As talks in Amman, Jordan continue, Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East urges Israel and the Palestinian Authority to summon historic political courage and take the steps that are necessary to return to direct peace talks and the successful negotiation of a final status peace agreement.  On the Israeli side, this would include freezing settlement construction on the West Bank.

“The status quo is not neutral,” according to Rev. Dr. Peter A. Pettit, of Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA and Fair Witness Executive Committee member.  “It eats away at the dignity and hope that must ground a peace agreement.  Therefore, we strongly urge Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to refrain from continued settlement building.

We also strongly urge Palestinian President Abbas to engage in direct peace talks without pre-conditions, as the Quartet has proposed, and Israel has agreed.  That is the only way to reach a final status agreement and peace.”

“Both Palestinians and Israelis continue to suffer while their respective leadership appears locked in a ‘lose-lose’ pattern of obstinacy,” lamented Rev. Dr. Bruce Chilton, Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Religion at Bard College and Fair Witness Executive Committee member.   Rev. Chilton added that “continued Israeli settlement building creates facts on the ground while peace talks are delayed.

However, the Palestinian refusal to engage in direct negotiations without a settlement freeze is equally unhelpful.  The way to stop settlement building is to create a mutually agreed upon border.  And that cannot happen until the parties sit down and negotiate.”

“As the New Year begins, we bring the message of peace and goodwill to all people,” says Rev. Pettit.  “We pray especially that peace will finally come to the people of Palestine and Israel.”

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Surprisingly, not much has been written or said about one of the longest running TV shows in America.  Big Brother is in its 13^th season and just days ago, the 8^th episode of this season was aired on CBS and viewed by millions of loyal fans.  The show airs every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday with a live audience watching and listening to every word.

Big Brother has been very successful over the years—originally a Dutch television show under the same name where twelve people or house guests are placed in a house to live together 24/7.  They must compete with one another while being monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; most importantly, one houseguest is eliminated every week through voting by the remaining players not nominated.

The show is hosted by TV Personality Julie Chen, interestingly, the show itself or the house hasn’t changed much since its inaugural season; but the fans continue to watch.  The show has a cult-like following in which fans who have a lot of time on their hands can watch the players online through cameras that never go off in the house; this option is called Live Feed.

Every year, players who are about to enter the house discuss their ultimate winning strategy, which never seem to work.  This season, two players have been eliminated thus far; the first player was a young guy who the house felt needed to leave due to his personality and physicality.  In a way, the house is run by committee- up until it becomes time to lie, cheat, and backstab your way to the money.

I may have failed to mention the prize; the main reason people put themselves through this year after year.  The winner of this Big Brother challenge receives a check for $500,000 and joins a small club of past winners, some beloved by their adoring loyal fans but of course, most are hated.

There is a brilliant twist this year in which players come into the house with partners whom they must protect and compete with to further their own chances in the end.  The problem is, only one person can win, so expect the lies and backstabbing (a staple of the show) to continue.  Another enjoyable twist added on this season, is the return of popular past players and winners to this years’ cast of “Newbies” as they are called.

Big Brother so far has lived up to the expectations because the people continue to play the game differently; no two people come into the house with the same strategy and somehow, the best houseguest always wins.

The show remains enjoyable because of players like “Evil Dick”, Rachel and Brendan who are not really liked by the cult following, also Jordan and Jeff who are the darlings of this season and the previous season as well.

Everything is progressing according to plan and according to the history of the game.  The veterans (the players I just mentioned) continue to dominate the “Newbies”; but it is only the beginning—there is a lot of game left to be played.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.cbs.com/shows/big_brother/photos/

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