Happy Pi Day!

Education 5 Minutes

From CBSNEWS.COM:

Today marks National Pi Day in the United States and around the world. The holiday commemorates a timeless symbol beloved by many in mathematical and scientific communities, while making the most of the opportunities it allows for humorous wordplay, dessert and “teachable moments,” as some experts have said.

What is pi?

Pi is a special number — so special, in fact, that most laypeople are probably aware of it, even if only as a relic of bygone classroom lectures or geometry textbooks. Represented in abbreviated form by the somewhat familiar sequence 3.14, pi, or the Greek letter π, is an iconic symbol seen in mathematical equations and, in more recent decades, merchandise like T-shirts, sweatshirts and coffee mugs.

It’s actually a ratio, denoting the relationship between the circumference and the diameter of a circle. If the outline of a circle is traced, unwound and then measured, the length is called its circumference. The length of a line drawn straight through the center of a circle and extending out to its edges is called the diameter. Dividing the circumference by the diameter of any and all circles will yield the same result: pi — and that’s true for all circles, regardless of size.

Pi is a constant or “universal” number, which is a value that does not change no matter its circumstances. That means π is always equal to 3.14, more or less. After those three famous digits comes an endless “irrational” sequence without permanent patterns or repeating sections. Even though the sequence continues indefinitely, pi enthusiasts have made hobbies out of memorizing and reciting as many decimal places as possible. The Guinness World Record is 70,000.

Why is pi important?

The ratio is beloved by math and science enthusiasts for a reason: Pi serves critical functions in many of the most basic and the most complex equations. It’s necessary to calculate the area and the volume of everything circular and spherical, and it allows humans to measure the sizes of tiny things, like molecules, in a similar way it allows them to estimate the sizes of massive things, like Earth, the moon, other planets and the sun. Pi helps NASA engineers build spacecraft just as it helps scientists study newly discovered worlds. It’s also fundamentally related to gravity.

Manil Suri, a mathematics and statistics professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, said pi helps people understand more about the world, the universe and how they work.

“It’s quite amazing that there is such a constant that is true for all circles. That’s what really gets me. Draw any circle and the circumference divided by the diameter will always be the same number. It’s a little chilling in a way,” said Suri. “I think, symbolically it just shows that there are certain laws that the universe follows, and these are mathematical, and for me as a mathematician, that’s key. Whether we measure it in meters or feet or whatever, whether we exist or not, this number will always be the same. That’s the kind of amazing thing.”

Pi comes up frequently and often unexpectedly in the answers to “thousands and thousands of different math problems,” said Daniel Ullman, a mathematics professor at George Washington University who also called pi “an amazing curiosity.”

“My preferred take is not to ask the question, ‘Why is pi important?’ Because I can try to explain why the number six is important, but it’s just another number. Pi is just the name of a particular spot on the number line,” Ullman said.

“The question really is, ‘Isn’t it amazing that this number arises in millions of different settings that seem to have nothing to do with each other?'” he said. “You ask a reasonable question, and the answer turns out to be something with a pi in it. It’s the surprising appearance of this same number over and over and over again that makes it interesting.”

Why is Pi Day celebrated?

Pi Day is celebrated annually on March 14, since the date written numerically corresponds with the first three digits of π. (Pi Day was particularly momentous in 2015, when the numerical date corresponded with π up to five digits: 3.1415.) It is also coincidentally the birthday of Albert Einstein.

People and civilizations have known about pi for thousands of years, with evidence indicating an approximated measurement was used by the ancient Babylonians and ancient Egyptians. The first calculation of pi was done by Archimedes, a legendary mathematician of the ancient world, in the centuries leading up to the common era.

But the holiday did not come to be until 1988. It was founded by physicist Larry Shaw, who at the time was on staff at the Exploratorium, a science museum in San Francisco. It began at an Exploratorium staff retreat in Monterey, California, which Shaw and his colleagues took to mark three years since the death of the museum’s founder, Frank Oppenheimer, the brother of famed Manhattan Project leader J. Robert Oppenheimer. Shaw drew the connection between 3.14 and March 14 during that retreat, and the first informal Pi Day was celebrated that same year at the museum to honor Oppenheimer’s memory.

Pi Day became nationally recognized in the U.S. decades later, thanks to a binding resolution passed by the House of Representatives on March 12, 2009, designating March 14 as National Pi Day.

How to celebrate Pi Day

As an official Pi Day website suggests, eating pie, baking pie and perhaps observing the mathematical principles of pi using a pie are some thematic activities to enjoy. Pizza pies and dessert pies are both appropriate variations. A play on traditional “pie contests,” pi contests are common on Pi Day and often involve competitions to recite as many digits of π as possible from memory.

But there are no right or wrong ways to celebrate Pi Day. For people around the world excited by the mathematical significance of pi and the broad potential for honorary puns related to it, there are plenty of ways to pay homage. The same goes for educators and students, although math and science experts do generally recommend using Pi Day festivities as opportunities to make learning more fun. The Children’s Museum of Houston, for example, will ring in the holiday with its 20th annual pie fight, inviting kids to throw pies made of shaving cream at one another in a cordoned-off section of the street outside.

Math fans acknowledge that typical Pi Day celebrations have little to do with the mathematical constant. Suri would still encourage educators to take full advantage of the fun holiday, though, and always bring pie to class when teaching on Pi Day.

“Anytime I have a lecture on Pi Day, that’s the way to go,” he said. “And I’d recommend it for all professors. Get a pie. People will love it. They’ll listen to your lectures with much more attention.”

SOURCE: CBSNEWS.COM

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Published by pat frederick

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95 thoughts on “Happy Pi Day!”

    1. Good Morning, Pat!

      Mid 20s here, dusting of snow. High wind warning from yesterday has expired, guess it blew on to you guys. 🤞 your power stays on. Lotsa power outages in Michigan.

      And Happy PI Day to you! 🥧 Cherry Pie is my favorite. Learned to make the flakiest crust in Home Ec 😁 In celebration of the day, I’m baking a MC Chicken pot pie for dinner! First time to use the air fryer to cook it. Wish me luck. lol Thanks for the dinner idea. 👍

      Take care, God bless. 😘

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      1. Good Morning Gina!
        I make my own pie crusts as well! My favorite is apple–altho I make a really good Shoo-fly pie (that’s Pennsylvania Dutch –Amish–for a molasses pie with a crumb topping).
        I don’t have an air fryer–do you like yours??
        God Bless you as well!!

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        1. Still learning to use air fryer lol Guess I like it. Cooking for one and not having to preheat the big oven is good. Like baking a fish fillet for a fish sandwich. 😊

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    2. It will go away eventually! Good morning! Hope you enjoy your day & have a safe trip. 27 here this morning and partly cloudy; here’s hoping the bad weather here doesn’t move in until the truck is loaded and unloaded in Beatrice. I’d hate for them to have to do the unloading in snow!

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  3. Charlotte99

    March 14, 2026 2:00 am

    Armed Muslim Man Wearing Military Gear Arrested After Walking Into Texas Elementary School

    An armed Muslim man wearing tactical gear was arrested after walking into an elementary school in Spring, Texas, this week.

    The suspect, 39-year-old Kyle Najm Chris, AKA, Muhi Mohanad Najm, walked into Zwink Elementary School on Tuesday after another visitor failed to secure the first set of doors to the school.

    Although Najm Chris was able to enter through the first set of doors, the school’s double-door security system blocked him from entering the hallways and approaching the school children.

    Klein ISD waited until Wednesday evening to notify parents about the breach.
    The school district was reportedly working with the FBI before officers arrested him at his home, 4 miles away from the school.

    Najm Chris initially told police he was a security guard; however, he is unemployed and does not hold any certifications or licenses to serve as an officer.
    He is being held on a $75,000 bond.

    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/03/breaking-armed-muslim-wearing-military-gear-arrested-after/

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  4. Charlotte99

    March 14, 2026 3:49 am

    BREAKING: A federal jury has convicted several Antifa-linked extremists for the July 4, 2025 attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center.

    They’re now facing terrorism and attempted murder convictions, after a police officer was shot in the neck during the riot. This is EXACTLY the kind of accountability America needs.

    https://nitter.poast.org/DavidJHarrisJr/status/2032578789239304357#m

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  5. Collin Rugg
    @CollinRugg
    NEW: Jasmine Crockett’s security guard has been killed after a standoff with Dallas police SWAT officers, according to CBS News.

    “Mike King” was recently seen at campaign events with Crockett.

    According to police, King was wanted for impersonating a law enforcement officer. He reportedly fled into a hospital parking garage and barricaded himself inside a vehicle.

    King was then forced out of the car with tear gas and pulled his gun on officers.

    “Multiple law enforcement sources tell CBS News Texas the man, known publicly as Mike King, had been using aliases while running a business that placed officers in off‑duty jobs,” CBS reported.

    King reportedly drove a replica undercover police vehicle and used stolen license plates from cars at a military recruiting office.

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  6. he’s not wrong…

    Rix Six

    March 14, 2026 7:57 am

    Reply to  Jake

    One of my character flaws is that I can carry grudges.
    For decades women tore down men only spaces. Men only golf courses, boy scouts, men only hunt clubs, men only gyms, men only gun clubs, men only anything was fair game for the feminist. These men only groups were sued and harassed into submission. Now one of their Frankenstein creations is doing the same to them. On one hand I have no sympathy for women as a whole, on the other hand, I have great sympathy for the individual and especially for the children.

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        1. Good morning Gina. Almost always unless it’s someone you’re not close to and they ask for an opinion, say, of the new dress they just bought and it’s hideous…..in that case, perhaps a non-specific answer is required, such as “…that color looks good on you…” LOL

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  7. DataRepublican (small r)
    @DataRepublican
    Hello Brad Duplessis,

    You pre-emptively blocked me here on 𝕏, so I am forced to make this “Hello” a standalone post. 

    You are a retired Army infantry officer. You served in Iraq and Afghanistan. You graduated from the National War College in 2018. You are now an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

    Thank you for your service.

    But reputations are not defined by resumes. They are defined by choices.

    Today, you chose to doxx @CynicalPublius
    .

    Today, you published your debut article on War on the Rocks. You published his legal name. His profession. His pseudonym. All in one sentence. Indexed, archived, permanently searchable.

    You have changed the course of his life forever, and revealed him to the leftist ghouls who will demand his blood for forever. It doesn’t matter if he was planning to reveal his identity eventually. You still made that choice. And I will make sure you are remembered for this. 

    So, what was CP’s sin such that you saw it fit to throw him to the wolves? 

    Last month, he dared to write an article for American Greatness, centered around nine recommendations for War College reform. The recommendations included firing most civilian faculty and ending permanent military faculty positions. 

    You hold a permanent civilian faculty position at a War College. You did not mention this in your article.

    In short, you named him, exposed his life to danger, because you really are arguing for your job and self-preservation.

    Know what is the most disgusting, hypocritical part of this is? 

    In the Fall 2017 issue of eARMOR (the U.S. Army Armor Branch professional journal) you published an article. You titled it “Our Readiness Problem: Brigade Combat Team Lethality.” You opened with General Milley: “Our fundamental task is like no other — it is to win in the unforgiving crucible of ground combat.” Your thesis: “If we are to get after GEN Milley’s No. 1 priority, we must first address brigade combat team (BCT) lethality.” The word “lethality” appears in your article about fifty times. You meant it as a compliment.

    Now contrast to today’s piece. You wrote this: “In staking out this Huntingtonian position, the cult of lethality does a disservice to service members and the American people.”

    The same word. Nine years apart. You were a field commander then, and lethality was the mission. You are a faculty member now, and lethality is what your critics embarrassingly worship.

    Frankly – and you will never realize this – but you yourself are the living, walking example of the thesis which @PeteHegseth
     is proving. 

    Also, you named a section of today’s article after Colin Powell. You called him your model of what War College education produces. Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama in 2008, endorsed Joe Biden in 2020, and publicly called Donald Trump “dangerous for our democracy.” Powell, who infamously tipped the scales at the UN to start the Iraq war even after privately doubting the WMD intelligence, is your hero in an article about who gets to reform the military in 2026. 

    In addition to being a doxxer, you look a lot less like someone who’s defending institutions, and a lot more like someone who exemplifies institutional capture in the name of self-preservation. And you disclosed none of it. 

    Let me reiterate.  

    @CynicalPublius
     wrote under a pseudonym and identified himself as a retired Army colonel with Afghanistan and Iraq experience. He argued about curriculum policy. You responded by putting his name on the internet.

    Your career depends on the institutions you are defending. Your article defending those institutions is the same article that ended his anonymity.

    You taught your students about the instruments of national power, Professor Duplessis. You are now a living, breathing demonstration one of them. And why reform must happen.

    Liked by 2 people

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  9. Just The News: “President Donald Trump claimed in a social media post Friday night that Iran planned to take over the Middle East and eliminate Israel, which is now futile after the United States and Israel attacked the country. 

    The comment comes after the president urged Iran to surrender now that its military is allegedly depleted from the onslaught of Israeli and American missiles, and vowed that Iran would “never have a nuclear weapon.”

    “Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Just like Iran itself, those plans are now dead.” 

    https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116224518730089644

    The United States launched a joint operation with Israel last month, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, which is a joint operation with Israel that targets Iran. The operation began last month. It also comes after the U.S. carried out a large bombing raid on Iran’s Kharg Island, which is a major oil export hub for the Middle Eastern country.”

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  10. Liked by 2 people

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  11. Just The News: “Renouncing U.S. citizenship just became a lot cheaper. The U.S. State Department has cut the fee all the way down to $450 from $2,350.

    The final rule reducing the fee was published in the Federal Register on Friday.

    The Associated Press reported that the fee reduction was initially planned back in 2023 when former President Biden was in office. The new fee is the same amount that it was back in 2010.”

    Liked by 2 people

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  13. Just The News: “President Donald Trump announced Friday afternoon that his ally Ric Grenell will step down as the executive director of the Trump Kennedy Center and will be replaced by Matt Floca pending board approval.

    Trump tapped Grenell for the role last year and today’s move comes as the president seeks to make major changes to the performing arts center, including a two-year closure for renovations that will begin this summer.

    “I am pleased to announce that Matt Floca, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, will be named the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, of the Trump Kennedy Center,” Trump posted on Truth Social. 

    “As Vice President of Operations, Matt has helped us achieve tremendous progress in bringing the Center to the highest level of excellence,” he continued. “Ric Grenell has done an excellent job in helping to coordinate various elements of the Center during the transition period, and I want to thank him for the outstanding work he has done. The Trump Kennedy Center will be, at its completion, the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the World,” Trump added.

    The change comes after a tumultuous year for the center, which saw the board add the president’s name to the venue, prompting major backlash and an exodus of some of the center’s staples, including the Washington National Opera.”

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  14. “11 Urgent Issues Politicians Pretend Don’t Exist: Game-Changing Problems Hiding in Plain Sight”

    Sharyl Attkisson, Mar 13, 2026

    EXCERPT: “In a world bombarded by headlines of geopolitical tensions, economic fluctuations, and cultural debates, it’s easy for some of the most insidious and systemic problems to slip under the radar. These are the issues that impact millions of people and the nation’s future in profound ways. Yet they rarely policy discussions or command the attention of those in power.

    While decision makers chase short-term wins or partisan battles, foundational challenges continue to fester. Here are 11 such critical concerns that I think deserve urgent scrutiny that they aren’t getting commiserate with their importance. They aren’t just abstract complaints; they’re tangible barriers to opportunity, efficiency, and fairness.

    If someone in authority addressed them head-on, could we unlock significant improvements in our quality of life, economic productivity, and society at large? Read on for details.

    1. Cost of College Education
      The skyrocketing price of higher education in the United States has created a crisis that burdens students and taxpayers alike, yet systemic reforms remain largely ignored. Over the past six decades, the average total cost of colleges and universities has more than doubled in inflation-adjusted terms. (I actually think it could be more.) In any event, there’s been an undeniable surge that’s fueled a national student debt load exceeding $1.7 trillion, affecting 43 million borrowers as of 2023. The average borrower now owes around $39,457 upon graduation, a 117% increase since 2007.

    The root issue lies in the system that actually finances education. What should be a benefit to the student has turned into a fatal flaw. Federal grants and loans ensure inflated costs will be paid. Therefore, colleges can inflate prices without restraint, turning education into a profit-driven enterprise. Policies like student debt forgiveness ignore the root cause, as colleges continue to benefit from unchecked revenue streams.

    A potential solution could involve the government capping tuition for institutions that take federal benefits, such as tax exemptions or funding, which is nearly all of them. This cap could say that students cannot be charged more than actual costs—calculated by dividing faculty salaries by student enrollment, plus reasonable additions for utilities and administration—then allowing a modest profit margin, say 4%, for expansions.

    Extravagant perks like sabbaticals or high-end property acquisitions would need to come from private donations or other non-taxpayer sources. Institutions that don’t like it could just opt out of federal taxpayer funds and charge whatever they wish. This approach could rein in costs and make education more accessible without perpetuating the cycle of debt……”

    https://sharylattkisson.substack.com/p/11-urgent-issues-politicians-pretend

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  15. did you notice that the muzzie in tactical gear that went into a school changed his name…from some arab sounding thing to a bastardization of the American sniper (Chris Kyle)? this guy changed his name to Kyle (something arabic sounding) Chris. his intentions were clear.

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  21. Winter storm warnings for tonight into tomorrow, possibly Monday, w/blizzard warnings due to the strong winds for SD into MN; northern NE, where I am, could get a glancing blow. Very high winds and a high of only 32 here tomorrow – possibly up to 57 MPH in O’Neill (a couple of hours west of me) 55 MPH for Norfolk. Regardless, I’ll be bringing in the feeders this afternoon. Wild fires going in central NE – red flag warnings out!

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  24. Tom Fitton:

    UPDATE: The Supreme Court will hear our plea on 10 days on March 23 to reaffirm that “Election Day” means what it says under federal law. Counting ballots received days and weeks after Election Day not only violates federal law but encourages voter fraud and undermines voter confidence.

    Previously:

    HUGE: Fifth Circuit rules AGAINST counting ballots that arrive AFTER Election Day thanks to @JudicialWatch.

    This is a historic victory for election integrity and voter rights and confidence. This is a precedent that ensures that only ballots that arrive by Election Day can be counted under federal law. We hope this begins a national movement to increase voter confidence, comply with federal law, and limit voter fraud by counting ballots that arrive only by Election Day.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. If/when I can afford to donate $$$, I will send it to them! Altho I did donate $50 the other day to Brandon’s WalkAway.

      Like

      Reply

  25. Joshua Hall

    @JoshHall2024

    BREAKING: President Trump’s FBI has reportedly quietly re-opened the investigation into the murder of Seth Rich, the DNC staffer who was suspiciously slain in what we were told at the time was a “home invasion gone wrong”. Investigators have now revealed that on the very night of his mysterious death, Seth Rich had spoken to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PERSONALLY and was “spilling all of the beans” about the criminal enterprise that is The DNC. Rich knew where all of The Deep States’ bodies were buried, which in the end tragically led to his own body being buried. Thank you to FBI Director Patel and our great President Trump for having the courage to take another look at this case… WE THE PEOPLE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR SETH RICH!

    Liked by 1 person

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  26. Rep. Andy Ogles

    @RepOgles

    The Hart-Celler Immigration Act of 1965, in conjunction with the Immigration Act of 1990, is the most recent declaration of war Congress has ever passed.

    Not only did this legislation declare war on American culture, but it has also been sending foreign troops to every American community to steal their jobs, erase their religion, and infiltrate their schools.

    I am preparing a monumental bill that repeals Hart-Celler, ends the H1-B visa scam, ends chain migration, and creates a whole new character-based system that would make America look like America again. The ASSIMILATION Act is how we can save our culture and secure our country.

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  27. Julie Kelly

    @julie_kelly2

    VERY interesting tidbits in Jeanine Pirro’s response to Jerome Powell’s motion to quash grand jury subpoenas–a motion granted yesterday by Jeb Boasberg.

    It appears Powell’s lawyer threatened Pirro to either drop the investigation or Powell would exercise his option to remain at the Fed AFTER his term as chairman expires in May 2026. Powell can stay on the Board of Governors until Jan 2028 when his full term on board ends.

    WOW.

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDYgtw7WIAAejib?format=png&name=900×900

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  32. I’m back and have wonderful news! I connected with Piper! When I want to avoid the Norfolk traffic on my way to Mom’s, I take the back way, which is a highway out of Battle Creek (where Piper lives) connecting with another highway on the south that goes right into Madison. I decided it was time to bite the bullet and try Piper again since this would most likely be the last chance for her to see GG (great-grandma). I called and she didn’t answer (new number) so I left a message saying I could pick her up on my way thru BC if she wanted to go.

    I waited until I got into BC and stopped to get a cup of coffee at the QuikTrip and called again. This time, she answered and said, yes, she’d like to go. Eureka! I told her that Gage has her Mommy Pennies and she said she would like to connect with him. When I told her he was coming to Mom’s to help, she was thrilled and so was he.

    So all is well with us now, thankfully. What a relief! I am so proud of her – no BF and now has her own car that her Dad bought her – a small 4-door Chevy. She’s just not interested in sexual matters these days (no BF) and wants to concentrate on school. She is buckling down and hasn’t gotten in trouble once this school year – yeah! She plans on going to college in Wayne to be a school music instructor. She sings like a lark and plays the trombone. It was a very good day!!!

    The guys did most of the loading but we carried boxes and plants and other little things that needed doing. Mom’s Madagascar Palm tree is too big for the truck so it will be staying at the complex – she gave it to the young man who recently moved into the adjoining apartment. Linda will bring the truck back in a few days – Tuesday or Wednesday – and I will meet her at Mom’s apartment to load what remains in her van.

    Whew! What a day! Before I left, I managed to bring my big glass & metal table from the exterior patio onto the interior patio, as well as the big trash cans. With 50+ MPH winds coming tomorrow, they would have blown away!!!

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      1. Yep! And it is really soooo simple – all Islam has to do is accept that civil law takes precedence over religious law – period! That’s it! But they won’t because original Islam was/is a conquering doctrine.

        Liked by 1 person

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          1. I haven’t seen any recent percentages but I would guess that close to 2/3 of Muslims around the world in total would be happy living as moderates and following civil law. But they don’t have the power yet…..I really believe that is what Trump is trying to do – help them GET that power.

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  34. Liked by 1 person

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  37. Just The News: “The Trump administration has declined attempts by several Middle Eastern governments to open ceasefire negotiations with Iran, according to sources cited in a new Reuters report on Saturday. Officials from countries in the region, including Oman and Egypt, have explored ways to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table in hopes of pausing the fighting. 

    U.S. officials have signaled that the White House is not currently interested in pursuing ceasefire talks and instead intends to continue military operations against Iranian targets, the sources in the report said.

    The conflict escalated earlier this month after U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Iranian military facilities and infrastructure. Since then, fighting has intensified across the region as both sides trade attacks.

    A senior administration official said Washington’s immediate focus is on weakening Iran’s military capabilities rather than negotiating a pause in the hostilities. Tehran has also pushed back on ceasefire proposals, saying they would only consider negotiations if U.S. and Israeli military strikes were to stop first.”

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  41. Have a seat. Sit a spell.

    A woman and girl walk through a honeycomb of stone walls to get water from a pump, Inishmaan, the Aran Islands, 1971   

    Wow, Architecture!

    Ahhhh, Yes!

    REO Speedwagon

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