The Pour Over Today - Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Episode Date: January 19, 2022

Explaining the Senate’s votes on voting legislation and the filibuster, businesses’ big bets on the metaverse, more details about last weekend’s hostage situation, and other top news for Wednesday, January 19th. Stay informed, while remaining focused on Christ, with The Pour Over.

Thank you so much for joining us. Here's the quote of the day. The cross is the surest, truest, and deepest window on the very heart and character of the living and loving God. N.T. Wright. Let's jump right in with some espresso shots. It's a big week in the Senate, even though nothing is expected to actually happen. Here's a rundown. Democrats are pushing federal voting legislation.

They say it's necessary to protect Americans' right to vote, but Republicans say it's a federal power grab. Getting the law past a filibuster requires 60 votes, 50 Democrats plus 10 Republicans, but removing the filibuster altogether only requires 50 votes, all 50 Democrats united, plus VP Harris' tie-breaking vote. While all 50 Democrats are in favor of the voting legislation, two of them, Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, are not willing to abolish the filibuster. Since zero Republicans support the voting legislation or ending the filibuster, every vote will fail. Despite this, Senate Democrats are barreling ahead,

forcing everyone to put their yay or nay on record. Followers of Christ are not identified by their political affiliation, but by their love for others. And yes, that means loving people that you believe have unloving political beliefs or stances. John 13.35. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. It's all about the metaverse. In their largest acquisition ever, Microsoft announced it is buying video game company Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. The move will catapult Microsoft squarely to the front of the gaming industry, but also solidifies their plans to not let meta create the metaverse unchecked.

Speaking of which, Walmart is quietly making plans for how to fill those virtual shelves with great value e-goods. It has been filing trademarks related to the metaverse and reportedly plans to release its own cryptocurrency, sell NFTs, as well as make and sell virtual goods. Back in the physical world, investors were a bit spooked by disappointing earnings reports, we see you Goldman Sachs down 7%, and continued supply chain issues. All major indexes are down this week. Be quick to point to God and give Him the credit for your hope, strength, and love during times dominated by uncertainty and change. Even in the midst of chaos, our eternity is secure. Philippians 4.6. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition

with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Rabbi Charlie shed light on what happened during Saturday's hostage situation in Collierville, Texas. Malik Akram knocked on the door of the synagogue on Saturday morning, and Rabbi Charlie, thinking he needed shelter, welcomed him in and even made tea. A little while later, during the prayer service, Akram took out a gun. During the nearly 11-hour standoff, Akram's brother called and tried to convince him to release the hostages, later saying Akram had serious mental health issues and a criminal record. When the situation deteriorated further, Rabbi Charlie threw a chair at Akram,

providing time for all the hostages to escape through a nearby exit. The rabbi is crediting safety training for his calm attitude and quick thinking. Akram's two teenage children were arrested Sunday evening, but released after questioning. A quote to remember when you're rightly terrified. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. Edward Mote. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. In its first update since a nearby underwater volcano's eruption created a tsunami, Tonga's government confirmed three deaths and spoke of unprecedented disaster. The eruption, now

believing to be the world's largest in 30 years, damaged underwater cables, severely limiting the nation's ability to communicate with the outside world. Please put your 5G networks in airplane mode. Verizon and AT&T scaled down today's 5G launch after the 10 largest U.S. airlines warned a full launch could cause major disruptions to flights. Many planes use 5G launch after the 10 largest U.S. airlines warned a full launch could cause major disruptions to flights. Many planes use 5G frequencies to navigate and they don't want signal interference on the runway. The Olympics are officially WFH, watch from home, for everyone, even Chinese citizens. Beijing had already announced it wouldn't allow out-of-country spectators but just further restricted access to selected spectators,

canceling tickets sold to the general public. China's infamous one-child policy, which was in effect from 1980 to 2015, worked a bit too well. The government is now incentivizing couples to have kids with cash grants and extended maternity leave. Despite this, China just announced its population growth fell to a 61-year low, creating fears of a population and economy crunch. Saudi-led coalition airstrikes have reportedly killed 20 Houthi rebels, who control much of Yemen, in retaliation for Houthi drone strikes

against Saudi Arabia's partner, the United Arab Emirates. The Houthi attack against the UAE struck three oil tankers, killed three migrants, and wounded six other people, sparking international condemnation against the Houthis. And that is all we have for today. Thank you so much for listening. And if you're thinking, wow, I love this podcast, and I want to see them reach more Christians, well, here's a breakdown on how you can best support us. If you're listening on the Apple Podcast app, give us a five-star rating and drop a review. We do actually read these and take them to heart. Like this review from username nstep underscore 94. I like to be up to date when it comes to the news,

but I get tired of sifting through the partisan and frantic tilt of most news outlets simply to find the facts. The Pour Over podcast offers a refreshing alternative that gives you what you need to know presenting the meat without the bones, all in the time it takes to brew my morning coffee. A big thank you from all of us here at TPO. We love how you wrapped up the review with a nod to our coffee theme. If you're listening on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to never miss a new episode. There is also an option to leave a five-star rating, but it's a newer feature and it's only doable on your phone, not desktop or browser yet. We sincerely appreciate all your support and hope you have a great rest of your day. We'll see you on Friday.