"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
(Amos 3:7)
We Are Getting Closer
Dear Friends,
Greetings! When the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, and tempted Jesus to show them a sign from heaven, He brought out the point that they were so spiritually dull that they could not even discern the signs of the times. (Matthew 16:3)
The apostle Paul wrote; "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober".(1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)
There have been some very interesting developments in the past few weeks, concerning President Obama and the Middle East that are worth taking note, as we try to discern the times in which we are living and how close we are to the last seven years. We won't know for sure until it happens and the covenant is confirmed that we are beginning the last seven years of world history, but the following news articles give a glimpse of just how close we may be.
We have also included several other news-worthy articles which we thought might be of interest to you.
The introduction to the articles concerning the Middle East was written by a regular contributor to this site.
Hope you find this informative and enlightening.
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Newsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second largest news magazine in the U. S. Newsweek is published in four English language editions and 12 global editions written in the language of the circulation region.
Christopher Matthews (born December 17, 1945) is an American news anchor and political commentator, known for his nightly hour-long talk show, Hardball, with Chris Matthews, which is televised on the American cable television channel MSNBC. On weekends he hosts the syndicated NBC News-produced panel discussion program, The Chris Matthews Show. Matthews makes frequent appearances on many NBC and MSNBC programs. -Wikapedia
(The following is a recent interview Chris Matthews did with, Evan Thomas, one of the editors of Newsweek Magazine.)
EVAN THOMAS: Well, we were the good guys in 1984, it felt that way. It hasn't felt that way in recent years. So Obama's had, really, a different task. We're seen too often as the bad guys. And he - he has a very different job from - Reagan was all about America, and you talked about it. Obama is 'we are above that now.' We're not just parochial, we're not just chauvinistic, we're not just provincial. We stand for something - I mean in a way Obama's standing above the country, above - above the world, he's sort of God. He's-
MATTHEWS: Yeah.
THOMAS: He's going to bring all different sides together.
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On June 4th of this year, 2009, Barak Obama made what some are proclaiming to be a historic speech unparalleled in it's vision of bridging international barriers under the banner of "A New Beginning and Peace for the World." Out of the seven points in his speech, the second major source of tension Obama addressed in the world was "the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world". Which includes the entire Muslim world to a certain extent.
Among other things, Obama said, "America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own...the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the 'Road Map' are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them, and all of us, to live up to our responsibilities. The Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning. We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning. The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth." (End of excerpt)
Obama referred to "A New Beginning" in his speech. Who on the world stage with enough power and influence has shown themselves better able to bridge the gap between cultural, ideological and religious divides that exist among the peoples of our planet today, especially between the Arab/Muslim world, Israel and the US, and bring all these together under the banner of "A New Beginning and Peace for the World?" Obama's ambitions of a new beginning, are not just for the Middle East, but for the entire World. President Obama has a goal of implementing a "Final Comprehensive Peace Agreement", total peace in the Middle East, before the next 2012 US presidential elections, with his future campaign slogan to be characterized as "The President of Peace". Although very tactfully not spelled out with great detail in his keynote speech from Cairo for obvious reasons, many of the projected details now on the table have been made public over recent weeks through major news outlets of meetings and interviews, being confirmed by conversations President Obama has had with King Abdullah of Jordan, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, President Mubarak of Egypt, President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, and many others to name but a few. Details such as the division of Jerusalem, with East Jerusalem being the capital of a Palestinian state, the old walled city of Jerusalem being "internationalized" making it accessible to all faiths, Jewish settlements in the occupied territories of the West Bank and the Golan Heights dismantled and the occupied lands returned to the Palestinians and Syria. There's also much talk and speculation surrounding the Temple Mount, being the most explosive piece of real-estate on the planet, where the Muslim Dome of the Rock now stands, and where some say the Jews will rebuild their "Third Temple". This has never happened before! Events are moving very rapidly, but on a very unpredictable course. Unpredictable because there are major obstacles ahead with varied factions of opposing beliefs on both sides of the conflict in how to resolve these very complex issues. King Abdullah of Jordan warned Obama personally, without real change on the ground for all the Muslim world to see and not just talk, there's going to be a major Israeli/Arab/Muslim war within 12-18 months of Obama's June 4th Cairo speech. The time frame Obama is pushing, of fulfilling and implementing his plan for "total peace" in the Middle East, and "A New Beginning" is before the end of 2012, and specifically before the next U.S. Presidential elections".
haaretz.com
21/05/2009
By Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondents
Palestinian Authority to relinquish sovereignty over the Temple Mount in exchange for international Islamic control of the site.
Palestinian sources have said the PA would accept the management of the site by the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Conference, whose 57 member states include Iran, as part of a final-status peace agreement.
The OIC is signatory to the Arab Peace plan, a initiative that would provide the Palestinians with backing from all Muslim states toward a historic compromise with Israel in a peace agreement.
Nabil Abu Rudeina, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said that if Israel opts for peace and has a leader who is willing to make genuine compromises, a peace agreement could be reached within three to six months.
Abbas is expected to meet U.S. President Barack Obama next week. Abu Rudeina said Abbas will ask for clarifications on the U.S. stance on negotiations with Israel.
"We will hear what happened during the meeting between [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and Obama on the Palestinian question and what the American plans are for the coming months. Abu Mazen [Abbas] will consult with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan to formulate a position ahead of the meeting. In any case, the result of the negotiations between Israel and the PA must be clear: the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, whose capital is East Jerusalem," the senior PA official said.
'Obama calls for demilitarized Palestinian state'
jpost.com
Amid much speculation over US President Barack Obama's upcoming address to the Muslim world, reports published on Wednesday outlined the details of his Middle East peace plan.
The US president's initiative, which was formulated in consultation with Jordan's King Abdullah II during the two leaders' recent meetings at the White House, reportedly does not significantly stray from the pan-Arab peace initiative proposed in 2002. Rather, it bolsters certain details within the Saudi-proposed plan.
Obama is expected to present the initiative in an address to the Arab and Muslim world from Cairo (June 4th), and set out conditions for a demilitarized Palestinian state, with east Jerusalem as its capital, within the next four years. The matter of borders would be solved with territorial exchanges between Israel and the Palestinians, and the Old City of Jerusalem would be established as an international zone. (Emphasis ours)
Netanyahu plans major policy speech next week
news.yahoo.com
JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he will deliver a major policy address next week laying out his proposed road to Mideast peace, after coming under stiff U.S. pressure to freeze West Bank settlement construction and endorse Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu offered no hint of what he might say. Bound by his hardline coalition and his own ideology, the Israeli leader has resisted the U.S. demands so far, deepening an unusually public faceoff with Israel's most important ally.
"It must be understood, we seek peace with the Palestinians and with the states of the Arab world while trying to reach as much understanding as possible with the United States and our friends abroad," the Israeli leader said.
"Next week I will make an important policy speech in which I will present to the citizens of Israel our principles on achieving this peace and security," he said.
Netanyahu: Jerusalem will never be divided
.jpost.com
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday never to divide Jerusalem, and pledged to keep the capital united under Israeli sovereignty.
"Jerusalem was always ours and will always be ours. It will never again be partitioned and divided," Netanyahu said at the official state ceremony marking Jerusalem Day and the reunification of the capital during the Six Day War 42 years ago.
"Only under Israeli sovereignty will united Jerusalem ensure the freedom of religion and freedom of access for the three religions to the holy places," he added.
The prime minister prefaced his remarks with a reference to his meetings with US President Barack Obama and other American officials earlier in the week, saying he had made the same declarations during that trip.
In an earlier address, President Shimon Peres said that Jerusalem, while sacred to others, is the only capital Israel and the Jewish people have ever known.
"Jerusalem is held sacred by half of mankind [but] it has been and always will be Israel's capital. We never had another and it has never been the capital of any other people."
b'ezrat HaShem / With the help of G-d
Thirteen Ton Temple Corner Stone to Be Presented to the People of Israel
The holy cornerstone for the Third Temple will be transported by the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement as they march on Jerusalem Day, 27 Iyar 5769 (May 21, 2009). It will be driven from Ammunition Hill to the Jaffa Gate, along the western walls of the Old City to the downtown streets of Jerusalem. There it will be presented to the people of Israel and to the entire world for the first time since the destruction of the Holy Temple in 70 CE.
Since 1967, Jerusalem Day has become one of the most important holidays in Israel. This public holiday commemorates the liberation of the Temple Mount, the biblical city of Jerusalem, the City of David and the biblically significant areas of Judea, Samaria, Gaza, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula. All of this happened in the Six Day War of 1967. It was then that G-d returned the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to His People Israel so that they would immediately rebuild His Holy Temple in order to renew biblical worship there.
The marchers will be led by a truck carrying the holy cornerstone for the Third Temple. The cornerstone, weighing 13 tons, will be carried on the back of the truck, underneath a chuppah, and decorated with Israeli flags, the Star of David and Temple flags. Silver trumpets reconstructed for future worship in the Third Temple will be blown throughout the march.
On the way to the Temple Mount, the marchers will stop in front of the United States Consulate. Here they will present whatever the G-d of Israel puts onto their hearts as a stance against the growing pressure from US President Barack Obama. They will warn him about his desire to divide the Land of Israel in order to establish a foreign, terror-filled Arab state inside the sovereign Land of Israel. (This land was given by G d to the Jewish people alone in an eternal covenant.) The marchers will also warn him concerning his pressure to stop Jewish settlement of the Land and to remove the settlements in Judea and Samaria. They will call out to President Obama: "Take your hands off the Land of the G-d and the people of Israel!" They will warn him of the divine judgment from G-d as prophesied by the Prophet Joel: "For behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down in the valley of Jehosophat, and will enter into judgment with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and have divided up my land" (Joel 4:2).
When the marchers arrive at the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem, they will blow the silver trumpets and swear their faithfulness to Jerusalem while dancing with the flags. They will then continue through the Old City and ascend to the Holy Temple Mount. There they will swear their faithfulness and devotion to the G-dly anointing on the Faithful Movement to build the third Temple of G-d in our lifetime.
When the marchers arrive at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City, the holy cornerstone will continue to the downtown streets of Jerusalem, where it will be presented to the people of Israel and to the entire world. This great occasion will be one of the most exciting events that Israel has experienced during this special end time age.
Everyone is invited to participate in this exciting, historic and G-dly event. Everyone is called to actively join, come and stand together, and help the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement complete her major and historic campaign to build the Temple of G-d and to bring to pass all of G-d's end time prophetic plans for Israel and the entire world.
In the G-d of Israel we trust!
The cornerstone for the Third Temple lying in a circle in Jerusalem close to the Damascus Gate of the Old City. As it is waiting to be laid on the Temple Mount, it is glorified by the light falling from the heavens above Jerusalem.
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The Cornerstone for the Third Temple in front of the southern wall of the Temple Mount during an event of the Faithful together with a priest, Gershon Salomon and others.
They could start building tomorrow. There are 12 groups that are in preparation. They've chosen the location, a computer registry of 300,000 of the sons of Aaron (the Levites), many robes are prepared, over 150 sacred vessels have already been restored, including some of the most difficult and complicated projects, such as the Menorah and the precious stones of the High Priest's breastplate. The architects are selected to rebuild with plans according to the Bible. (For more information see our Studies section, particularly the study on Daniel 9.)
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Obama Works on Preventive Detention Plan
Sheryl Gay Stolberg
The New York Times
May 21, 2009
President Obama told human rights advocates at the White House on Wednesday that he was mulling the need for a "preventive detention" system that would establish a legal basis for the United States to incarcerate terrorism suspects who are deemed a threat to national security but cannot be tried, two participants in the private session said.
The discussion, in a 90-minute meeting in the Cabinet Room that included Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and other top administration officials, came on the eve of a much-anticipated speech Mr. Obama is to give Thursday on a number of thorny national security matters, including his promise to close the detention center at the naval base in Guantanimo Bay, Cuba.
Human rights advocates are growing deeply uneasy with Mr. Obama's stance on these issues, especially his recent move to block the release of photographs showing abuse of detainees, and his announcement that he is willing to try terrorism suspects in military commissions -- a concept he criticized bitterly as a presidential candidate.
The two participants, outsiders who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the session was intended to be off the record, said they left the meeting dismayed.
Axelrod: Congress Will Approve Government-Owned Health-Care This Summer
Terence P. Jeffrey
CNSNews
June 8, 2009
Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod said on CBS's "Face the Nation" yesterday that President Obama intends to promote a health-care reform plan that will include creating a government-owned health-care company and predicted that Congress will enact such a plan by the end of the summer.
Axelrod said that a government-owned health-care company would "give consumers a better deal."
"I strongly believe that Americans should have the choice of a public health insurance option operating alongside private plans," Obama said in the letter to the two senators. "This will give them a better range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep insurance companies honest."
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GM Files for Bankruptcy Protection
Source: Washington Post | June 1, 2009
By Peter Whoriskey
General Motors filed for bankruptcy protection this morning, marking the end of financial independence for the 100-year-old industrial leviathan that once conflated its interests with the country's and -- counting jobs at the company and its suppliers -- employed well over 1 million people.
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Telegraph. uk
Philip Pullman helps understanding of theology, says Archbishop of Canterbury
Reading Philip Pullman can help people to understand theology, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said, despite criticism of the atheist author's novels as a veiled attack on Christianity.
By Stephen Adams, Arts Correspondent -
Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, says Pullman's work takes the church 'seriously'
Citing Pullman as one of his favourite, modern writers, Dr Rowan Williams said he liked his work because it took the church "seriously" at a time when theology was "drifting out" of mainstream thought.
Pullman has been castigated by parts of the Roman Catholic church, particularly in North America.
He said: "First of all he takes the Christian myth, or a version of it, seriously enough to want to disagree passionately with it. (Notice how Dr. Rowan Williams refers to "the Christian myth". He, Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury,is reported to be a druid.)
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CNN
(CNN) -- The World Health Organization raised the swine flu alert Thursday to its highest level, saying H1N1 has spread to enough countries to be considered a global pandemic.
Kindergarten students, some wearing masks, attend school in a residential estate in Hong Kong on Thursday.
Increasing the alert to Level 6 does not mean that the disease is deadlier or more dangerous than before, just that it has spread to more countries, the WHO said.
As of Wednesday evening, the virus had spread to 72 countries, the health agency said. There were 25,288 confirmed cases and 139 deaths. The United States had 13,217 cases and 27 deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.
(See: It Shall Not Come Near You)
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33 Of The Healthiest
Foods On Earth
By David H Murdock
Chairman-Owner Of Dole Foods
5-22-9
Is it possible to live to 125 or maybe 150? It's certainly a possibility, as discussed on Oprah Winfrey's recent show on longevity. She visited me at my farm to learn how, at 86, I am enjoying the robust health, energy, and mental creativity of someone many decades younger. My secret: large quantities of fruit and vegetables, plus an hour of daily exercise.
No pills, not even aspirin, and certainly no supplements ever enter my mouth -- everything I need comes from my fish-vegetarian diet, which incorporates 30-40 different kinds of fruit and vegetables every week. Even though I am Chairman and Owner of Dole Food Company, I do most of my own grocery shopping, and even took Oprah on an impromptu trip to Costco, in a day that included bike riding, exercise in the gym, and juicing vegetables in the kitchen. Oprah marveled at how much I eat, and yet never gain a pound. In fact, I expend a lot of energy in my 50-60 minutes of cardio and strength training every day. Plus there's the fact that fruit and vegetables tend to be lower in calories, but higher in filling fiber and other nutrients that help you feel satisfied.
By eating many fruits and vegetables in place of fast food and junk food, people could avoid obesity. Obesity accelerates aging even faster than smoking, according to scientific research.
We created the North Carolina Research Campus to study the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. It is the only campus in the world encompassing eight universities all working together for the benefit of health and longevity. These include Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State University, UNC Charlotte, North Carolina Central University, NC A&T State University, UNC Greensboro and Appalachian State University. We've gathered a comprehensive array of famous scientists and scientific equipment under one roof, including a two-story, 950 megahertz, 8-ton superconducting magnet. It is the largest and most powerful magnet in the world and will help us look at both plant and human cells at the most minute level. We are constantly doing research on all fruit and vegetables, including the ones listed below, which are the mainstay of my diet.
The Healthiest Foods on Earth
Pineapple Speeds post-surgery Promotes joint health Reduces asthma inflammation
Blueberries Restore antioxidant levels Reverse age-related brain decline Prevent urinary tract infection
Spinach Helps maintain mental sharpness Reduces the risk of cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon and prostate Top nutrient density
Red Bell Pepper Reduces risk of lung, prostate, ovarian and cervical cancer Protects against sunburn Promotes heart health
Broccoli Reduces diabetic damage Lowers risk of prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric and breast cancer Protects the brain in event of injury
Tomato Reduces inflammation Lowers risk of developing esophageal, stomach, colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer Reduces cardiovascular disease risk
Apple Supports immunity Fights lung and prostate cancer Lowers Alzheimer's risk
Artichoke Helps blood clotting Antioxidant Superfood Lowers "bad" cholesterol
Arugula Lowers birth defect risk Reduces fracture risk Protects eye health
Asparagus Nourishes good gut bacteria Protects against birth defects Promotes heart health
Avocado Limits liver damage Reduces oral cancer risk Lowers cholesterol levels
Blackberries Build bone density Suppress appetite Enhance fat burning
Butternut Squash Supports night vision Combats wrinkles Promotes heart health
Cantaloupe Bolsters immunity Protects skin against sunburn Reduces inflammation
Carrot Antioxidants defend DNA Fights cataracts Protects against some cancers
Cauliflower Stimulates detoxification Suppresses breast cancer cell growth Defends against prostate cancer
Cherries Alleviate arthritic pain and gout Lower "bad" cholesterol Reduce inflammation
Cranberries Alleviate prostate pain Fight lung, colon and leukemia cancer cells Prevent urinary tract infection
Green Cabbage Promotes healthy blood clotting Reduces risk of prostate, colon, breast and ovarian cancers Activates the body's natural detoxification systems
Kale Counters harmful estrogens that can feed cancer Protects eyes against sun damage and cataracts Increases bone density
Kiwi Combats wrinkles Lowers blood clot risk and reduces blood lipids Counters constipation
Mango Supports immunity Lowers "bad" cholesterol Regulates homocysteine to protect arteries
Mushrooms Promote natural detoxification Reduce the risk of colon and prostate cancer Lower blood pressure
Orange Reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol Lowers risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, breast and stomach, and childhood leukemia Pectin suppresses appetite
Papaya Enzymes aid digestion Reduces risk of lung cancer Enhances fat burning
Plums & Prunes Counter constipation Antioxidants defend against DNA damage Protects against post-menopausal bone loss
Pomegranate Enhances sunscreen protection Lowers "bad" cholesterol Fights prostate cancer
Pumpkin Protects joints against polyarthritis Lowers lung and prostate cancer risk Reduces inflammation
Raspberries Inhibit growth of oral, breast, colon and prostate cancers Antioxidant DNA defense Lower "bad" cholesterol levels
Strawberries Protect against Alzheimer's Reduce "bad" cholesterol Suppress growth of colon, prostate and oral cancer
Sweet Potato Reduces stroke risk Lowers cancer risk Protect against blindness
Watermelon Supports male fertility Reduces risk of several cancers: prostate, ovarian, cervical, oral and pharyngeal Protects skin against sunburn
Banana Increases Fat Burning Lowers risk of colorectal and kidney cancer, leukemia Reduces asthmas symptoms in children
David H. Murdock is Chairman and owner of Dole Food Company, Inc., the world's largest producer and marketer of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, packaged and frozen foods. He is also Chairman, CEO and owner of Castle & Cooke, Inc., a leader in real estate development.
From: How Stuff Works
Top 10 Most Common Ingredients In Fast Food
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Laughter really could be best form of medicine
Laughter really could be the best form of medicine - because it is good for the heart, a new study shows.
By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent 16 Apr 2009
Doctors found that they could potentially cut the risk of people suffering a heart attack by encouraging them to watch comedy programmes.
Patients prescribed the "mirthful laughter" went on to increase the amount of good cholesterol, which protects against heart disease, in their blood stream.
The researchers say that the findings could point to laughter as a useful treatment for a number of conditions.
Dr Lee Berk, from Loma Linda University, California, who led the study, said: "The best clinicians understand that there is an intrinsic physiological intervention brought about by positive emotions such as mirthful laughter, optimism and hope.
"Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on health and disease," he added.
Using laughter as a form of medicine has been suggested for decades, however there has been little hard evidence of its health effects on patients.
For the latest study, patients were asked to select whichever comedy programmes or films that they found the funniest.
There were then asked to watch them for at least half an hour a day over the course of 12 months.
The findings, presented at the Experimental Biology conference in New Orleans, show that after one year the group prescribed laughter saw a 26 per cent rise in their good cholesterol.
Patients who took the medication without any extra laughter had just a 3 per cent rise.
The group watching comedy programmes also saw a drop of 66 per cent in the amount of harmful C-reactive proteins, which increase the risk of heart disease, in their bodies.
While the control group also saw a fall in the amount of the proteins, it was much smaller at 26 per cent over the course of the year.
The study looked at 20 patients with diabetes, a condition which increases the risk of heart problems, who were also suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
The researchers say that the findings show that laughter therapy can also lower stress levels in patients.
They called for more research into the use of comedy as a potential treatment for those at risk of developing heart problems.
(And finally!)
Telegraph.uk
Men can 'laugh women into bed' with GSOH, say psychologists
Men really can laugh women into bed, because a sense of humour makes them seem more intelligent, psychologists have found.
By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent - Last Updated: 9:24AM BST 01 Apr 2009
A new study shows that women think that funny men are smarter and more likely to be honest than more dour counterparts.
Although studies have shown that humour is not linked to intelligence, researchers believe that the findings could be the reason why so many lonely heart ads placed by women list GSOH (good sense of humour) as a prerequisite for a partner.
Women have evolved to find intelligence an attractive quality because it suggests that a man will be a good provider for her and her children, the researchers believe.
Kristofor McCarty, from Northumbria University, who led the study, said: "A quick browse of lonely-hearts ads will confirm that women look for a good sense of humour in a potential partner - our research may explain why this is the case.
"The findings provide evidence that women use humour as an indication of a guy's intelligence.
"Intelligence is a very attractive quality as a clever man should be more able to provide resources for his offspring.
"But guys be warned: not just any gag will do. We discovered that the humour must be genuinely funny for the man to be judged as more intelligent."
James Corden, the comedy star of BBC hit Gavin and Stacey, has said that being funny helped him to attract women from his teenage years onwards.
"My weight was never a concern for me. I could always talk to them and make them laugh, so they tended to overlook my physical imperfections," said Corden, who is currently dating actress Sheridan Smith.
To rate the attractiveness of a sense of humour in the study, 45 heterosexual women were asked to read shorts descriptions of themselves compiled by 20 men, 10 of which were scored as extremely funny and 10 as only slightly funny.
The women were than asked how intelligent and honest they thought that the men were and how likely they would be to go on to develop a friendship or a long-term relationship with them.
The findings, to be presented at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in Brighton on Wednesday, show that men who used the funniest descriptions of themselves were thought to be significantly more intelligent than those who weren't as witty.
The women in the study also judged the men who had a good sense of humour as more honest and said that they would be more likely to become friends with them.
Funnier men were also seen as a better catch for a long-term relationship, according to the findings.
While women appear to prefer a men who makes them laugh, the psychologists say that previous studies have shown that the same does not hold true when the sexes are reversed - and men are not more attracted to funny girls.
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As usual, the Bible got it right thousands of years ago with counsel that is just now being proven and understood by modern scientific studies. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. (Proverbs 17:22) "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast". (Proverbs 15:13,15)
Psalms 13:5 says; "I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation". Even in the midst of the different crisis that are taking place in this world, and the greater instability yet to come we can still have love, joy, peace, and a merry heart by knowing that no matter how bad things get, we can always look forward to the certainty that one day Jesus will return to rescue us out of this world, into a glorious new world with a glorious new body.
The only requirement is to make sure we have received Him into our lives and hearts. Jesus said; "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me". (John 14:6)
Jesus is standing at the door of your heart right now, as you read this, waiting for you to open the door to invite Him in, so that He can give you His free gift of eternal life.
To do this all you need to do is to pray a simple prayer similar to this: Dear Jesus, I know I have sinned and done wrong in my life. I ask you to please forgive my sins, give me eternal life, and help me to love You and others. Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer, we invite you to please write us and let us know and if you would like to know more about your new life of love, or if you would like to have one of our mystics help you with a problem or question you may have, we also invite you to write via the web site.
Until next week, God bless and keep you with a 'merry' heart.
Almondtree Productions
"He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart."
(Psalms 104:14-15)