you could drink from the free flowing blessings of heaven. Drink up saint, for you are henceforth and forever free!