ISIS Demands $30 Million for Release of 300 Kidnapped Assyrian Christians

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ISIS Demands $30 Million for Release of 300 Kidnapped Assyrian Christians
Assyrian Christians (Photo: Reuters/Mohamed Azakir)

Assyrians hold banners as they march in solidarity with the Assyrians abducted by Islamic State fighters in Syria earlier this week, in Beirut, Labanon, February 28, 2015. Militants in northeast Syria are now estimated to have abducted at least 220 Assyrian Christians this week, a group monitoring the war reported.

Christian Post Report – Terror group ISIS has reportedly asked for $30 million to free the 250 to 300 Assyrian Christians it kidnapped in February.

Fox News reported on an officer within the Assyrian leadership who revealed that the jihadis are asking for $100,000 per individual.

“They know we cannot come up with this kind of money, so they are hoping other groups and countries will come up with the money,” said the official, who wasn’t named.

The Christians were kidnapped from 35 different villages in the Hasakah province in February following a major ISIS attack.

Although the terror group later released 23 of the hostages, it has been attempting to force the other Christians to abandon their faith and convert to Islam.

Late in March, the Islamic State, as the group is also known, released a video showing the supposed “voluntary” conversion of one such hostage. The footage shows a man from the village of Tel Temit declaring that Muhammad is God’s prophet.

“These forms of propaganda are repugnant, offend the conscience of every man and should provoke rebellion also on behalf of Muslims who have true religious piety,” Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo, head of the Syrian Catholic archeparchy in Hassaké-Nisibi, said in response to the video.

“It is obvious that the moral and physical violence on persons held hostage is another manifestation of barbarism in which we have fallen. We pray that the Lord helps and consoles those who suffer in his name.”

One of the Assyrians who was released, identified as Robert, said that the other hostages have refused to convert.

“They kept pressuring us to convert to Islam. It was their constant focus. But we were not mistreated.” Robert said.

“We said we would not convert. They said you must then pay the jizya [a Christian poll tax] or leave the country. That was the option given to us. We said we would pay the jizya but we would not convert.”

American-led coalition forces have hit back against ISIS’ conquests in Iraq and Syria, though the militants maintain a stronghold on a number of cities and towns that used to have significant Christian populations.

Earlier in February, ISIS released a video titled “A Message Signed with Blood to the Nation of the Cross,” in which they showed the beheadings of 21 Coptic Christians that had been kidnapped in Libya.

Source : Christian Post

Mobile Horror Game ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Gets a Movie

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Mobile Horror Game ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Gets a Movie

Five Nights at Freddy's YouTube/File

Christian Post Report – A screenshot of gameplay from YouTube.

Warner Brothers is bravely doing a film adaptation of a popular mobile game called “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” The mobile game is said to be constantly on the top list of games downloaded in app stores. It is a horror survival game, with players taking on the role of a night-shift security guard who works in a pizza parlor. The game was created by Scott Cawthon.

The pizza place is famous for its animatronic band, which includes a big teddy bear, which plays kiddie tunes during the day. These animatronic animals however turn into something more sinister at night and are known for killing security personnel who are on night duty.

The Hollywood Reporter first shared the news about Warner Bros. acquiring the rights to adaptation. Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment will produce the film, with Seth Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg.

The game’s creator, Scott Cawthon, said that “the story lends itself to being a movie and it taps into a largely unexplored niche of horror that a lot of people will be able to relate to.” Seth Grahame-Smith on the other hand says that they will work with Cawthon to make “an insane, terrifying and weirdly adorable movie.”

A further description of gameplay as reported in SlashFilm may give an idea of how the film may be adapted: “The games feature a pretty unsettling art design and a backstory which involves some really nasty actions related to the animatronic animals.”

No writer is attached to the film as of yet. It will be executive produced by Adam Stone and Jay Ireland, while Jon Berg and Nik Mavinkurve will oversee the film for Warner Bros.

Lee, Grahame-Smith and Katzenberg are no strangers to the horror film genre. Lee had a hand in producing Liam Neeson’s “Run All Night” and is finishing work on the “Poltergeist” remake. Grahame-Smith and Katzenberg are currently working on a “Beetlejuice” sequel.

Source : Christian Post

‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ Welcomes Back Kathy Bates for Season 5

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‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ Welcomes Back Kathy Bates for Season 5

Kathy Bates Reuters/File

Christian Post Report – American film and television actress, Kathy Bates, during the 2015 Golden Globes Award

FX’s hit horror anthology TV series “American Horror Story” welcomes back one of its cast member in its upcoming fifth season subtitled “Hotel.”

A report from The New Zealand Herald said that the two-time AHS star Kathy Bates has been confirmed to return in a yet to be known role.

Announcing the news is none other than show creator Ryan Murphy who took to his social media this week.

“Kathy Bates is running the Hotel. #AHSSeason5” Murphy’s Twitter post reads.

Although it hasn’t yet been disclosed as to what the 66-year-old award-winning star will be in AHS: Hotel, speculations drawn out from Murphy’s tweet indicated that Bates could be the hotel’s manager.

Bates has appeared back in “American Horror Story: Coven” as well as on “American Horror Story: Freak Show” where she played the character of a bearded lady named Ethel Darling.

Speaking to Us Weekly on their March 17 news edition, Bates expressed how open she is to the idea of returning to the FX series.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” Bates said.

As with the news about the pop icon Lady Gaga joining the AHS family, Bates added that she would “love to work” with the singer.

“I’m a big fan of hers, my jaw dropped when I saw her on the Oscars,” she meanwhile told E! News. “I’ve just decided I have to put her picture up in front of the treadmill.”

Other than Bates, and Lady Gaga, the new series will also feature the acts of Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer, and Cheyenne Jackson in various major roles.

Filming for “American Horror Story: Hotel” is slated to commence this summer and will premiere on television this October.

Source : Christian Post

‘Grimm’ Season 4 News, Spoilers: Nick and Hank Investigate A Rare Wesen

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‘Grimm’ Season 4 News, Spoilers: Nick and Hank Investigate A Rare Wesen

Grimm Reuters/File

Christian Post Report – Cast members Silas Weir Mitchell (L), Bree Turner, and David Guintoli, of NBC’s detective/supernatural TV series ‘Grimm.’

Things are getting more intriguing and intense for the characters on the hit supernatural TV drama series “Grimm” as it continues this week with the episode titled “Hibernaculum” for its fourth season.

A report from Christian Today indicated that fans will witness Juliette’s (Bitsie Tulloch) “imminent” and “gradual” transition from being a loving veterinarian to a monster that certainly has the potential to put everyone around her in danger.

A synopsis posted on Dread Central pointed out that Juliette is now on the verge of becoming a full-fledged Hexenbiest as she “seeks to get revenge on Adalind (Claire Coffee).”

Juliette’s transformation will of course put Nick (David Giuntoli) in a dilemma wherein he’s got to choose between the love of his life and his duties.

Speaking of Nick, the summary went on to indicate that he and Hank (Russell Honsby) will be called to investigate a chilling string of murders pointing towards a rare Wesen suspect known to “leave its victims frozen solid.

Meanwhile, Captain Renard (Sasha Roiz) can’t seem to find the answers about her bleeding and vision incidents. The upcoming segment, as said by the DC, will see more of Renard suffering the mysterious phenomenon.

Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), on the other hand, will still be figuring out about the recent Wesenrein incident. Spoiler reports however suggested that this won’t be easy for him at all.

“Grimm” Season 4 Episode 17 titled “Hibernaculum” airs this Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Source : Christian Post

‘Grimm’ Season 4 News, Spoilers: Nick and Hank Investigate A Rare Wesen

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‘Grimm’ Season 4 News, Spoilers: Nick and Hank Investigate A Rare Wesen

Grimm Reuters/File

Christian Post Report – Cast members Silas Weir Mitchell (L), Bree Turner, and David Guintoli, of NBC’s detective/supernatural TV series ‘Grimm.’

Things are getting more intriguing and intense for the characters on the hit supernatural TV drama series “Grimm” as it continues this week with the episode titled “Hibernaculum” for its fourth season.

A report from Christian Today indicated that fans will witness Juliette’s (Bitsie Tulloch) “imminent” and “gradual” transition from being a loving veterinarian to a monster that certainly has the potential to put everyone around her in danger.

A synopsis posted on Dread Central pointed out that Juliette is now on the verge of becoming a full-fledged Hexenbiest as she “seeks to get revenge on Adalind (Claire Coffee).”

Juliette’s transformation will of course put Nick (David Giuntoli) in a dilemma wherein he’s got to choose between the love of his life and his duties.

Speaking of Nick, the summary went on to indicate that he and Hank (Russell Honsby) will be called to investigate a chilling string of murders pointing towards a rare Wesen suspect known to “leave its victims frozen solid.

Meanwhile, Captain Renard (Sasha Roiz) can’t seem to find the answers about her bleeding and vision incidents. The upcoming segment, as said by the DC, will see more of Renard suffering the mysterious phenomenon.

Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), on the other hand, will still be figuring out about the recent Wesenrein incident. Spoiler reports however suggested that this won’t be easy for him at all.

“Grimm” Season 4 Episode 17 titled “Hibernaculum” airs this Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Source : Christian Post

‘Outlander’ Episode 10 News, Spoilers: Book Character Duke of Sandringham Makes His TV Debut

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‘Outlander’ Episode 10 News, Spoilers: Book Character Duke of Sandringham Makes His TV Debut

Outlander Youtube Screenshot/Starz

Christian Post Report – Youtube Screengrab: Starz’s new TV series ‘Outlander’ based on the novel series of the same title written by Diana Gabaldon.

Starz hit historical fiction show “Outlander” returned last week with a bang and spoiler reports suggested that fans of the series should expect more of it when the next episode titled “By the Pricking of My Thumbs” arrives this week to their small screens.

One of the exciting highlights would be the introduction of the character Duke of Sandringham, played by Simon Callow, who will come in coercion with Claire (Caitriona Balfe).

Two new promo clips for the upcoming episode was released by the network where it featured the accidental time-traveller confronting the Duke regarding his friendship with Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies).

The Duke, as shown in the video, appears to be agitated with Claire and took the former’s statement as “libellous.” The monarch later concedes that even if such relationship existed, it certainly wouldn’t affect his reputation.

The other teaser, meanwhile showed Claire and Geillis (Lette Verbeek) strolling around the woods when they hear a baby crying. Eager to check on the infant, Geillis prompted Claire not to do so as the baby could actually be a “changeling,” creatures that belong to the fairies.

Meanwhile, E! Online’s Spoiler Chat segment indicated that the show’s upcoming Episode 11 will see “two jaw-dropping shockers” for those non-readers and followers of the TV series.

“A grown-up would tell you that it’s another fantastic episode, filled with brilliant acting and writing, and gearing up for episode 11 (airing April 18), which has two jaw-dropping shockers for anyone who hasn’t read the books. Two moments that change everything moving forward,” the site wrote.

For the meantime, “Outlander” Episode 10 “By the Pricking of My Thumbs” airs this Saturday, April 11, at 9 p.m. on Starz.

Source : Christian Post

‘Revenge’ Season 4 News, Spoilers: Did Emily Go Too Far With Her Revelations in ‘Clarity’?

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<b>Christian Post Report</b> – ABC’s “Revenge”” title=”<b>Christian Post Report</b> – ABC’s “Revenge”” name=”jpg” src=”http://images.christianpost.com/full/82184/abcs-revenge.jpg” class=”imgPhoto” width=”550″ height=”450″ /> <small class=FACEBOOK/ Revenge

Christian Post Report – ABC’s “Revenge”

After about a week-long hiatus from the airwaves, ABC’s hit TV series “Revenge” will finally return with more suspense, intrigue and drama in the upcoming segment titled “Exposure.”

Spoiler reports indicated that the brand new episode will pick up from the events of last week’s showing titled “Clarity.”

Fans will find out that Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe) won’t let Emily (Emily VanCamp) have a peaceful and “promising future” now that she has already revealed to everyone her real identity as David Clark’s (James Tupper) long-lost daughter, Amanda.

A synopsis from The Futon Critic indicated that the Grayson matriarch will bring more misery to Amanda’s life by uncovering “devastating new secrets” from her past. These new revelations could also threaten the things that the young Clark has accomplished as Emily.

Aside from Victoria, Emily’s close ally, Nolan (Gabriel Mann), seems devastated and at the same time disappointed with the events happening on Emily. Nolan has strongly disagreed with Emily’s big reveal plans from the start. Now that everything was left to the open, could this mean that their friendship will be affected?

To add to the list of people unhappy with Emily’s decision, Ben (Brian Hallisay) appears dismayed and might be having second thoughts of pursuing her romantic plans with the Hampton resident.

However, not everyone in Hampton is going against Emily. Christian Today said that her childhood friend, Jack, (Nick Wechsler) is “surprisingly happy” with Emily’s revelation. Will the turn of events be favourable in his part?

Find out when “Revenge” Season 4 airs this Sunday, April 12 at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Source : Christian Post

‘Need for Speed 2’ News, Update: US-China Co-Production Sequel in Development

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‘Need for Speed 2’ News, Update: US-China Co-Production Sequel in Development

Need for Speed YOUTUBESCREENSHOT/ Need for Speed

Christian Post Report – Aaron Paul as Tobey in 2013 “Need for Speed”

Although the Aaron Paul-led street racing film “Need for Speed” had relatively low performance ratings in the U.S. theaters, the film, which is adapted from Electronics Arts game saw huge success in China by hitting over $65 million in box office sales.

With the said data, it wouldn’t really be a surprise when the movie gets a sequel. In fact, a report from The Wrap said that a development for a second film is currently being ironed out between China and the U.S.

The report indicated that a joint venture film project spearheaded by “China Movie Channel Program Center, Jiaflix Enterprises and 1905 Pictures” are now teaming with EA through their representative, UTA, on a second instalment to Scott Waugh’s high-octane action thriller film.

“We are excited to work with EA, one of the world’s most recognized creative companies. We are also delighted that much of ‘Need for Speed 2’ would be filmed in China, and we believe it will include much more Chinese talent and elements,” Yin Cao, chairman of China Movie Channel, told The Wrap.

“This venture is another great endeavor to bridge the cultures between China and the West through films. We look forward to cooperating with excellent films and filmmakers to thrill and entertain movie lovers internationally with more outstanding films with Chinese labels,” Cao added.

The project, however, is still on the lookout for a new director, a new writer and a new cast. Production for “Need For Speed 2” is “anticipated to begin later this year.” Creative and casting details are expected to be announced in the following weeks.

It was meanwhile revealed that as part of the partnership deal, the upcoming film would take place in China and would feature a “significant” number of Chinese actors.

Source : Christian Post

Android 5.1 Update News: New Features, To Nexus, Xperia Z Ultra and Moto Availability

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Android 5.1 Update News: New Features, To Nexus, Xperia Z Ultra and Moto Availability

Android CREDIT: REUTERS/BECK DIEFENBACH

Christian Post Report – Android mascots are lined up in the demonstration area at the Google I/O Developers Conference in the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, May 10, 2011.

The Android 5.1 update is currently rolling out, and is now available for Nexus, Xperia Z Ultra, Moto, and other GPE devices.

Nexus 5, 7 and 10, Xperia Z Ultra and Moto G and X, the HTC One M8, and LG G Pad 8.3 devices, as well as other handsets running Google Play edition are getting their Android 5.1 update as it slowly rolls out across mobile devices.

Bumping up devices to version LMY47D, the update is 212MB and brings tweaks, changes, and bug fixes. It also modifies the way devices handle notification disruptions, and improves stability and performance.

Android 5.1 is Lollipop’s first major maintenance release. While appearing almost similar to the 5.0, it brings several subtle changes to the table, including a more polished quick settings panel that endows icons with new animation, and allows users to hop between Bluetooth and WiFi access points with the addition of dropdown arrows next to each setting.

Android 5.1 will provide users dual SIM support, and a revamped screen pinning feature with an App Pinning menu under Settings in Security. When users first pin an app, the upgrade will show which buttons need to be pressed to keep the device in pinned mode.

The update will also offer Device Protection to secure devices if they get lost or stolen. The feature prevents thieves from factory resetting a device, and effectively bricks a phone with the absence of the user’s Google account login details. When it rolls out to Nexus 6 and 9, the feature will also offer full disk encryption.

Android 5.1 won’t be providing a “mute” mode, but tweaks to the volume and interruption sliders make it easier for users to choose between icons labeled “None,” “All,” or “Priority,” complete with a specific time period.

Other changes include Clock app animations, removal of the covered overlay on contact profile photos, a bug fix for the effect that “sticks” the soft key glow when swiping, a new status bar icon indicating the absence of a SIM, and a default NuPlayer content streaming app.

Source : Christian Post

iPad Mini 4 News: Leaked Photos Released, Upgrade Soon to Be Unveiled? (VIDEO)

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iPad Mini 4 News: Leaked Photos Released, Upgrade Soon to Be Unveiled? (VIDEO)

iPad Mini 4 Reuters/File

Christian Post Report – Reuters claims Sharp has all but stopped producing iPad Retina displays.

Rumors have been circulating online over Apple’s reported update on the iPad mini, with photos of what is believed to be the iPad mini 4 leaked on the Internet.

Apple may be preparing to unleash a major upgrade on its iPad mini line with a new iPad mini 4, and images of the device’s aluminum case have been circulating online from an apparently leaked photograph.

Appearing to be thinner that its predecessors, the iPad mini 4 is likely to be more like an iPad Air 2 than the previous models. Based on photos of the leaked casing, the device will have a single row speaker grill on the bottom on both sides of the Lightning port, and it also dispenses with the mute/lock switch, just like Apple’s latest Air.

iPad mini 4 @ubergizmo/Twitter

Possible iPad Mini 4 Housing Appears In Leaked Photos & Video. Ubergizmo Twitter image. April 8, 2015.

Other big changes that set it apart from the current gen iPad mini is its chassis which reveals a big antenna cutout at its top, with a SIM slot on its right side, the arrangement making the 7.9-inch tablet appear to be a cellular version of the iPad mini 3.

The iPad mini 4 will be a device a majority of iPad mini users may be anticipating given the lukewarm reception the iPad mini 3 received when it made its debut in October last year after no major changes really set it apart from the iPad mini 2 apart from Touch ID and another color option in gold.

With the leaked photos of the alleged iPad mini 4 shell, users may be expecting the next gen device to match the specs of the iPad Air 3 at the very least.

Last year, the iPad mini 2 received some a generous upgrade with performance improvements via its new and faster 64-bit chip A8X processor and an 8MP camera with 1080 video recording capabilities.

The iPad mini 4 may receive the same improvements, and speculations run to an A9 processor with at least 2GB of memory similar to the iPad Air 2.

Detailed information about the iPad mini 4 remains scarce as it is still early in the release cycle, but users can expect the device to make its debut by October this year at the latest with a starting price point of $399.

Source : Christian Post

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