Culture & News
Geopolitics
The recent G-7 summit held in Cornwall, United Kingdom was composed of leaders from the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Japan, Italy, and Germany. The guests invited to attend were: The European Union (EU), South Korea, India, Australia, and South Africa. Russia and China are both excluded from the G-7 summit. Russia was suspended in 2014 for its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.1 China has never been allowed membership to the G-7.2 Some topics for discussion include: the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, climate change, and fair trade. U.S. President Biden a few days later, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Switzerland for a meeting on current affairs.
The world of geopolitics is increasingly interconnected due to the internet, technological advances, and blended economies. There are also substantial challenges that involve terrorism, cyber attacks, natural disasters, and international crime syndicates. In addition, the developmental rise of some countries are the cause of geopolitical shifts and potential changes in the global distribution of power. According to Zbigniew Brzezinski, former U.S. National Security Advisor (1977-1981) in his book, Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power: “Very serious international tensions could also result from a reciprocal failure by America and China to adjust cooperatively to the changing distribution of political and economic power in their bilateral relationship” (kindle p. 154).3 Mr. Brzezinski then goes on to say: “Wisely, both the United States and China have explicitly embraced the concept of “a constructive partnership” in global affairs, and the United States- while critical of China’s violations of human rights- has been careful not to stigmatize the Chinese socioeconomic system as a whole” (kindle p. 179).4 Thus, it appears much is on the table for discussion and negotiation.
Bibliography
(1,2) Faulconbridge, Guy & James, William. “G7 Mulls a Message to China: The West Ain’t Over Just Yet.” Reuters. 2021. https://www.reuters.com/world/g7-discuss-decisive-action-counter-threats-like-russia-china-2021-05-03/
(3,4) Brzezinski, Zbigniew. Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power. Basic Books. 2012. Kindle Edition. ( pages 154 & 179 ).
CNBC: G-7 summit: Here’s a Quick Guide to Everything You Need to Know
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/10/the-g-7-summit-guide-to-everything-you-need-to-know.html
The Hindu: Hungarians Protest Against Planned Chinese University Campus
USA Today: Anti-Obama Protests Dispersed by South Africa Police (2013)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/06/29/obama-south-africa/2475133/
BBC News: Hong Kong: How Life has Changed Under China’s National Security Law
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-57649442
NBC News: President Biden: ” I Did What I Came to Do” at Summit with President Putin (includes video with Evelyn Farkas, Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia)
NBC News: China tells G-7 Leaders “small” Groups Don’t Rule the World on Final Day of Summit
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-tells-g7-leaders-small-groups-don-t-rule-world-n1270599
CBS News: Russia Warns U.S. to Stay Away From Ukraine for its “Own Good” as Ukraine Standoff Intensifies
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-united-states-standoff-fears/
Pittsburg-Post Gazette: Russian Trolls tried to Recruit a Prominent American Activist. He didn’t take the Bait but Others Did. (2017).
Art/Film/Literature News
Home Sweet Home
The Manhattan District Attorney has returned 27 stolen artifacts to Cambodia with an estimated worth of $3.8 million dollars. These artifacts date back to the Angkor Era (9th-15th century) and now are back home in their rightful place.
Art News: Manhattan District Attorney Returns 27 Looted Artifacts to Cambodia
Business/Non-Profit News
Mocha Southern Belle
While doing some research on modern etiquette, came across this lovely website that has a school of etiquette and blog. Reminiscent of when the old folks would say: “That girl could use some charm school.” Ha Ha! The owner, Romunda Guice, is a Certified Etiquette Consultant and a former U.S. Marine. Check-out this mocha and pink website below.
Mocha Southern Belle School of Etiquette (Hammond, Louisiana)
https://www.mochasouthernbellesoe.com/blog
Book Review
Great Women of the Apocrypha: Susanna
The Apocrypha is composed of 18 books that are considered “hidden writings.” The book: Great Women of the Apocrypha: Susanna by Robert J. Bagley (2018, 8 pages, kindle edition) explores the case of Susanna, a wife and mother, accused of a crime. If found guilty, the crime carries the death penalty. This apocryphal text takes place in ancient Babylon and features a young Daniel, of later prophetic fame in the kingdom. Susanna is the pious wife of a wealthy landowner and she frequents the beautiful gardens on the estate.
Per the text: “8: And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking; so that their lust was inflamed toward her” (kindle loc. 43).
There appears to be an ulterior motive toward Susanna, who cries out to the Lord for help during the trial. The Holy Spirit moves and brings forth a young Daniel to become involved in the matter. What will be the verdict?
Generally, the apocryphal texts are more common in Roman Catholic and Ethiopian canons, in contrast to other Christian based denominations of the Protestant tradition. Who typically (not absolutely) have no exposure to the apocrypha. However, I do read this text with a healthy amount of skepticism until further research is conducted. First, check the apocryphal text against Biblical scripture, how does it hold up? For instance, in the text Susanna cries out to the Lord.
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble…” -Psalm 102: 1-2, Holy Bible, KJV
So, there is Biblical scripture that supports one’s cry unto the Lord. This scriptural check example is not a conclusive study, but a needed first step. Next, research needs to identify historical accuracy, scope of validity, and why this text has been excluded from some Biblical canons. Overall, the story of Susanna is very interesting and uplifting.
Table Talk Magazine: Should Protestants Read the Apocrypha? (2018)
Got Questions: Who was Daniel in the Bible?
Purchase/Read Book Synopsis Here
Video (5)
2nacheki on YouTube
On Demand News on YouTube
Newsbud on YouTube
WUSA9 News on YouTube
June 15th, 2021
MSNBC News on YouTube
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