Does the thought of being chased by demons through a maze of death and destruction sound like a good time to you? Every year around this time, tens of thousands across America pay good money to experience an illusory world of magic, demonic spirits, and the occult, and this experience takes place in many of our most beloved "family" theme parks. Are these scare-festivals innocent family fun, or are they a tactic used to influence young minds against the true God of the Bible?

The world’s grain supply is shrinking.  There used to be a reliable three-month reserve, but in recent years this vital reserve has dropped to as little as an eight-week supply.  The price of rice, which is the staple grain for most Asians and many Africans, has been climbing higher, leaving millions of people facing the specter of famine.

Every day brought new rumors. Soldiers had become more active, and the night before bricks had mysteriously disappeared from many abandoned buildings. And now, people were saying a wall would soon be built. Fearing the worst, Hasso pleaded with his friend that they should escape the city. His friend, skeptical of the rumors, encouraged Hasso to "Relax. Enjoy yourself." Hasso had recently won a state swim tournament. Why should he not "enjoy himself?"

The third week of September 2008 may well prove to have been the axis of the shift from an American/Anglo centre of world financial influence to one centred on the sovereign funds of the Middle East and China. New powers are rising around the world. A resurgent Russia and a dynamic India are vying with Europe and China for their "place in the sun."

As one who has walked through the aftermath of many disasters – having represented insurance companies for decades as a claims adjuster – my attention was really grabbed by the pictures of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ike, and other recent storms.