It's funny isn't it, that after all this time we still have stories about President Bush's intelligence
Bush anything but moronic, according to author
When Mark Crispin Miller first set out to write Dyslexicon: Observations on a National Disorder, about the ever-growing catalogue of President George W. Bush's verbal gaffes, he meant it for a laugh. But what he came to realize wasn't entirely amusing.
Since the 2000 presidential campaign, Miller has been compiling his own collection of Bush-isms, which have revealed, he says, a disquieting truth about what lurks behind the cock-eyed leer of the leader of the free world. He's not a moron at all — on that point, Miller and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien agree.
But according to Miller, he's no friend.
Saturday, November 30, 2002
This has been quite an story here in Madrid
Spanish MPs fined for porn surfing
Three members of Spain's governing party have been fined after getting caught looking at pornographic pictures during a debate on domestic violence in Madrid's regional parliament. ... The men were caught out by journalists in the parliament chamber as they looked at pornographic emails.
It's interesting, that I've actually often seen this in many Spanish offices..."pornographic" jokes are quite often sent around as email, or questionable photos, etc. I periodically have to remind employees that while there Spanish friends may think it's funny, the fact is that they are getting these emails, etc. while working for a US company.
My favorite example was when an employee of a certain Spanish state company some how "garnered" all the personal email addresses of some of my employees, and then every morning sent out very questionable material to all on that list. That person thought we were all "prudes" when we complained that his doctored sexual photos shouldn't be sent to us - especially after some of them made it to the mother of one employee at her work place in Germany - in front of her bosses!
Maybe it all has something to do with the fact that after years under Franco, the country swung so far the other way - to the point that the number one magazine right after Franco's death in Spain was a soft-porn mag.
Spanish MPs fined for porn surfing
Three members of Spain's governing party have been fined after getting caught looking at pornographic pictures during a debate on domestic violence in Madrid's regional parliament. ... The men were caught out by journalists in the parliament chamber as they looked at pornographic emails.
It's interesting, that I've actually often seen this in many Spanish offices..."pornographic" jokes are quite often sent around as email, or questionable photos, etc. I periodically have to remind employees that while there Spanish friends may think it's funny, the fact is that they are getting these emails, etc. while working for a US company.
My favorite example was when an employee of a certain Spanish state company some how "garnered" all the personal email addresses of some of my employees, and then every morning sent out very questionable material to all on that list. That person thought we were all "prudes" when we complained that his doctored sexual photos shouldn't be sent to us - especially after some of them made it to the mother of one employee at her work place in Germany - in front of her bosses!
Maybe it all has something to do with the fact that after years under Franco, the country swung so far the other way - to the point that the number one magazine right after Franco's death in Spain was a soft-porn mag.
Friday, November 29, 2002
Guardian headline is kind of obvious...
Don't blame religion for the killings done in God's name
The article seems to be saying instead, blame politics. Hey, I already do that too ...
Don't blame religion for the killings done in God's name
The article seems to be saying instead, blame politics. Hey, I already do that too ...
Stormtrooper Watch Alert...
High Court to Hear Miranda Challenge
Police can hold people in custody and force them to talk, so long as their incriminating statements are not used to prosecute them, U.S. Solicitor Gen. Theodore B. Olson and Michael Chertoff, the chief of the Justice Department's criminal division, say in their brief to the court. ... It "will chill legitimate law enforcement efforts to obtain potentially life-saving information during emergencies," including terrorism alerts, if police and FBI agents can be sued for coercive questioning, they add
From this I gather that police can shoot a person five times, then while he lays on the ground, question him. What's the matter with that?
High Court to Hear Miranda Challenge
Police can hold people in custody and force them to talk, so long as their incriminating statements are not used to prosecute them, U.S. Solicitor Gen. Theodore B. Olson and Michael Chertoff, the chief of the Justice Department's criminal division, say in their brief to the court. ... It "will chill legitimate law enforcement efforts to obtain potentially life-saving information during emergencies," including terrorism alerts, if police and FBI agents can be sued for coercive questioning, they add
From this I gather that police can shoot a person five times, then while he lays on the ground, question him. What's the matter with that?
Stupid parent alert...
Partying Daughter Grounded, Foot Nailed to Floor
A Cambodian mother took drastic measures to stop her party-loving 13-year-old daughter from going at out night -- she nailed her foot to the floor
I think this mom needs some parenting courses...
Partying Daughter Grounded, Foot Nailed to Floor
A Cambodian mother took drastic measures to stop her party-loving 13-year-old daughter from going at out night -- she nailed her foot to the floor
I think this mom needs some parenting courses...
Public schooling going down the tubes
I posted the other day that we're looking for a school for my daughter, who's soon going to turn three. Here in Spain, you pretty much have to enroll your children when they are three - If you don't then they'll be left way behind.
So we've been checking out schools. There was one school that we visited today that was very interesting and we were very impressed. The school is run by the Opus Dei, and like most of their schools is not mixed. I personally like that idea, the last thing I can want to have to worry about is some pimply youngster chasing after my baby girl. Of course, having an older brother should help as well.
Anyway, this school that we saw stresses that the parents are the teachers. They have parenting and marriage courses for the parents, individualized courses for the children, and constant meetings with the parents, teacher and staff to make sure that the child is "on track." Obviously, the school is conservative, and definitely not PC.
Now, counter that, with this bit of news that appeared in today's edition of the Spanish daily ABC where there's been a bit of consternation over the content of "sex guide" was sent to children in public schools.
The children that got the "book" were three- to 12-years old.
Of course now, the City Council for Fuenlabrada - a suburb of Madrid - says they were "in error" to send the "guidebook" to the elementary schools.
So what was the content of the "textbook?" Well, I'm not going to print any of the phrases in the book that was sent to elementary school-children, because it would cause this website to blocked by a few "web-censors," but I can tell you that it advises children it's A-OK to practice same-sex, and in fact that it's healthy - and desireable - so that the children will fully appreciate their sexuality later in life.
"Of course" there are illustrations - stick figures - accompanying text on masturbation, oral sex, how "to get experience with lots of girls," sex aids, multiple sex partners, and a lot on sexual positions: "It's possible to have sex in lots of different positions. The only limitations being your flexibility and your imagination, probably the three most popular are..."
Boy, it sure is *difficult* to decide what school I'd prefer my children going to...
I posted the other day that we're looking for a school for my daughter, who's soon going to turn three. Here in Spain, you pretty much have to enroll your children when they are three - If you don't then they'll be left way behind.
So we've been checking out schools. There was one school that we visited today that was very interesting and we were very impressed. The school is run by the Opus Dei, and like most of their schools is not mixed. I personally like that idea, the last thing I can want to have to worry about is some pimply youngster chasing after my baby girl. Of course, having an older brother should help as well.
Anyway, this school that we saw stresses that the parents are the teachers. They have parenting and marriage courses for the parents, individualized courses for the children, and constant meetings with the parents, teacher and staff to make sure that the child is "on track." Obviously, the school is conservative, and definitely not PC.
Now, counter that, with this bit of news that appeared in today's edition of the Spanish daily ABC where there's been a bit of consternation over the content of "sex guide" was sent to children in public schools.
The children that got the "book" were three- to 12-years old.
Of course now, the City Council for Fuenlabrada - a suburb of Madrid - says they were "in error" to send the "guidebook" to the elementary schools.
So what was the content of the "textbook?" Well, I'm not going to print any of the phrases in the book that was sent to elementary school-children, because it would cause this website to blocked by a few "web-censors," but I can tell you that it advises children it's A-OK to practice same-sex, and in fact that it's healthy - and desireable - so that the children will fully appreciate their sexuality later in life.
"Of course" there are illustrations - stick figures - accompanying text on masturbation, oral sex, how "to get experience with lots of girls," sex aids, multiple sex partners, and a lot on sexual positions: "It's possible to have sex in lots of different positions. The only limitations being your flexibility and your imagination, probably the three most popular are..."
Boy, it sure is *difficult* to decide what school I'd prefer my children going to...
Thursday, November 28, 2002
Happy Thanksgiving - From Spain
Today I'm going to do something a bit different, I'm just going to post what it's like to be an American living in Spain, and celebrating Thanksgiving.
I usually take the long weekend off from work, and we do try to celebrate the Holiday, not only for me, but so that our children will understand part of their heritage. My Peruvian wife also knows, that I like to spend the day in the kitchen, making the meal, nipping a bit on a drink, and then late in the evening gathering all around the table to thank God for all that we have.
Years ago, before I had my family, I'd often join the other expats, who would usually go to a restaurant - that caters to Americans, with a Thanksgiving style meal - or to the home of an "older" expat that would do the cooking. I guess I'm that "older" expat now. My strangest Thanksgiving experience was going to a restaurant that advertized Thanksgiving meals, with a bunch of Brits. The place became rowdy and the free drinks flowed, and I finally left when an English minister insulted a Scot over football, both of them almost coming to blows, and which was only prevented by both of their wives separating them...all accompanied by the drunken singing from a table nearby of Welshmen and Cubans!. And being that I was the only American in the locale, I bid "adios," and went home, thinking that "this surely isn't what Thanksgiving is all about."
BUT today, my day, started around 9am, I took the opportunity to sleep in, then gave all kisses and headed out for a walk across town toward an ecumenical Thanksgiving service. In the past, we would have gone all together, but this year the oldest child is in school, and the two youngest are ill, so I went alone. As I often do when walking, I recited the Rosary. I wonder if any others of you noticed how apt was today's Mystery?
The Thanksgiving service, as usual, was in the Anglican church - St. George's. It was a bit awkward for me, as this was my old church. I was Anglican before converting. Still, it was nice touching bases with so many familiar faces, the vicar, and others. The Anglican vicar acted as the minister, our Roman Catholic priest gave the sermon, an Episcopalian minister - woman - did the readings, and a Methodist minister - also a woman - led the responsive prayers. There was also a BBC reporter there writing an article on how American expats celebrate Thankgiving. I'll have to see if it's published...
And there was lots of singing. We started out with a typical Harvest song - I can't remember the name right now, but here's the first verse:
That was followed by an Anglican prayer of thanks, and then Our Father, and the responsive readings of Psalm 65, God's Abundant Favor to Mankind.
Then we all sat and listened to President Bush's Thanksgiving speech. This year, the American ambassador wasn't with us, as his daughter has just given birth to twins (girls) in California, so instead the president's speech was read by one of the press attaches from the embassy.
Then more singing, this time Faith of Our Fathers, a reading, then the reading of the 10 Lepers (and only one came back to thank Jesus), prayers of thanksgiving, the doxology, the sermon - Father Ron did an excellent job - and the singing of America the Beautiful, during which the collection was taken. As I had been a sidesman for donkey's years in the Anglican church, they asked me to help out at today's service - and to tell you the truth, it made me feel good to see that there wasn't that much "bad blood" since I left the Anglican church.
Now, I'm cooking. I've got the turkey in the oven, with the stuffing. I've cooked the yams (called batata here in Spain, and camote in Peru) and drenched in honey and butter to go into the oven. Soon I'll start on the various salads, mashed potatoes, gravy, etc. I've got a bottle of Brut champagne chilled, three bottles of nice red wine ready, a bit of sherry for the aperitivo, still to do are the grilled-green-asparagus. This year, I'm going to be a bit lazy - I'm not making bread or rolls, nor am I making dessert. Instead, we'll buy fresh baked bread from the shop next door, and for dessert "tarta de whiskey."
I'm shooting for us eating around 7pm, that way the kids can eat, play around a bit, and then to bed, since there's school tomorrow. And then me, I'll have that final drink, maybe a cigar, and once again thank God for all that I have.
May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Today I'm going to do something a bit different, I'm just going to post what it's like to be an American living in Spain, and celebrating Thanksgiving.
I usually take the long weekend off from work, and we do try to celebrate the Holiday, not only for me, but so that our children will understand part of their heritage. My Peruvian wife also knows, that I like to spend the day in the kitchen, making the meal, nipping a bit on a drink, and then late in the evening gathering all around the table to thank God for all that we have.
Years ago, before I had my family, I'd often join the other expats, who would usually go to a restaurant - that caters to Americans, with a Thanksgiving style meal - or to the home of an "older" expat that would do the cooking. I guess I'm that "older" expat now. My strangest Thanksgiving experience was going to a restaurant that advertized Thanksgiving meals, with a bunch of Brits. The place became rowdy and the free drinks flowed, and I finally left when an English minister insulted a Scot over football, both of them almost coming to blows, and which was only prevented by both of their wives separating them...all accompanied by the drunken singing from a table nearby of Welshmen and Cubans!. And being that I was the only American in the locale, I bid "adios," and went home, thinking that "this surely isn't what Thanksgiving is all about."
BUT today, my day, started around 9am, I took the opportunity to sleep in, then gave all kisses and headed out for a walk across town toward an ecumenical Thanksgiving service. In the past, we would have gone all together, but this year the oldest child is in school, and the two youngest are ill, so I went alone. As I often do when walking, I recited the Rosary. I wonder if any others of you noticed how apt was today's Mystery?
The Thanksgiving service, as usual, was in the Anglican church - St. George's. It was a bit awkward for me, as this was my old church. I was Anglican before converting. Still, it was nice touching bases with so many familiar faces, the vicar, and others. The Anglican vicar acted as the minister, our Roman Catholic priest gave the sermon, an Episcopalian minister - woman - did the readings, and a Methodist minister - also a woman - led the responsive prayers. There was also a BBC reporter there writing an article on how American expats celebrate Thankgiving. I'll have to see if it's published...
And there was lots of singing. We started out with a typical Harvest song - I can't remember the name right now, but here's the first verse:
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of Harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God's own temple, come
Raise the song of harvest home.
That was followed by an Anglican prayer of thanks, and then Our Father, and the responsive readings of Psalm 65, God's Abundant Favor to Mankind.
Then we all sat and listened to President Bush's Thanksgiving speech. This year, the American ambassador wasn't with us, as his daughter has just given birth to twins (girls) in California, so instead the president's speech was read by one of the press attaches from the embassy.
Then more singing, this time Faith of Our Fathers, a reading, then the reading of the 10 Lepers (and only one came back to thank Jesus), prayers of thanksgiving, the doxology, the sermon - Father Ron did an excellent job - and the singing of America the Beautiful, during which the collection was taken. As I had been a sidesman for donkey's years in the Anglican church, they asked me to help out at today's service - and to tell you the truth, it made me feel good to see that there wasn't that much "bad blood" since I left the Anglican church.
Now, I'm cooking. I've got the turkey in the oven, with the stuffing. I've cooked the yams (called batata here in Spain, and camote in Peru) and drenched in honey and butter to go into the oven. Soon I'll start on the various salads, mashed potatoes, gravy, etc. I've got a bottle of Brut champagne chilled, three bottles of nice red wine ready, a bit of sherry for the aperitivo, still to do are the grilled-green-asparagus. This year, I'm going to be a bit lazy - I'm not making bread or rolls, nor am I making dessert. Instead, we'll buy fresh baked bread from the shop next door, and for dessert "tarta de whiskey."
I'm shooting for us eating around 7pm, that way the kids can eat, play around a bit, and then to bed, since there's school tomorrow. And then me, I'll have that final drink, maybe a cigar, and once again thank God for all that I have.
May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
Feedback request...
One of my daughters is turning three soon. Meaning that next year she will begin school here in Madrid. I don't have the big bucks to send her to one of the bilingual schools, so we're thinking of sending her to a girls school, or cooperative, that is run by Opus Dei. Later, another daughter would join her there.
For those of you not familiar with the subject, some of the best schools in Spain are ran by The Work. The schools - which aren't mixed - seem to really stress the entire family taking part in the education of the child. Yes, there is an emphasis on religion, but that isn't a put off - since we are Catholic - and in fact I see it as a bonus.
That said, I'd be curious to hear if any of you have had similar experiences, or suggestions...
One of my daughters is turning three soon. Meaning that next year she will begin school here in Madrid. I don't have the big bucks to send her to one of the bilingual schools, so we're thinking of sending her to a girls school, or cooperative, that is run by Opus Dei. Later, another daughter would join her there.
For those of you not familiar with the subject, some of the best schools in Spain are ran by The Work. The schools - which aren't mixed - seem to really stress the entire family taking part in the education of the child. Yes, there is an emphasis on religion, but that isn't a put off - since we are Catholic - and in fact I see it as a bonus.
That said, I'd be curious to hear if any of you have had similar experiences, or suggestions...
Is this ecumenicalism at work?
Church leaders declare Sunday a day of prayer for rain
The leaders of Australia's major Christian denominations have asked their faithful to set aside Sunday as a day of prayer for rain to end the current drought. ... The 15 leaders have directed that the prayer takes place at local churches rather than major venues in each state or city. They believe that prayer at local venues will put people in contact with one another, and help them express their beliefs and fears.
Here is a link to RESOURCES FOR USE AT ROMAN CATHOLIC MASSES, including Penitential Rite, Intercessions, and Prayer for Rain.
Church leaders declare Sunday a day of prayer for rain
The leaders of Australia's major Christian denominations have asked their faithful to set aside Sunday as a day of prayer for rain to end the current drought. ... The 15 leaders have directed that the prayer takes place at local churches rather than major venues in each state or city. They believe that prayer at local venues will put people in contact with one another, and help them express their beliefs and fears.
Here is a link to RESOURCES FOR USE AT ROMAN CATHOLIC MASSES, including Penitential Rite, Intercessions, and Prayer for Rain.
New ape population found
A secret population of orang-utans has been discovered in the forests of the island of Borneo. ... Conservationists believe about 2,000 rare apes are living out of sight in a remote lowland region of East Kalimantan. ... The find, if confirmed, will raise the number of known orang-utans in the world by about 10%
A secret population of orang-utans has been discovered in the forests of the island of Borneo. ... Conservationists believe about 2,000 rare apes are living out of sight in a remote lowland region of East Kalimantan. ... The find, if confirmed, will raise the number of known orang-utans in the world by about 10%
The antichrist could be born in January
Well, maybe not, but I just wanted to throw out the possibility...
'First human clone' due in January
A controversial Italian doctor has announced that the first cloned human baby will be born in January 2003. ... The doctor, Severino Antinori, said three women he had been treating were carrying cloned embryos in advanced stages of pregnancy. ... The other two women carrying cloned embryos were in the 28th and the 27th week of their pregnancies, the doctor said.
Silly question time: Are the souls of clones "cloned"?
Well, maybe not, but I just wanted to throw out the possibility...
'First human clone' due in January
A controversial Italian doctor has announced that the first cloned human baby will be born in January 2003. ... The doctor, Severino Antinori, said three women he had been treating were carrying cloned embryos in advanced stages of pregnancy. ... The other two women carrying cloned embryos were in the 28th and the 27th week of their pregnancies, the doctor said.
Silly question time: Are the souls of clones "cloned"?
This is sad...
Woman Sends Dead Baby to Church
The Police arrested her following a tip off from church workers who spotted the dead baby wrapped in a black polythene bag and put in a bucket during praises and worship. ... Police sources told the Chronicle yesterday that Joanna exhumed the baby's body without the knowledge of the parents with the hope that Jesus Abrantie, the charismatic minister whose followers believe him to have the gift of resurrection powers, would resurrect the child
Woman Sends Dead Baby to Church
The Police arrested her following a tip off from church workers who spotted the dead baby wrapped in a black polythene bag and put in a bucket during praises and worship. ... Police sources told the Chronicle yesterday that Joanna exhumed the baby's body without the knowledge of the parents with the hope that Jesus Abrantie, the charismatic minister whose followers believe him to have the gift of resurrection powers, would resurrect the child
With leaders like this...
Zimbabwe: ZANU Leader Wants 6 Million of His Countrymen Dead
The administrative Secretary of the ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe, Didymus Mutasa, has declared that the country would be better off with six million of its citizens dead. Now the government is distributing food only to Shona speakers, condemning the populations who voted for the MDC to death by starvation. Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF regime is a murderous, evil clique comparable only to the world’s worst tyrants, such as Pol Pot, Bokassa, Idi Amin and the CIA’s former protege, Suharto.
Mutasa declared to the press during the weekend that “We would be better off with only six million people, with our own (Shona) people who support the liberation struggle. We don’t want all these extra people”. By “extra people” Zimbabwe’s leading civil servant means the people who live in non-Shona-speaking areas, who in their majority supported the opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change.
Just think if this idea were to catch on in other countries, for example in the US after the recent elections.
Zimbabwe: ZANU Leader Wants 6 Million of His Countrymen Dead
The administrative Secretary of the ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe, Didymus Mutasa, has declared that the country would be better off with six million of its citizens dead. Now the government is distributing food only to Shona speakers, condemning the populations who voted for the MDC to death by starvation. Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF regime is a murderous, evil clique comparable only to the world’s worst tyrants, such as Pol Pot, Bokassa, Idi Amin and the CIA’s former protege, Suharto.
Mutasa declared to the press during the weekend that “We would be better off with only six million people, with our own (Shona) people who support the liberation struggle. We don’t want all these extra people”. By “extra people” Zimbabwe’s leading civil servant means the people who live in non-Shona-speaking areas, who in their majority supported the opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change.
Just think if this idea were to catch on in other countries, for example in the US after the recent elections.
What in the world?
Baby devil riles French right
The poster for next summer's event in the town of Vienne in the Rhone-Alpes region shows a white baby devil being suckled by a black woman.
And here is where the problems begin.
The BBC says that those on the Far-Right (implying first that there far-out, and secondly that they're Christians, which in BBC-talk, must mean that Christians are "out there in the ozone") believe the poster is of the Virgin.
But this is what the author of the poster has to say all about it...
And then the article ends up with a serious of really strange quotes:
And this even stranger item:
Take a look at the poster. What do you think, is it religious?
Baby devil riles French right
The poster for next summer's event in the town of Vienne in the Rhone-Alpes region shows a white baby devil being suckled by a black woman.
And here is where the problems begin.
The BBC says that those on the Far-Right (implying first that there far-out, and secondly that they're Christians, which in BBC-talk, must mean that Christians are "out there in the ozone") believe the poster is of the Virgin.
But this is what the author of the poster has to say all about it...
The poster's creator, Bruno Thery, told the Paris daily Liberation it never crossed his mind to paint a "black virgin", as the far right described the mother figure.
And then the article ends up with a serious of really strange quotes:
"Secularism is respect for all religions," it quoted Mr Hamelin of the UMP as saying.
"We would have reacted in the same way if it had been a question of horns on a Muslim woman," he added.
And this even stranger item:
He recalled that a gargoyle on the nearby cathedral of Villefranche-sur-Saone represents an imp sodomising a nun.
Take a look at the poster. What do you think, is it religious?
Guess they should have paid attention to the "No Trespassing" sign?
Man hangs boys from trees
A Northern Cape man is being held after allegedly terrorising two children by tying a rope to their feet and hanging them upside down from trees after he found them playing in his yard. ... Captain Miriam Nkombisa said the boys were assaulted and terrorised for more than five hours before they were released. They then had to walk 20km home.
Man hangs boys from trees
A Northern Cape man is being held after allegedly terrorising two children by tying a rope to their feet and hanging them upside down from trees after he found them playing in his yard. ... Captain Miriam Nkombisa said the boys were assaulted and terrorised for more than five hours before they were released. They then had to walk 20km home.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Should you be concerned when somebody casts "the evil eye" on you?
I was out taking a walk around the block, when this elderly gypsy woman came up to me, grabbed me by the arm and tried to sell me a lottery ticket.
She kept insisting that she had "a really lucky number" for me. To which, I in turn, told the white lie that I didn't have any money to buy the ticket (well it was kind of true, I had the money, but it wasn't money to be spent on a ticket - I was saving it for a cigar).
But that didn't phase her one second, as she proceeded to ask for a "little tip" or some loose change. I explained to her that how could I give her any money, if I didn't have any. I'm sure that she's heard the same story over and over.
Now, I know that many people will tell you that I fell in the trap of even talking to her, but it's kind of hard not talking to somebody when they've got a hold of your arm and are walking down the street beside you. I even know of others who will go to great extremes to not have to talk to a gypsy in the street, because there is this fear that if they don't give them any money, they could be cursed. Personally, I think the gypsies sometimes use this scare tactic on purpose.
I remember once in Sevilla, in another instance, another gypsy woman grabbed a friend's hand and began palm-reading it, even as she struggled to get her hand back. The woman kept saying, "I can see that you've been a very bad girl," while at the same time begging for some money.
But back to what happened to me today.
As the gypsy woman finally realized that even though I was being polite, I wasn't going to give her any money, the tone of her voice changed, and she cursed me and cast me "the evil eye."
So should I be concerned? What's the etiquette when you've had the "evil eye" cast upon you...should you immediately "cross" yourself or ignore that it ever happened?
I was out taking a walk around the block, when this elderly gypsy woman came up to me, grabbed me by the arm and tried to sell me a lottery ticket.
She kept insisting that she had "a really lucky number" for me. To which, I in turn, told the white lie that I didn't have any money to buy the ticket (well it was kind of true, I had the money, but it wasn't money to be spent on a ticket - I was saving it for a cigar).
But that didn't phase her one second, as she proceeded to ask for a "little tip" or some loose change. I explained to her that how could I give her any money, if I didn't have any. I'm sure that she's heard the same story over and over.
Now, I know that many people will tell you that I fell in the trap of even talking to her, but it's kind of hard not talking to somebody when they've got a hold of your arm and are walking down the street beside you. I even know of others who will go to great extremes to not have to talk to a gypsy in the street, because there is this fear that if they don't give them any money, they could be cursed. Personally, I think the gypsies sometimes use this scare tactic on purpose.
I remember once in Sevilla, in another instance, another gypsy woman grabbed a friend's hand and began palm-reading it, even as she struggled to get her hand back. The woman kept saying, "I can see that you've been a very bad girl," while at the same time begging for some money.
But back to what happened to me today.
As the gypsy woman finally realized that even though I was being polite, I wasn't going to give her any money, the tone of her voice changed, and she cursed me and cast me "the evil eye."
So should I be concerned? What's the etiquette when you've had the "evil eye" cast upon you...should you immediately "cross" yourself or ignore that it ever happened?
Monday, November 25, 2002
I'm sure this is ruffling a few feathers...
Vatican official sends Ramadan greeting, urges joint peace effort
Christians and Muslims have a God-given duty to work and pray for peace, according to Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
"The origin of the causes of conflict is often to be located in hearts which refuse to be open to God," the archbishop said in a message to the world's one billion Muslims for Eid ul-Fitr, the celebration at the end of their Ramadan fast.
Vatican official sends Ramadan greeting, urges joint peace effort
Christians and Muslims have a God-given duty to work and pray for peace, according to Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
"The origin of the causes of conflict is often to be located in hearts which refuse to be open to God," the archbishop said in a message to the world's one billion Muslims for Eid ul-Fitr, the celebration at the end of their Ramadan fast.
WWUD: What Would You Do?
You've got a fourth-grader who's going on a field trip, and as usual a call is put out for parents to help chaperone the event. Later you find out one of the parents who helped out at the event is a cross-dressing father.
So what would your response be?
A) "It seems to me you could start at that age level saying that not all men grow up to be cowboys and construction workers, and not all women grow up to be ballerinas."Jeff Wunrow, head of a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
Or
B) "The sad part is, people are accepting this as normal behavior, that he has a right to do this," said McMichael. "I don't say that he doesn't have that right, but my problem is that he is exposing my daughter to those views. The school is supposed to be protecting our children."
Or
C) Other?
Pupil's cross-dressing father ruffles feathers in Francis Howell district
You've got a fourth-grader who's going on a field trip, and as usual a call is put out for parents to help chaperone the event. Later you find out one of the parents who helped out at the event is a cross-dressing father.
So what would your response be?
A) "It seems to me you could start at that age level saying that not all men grow up to be cowboys and construction workers, and not all women grow up to be ballerinas."Jeff Wunrow, head of a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
Or
B) "The sad part is, people are accepting this as normal behavior, that he has a right to do this," said McMichael. "I don't say that he doesn't have that right, but my problem is that he is exposing my daughter to those views. The school is supposed to be protecting our children."
Or
C) Other?
Pupil's cross-dressing father ruffles feathers in Francis Howell district
I merely post this because I lived here for many years
Idaho town wants to get blind rider off the streets
Ah, what memories...
I got to playing around, and guess what...maybe this is a possibility?
The Guide Horse Foundation
Photos include a "horse" with tennis shoes?
Idaho town wants to get blind rider off the streets
Ah, what memories...
I got to playing around, and guess what...maybe this is a possibility?
The Guide Horse Foundation
Photos include a "horse" with tennis shoes?
Interesting factoid
Urinating while standing cuts blood to the brain...insert your own joke
Medic takes a stand for squatting urinaters
Urinating while standing cuts blood to the brain...insert your own joke
Medic takes a stand for squatting urinaters
New Mexico's trees glow in the dark
LANL Warns of Contaminated Trees
Los Alamos County and U.S. Forest Service personnel who are thinning trees in Bayo Canyon east of Los Alamos have been warned by Los Alamos National Laboratory not to remove trees they cut in various parts of the canyon because the trees might be radioactive.
But the part I love in this article, is the following:
Bayo Canyon is a popular spot for hiking and horseback riding. ... "Normal recreational use, the activities that are done in that area, don't present any risks to the public," Rickman said. "Because we've asked the Forest Service to leave those trees in that area does not mean people need to be afraid of that area. We have placards (in Bayo Canyon) that say 'No excavating,' but normal recreational use is not a problem."
Sorry, but I don't get it...there's a risk of radiation if you cut the trees down, but not if you wallow around in them? And why is it that explanation just doesn't seem so comforting? Are there any two-heads animals in the area?
LANL Warns of Contaminated Trees
Los Alamos County and U.S. Forest Service personnel who are thinning trees in Bayo Canyon east of Los Alamos have been warned by Los Alamos National Laboratory not to remove trees they cut in various parts of the canyon because the trees might be radioactive.
But the part I love in this article, is the following:
Bayo Canyon is a popular spot for hiking and horseback riding. ... "Normal recreational use, the activities that are done in that area, don't present any risks to the public," Rickman said. "Because we've asked the Forest Service to leave those trees in that area does not mean people need to be afraid of that area. We have placards (in Bayo Canyon) that say 'No excavating,' but normal recreational use is not a problem."
Sorry, but I don't get it...there's a risk of radiation if you cut the trees down, but not if you wallow around in them? And why is it that explanation just doesn't seem so comforting? Are there any two-heads animals in the area?
Here's an update on the Prestige tanker sinking, oil spill
Spain Steps Up Tanker Spill Cleanup
The tanker was carrying 20 million gallons of fuel. The Spanish government estimates 2.9 million gallons leaked from the tanker, but environmental groups say the spill is twice that much. ... On land, workers cleaned beaches Monday. Strong winds were pushing the slick northwest, closer to the Spanish coast and toward France, forcing the regional government to extend the ban on fishing and collecting shellfish in some areas.
Portuguese authorities said Sunday that the sunken Prestige was still leaking small amounts of fuel oil reports that Spain disputes. It cites experts as saying most of the fuel has solidified on the cold Atlantic floor.
And from these headlines, you can tell the blame game has really heated up.
Spain Blames Salvage Company For Tanker Spill
Spain Faulted For Response To Tanker Spill
Spain Steps Up Tanker Spill Cleanup
The tanker was carrying 20 million gallons of fuel. The Spanish government estimates 2.9 million gallons leaked from the tanker, but environmental groups say the spill is twice that much. ... On land, workers cleaned beaches Monday. Strong winds were pushing the slick northwest, closer to the Spanish coast and toward France, forcing the regional government to extend the ban on fishing and collecting shellfish in some areas.
Portuguese authorities said Sunday that the sunken Prestige was still leaking small amounts of fuel oil reports that Spain disputes. It cites experts as saying most of the fuel has solidified on the cold Atlantic floor.
And from these headlines, you can tell the blame game has really heated up.
Spain Blames Salvage Company For Tanker Spill
Spain Faulted For Response To Tanker Spill
Judge Garzon Suffers Facial Paralysis
The wires are reporting, that Spain's top anti-terrorism judge, Baltazar Garzon, is suffering from facial paralysis and hypertension. It seems he has a "pinched nerve in his ear?"
If you're from the US you're probably saying, "Who?"
But here in Spain, Baltazar Garzon is almost of superstar status. Already a top judge, the Socialists even put him on their party ticket in the 1980s as an independent. Garzon didn't last long, hanging up his political hat, and replacing it once again with his black robe. Latin Americans, and readers from the UK, now Garzon when he attempted to try Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet on human rights charges in 1998. Garzon has also been active in the war on drugs, and money laundering. Garzon has not only gone after Spanish terrorists - ETA, GRAPO, etc - but also against al-Queda militants.
Spain's national news agency Efe said the ailment was due to the magistrate's "intense workload".
The wires are reporting, that Spain's top anti-terrorism judge, Baltazar Garzon, is suffering from facial paralysis and hypertension. It seems he has a "pinched nerve in his ear?"
If you're from the US you're probably saying, "Who?"
But here in Spain, Baltazar Garzon is almost of superstar status. Already a top judge, the Socialists even put him on their party ticket in the 1980s as an independent. Garzon didn't last long, hanging up his political hat, and replacing it once again with his black robe. Latin Americans, and readers from the UK, now Garzon when he attempted to try Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet on human rights charges in 1998. Garzon has also been active in the war on drugs, and money laundering. Garzon has not only gone after Spanish terrorists - ETA, GRAPO, etc - but also against al-Queda militants.
Spain's national news agency Efe said the ailment was due to the magistrate's "intense workload".
This is bizarre, and sounds too coincidental...
It seems there have been quite a few cases of passengers on cruise ships getting ill. Maybe that's an understatement.
You Cruise, You Lose
Hoping to put the bon back in voyage, investors don't seem to be bothered with the recent wake of a Norwalk-like virus that has made roughly 500 passengers ill over the past three Holland America sailings
And check out these paragraphs, in this investor report...
Just how serious is this? Well, according to this article, Holland American representatives say the line expects to lose $5 million to 10 million in bookings, besides covering the costs of some medical airlifts and the cleaning process on the "Ms Amsterdam."
That must have been one "yucky" cruise ride, not to mention the stench...but there's another boat soon to need a cleaning...
The "Disney Magic" is due into Port Canaveral on Saturday morning with about 100 passengers on board with a stomach flu. A Disney-ordered disinfection crew will be cleaning the ship from stem to stern. Disney's private island also will be cleaned, along with buses used for on land transfers.
The sickness, appears to be the Norwalk virus, which is often a food-borne virus that is passed by restaurant workers or spread through produce contaminated by sewage Sounds like somebody forgot to wash their hands. There is a recent Norwalk outbreak inland --- in Utah, where around 160 people are ill after ironically eating at a restaurant called Chuck-A-Rama...
This article tells a bit about the cleaning:
One last item about some of the controls while aboard one cruise...Onboard the Amsterdam, passengers were warned to wash their hands frequently and not to shake hands. They couldn't serve themselves at the buffet. They had to avoid handrails, touch the elevator buttons with their knuckles, and disinfect their hands with towelettes after using the computer or playing in the casino.
It seems there have been quite a few cases of passengers on cruise ships getting ill. Maybe that's an understatement.
You Cruise, You Lose
Hoping to put the bon back in voyage, investors don't seem to be bothered with the recent wake of a Norwalk-like virus that has made roughly 500 passengers ill over the past three Holland America sailings
And check out these paragraphs, in this investor report...
But Love Boat's Doc is nowhere to be found, as the maladies aboard the Amsterdam and Magic will be more than just one-time hits after passenger refunds. As horror stories circulate about crews scrubbing and disinfecting to no avail, while buffets disappear and passengers rub elbows rather than shake hands, cruising aficionados may hold off on their next bookings. The industry was one of the quickest to bounce back after 9/11. Cruise operators report slightly higher revenue this year, and new ships are still scheduled for delivery. Despite solid fundamentals still in place and all three cruising titans expecting double-digit earnings growth next year, it's not time to cash out of cruise stocks or sell the industry's players short. But keep an eye on the travel news. If the stomachaches, vomiting, and diarrhea continue, it will have an impact on industry capacity and the discounting of future voyages. Loose stools sink ships.
Just how serious is this? Well, according to this article, Holland American representatives say the line expects to lose $5 million to 10 million in bookings, besides covering the costs of some medical airlifts and the cleaning process on the "Ms Amsterdam."
That must have been one "yucky" cruise ride, not to mention the stench...but there's another boat soon to need a cleaning...
The "Disney Magic" is due into Port Canaveral on Saturday morning with about 100 passengers on board with a stomach flu. A Disney-ordered disinfection crew will be cleaning the ship from stem to stern. Disney's private island also will be cleaned, along with buses used for on land transfers.
The sickness, appears to be the Norwalk virus, which is often a food-borne virus that is passed by restaurant workers or spread through produce contaminated by sewage Sounds like somebody forgot to wash their hands. There is a recent Norwalk outbreak inland --- in Utah, where around 160 people are ill after ironically eating at a restaurant called Chuck-A-Rama...
This article tells a bit about the cleaning:
The Norwalk virus is passed from person to person and spreads quickly in a confined environment. Passengers most likely picked it up by touching surfaces like doorknobs or handrails. The C.D.C. said it had determined that the virus was not spread through food on the ship or its water sources.
The company said that once the vessel returns to Fort Lauderdale, it will replace pillows in all staterooms and pens and pencils throughout the ship. It will launder or dry clean all bedcovers, curtains, linens and blankets. All upholstery and hard surfaces will be sanitized.
"That includes things like light switches, elevator buttons, handrails, TV remotes and computer keyboards," said Rose Abello, a spokeswoman for the company. "The carpet throughout the ship will be steam cleaned. We will do things like cleaning every Scrabble game tile in the library, and every poker chip."
One last item about some of the controls while aboard one cruise...Onboard the Amsterdam, passengers were warned to wash their hands frequently and not to shake hands. They couldn't serve themselves at the buffet. They had to avoid handrails, touch the elevator buttons with their knuckles, and disinfect their hands with towelettes after using the computer or playing in the casino.
A few plugs...
I've been meaning to mention a few articles that I've seen over the past week that I really liked. Please check them out!
David Yeagley at Bad Eagle lately has some great thoughts on women and equality and culture. I especially enjoyed his What Does It Take To Be Equal? post as well as this one, Indian Women Mascots.
I've also enjoyed reading dcthornton's blog lately, such as this post Hit Him Where It Hurts on Jesse Jackson.
Also, I'd like to share my daily readings...these sites for me are a must - the St. Blogs Mystics (sounds like a musical group)! Gregg the Obscure at Vita Brevis, the dylan at Tenebrae : A Broken Music, and Steven Riddle at Flos Carmeli, and of course Brian at Kairos, and John DaFiesole at Disputations. For another perspective, I also check out Ono Ekeh's site at Ono's Thoughts.
I've been meaning to mention a few articles that I've seen over the past week that I really liked. Please check them out!
David Yeagley at Bad Eagle lately has some great thoughts on women and equality and culture. I especially enjoyed his What Does It Take To Be Equal? post as well as this one, Indian Women Mascots.
I've also enjoyed reading dcthornton's blog lately, such as this post Hit Him Where It Hurts on Jesse Jackson.
Also, I'd like to share my daily readings...these sites for me are a must - the St. Blogs Mystics (sounds like a musical group)! Gregg the Obscure at Vita Brevis, the dylan at Tenebrae : A Broken Music, and Steven Riddle at Flos Carmeli, and of course Brian at Kairos, and John DaFiesole at Disputations. For another perspective, I also check out Ono Ekeh's site at Ono's Thoughts.
Sounds like this guy's desperate
Elderly Viagra Thief Strikes Again
An elderly man has robbed a pharmacy in the southern French city of Marseille for the fourth time in less than a year, each time making off with its full stock of the anti-impotence drug Viagra
Elderly Viagra Thief Strikes Again
An elderly man has robbed a pharmacy in the southern French city of Marseille for the fourth time in less than a year, each time making off with its full stock of the anti-impotence drug Viagra
More on the bone box
Bone Box May Have Jesus Link
That's got to be one of the stupidest headlines around, but anyway, here's a paragraph I thought interesting since it shows how both sides are looking at this issue:
University of Toronto archaeologist Peter Richardson told a separate panel at the Ontario museum that the inscription shows two different writing styles, but the "character of the letters changes gradually" from one end to the other, making forgery less likely.
But Kyle McCarter of Johns Hopkins University responded that the existence of two writing styles "suggests the possibility of a second hand."
Bone Box May Have Jesus Link
That's got to be one of the stupidest headlines around, but anyway, here's a paragraph I thought interesting since it shows how both sides are looking at this issue:
University of Toronto archaeologist Peter Richardson told a separate panel at the Ontario museum that the inscription shows two different writing styles, but the "character of the letters changes gradually" from one end to the other, making forgery less likely.
But Kyle McCarter of Johns Hopkins University responded that the existence of two writing styles "suggests the possibility of a second hand."
Sunday, November 24, 2002
We're tied with Real Madrid
Atletico de Madrid beat Real Betis 1-0 in last night's match, with a goal from El Nino, Fernando Torres in the first half. Standings in the Spanish first-division soccer league after 11th-round matches is as follows:
Team..........................GP...W...D...L...GF...GA...Pts
Real Sociedad.............11... 6...5...0...21...13...23
Mallorca......................11....7...1...3...17...13....22
Valencia......................11...6...3...2...20.....7....21
Real Madrid.................11...4...6...1...17...10...18
Atletico Madrid..........11...4...6...1...18...12...18
Celta...........................11....5...3...3...13.....8...18
Deportivo....................11...5...3...3...15....14...18
Real Betis....................11...4...5...2...19....12...17
Malaga........................11...4...5...2...17....16...17
Barcelona.....................11...4...4...3...17...13...16
Athletic Bilbao..............11...4...3...4...18...22...15
Valladolid.....................11...4...2...5...11...14...14
Alaves..........................11...3...3...5...14...21...12
Villarreal.......................11...2...5...4...11...12...11
Racing Santander.........11...3...2...6...11...13...11
Sevilla...........................11...2...5...4.....8...10...11
Rayo Vallecano..............11...2...3...6...13...19....9
Osasuna........................11...2...3...6...11...18....9
Recreativo Huelva..........11...2...2...7....9...22.....8
Espanyol........................11...2...1...8....9...20.....7
Atletico de Madrid beat Real Betis 1-0 in last night's match, with a goal from El Nino, Fernando Torres in the first half. Standings in the Spanish first-division soccer league after 11th-round matches is as follows:
Team..........................GP...W...D...L...GF...GA...Pts
Real Sociedad.............11... 6...5...0...21...13...23
Mallorca......................11....7...1...3...17...13....22
Valencia......................11...6...3...2...20.....7....21
Real Madrid.................11...4...6...1...17...10...18
Atletico Madrid..........11...4...6...1...18...12...18
Celta...........................11....5...3...3...13.....8...18
Deportivo....................11...5...3...3...15....14...18
Real Betis....................11...4...5...2...19....12...17
Malaga........................11...4...5...2...17....16...17
Barcelona.....................11...4...4...3...17...13...16
Athletic Bilbao..............11...4...3...4...18...22...15
Valladolid.....................11...4...2...5...11...14...14
Alaves..........................11...3...3...5...14...21...12
Villarreal.......................11...2...5...4...11...12...11
Racing Santander.........11...3...2...6...11...13...11
Sevilla...........................11...2...5...4.....8...10...11
Rayo Vallecano..............11...2...3...6...13...19....9
Osasuna........................11...2...3...6...11...18....9
Recreativo Huelva..........11...2...2...7....9...22.....8
Espanyol........................11...2...1...8....9...20.....7
Anglican leader continues preparing for schism
Church power anti-Christian, says Archbishop
On homosexuality, he said that the Bible was very clear in condemning a heterosexual who indulged in homosexual acts for gratification. But he added: "Does that automatically say that that is the only sort of homosexual activity there could ever be? What about those people who – with prayer and thought and seriousness and adulthood – say 'I've never known anything different'? What are we to say to them." ... The archbishop stopped short of calling for gay marriage, saying that such language was not appropriate. But he added: "I can see a case for acknowledging faithful same-sex relationships."
Church power anti-Christian, says Archbishop
On homosexuality, he said that the Bible was very clear in condemning a heterosexual who indulged in homosexual acts for gratification. But he added: "Does that automatically say that that is the only sort of homosexual activity there could ever be? What about those people who – with prayer and thought and seriousness and adulthood – say 'I've never known anything different'? What are we to say to them." ... The archbishop stopped short of calling for gay marriage, saying that such language was not appropriate. But he added: "I can see a case for acknowledging faithful same-sex relationships."
Caring father wants to give 4-year old peyote
Man Seeks Right to Give Son Peyote
A member of an American Indian tribe said the court system is infringing on his religious freedom by prohibiting his 4-year-old son from being given peyote, a hallucinogenic plant, during spiritual ceremonies.
I'n just guessing here, but I doubt that in "olden" times peyote was given to four-year olds...
Man Seeks Right to Give Son Peyote
A member of an American Indian tribe said the court system is infringing on his religious freedom by prohibiting his 4-year-old son from being given peyote, a hallucinogenic plant, during spiritual ceremonies.
I'n just guessing here, but I doubt that in "olden" times peyote was given to four-year olds...
In case you haven't read it, here's bin Laden letter
Full text: bin Laden's 'letter to America'
(Q2) As for the second question that we want to answer: What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you?
(1) The first thing that we are calling you to is Islam.
(a) The religion of the Unification of God; of freedom from associating partners with Him, and rejection of this; of complete love of Him, the Exalted; of complete submission to His Laws; and of the discarding of all the opinions, orders, theories and religions which contradict with the religion He sent down to His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam is the religion of all the prophets, and makes no distinction between them - peace be upon them all.
Full text: bin Laden's 'letter to America'
(Q2) As for the second question that we want to answer: What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you?
(1) The first thing that we are calling you to is Islam.
(a) The religion of the Unification of God; of freedom from associating partners with Him, and rejection of this; of complete love of Him, the Exalted; of complete submission to His Laws; and of the discarding of all the opinions, orders, theories and religions which contradict with the religion He sent down to His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam is the religion of all the prophets, and makes no distinction between them - peace be upon them all.
Russia seeking to stop evils from Western world
Barbie is banned from Russia, without love
The Russian Ministry of Education has included Barbie along with a list of other toys and games, such as Pokémon, that face a ban because of the supposedly harmful effects they have on the minds of young children. Barbie, in particular, is under fire because the doll is thought to awaken sexual impulses in the minds of the very young, and encourage consumerism among Russian infants.
Awaken sexual impulses? Maybe that says more about those who are seeking to ban the toy, than about the children...
Barbie is banned from Russia, without love
The Russian Ministry of Education has included Barbie along with a list of other toys and games, such as Pokémon, that face a ban because of the supposedly harmful effects they have on the minds of young children. Barbie, in particular, is under fire because the doll is thought to awaken sexual impulses in the minds of the very young, and encourage consumerism among Russian infants.
Awaken sexual impulses? Maybe that says more about those who are seeking to ban the toy, than about the children...
For those of you thinking about investing in the stock market
Stockbroker using Uncle Sam's medical marijuana for 20 years
A stock broker, Rosenfeld deals with millions of dollars while smoking up to 12 joints daily - marijuana he gets from the federal government to treat a rare bone ailment. ... "It has made my life much easier to live and kept my condition in check," Rosenfeld said Wednesday, 20 years to the day he received his first marijuana shipment from the government under a program which today has only six other members.
Stockbroker using Uncle Sam's medical marijuana for 20 years
A stock broker, Rosenfeld deals with millions of dollars while smoking up to 12 joints daily - marijuana he gets from the federal government to treat a rare bone ailment. ... "It has made my life much easier to live and kept my condition in check," Rosenfeld said Wednesday, 20 years to the day he received his first marijuana shipment from the government under a program which today has only six other members.
It's raining cats and dogs here
The rain doesn't really bother me that much, maybe growing up in Oregon has desensitized me to it. But it's funny when it rains in Madrid. Traffic stops, everybody becomes paranoid about their driving, inching along a sub-walking speed.
It's been raining for several days now, but this morning when we left for Mass there wasn't a drop showing. So we headed out without an umbrella, and of course once at church, it began to downpour. Meaning that after Mass, I had to search for a taxi in the rain.
It's funny, we're home now, have eaten our Sunday dinner and it's continuing to rain. Right now my wife is out on the balcony mopping - in the rain. For the life of me, I can't quite understand the logic of it, but she says the balconies are dirty from the rain, but I don't think anybody from the street level would notice if we had a slight film of dirt on our balconies.
The rain doesn't really bother me that much, maybe growing up in Oregon has desensitized me to it. But it's funny when it rains in Madrid. Traffic stops, everybody becomes paranoid about their driving, inching along a sub-walking speed.
It's been raining for several days now, but this morning when we left for Mass there wasn't a drop showing. So we headed out without an umbrella, and of course once at church, it began to downpour. Meaning that after Mass, I had to search for a taxi in the rain.
It's funny, we're home now, have eaten our Sunday dinner and it's continuing to rain. Right now my wife is out on the balcony mopping - in the rain. For the life of me, I can't quite understand the logic of it, but she says the balconies are dirty from the rain, but I don't think anybody from the street level would notice if we had a slight film of dirt on our balconies.
A big Sunday thanks...
...to The Presurfer for not only plugging Ibidem, but for including this site in its favorite blogs selection. Thanks!
...to The Presurfer for not only plugging Ibidem, but for including this site in its favorite blogs selection. Thanks!
They're calling it the "Derby of Shame"
My apologies to the Iberian Notes team, but the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona was a disgrace. True, Barcelona should have won, and there was a questionable call nullifying a Barca goal, but what a verguenza.
Objects were thrown on to the field, from whisky bottles, to even the head of a roasted pig. Most of the attention directed towards Figo, who most Barcelona fans consider a traitor for not only leaving the team, but worse signing with Real Madrid.
In fact, the match had to be suspended at one time, in an effort to calm the Barcelona crowd.
And the play, for the most part, was nonexistant. As I've said before, this Real Madrid is pure show, and little meat - just a play to bring in revenues from the sale of tickets and jerseys. Too many stars, and no teamwork.
And what's Barcelona's problem? Two words...Van Gaal. The guy is firm in his ideas, and refuses to use the players that he has (and boy does he have some good ones, Riquelme, Saviola, etc) in positions that they're not known for playing. Wonder when his head is going to roll...
It's Van Gaal's system over their dead bodies, and they way many of Barca's players are playing, I don't think it's too much to ask if they are alive.
There is one positive note in all of this for us anti-Madrista's. The final outcome of the match was 0-0, meaning that this evening if Atletico de Madrid beats Betis at home, we will not only move ahead of Barcelona in the standings, but be tied with Real Madrid.
So, in a strange way, I've got to thank the Barca fans for in their own way contributing to the tie!
My apologies to the Iberian Notes team, but the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona was a disgrace. True, Barcelona should have won, and there was a questionable call nullifying a Barca goal, but what a verguenza.
Objects were thrown on to the field, from whisky bottles, to even the head of a roasted pig. Most of the attention directed towards Figo, who most Barcelona fans consider a traitor for not only leaving the team, but worse signing with Real Madrid.
In fact, the match had to be suspended at one time, in an effort to calm the Barcelona crowd.
And the play, for the most part, was nonexistant. As I've said before, this Real Madrid is pure show, and little meat - just a play to bring in revenues from the sale of tickets and jerseys. Too many stars, and no teamwork.
And what's Barcelona's problem? Two words...Van Gaal. The guy is firm in his ideas, and refuses to use the players that he has (and boy does he have some good ones, Riquelme, Saviola, etc) in positions that they're not known for playing. Wonder when his head is going to roll...
It's Van Gaal's system over their dead bodies, and they way many of Barca's players are playing, I don't think it's too much to ask if they are alive.
There is one positive note in all of this for us anti-Madrista's. The final outcome of the match was 0-0, meaning that this evening if Atletico de Madrid beats Betis at home, we will not only move ahead of Barcelona in the standings, but be tied with Real Madrid.
So, in a strange way, I've got to thank the Barca fans for in their own way contributing to the tie!
Saturday, November 23, 2002
Update on Prestige Tanker sinking and oil spill
Not too much news today, but just one thing .... I've seen it mentioned a couple of times that some of the oil slicks that are reaching the Spanish coast aren't from the sinking of the Prestige.
Instead, it seems that some of the slicks floating around - in particular one that hit the coast near Ferrol - is the product of ships being illegally cleaned in the region. It seems that this is a practise that has been seen before. When a catastrophe occurs, questionable types head for the area to clean their ships' tanks, hoping in the all the fuss, that they won't be noticed.
How do the officials now that other ships are in the area dumping oil? Without a visual confirmation, the easiest is by testing the type of fuel in the spill. In the case of the slick that hit the Ferrol coast, the oil isn't the same type as what was being transported by the Prestige. Another method is in the calculating the difference between the sited spills, and the amount thought to have been lost by the tanker.
Not too much news today, but just one thing .... I've seen it mentioned a couple of times that some of the oil slicks that are reaching the Spanish coast aren't from the sinking of the Prestige.
Instead, it seems that some of the slicks floating around - in particular one that hit the coast near Ferrol - is the product of ships being illegally cleaned in the region. It seems that this is a practise that has been seen before. When a catastrophe occurs, questionable types head for the area to clean their ships' tanks, hoping in the all the fuss, that they won't be noticed.
How do the officials now that other ships are in the area dumping oil? Without a visual confirmation, the easiest is by testing the type of fuel in the spill. In the case of the slick that hit the Ferrol coast, the oil isn't the same type as what was being transported by the Prestige. Another method is in the calculating the difference between the sited spills, and the amount thought to have been lost by the tanker.
King Juan Carlos' aunt dies at age of 93 in Rome: Burial Rites
The Infanta Dona Beatriz, the daughter of Spanish King Alfonso XIII, and the aunt of current king, Juan Carlos, has died in Rome. She was 93.
For those who don't remember, Alfonso XIII was the king who abdicated at the start of the Spanish Civil War. His son, Don Juan never became king, instead Franco jumped a generation when he reinstituted the monarchy in Spain by naming Juan Carlos as next in line.
The funeral will be held in Rome, at which both King Juan Carlos and the Queen Sofia will attend, accompanied by the Prince of Asturias, Felipe, and other members of the royal family, and representatives of the Spanish government. The burial will be in Rome.
Which brings up a sidestory. That of the burial rites for the Royal family in Spain.
Perhaps you know that many of the Borbon dynasty - the family of King Juan Carlos - are buried north of Madrid in the monestary of San Lorenzo de Escorial. According to the book "Un Rey Golpe a Golpe," written anonymously by authors of "republican" tendencies, there could be no space left for King Juan Carlos when his time to meet the Maker comes. Only two kings of the Borbon dynasty aren't buried in the monestary: Felipe V that's buried nearby in La Granja, and Fernando VI that was buried in the Salesas Church next to his wife, Barbara de Braganza, who didn't have any children.
According to "Un Rey Golpe a Golpe," when a funeral is held in Escorial, all is not what it appears to be.
After the funeral, the Royal body is taken to a different area of the monestary - an area they call the "Pudridero Real." This is an area where there are no doors, and so workmen are called to knock a hole in the wall, which opens into a 16 meter square separate chamber, where the cadavers of the Royal family rest for 20 to 40 years.
In this room, the bodies are left to decompose "naturally," but according to the authors, some Royals take less time than others. According to them, Alfonso XII only took 13 years before his body was taken out of the "Pudridero Real," and then passed into the Royal Pantheon for his final burial.
According to the authors, following the funeral, various officials then approach the Augustine monks of the monestary, and the following ceremony occurs:
A few other tidbits: Since Alfonso XIII died in 1941 in Rome, his body was never placed there, and instead went directly to the Royal Pantheon when his corpse was transferred in 1980 - but, again according to these authors, there were problems, since his body had been embalmed, and they had to break his legs to fit into the smaller urns that are used in the Royal Pantheon.
To faciliate this "natural" decomposition, the royal bodies are placed in their coffin about three inches off the ground, holes are drilled in the bottom of the coffin so "organic material" can exit, and the ground under the coffin is covered with lime.
Those in charge of this operation are Augustine monks, who are the only ones who know behind which wall is the location of the "Pudridero Real." The authors claim that currently there are three bodies inside the chamber, the Queen Victoria Eugenia, the King's father Don Juan and his mother, the Countess of Barcelona. In the Royal Pantheon, there is only room for three more bodies.
The Infanta Dona Beatriz, the daughter of Spanish King Alfonso XIII, and the aunt of current king, Juan Carlos, has died in Rome. She was 93.
For those who don't remember, Alfonso XIII was the king who abdicated at the start of the Spanish Civil War. His son, Don Juan never became king, instead Franco jumped a generation when he reinstituted the monarchy in Spain by naming Juan Carlos as next in line.
The funeral will be held in Rome, at which both King Juan Carlos and the Queen Sofia will attend, accompanied by the Prince of Asturias, Felipe, and other members of the royal family, and representatives of the Spanish government. The burial will be in Rome.
Which brings up a sidestory. That of the burial rites for the Royal family in Spain.
Perhaps you know that many of the Borbon dynasty - the family of King Juan Carlos - are buried north of Madrid in the monestary of San Lorenzo de Escorial. According to the book "Un Rey Golpe a Golpe," written anonymously by authors of "republican" tendencies, there could be no space left for King Juan Carlos when his time to meet the Maker comes. Only two kings of the Borbon dynasty aren't buried in the monestary: Felipe V that's buried nearby in La Granja, and Fernando VI that was buried in the Salesas Church next to his wife, Barbara de Braganza, who didn't have any children.
According to "Un Rey Golpe a Golpe," when a funeral is held in Escorial, all is not what it appears to be.
After the funeral, the Royal body is taken to a different area of the monestary - an area they call the "Pudridero Real." This is an area where there are no doors, and so workmen are called to knock a hole in the wall, which opens into a 16 meter square separate chamber, where the cadavers of the Royal family rest for 20 to 40 years.
In this room, the bodies are left to decompose "naturally," but according to the authors, some Royals take less time than others. According to them, Alfonso XII only took 13 years before his body was taken out of the "Pudridero Real," and then passed into the Royal Pantheon for his final burial.
According to the authors, following the funeral, various officials then approach the Augustine monks of the monestary, and the following ceremony occurs:
"Fathers, do you recognize your rights to the body of ....., that according to the style and order of his majesty that has been given, I give the body to you so that it will be under your custody and care."
To which the prior and the old Augustine fathers who are present answer:
"We recognize that right."
The coffin is closed, and the ceremony is finished and the Augustine's take control of the coffin. According to tradition also, three knocks are given on the outside of the coffin of the monarch, calling at the same time his name, after which the King's secretary declares:
"Given that the King hasn't responded, he is dead."
A few other tidbits: Since Alfonso XIII died in 1941 in Rome, his body was never placed there, and instead went directly to the Royal Pantheon when his corpse was transferred in 1980 - but, again according to these authors, there were problems, since his body had been embalmed, and they had to break his legs to fit into the smaller urns that are used in the Royal Pantheon.
To faciliate this "natural" decomposition, the royal bodies are placed in their coffin about three inches off the ground, holes are drilled in the bottom of the coffin so "organic material" can exit, and the ground under the coffin is covered with lime.
Those in charge of this operation are Augustine monks, who are the only ones who know behind which wall is the location of the "Pudridero Real." The authors claim that currently there are three bodies inside the chamber, the Queen Victoria Eugenia, the King's father Don Juan and his mother, the Countess of Barcelona. In the Royal Pantheon, there is only room for three more bodies.
Did you see news about Eurofighter crash in Spain?
Talk about bad luck. Spain's protype Eurofighter jet, model EF 200, which was just shown to the public last September - but flying since 1996 - crashed south of Madrid in the province of Toledo.
The Eurofighter crashed, according to local press, because both the "motors blocked up." I have no idea what that means, and it sounds suspiciously like a spin job. Spain is planning on spending around EUR6 billion for 87 of these jets that are being manufactured by EADS.
EADS is Europe's answer to the US defense ministry, a project forced on (primarily by Germany) many of the EU member countries whereby their own individual defense aeronautic companies where lumped into one "listed" company. The Spanish member of EADS is a company called CASA.
Despite what is obviously a setback, the Spanish Defense Ministry is saying it's going ahead with the purchase of the jets, and the accident was just a "freak one."
Wonder what the pilots think.
Talk about bad luck. Spain's protype Eurofighter jet, model EF 200, which was just shown to the public last September - but flying since 1996 - crashed south of Madrid in the province of Toledo.
The Eurofighter crashed, according to local press, because both the "motors blocked up." I have no idea what that means, and it sounds suspiciously like a spin job. Spain is planning on spending around EUR6 billion for 87 of these jets that are being manufactured by EADS.
EADS is Europe's answer to the US defense ministry, a project forced on (primarily by Germany) many of the EU member countries whereby their own individual defense aeronautic companies where lumped into one "listed" company. The Spanish member of EADS is a company called CASA.
Despite what is obviously a setback, the Spanish Defense Ministry is saying it's going ahead with the purchase of the jets, and the accident was just a "freak one."
Wonder what the pilots think.
Saturday at the circus
I'm home with the wee one, while Mrs. Gil has gone to the circus with the older children.
It's really true, when it's holidays, or something special - as the children have known for a few days that they'd go to the circus today - kids can be impossible.
Last night was one of those nights where we couldn't get the children to bed. They were so excited that today they were going to see the clowns and tigers. I don't know how many times we had to visit their rooms to remind them that if nobody got any sleep, we would be too tired to go to the circus. This morning they we're awake at 6am, so excited that they couldn't get dressed, and feeding them was a chore. And while they're normally "busy" talkers, today it was a blast of non-stream chatter about what they were going to see, how they were going to act.
That said, they are so adorable. So little to please them, so little to lighten their eyes. So much responsibility.
The nicest moment of all though, was when my almost-three-year-old daughter came to me and poured a ton of kisses on me, and told me not to worry, that they'd be good and soon be home.
Something tells me, if they can remember in the midst of their excitement another one - even an old man like me - then we're not doing too bad as parents. Hope you're having a great weekend.
I'm home with the wee one, while Mrs. Gil has gone to the circus with the older children.
It's really true, when it's holidays, or something special - as the children have known for a few days that they'd go to the circus today - kids can be impossible.
Last night was one of those nights where we couldn't get the children to bed. They were so excited that today they were going to see the clowns and tigers. I don't know how many times we had to visit their rooms to remind them that if nobody got any sleep, we would be too tired to go to the circus. This morning they we're awake at 6am, so excited that they couldn't get dressed, and feeding them was a chore. And while they're normally "busy" talkers, today it was a blast of non-stream chatter about what they were going to see, how they were going to act.
That said, they are so adorable. So little to please them, so little to lighten their eyes. So much responsibility.
The nicest moment of all though, was when my almost-three-year-old daughter came to me and poured a ton of kisses on me, and told me not to worry, that they'd be good and soon be home.
Something tells me, if they can remember in the midst of their excitement another one - even an old man like me - then we're not doing too bad as parents. Hope you're having a great weekend.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Prestige Tanker Owner Is Russian, and deals with Iraq
Just saw this article in ABC, that says the real owner of the Prestige tanker that sank off the coast of Spain is Mikhail Fridman, a Russian who has the largest oil concession with Iraq.
The article says that Fridman, is the president of the Alfa Group, a new rich, making millions since the fall of the Soviet Union. According to the article, Fridman (I wonder about the spelling of this name) and Alfa Group also have important holdings in, of course the vodka trade, but also in banking, telecoms, supermarkets, and the aforementioned oil.
One of the companies that pertains to Alfa Group is Crown Resources, and which in 1992 moved its offices to Gibraltar. So once again we have Gibraltar mentioned - although this could be an explanation for why the tanker had used that port several times, and and without any alarms being tripped that it wasn't seaworthy.
In 1996, Crown Resources moved their offices, according to ABC, to Switzerland, with its offices in Gibraltar dedicated to the oil business, as well as offering "logistic services."
Just saw this article in ABC, that says the real owner of the Prestige tanker that sank off the coast of Spain is Mikhail Fridman, a Russian who has the largest oil concession with Iraq.
The article says that Fridman, is the president of the Alfa Group, a new rich, making millions since the fall of the Soviet Union. According to the article, Fridman (I wonder about the spelling of this name) and Alfa Group also have important holdings in, of course the vodka trade, but also in banking, telecoms, supermarkets, and the aforementioned oil.
One of the companies that pertains to Alfa Group is Crown Resources, and which in 1992 moved its offices to Gibraltar. So once again we have Gibraltar mentioned - although this could be an explanation for why the tanker had used that port several times, and and without any alarms being tripped that it wasn't seaworthy.
In 1996, Crown Resources moved their offices, according to ABC, to Switzerland, with its offices in Gibraltar dedicated to the oil business, as well as offering "logistic services."
Notice the "Other Religion of Peace" still has this up on its website
HISTORICAL DATA ABOUT MUHAMMAD
Other interesting headings are...
"Sexual License in Islam – The Temporary Contractual Marriage" and "Marriage to wives of men killed by Muslims, including the murder of Jews"
HISTORICAL DATA ABOUT MUHAMMAD
Other interesting headings are...
"Sexual License in Islam – The Temporary Contractual Marriage" and "Marriage to wives of men killed by Muslims, including the murder of Jews"
Is it just me, or does this article seem overly technical...
And it's about the 10 Commandments...
In Alabama, a judge posted the Ten Commandments in his courthouse. But did he even post the right 10?
So we get an article that tells us that there really isn't just one "Ten Commandments," and that it depends upon the religion of the individual, i.e. Jew, Catholic or Protestant. The article goes on and on about how many differences there are, and tells us that this is "very" important because: This is not an argument for or against any particular version of the Ten Commandments, but to Jews and Christians who take their beliefs seriously, these variations can make real theological differences. For instance, there are Protestants who make much of the Catholic omission of the graven-images commandment. And because the Jewish version of the Ten Commandments begins by establishing freedom as God's intended condition for man, many Jews consider the Sabbath -- a weekly day of freedom from work -- to be a sacred moral obligation and not just a commanded ritual observance.
Okay, maybe I'm naive, I've always thought the "essence" of the 10 Commandments was the same, but that they were just slightly re-arranged depending on the Faith. In other words, that taken as a whole, they are the same. If that's the case, then what's the big deal? Maybe one of you readers can explain this to me.
And it's about the 10 Commandments...
In Alabama, a judge posted the Ten Commandments in his courthouse. But did he even post the right 10?
So we get an article that tells us that there really isn't just one "Ten Commandments," and that it depends upon the religion of the individual, i.e. Jew, Catholic or Protestant. The article goes on and on about how many differences there are, and tells us that this is "very" important because: This is not an argument for or against any particular version of the Ten Commandments, but to Jews and Christians who take their beliefs seriously, these variations can make real theological differences. For instance, there are Protestants who make much of the Catholic omission of the graven-images commandment. And because the Jewish version of the Ten Commandments begins by establishing freedom as God's intended condition for man, many Jews consider the Sabbath -- a weekly day of freedom from work -- to be a sacred moral obligation and not just a commanded ritual observance.
Okay, maybe I'm naive, I've always thought the "essence" of the 10 Commandments was the same, but that they were just slightly re-arranged depending on the Faith. In other words, that taken as a whole, they are the same. If that's the case, then what's the big deal? Maybe one of you readers can explain this to me.
Latest on the tanker spill
Storms threaten Spanish oil salvage
Correspondents say 3,000 fishermen have been directly affected by the pollution, while others are hurrying to bring in their harvest before more oil hits the coast. ... People are now unable to fish along more than 300 km of coastline, and the sale of shellfish has been banned in many areas. ... Spanish officials say at least 40 beaches have so far been affected. ... Up to seven more oil slicks are said to be out at sea, one of them eight kilometres (5 miles) long.
Storms threaten Spanish oil salvage
Correspondents say 3,000 fishermen have been directly affected by the pollution, while others are hurrying to bring in their harvest before more oil hits the coast. ... People are now unable to fish along more than 300 km of coastline, and the sale of shellfish has been banned in many areas. ... Spanish officials say at least 40 beaches have so far been affected. ... Up to seven more oil slicks are said to be out at sea, one of them eight kilometres (5 miles) long.
Hollywood cashing in on Church sex scandal
His Collar Is Too Tight
You can doubtless imagine the trouble he gets into when he spies the beautiful, teenage Amelia (Ana Claudia Talancon), a passionately religious virgin and thus rather more inclined to yield to the priest than to her secular swain. You can also perhaps imagine the outrage that is greeting the release of El Crimen del Padre Amaro in the U.S.
And this last paragraph in the article that I found quite interesting...
This reflects, of course, the long-standing anticlerical tradition of many Catholic countries. Indeed, the movie is an update of an 1875 Portuguese novel that is solidly in that tradition. As such, it deserves to be judged on its considerable merits as a compassionate critique — not of a belief system but of the flawed and all-too-human institution that serves it in the real, temptation-ridden world.
I'm not sure what to make of this value judgement passed off as news.
On a sidenote, this reminds me of a story I heard in Lima, Peru. Outside of town, there is this giant rock that protrudes into the sea. Legend has it that a priest fell in love with a young girl, who refused his "attention." As can be expected, according to the story, the priest in a fit of depression, and not fearing for his soul, went to the rock and threw himself into the sea, perishing on the sharp rocks and pounding surf below.
Today, not only has the point become a popular "make out" area, but there is a restuarant to take advantage of the view.
His Collar Is Too Tight
You can doubtless imagine the trouble he gets into when he spies the beautiful, teenage Amelia (Ana Claudia Talancon), a passionately religious virgin and thus rather more inclined to yield to the priest than to her secular swain. You can also perhaps imagine the outrage that is greeting the release of El Crimen del Padre Amaro in the U.S.
And this last paragraph in the article that I found quite interesting...
This reflects, of course, the long-standing anticlerical tradition of many Catholic countries. Indeed, the movie is an update of an 1875 Portuguese novel that is solidly in that tradition. As such, it deserves to be judged on its considerable merits as a compassionate critique — not of a belief system but of the flawed and all-too-human institution that serves it in the real, temptation-ridden world.
I'm not sure what to make of this value judgement passed off as news.
On a sidenote, this reminds me of a story I heard in Lima, Peru. Outside of town, there is this giant rock that protrudes into the sea. Legend has it that a priest fell in love with a young girl, who refused his "attention." As can be expected, according to the story, the priest in a fit of depression, and not fearing for his soul, went to the rock and threw himself into the sea, perishing on the sharp rocks and pounding surf below.
Today, not only has the point become a popular "make out" area, but there is a restuarant to take advantage of the view.
Here's a novel way to prevent pornograhy
Porn VCD vendors to get religion
With the police unable to stop the sale of pornographic VCDs in Glodok, the West Jakarta authorities and the Indonesian Ulemas Council are going to use religion to try and get vendors to stop selling the offending movies. ... An assistant at the mayoralty's public welfare office, Asfi Syukur, said the VCD vendors would be given sermons on every other Fridays.
Besides the sermons, public humiliation may also work. Maybe the vendors could be forced to wear a scalet "P" as well?
Porn VCD vendors to get religion
With the police unable to stop the sale of pornographic VCDs in Glodok, the West Jakarta authorities and the Indonesian Ulemas Council are going to use religion to try and get vendors to stop selling the offending movies. ... An assistant at the mayoralty's public welfare office, Asfi Syukur, said the VCD vendors would be given sermons on every other Fridays.
Besides the sermons, public humiliation may also work. Maybe the vendors could be forced to wear a scalet "P" as well?
Thursday, November 21, 2002
There really is a "culture of death"
Goodbye Barbie, hello Inferno the 'dead doll'
Greece has banned the sale of "dead dolls", children's toys featuring fiery eyes, scarred faces and bloodied mouths which come in their own little coffins. ... The dolls also have their own death certificates
Do I need to say anymore?
Goodbye Barbie, hello Inferno the 'dead doll'
Greece has banned the sale of "dead dolls", children's toys featuring fiery eyes, scarred faces and bloodied mouths which come in their own little coffins. ... The dolls also have their own death certificates
Do I need to say anymore?
Ridiculous court decision...
Klan May Wear Hoods in New York
He added that New York City engaged in viewpoint discrimination when it applied the law to the Klan but not to other groups in similar scenarios. ... "No one disputes the fact that (the) plaintiff is a notorious racist organization, at least not this court," he wrote. "The focus here, however, is on constitutional protections."
Well it's good to know that the courts are going out of their way to protect "notorious racist organizations." Call me silly, but I would have thought that by now - especially in the PC-age, that the courts would have ruled that the Klan once and for all was an illegal organization since they foment hate. But instead, what we get is the inverse, hate is protected, under the guise that we can't discriminate against low-lifes, all in the name of "freedom of speech." I would have thought that it could have been argued that Hate groups lose that right. Silly me...
Klan May Wear Hoods in New York
He added that New York City engaged in viewpoint discrimination when it applied the law to the Klan but not to other groups in similar scenarios. ... "No one disputes the fact that (the) plaintiff is a notorious racist organization, at least not this court," he wrote. "The focus here, however, is on constitutional protections."
Well it's good to know that the courts are going out of their way to protect "notorious racist organizations." Call me silly, but I would have thought that by now - especially in the PC-age, that the courts would have ruled that the Klan once and for all was an illegal organization since they foment hate. But instead, what we get is the inverse, hate is protected, under the guise that we can't discriminate against low-lifes, all in the name of "freedom of speech." I would have thought that it could have been argued that Hate groups lose that right. Silly me...
I wonder if Saddam is reading this article...
Tactics employed by the Yugoslav army to limit NATO air strikes effectiveness
_Radars confounded precision-guided HARM and ALARM missiles by reflecting their electromagnetic beams off heavy farm machinery, such as plows or old tractors placed around the sites. This cluttered the missiles' guidance systems which were unable to pinpoint the emitters.
_Scout helicopters would land on flatbed trucks and rev their engines before being towed to camouflaged revetments several hundred meters away. Heat-seeking missiles from NATO jets would then locate and go after the residual heat on the landing sites.
Just another example of how low-tech and a bit of human ingenuity can "trick" so-called high-tech.
Tactics employed by the Yugoslav army to limit NATO air strikes effectiveness
_Radars confounded precision-guided HARM and ALARM missiles by reflecting their electromagnetic beams off heavy farm machinery, such as plows or old tractors placed around the sites. This cluttered the missiles' guidance systems which were unable to pinpoint the emitters.
_Scout helicopters would land on flatbed trucks and rev their engines before being towed to camouflaged revetments several hundred meters away. Heat-seeking missiles from NATO jets would then locate and go after the residual heat on the landing sites.
Just another example of how low-tech and a bit of human ingenuity can "trick" so-called high-tech.
This is disturbing...
N.Y. considers floating homeless shelters
New York City officials flew to the Bahamas Wednesday morning in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's private jet to assess the possibility of using retired pleasure cruise ships docked there as homeless shelters
WHILE, on the surface the idea seems humanitarian enough, it nonetheless disturbs me. First it smacks of "rounding up" and controlling all who could be suspect of not matching up to Bloomberg's dream of NY. Secondly, it sounds suspiciously like these "floating jails," could be a way to force all "homeless" into a refined ghetto, where they will not only be out of sight, but access to and from could be severly limited. Also, how ironic (and demeaning?)...using a vehicle that is normally associated with the upwardly mobile as a lockdown for the down and out.
N.Y. considers floating homeless shelters
New York City officials flew to the Bahamas Wednesday morning in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's private jet to assess the possibility of using retired pleasure cruise ships docked there as homeless shelters
WHILE, on the surface the idea seems humanitarian enough, it nonetheless disturbs me. First it smacks of "rounding up" and controlling all who could be suspect of not matching up to Bloomberg's dream of NY. Secondly, it sounds suspiciously like these "floating jails," could be a way to force all "homeless" into a refined ghetto, where they will not only be out of sight, but access to and from could be severly limited. Also, how ironic (and demeaning?)...using a vehicle that is normally associated with the upwardly mobile as a lockdown for the down and out.
Did I say Spain beat Bulgaria 1-0 in last night's friendly?
Did I say the author of Spain's goal was Jose Mari - striker for Atletico de Madrid?
While the match was a "friendly," it was nonetheless important as it was another opportunity for new national coach Inaki Saez to test his premise: Spain's future is in its young players. It should be mentioned that Saez was the coach for the sub-20 national team, which won various titles, including the sub-20 World title in 1999 in Nigeria. Needless to say, I suppose, that the maximum national team now has many of those very same players that Saez coached before.
Did I say the author of Spain's goal was Jose Mari - striker for Atletico de Madrid?
While the match was a "friendly," it was nonetheless important as it was another opportunity for new national coach Inaki Saez to test his premise: Spain's future is in its young players. It should be mentioned that Saez was the coach for the sub-20 national team, which won various titles, including the sub-20 World title in 1999 in Nigeria. Needless to say, I suppose, that the maximum national team now has many of those very same players that Saez coached before.
This was sent to me...
Several cannibals were recently hired by a big corporation.
"You are all part of our team now," said the HR rep during the welcome briefing. "You get all the usual benefits and you can go to the cafeteria for something to eat, but please don't eat any of the other employees." The cannibals promised.
Four weeks later their boss remarked, "You're all working very hard and I'm satisfied with you. However, one of our secretaries has disappeared.
Do any of you know what happened to her?" The cannibals all shook their heads no.
After the boss had left, the leader of the cannibals said to the others."Which one of you idiots ate the secretary?" A hand raised hesitantly, to which the leader of the cannibals continued, "You fool! For four weeks we've been eating Managers and no one noticed anything, then you had to go and eat a secretary!"
Several cannibals were recently hired by a big corporation.
"You are all part of our team now," said the HR rep during the welcome briefing. "You get all the usual benefits and you can go to the cafeteria for something to eat, but please don't eat any of the other employees." The cannibals promised.
Four weeks later their boss remarked, "You're all working very hard and I'm satisfied with you. However, one of our secretaries has disappeared.
Do any of you know what happened to her?" The cannibals all shook their heads no.
After the boss had left, the leader of the cannibals said to the others."Which one of you idiots ate the secretary?" A hand raised hesitantly, to which the leader of the cannibals continued, "You fool! For four weeks we've been eating Managers and no one noticed anything, then you had to go and eat a secretary!"
Now let this be a lesson...
It's probably not a good idea to refer to Mohammad and beauty pageants in the same article...
Nigerian Islamists Riot Over Miss World Report
It's probably not a good idea to refer to Mohammad and beauty pageants in the same article...
Nigerian Islamists Riot Over Miss World Report
Clash of cultures...
Strange headline this.
Nick Smith: Sacred has no part in secular law
New Zealand is flirting with constitutional trouble with the increasing references to Maori spiritual values in law. It is a dangerous path that ignores more than 100 years of democratic tradition in which the powers of the state are kept at arm's length from religion. The problem is rearing its head all over the country.
I wonder how the Maori feel about this 100 years of democracy argument. Look at how this has turned out. First the Maori's "let" the Europeans in, then they accepted their democracy, and now they can't even practise their religion without these European immigrants belly-aching.
Strange headline this.
Nick Smith: Sacred has no part in secular law
New Zealand is flirting with constitutional trouble with the increasing references to Maori spiritual values in law. It is a dangerous path that ignores more than 100 years of democratic tradition in which the powers of the state are kept at arm's length from religion. The problem is rearing its head all over the country.
I wonder how the Maori feel about this 100 years of democracy argument. Look at how this has turned out. First the Maori's "let" the Europeans in, then they accepted their democracy, and now they can't even practise their religion without these European immigrants belly-aching.
Is there an exorcist in the house?
Ghostly Cries Spook Workers in Mortuary
Police in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta were investigating ghostly sounds heard echoing in the city's municipal funeral hall, a local government spokesman said Tuesday. ... Employees of the funeral parlor, where bodies lie in open caskets during wakes, had complained in recent weeks of hearing spectral cries of a shrieking woman and a sobbing child. ... "Some noises have been heard," said the local authority spokesman in the coastal enclave, which is surrounded by Morocco. He confirmed police had been sent to investigate the noises but added, "Nothing has been found."
It's good to know that Reuters isn't getting carried away with what could be one of the biggest ecological disasters, nor with the threat of war in Iraq, and still finding time to focus on "real" news stories.
Now for a trivia question, what are Spain's provinces that lie in Northern Africa?
Ghostly Cries Spook Workers in Mortuary
Police in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta were investigating ghostly sounds heard echoing in the city's municipal funeral hall, a local government spokesman said Tuesday. ... Employees of the funeral parlor, where bodies lie in open caskets during wakes, had complained in recent weeks of hearing spectral cries of a shrieking woman and a sobbing child. ... "Some noises have been heard," said the local authority spokesman in the coastal enclave, which is surrounded by Morocco. He confirmed police had been sent to investigate the noises but added, "Nothing has been found."
It's good to know that Reuters isn't getting carried away with what could be one of the biggest ecological disasters, nor with the threat of war in Iraq, and still finding time to focus on "real" news stories.
Now for a trivia question, what are Spain's provinces that lie in Northern Africa?
Tanker Oil Slick Threatening Spanish Coast And Industries
I'm going to be posting updates to this today...
I heard this morning on Spanish television, that actually there are around seven oil slicks, all of which could have hit the Spanish coast. There had been some hope that the winds would blow all the slicks in a different direction (perhaps toward France?), but that doesn't seem to be the case now. It appears now that the high winds couple with 8-meter winds have dispersed some of the oil, but there are still four slicks off the Spanish coast, one slick touching "ground" earlier today.
According to latest estimates, economic damages in the region are around EUR42 million, down from the earlier quoted figure of EUR90 million. AP has reported that fishing in the area generates around EUR330.
Spanish press also has another fun bit of information. Defense Minister Federico Trillo said that the government had considered bombing the ship, in the hopes that it would burst into fire, consuming the fuel before sinking. Now that would have been spectacular.
High winds are moving what some press are calling a "black tide," closer and closer to the Galician shore. In light that the sludge should soon hit the shores, fishermen are feverishly seeking to harvest shellfish from the estuaries that in all likelihood will soon be covered with the oil. Daily quotas of 25 kilos for the shellfish has been lifted.
This from a Reuters article:
And this from an earlier Reuters article:
As far as the roughly 60,000 tons of oil that has sunk, there are varying opinions what could happen. Everything from an eventual leakage to the possibility that due to the cold waters the oil will harden. It should be remembered that the tanker parts now lie about 2 miles, or 3,600 meters, below the ocean's surface - and that in itself is cause for concern. Some authorities have said that at those depths, and warming of the sea, could cause the tanks holding the oil to burst under pressure.
Even if that doesn't happen, environmentalists warned that the Prestige will remain a time-bomb and that its load of oil will inevitably be released to the surface at some time in the future once the hull of the ageing tanker rusts away, according to this article.
In any case, the overall outlook is quite bleak. As reported, besides coating the Spanish shoreline, the oil "threatens the Portuguese coast as well. Fishing has been banned in the area, and scientists say the cleanup will take years. Both Spain and Portugal depend heavily on their fishing and tourism industries," as this VOA report notes.
That said, there are some reasons to be optimistic. According to this article, "It's already a huge disaster - thousands of fishermen are out of work, oil is coming onto beaches. This will also be one of the worst in terms of its impact," said Sian Pullen, head of the European Marine Programme at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The following bits, from the same article, I found interesting: "But she added that bacteria in the sea could help disperse the oil more quickly than, for instance, in the chillier waters of Alaska, where the Exxon Valdez ran aground in 1989, or the Erika disaster off northern France in December 1999. ...Also, the distance from land could help because the high seas will break up oil slicks before they reach beaches.
There has also been some talk about the type of fuel that the Prestige was carrying. Now some "experts" are suggesting that the "fuel oil" that was in the tanker would have had much of the "heavier" components already refined out.
In another developement, despite talk that the ship had serious security faults dating back to 1999, as well as charges that the port of Gibraltar had failed in its inspections, "the 26-year-old oil tanker Prestige had its last full maintenance check six months ago and was carrying no known seaworthiness defects, said American maritime inspectors on Tuesday, according to this article.
That goes against these comments from a Danish pilot who guided the tanker out of the Baltic and into the North sea, and who claims it was unseaworthy
I wonder if he's kicking himself now for not reporting the tanker...
Spain has demanded an initial deposit of £38 million from the company as a guarantee against a possible future fine or compensation claim. Spain has complained that the single-hulled Prestige, built in 1976, had not been inspected properly since 1999, according to The Scotsman.
Related articles:
Europe Looks to Maritime Rules After Tanker Spill
Impasse led to sinking of oil tanker
I'm going to be posting updates to this today...
I heard this morning on Spanish television, that actually there are around seven oil slicks, all of which could have hit the Spanish coast. There had been some hope that the winds would blow all the slicks in a different direction (perhaps toward France?), but that doesn't seem to be the case now. It appears now that the high winds couple with 8-meter winds have dispersed some of the oil, but there are still four slicks off the Spanish coast, one slick touching "ground" earlier today.
According to latest estimates, economic damages in the region are around EUR42 million, down from the earlier quoted figure of EUR90 million. AP has reported that fishing in the area generates around EUR330.
Spanish press also has another fun bit of information. Defense Minister Federico Trillo said that the government had considered bombing the ship, in the hopes that it would burst into fire, consuming the fuel before sinking. Now that would have been spectacular.
High winds are moving what some press are calling a "black tide," closer and closer to the Galician shore. In light that the sludge should soon hit the shores, fishermen are feverishly seeking to harvest shellfish from the estuaries that in all likelihood will soon be covered with the oil. Daily quotas of 25 kilos for the shellfish has been lifted.
This from a Reuters article:
Authorities said the second wave of oil was two miles from the town of Muros, at the most northerly of Galicia's Rias Bajas, or Low Estuaries. Local legend has it that the estuaries were formed by God's enormous hand print, and their secluded coves and misty valleys are a sanctuary for tourists
And this from an earlier Reuters article:
Fishermen waited to find out on Thursday if a new oil slick from the sunken tanker Prestige had ravaged pristine river estuaries in northwest Spain, where toxic fuel oil has already tainted 190 miles of coastline. ... Strong winds blowing several large patches of fuel toward the craggy coastline of Galicia promised to worsen one of the world's biggest oil slicks, just as international calls grew to tighten maritime regulations to prevent such accidents. ... The 26-year-old Prestige first spewed around 5,000 tons of fuel a week ago, after a storm cracked its hull. As it finally broke up and sank on Wednesday, it spilled around 10,000 tons of oil in a 120 km slick, which high winds have separated and carried toward the coast.
As far as the roughly 60,000 tons of oil that has sunk, there are varying opinions what could happen. Everything from an eventual leakage to the possibility that due to the cold waters the oil will harden. It should be remembered that the tanker parts now lie about 2 miles, or 3,600 meters, below the ocean's surface - and that in itself is cause for concern. Some authorities have said that at those depths, and warming of the sea, could cause the tanks holding the oil to burst under pressure.
Even if that doesn't happen, environmentalists warned that the Prestige will remain a time-bomb and that its load of oil will inevitably be released to the surface at some time in the future once the hull of the ageing tanker rusts away, according to this article.
In any case, the overall outlook is quite bleak. As reported, besides coating the Spanish shoreline, the oil "threatens the Portuguese coast as well. Fishing has been banned in the area, and scientists say the cleanup will take years. Both Spain and Portugal depend heavily on their fishing and tourism industries," as this VOA report notes.
That said, there are some reasons to be optimistic. According to this article, "It's already a huge disaster - thousands of fishermen are out of work, oil is coming onto beaches. This will also be one of the worst in terms of its impact," said Sian Pullen, head of the European Marine Programme at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The following bits, from the same article, I found interesting: "But she added that bacteria in the sea could help disperse the oil more quickly than, for instance, in the chillier waters of Alaska, where the Exxon Valdez ran aground in 1989, or the Erika disaster off northern France in December 1999. ...Also, the distance from land could help because the high seas will break up oil slicks before they reach beaches.
There has also been some talk about the type of fuel that the Prestige was carrying. Now some "experts" are suggesting that the "fuel oil" that was in the tanker would have had much of the "heavier" components already refined out.
In another developement, despite talk that the ship had serious security faults dating back to 1999, as well as charges that the port of Gibraltar had failed in its inspections, "the 26-year-old oil tanker Prestige had its last full maintenance check six months ago and was carrying no known seaworthiness defects, said American maritime inspectors on Tuesday, according to this article.
The American Bureau of Shipping, which has monitored and surveyed the 81 000-ton tanker throughout its operational life, denied Spanish reports that the vessel had not been checked since 1999.
Though it was reported twice in that year for safety breaches in Rotterdam and New York, the Houston-based organisation said those issues had been resolved at the time.
Full maintenance checks had been carried out every year, most recently in May in Dubai, and an intensive drydock "special survey" every five years. The last of these, in May 2001, involved extensive steelwork repairs which kept the ship out of service for several weeks.
That goes against these comments from a Danish pilot who guided the tanker out of the Baltic and into the North sea, and who claims it was unseaworthy
“It was obsolete, and I hoped that it would be sent directly to the scrap yard as soon as it had unloaded its cargo. The radar and anti-collision equipment was not working.
“If the vessel had entered a Danish or other European port it would not have been given permission to put out to sea again,” Thuesen told the newspaper.
Thuesen said he considered reporting the Prestige to the marine authorities, but decided against it.
“The skipper was an elderly Greek man who was very difficult to work with,” said Thuesen.
I wonder if he's kicking himself now for not reporting the tanker...
Spain has demanded an initial deposit of £38 million from the company as a guarantee against a possible future fine or compensation claim. Spain has complained that the single-hulled Prestige, built in 1976, had not been inspected properly since 1999, according to The Scotsman.
Related articles:
Europe Looks to Maritime Rules After Tanker Spill
Impasse led to sinking of oil tanker
A big Thursday thanks ...
I tried to post this last night, but as regular readers of this site know, I've been having technical problems...
Anyway, I'd like to thank...
...Dave Trowbridge at Redwood Dragon for trying to help me with the glitches ...
...and ditto to Joshua Claybourn for the same ...
...also a welcome to readers from blogs4God, and from MSNBC that keep on arriving here...
...also a thanks to Jamie McDonald at The Gleeful Extremist for the link...If you like handguns, this might be your site...
...and also, a thanks to Randy McRoberts at The Upward Way Press for linking to Ibidem...
...and a big thanks to John Hawkins at Right Wing News, who very kindly asked via email if we'd like to exchange links. You'll find Mr. Hawkins' site in my blogroll.
...thanks to Sainteros for the plug as well. Muchas gracias!
...also, thanks to Xavier Basora at Buscaraons for his kind words of encouragement
...and many thanks to Iberian Notes, for the continual plugs...
If I have forgotten anybody, please forgive me, and leave a comment! Again, thanks to all!
I tried to post this last night, but as regular readers of this site know, I've been having technical problems...
Anyway, I'd like to thank...
...Dave Trowbridge at Redwood Dragon for trying to help me with the glitches ...
...and ditto to Joshua Claybourn for the same ...
...also a welcome to readers from blogs4God, and from MSNBC that keep on arriving here...
...also a thanks to Jamie McDonald at The Gleeful Extremist for the link...If you like handguns, this might be your site...
...and also, a thanks to Randy McRoberts at The Upward Way Press for linking to Ibidem...
...and a big thanks to John Hawkins at Right Wing News, who very kindly asked via email if we'd like to exchange links. You'll find Mr. Hawkins' site in my blogroll.
...thanks to Sainteros for the plug as well. Muchas gracias!
...also, thanks to Xavier Basora at Buscaraons for his kind words of encouragement
...and many thanks to Iberian Notes, for the continual plugs...
If I have forgotten anybody, please forgive me, and leave a comment! Again, thanks to all!
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Is this the next food craze?
Kids pick Gorilla Boogers as favorite snot snack
What's next? Suggestions?
Kids pick Gorilla Boogers as favorite snot snack
What's next? Suggestions?
I always find these sort of things incredible to believe...
Global goofs: U.S. youth can't find Iraq
Young Americans may soon have to fight a war in Iraq, but most of them can't even find that country on a map
Really, this reminds me of Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" series. My favorite was when some university students (some studying to be teachers) were asked what foreign countries bordered the US, and the usual response was there were none. First it not only defies logic, but no wonder students do so poorly on these types of questions, if their teachers in general can't answer the questions.
Which all brings up one of my pet peeves. Low teacher standards and teacher pay. I really do believe that teacher testing and standards should be raised to the maximum, and at the same time award those teachers that pass the "bar" with higher salaries. The others can either go back to school, or be encouraged to look for work elsewhere. We don't need idiots teaching our kids. Make the teaching profession an elite, rather than a catch all. And this is from somebody was a teacher many years ago.
Global goofs: U.S. youth can't find Iraq
Young Americans may soon have to fight a war in Iraq, but most of them can't even find that country on a map
Really, this reminds me of Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" series. My favorite was when some university students (some studying to be teachers) were asked what foreign countries bordered the US, and the usual response was there were none. First it not only defies logic, but no wonder students do so poorly on these types of questions, if their teachers in general can't answer the questions.
Which all brings up one of my pet peeves. Low teacher standards and teacher pay. I really do believe that teacher testing and standards should be raised to the maximum, and at the same time award those teachers that pass the "bar" with higher salaries. The others can either go back to school, or be encouraged to look for work elsewhere. We don't need idiots teaching our kids. Make the teaching profession an elite, rather than a catch all. And this is from somebody was a teacher many years ago.
If this article is true, it's very disturbing, to say the least...
Flirting with Hitler
The main gist of the article is that in Germany, Goth is tied in with neo-Nazism and Satanism...
Links between Nazism and esoteric and occult movements are nothing new. Hitler, rejecting Christianity, embraced instead the paganism of the early Germanic tribes. Their beliefs, both real and imagined, offered a basis on which any number of sinister concepts could be superimposed. The process reached its apogee at Schloss Wewelsburg, near the town of Paderborn. Though the present-day castle dates from the late 16th century, records suggest that there has been a fortress on the site since the days of the Huns, more than a thousand years earlier. The surrounding landscape is wooded, often misty, and interspersed with giant, weirdly-shaped rocks. The castle and its environs were ideally suited to the purpose for which Heinrich Himmler rented them in 1934 - that of providing the officers of his elite corps, the SS, with an education in the supposed pagan mysteries underpinning National Socialism
I think this story should have run closer to Halloween...
Flirting with Hitler
The main gist of the article is that in Germany, Goth is tied in with neo-Nazism and Satanism...
Links between Nazism and esoteric and occult movements are nothing new. Hitler, rejecting Christianity, embraced instead the paganism of the early Germanic tribes. Their beliefs, both real and imagined, offered a basis on which any number of sinister concepts could be superimposed. The process reached its apogee at Schloss Wewelsburg, near the town of Paderborn. Though the present-day castle dates from the late 16th century, records suggest that there has been a fortress on the site since the days of the Huns, more than a thousand years earlier. The surrounding landscape is wooded, often misty, and interspersed with giant, weirdly-shaped rocks. The castle and its environs were ideally suited to the purpose for which Heinrich Himmler rented them in 1934 - that of providing the officers of his elite corps, the SS, with an education in the supposed pagan mysteries underpinning National Socialism
I think this story should have run closer to Halloween...
Fox News Biased?
But I thought they were "fair and balanced..."
The Most Biased Name in News
Yet, at the same time, the network bristles at the slightest suggestion of a conservative tilt. In fact, wrapping itself in slogans like "Fair and balanced" and "We report, you decide," Fox argues precisely the opposite: Far from being a biased network, Fox argues, it is the only unbiased network. So far, Fox's strategy of aggressive denial has worked surprisingly well; faced with its unblinking refusal to admit any conservative tilt at all, some commentators have simply acquiesced to the network's own self-assessment. FAIR has decided to take a closer look.
My favorite example of how "balanced" is Fox's coverage, was once while watching a debate between a Republican and Democrat (I don't remember the name) every time the Democrat got ready to speak, the network would have to cut away to some car chase. After they had done it about four times, I think everybody knew what was going on, as both the politicians began to laugh as well.
But I thought they were "fair and balanced..."
The Most Biased Name in News
Yet, at the same time, the network bristles at the slightest suggestion of a conservative tilt. In fact, wrapping itself in slogans like "Fair and balanced" and "We report, you decide," Fox argues precisely the opposite: Far from being a biased network, Fox argues, it is the only unbiased network. So far, Fox's strategy of aggressive denial has worked surprisingly well; faced with its unblinking refusal to admit any conservative tilt at all, some commentators have simply acquiesced to the network's own self-assessment. FAIR has decided to take a closer look.
My favorite example of how "balanced" is Fox's coverage, was once while watching a debate between a Republican and Democrat (I don't remember the name) every time the Democrat got ready to speak, the network would have to cut away to some car chase. After they had done it about four times, I think everybody knew what was going on, as both the politicians began to laugh as well.
The loss of innocence: On Skeletons, Souls And Wonder
This morning walking with my seven-year old son to his school bus stop he informed me that he was awake, "Because yesterday, I was terribly sleepy," he informed me with his mixed English-American accent.
Obviously that wasn't too much of a surprise, if for no other reason that he was walking and talking a thousand words a minute. He continued, telling me that his arms were awake, and his legs were just waking up, and that his heart was always awake.
And then in his sideways logic, my son began to expound upon skeletons. I suppose that in his way he was still thinking about the recent celebration of Halloween.
He told me that when we die, the first thing that happens is that our soul goes to heaven, and then our body begins to decay, leaving only a skeleton "of bones." I though that was pretty profound for a seven-year old, especially at 7:30 in the morning.
But it's the next part that surprised me.
He said, "But papi, you know if the heart begins to beat again, when the skeleton is just bones, then he'll come to life again."
I let him talk for a while, because the truth is I didn't quite know what tack should I take. Should I try to shoot down his childhood beliefs with my adult wisdom, or should I indulge him.
After another 5 minutes listening to him rattling off his theory, about how the blood could begin to circulate through the skeleton's body, and how it would be able to walk - although of course it wouldn't have a soul - I finally had to ask him a question, if anything to gain a bit of peace.
"Do you really believe all this?" I asked.
To which, without skipping a beat, he replied, "I know it's not true, but let's just pretend for now."
And that got me thinking, if not a little bit sad.
Because I know it won't be long before other adult beliefs begin crowding out that little bit of mystery that we are born with as children. I imagine this will be the last Christmas that he won't believe in Santa Claus, and by Easter, the Easter Bunny will be a thing of the past as well.
I know that for his own good he needs to learn the difference between fantasy and the real world, but still it pains me to know that my son is growing up, that this is yet another stage in his becoming independent.
I just hope that in that growing up he always keeps a special spot stored for all that is mysterious, and sacred.
Maybe that's because I think all of us adults need to be able to once in awhile answer as my son did, "I know it's not true, but lets just pretend for now."
This morning walking with my seven-year old son to his school bus stop he informed me that he was awake, "Because yesterday, I was terribly sleepy," he informed me with his mixed English-American accent.
Obviously that wasn't too much of a surprise, if for no other reason that he was walking and talking a thousand words a minute. He continued, telling me that his arms were awake, and his legs were just waking up, and that his heart was always awake.
And then in his sideways logic, my son began to expound upon skeletons. I suppose that in his way he was still thinking about the recent celebration of Halloween.
He told me that when we die, the first thing that happens is that our soul goes to heaven, and then our body begins to decay, leaving only a skeleton "of bones." I though that was pretty profound for a seven-year old, especially at 7:30 in the morning.
But it's the next part that surprised me.
He said, "But papi, you know if the heart begins to beat again, when the skeleton is just bones, then he'll come to life again."
I let him talk for a while, because the truth is I didn't quite know what tack should I take. Should I try to shoot down his childhood beliefs with my adult wisdom, or should I indulge him.
After another 5 minutes listening to him rattling off his theory, about how the blood could begin to circulate through the skeleton's body, and how it would be able to walk - although of course it wouldn't have a soul - I finally had to ask him a question, if anything to gain a bit of peace.
"Do you really believe all this?" I asked.
To which, without skipping a beat, he replied, "I know it's not true, but let's just pretend for now."
And that got me thinking, if not a little bit sad.
Because I know it won't be long before other adult beliefs begin crowding out that little bit of mystery that we are born with as children. I imagine this will be the last Christmas that he won't believe in Santa Claus, and by Easter, the Easter Bunny will be a thing of the past as well.
I know that for his own good he needs to learn the difference between fantasy and the real world, but still it pains me to know that my son is growing up, that this is yet another stage in his becoming independent.
I just hope that in that growing up he always keeps a special spot stored for all that is mysterious, and sacred.
Maybe that's because I think all of us adults need to be able to once in awhile answer as my son did, "I know it's not true, but lets just pretend for now."
In bottom of article on Harry Potter there's this interesting tidbit...
JK Rowling stops Potter book
A case of the books destined to America had been printed with an ISBN number - used on the barcode - that had 666 written on it. .. The books were destroyed in a mysterious arson attack at Liverpool docks.
JK Rowling stops Potter book
A case of the books destined to America had been printed with an ISBN number - used on the barcode - that had 666 written on it. .. The books were destroyed in a mysterious arson attack at Liverpool docks.
Surgical tags plan for sex offenders
Britain is considering a controversial scheme to implant surgically electronic tags in convicted paedophiles amid fears that the extent of the abuse of children has been massively underestimated.
Britain is considering a controversial scheme to implant surgically electronic tags in convicted paedophiles amid fears that the extent of the abuse of children has been massively underestimated.
Parents sue school over teacher's remarks
Nick Hurshman looked forward to his 14th birthday party and a chance to see friends, most of whom he had known since kindergarten. ... So Nick invited about a dozen of his buddies from St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School. ... Only three showed up. The others said their parents wouldn't let them come. ... After the October party, Nick went home and cried.
That's the price Nick and his parents, Dennis and Regina Hurshman, say they have been paying since September when they sued St. Mary's and the Diocese of Charleston. ... Their lawsuit alleges a white teacher singled out Nick, the son of a black woman and white man, during a class and said he is a "Negroid." The word is considered archaic and racially offensive, educators say. ... The remark was humiliating, said Regina Hurshman, 40, a building contractor. "It hurt Nick so it hurt me."
Nick Hurshman looked forward to his 14th birthday party and a chance to see friends, most of whom he had known since kindergarten. ... So Nick invited about a dozen of his buddies from St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School. ... Only three showed up. The others said their parents wouldn't let them come. ... After the October party, Nick went home and cried.
That's the price Nick and his parents, Dennis and Regina Hurshman, say they have been paying since September when they sued St. Mary's and the Diocese of Charleston. ... Their lawsuit alleges a white teacher singled out Nick, the son of a black woman and white man, during a class and said he is a "Negroid." The word is considered archaic and racially offensive, educators say. ... The remark was humiliating, said Regina Hurshman, 40, a building contractor. "It hurt Nick so it hurt me."
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
I've got tech problems
Dave Trowbridge at Redwood Dragon joins others in telling me that I'm not being seen by all. So posting will be a bit sparse as I try to figure this out... I might just put a basic template in for now, and then see what to do later. The tricky part is I can't get into the blogger templates - it's been blocked for around a month. I might try via wbloggar. Stay tuned, and sorry for the mess...
Dave Trowbridge at Redwood Dragon joins others in telling me that I'm not being seen by all. So posting will be a bit sparse as I try to figure this out... I might just put a basic template in for now, and then see what to do later. The tricky part is I can't get into the blogger templates - it's been blocked for around a month. I might try via wbloggar. Stay tuned, and sorry for the mess...
Is this the reason US is opposed to World Crime Court?
US fears Bush's prosecution in World Crimes Court
Seems a bit farfetched, but then I guess it's possible. As a side issue, there are some people who do have immunity...such as King Juan Carlos, as per Spain's Constitution.
US fears Bush's prosecution in World Crimes Court
Seems a bit farfetched, but then I guess it's possible. As a side issue, there are some people who do have immunity...such as King Juan Carlos, as per Spain's Constitution.
Curious that this article is being printed now...
Not saying that the public doesn't need to know, but these stories, etc. have been printed in European press for many years now.
The Pentagon promotes a vision of combat as bloodless and antiseptic
Daniel and the rest of the world would not find out until months later why the dead had vanished. Thousands of Iraqi soldiers, some of them alive and firing their weapons from World War I-style trenches, were buried by plows mounted on Abrams battle tanks. The Abrams flanked the trench lines so that tons of sand from the plows funneled into the trenches. Just behind the tanks, actually straddling the trench line, came Bradleys pumping 7.62mm machine gun bullets into the Iraqi troops.
And this...
One reason there was no trace of what happened in the Neutral Zone on those two days was that Armored Combat Earth Movers came behind the armored burial brigade, leveling the ground and smoothing away projecting Iraqi arms, legs and equipment. ... PFC Joe Queen of the 1st Engineers was impervious to small arms fire inside the cockpit of the huge earth mover. He remained cool and professional as he smoothed away all signs of the carnage. Queen won the Bronze Star for his efforts. "A lot of guys were seared," Queen said, "but I enjoyed it." Col. Moreno estimated more than 70 miles of trenches and earthen bunkers were attacked, filled in and smoothed over on Feb. 24-25.
More than 150 reporters who participated in the Pentagon pool system failed to produce a single eyewitness account of the clash between 300,000 allied troops and an estimated 300,000 Iraqi troops. There was not one photograph, not a strip of film by pool members of a dead body -- American or Iraqi. ... Schwarzkopf repeatedly brushed off questions about the Iraqi death toll when the ground war ended in early March. Not until 2000, during a television broadcast, would he estimate Iraq losses in the tens of thousands. The only precise estimate came from Cheney. In a formal report to Congress, Cheney said U.S. soldiers found only 457 Iraqi bodies on the battlefield.
Not saying that the public doesn't need to know, but these stories, etc. have been printed in European press for many years now.
The Pentagon promotes a vision of combat as bloodless and antiseptic
Daniel and the rest of the world would not find out until months later why the dead had vanished. Thousands of Iraqi soldiers, some of them alive and firing their weapons from World War I-style trenches, were buried by plows mounted on Abrams battle tanks. The Abrams flanked the trench lines so that tons of sand from the plows funneled into the trenches. Just behind the tanks, actually straddling the trench line, came Bradleys pumping 7.62mm machine gun bullets into the Iraqi troops.
And this...
One reason there was no trace of what happened in the Neutral Zone on those two days was that Armored Combat Earth Movers came behind the armored burial brigade, leveling the ground and smoothing away projecting Iraqi arms, legs and equipment. ... PFC Joe Queen of the 1st Engineers was impervious to small arms fire inside the cockpit of the huge earth mover. He remained cool and professional as he smoothed away all signs of the carnage. Queen won the Bronze Star for his efforts. "A lot of guys were seared," Queen said, "but I enjoyed it." Col. Moreno estimated more than 70 miles of trenches and earthen bunkers were attacked, filled in and smoothed over on Feb. 24-25.
More than 150 reporters who participated in the Pentagon pool system failed to produce a single eyewitness account of the clash between 300,000 allied troops and an estimated 300,000 Iraqi troops. There was not one photograph, not a strip of film by pool members of a dead body -- American or Iraqi. ... Schwarzkopf repeatedly brushed off questions about the Iraqi death toll when the ground war ended in early March. Not until 2000, during a television broadcast, would he estimate Iraq losses in the tens of thousands. The only precise estimate came from Cheney. In a formal report to Congress, Cheney said U.S. soldiers found only 457 Iraqi bodies on the battlefield.
FINAL WRITE THRU: Damaged tanker has broken in two off coast of Spain
{UPDATE: I've updated this throughout the day, adding in, taking out as the news breaks}
The break-up of a leaking tanker off Spain may herald one of the world's worst oil spills, but experts say the distance to the coast and the warmth of the water may reduce the ecological devastation. Early estimated damage is around $90 million.
If the Prestige lost all its 77,000 tons of fuel oil, it would rank 14th in world tanker spills, a list topped by the Atlantic Empress off Tobago in 1979 with 287,000 tons of oil.
With the stern sinking, a further 5,000 tons to 6,000 tons have been spilled into the sea, on top of the already estimated 5,000 tons that has been spilt since the tanker ran into problems last week, and is affecting around 200 kilometers of coast in the northern Spanish province of Galicia, a region known for its fishing and seafood industry. "Fisheries, a principal source of income in the region, has been temporarily banned there. More than 1,000 fishermen have been hit and the government has promised compensation."
But things may not be as bad as they could have been, according to some.
Also from the same article:
Sky News has reported The World Wildlife Fund as saying" the slick could be twice the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill off the coast of Alaska - one of the worst ever." Exxon, it should be remembered, paid $2 billion in cleaning up after that spill.
The Bahamian-flagged Prestige ran into trouble off the coast of Spain during a storm last Wednesday in an area known as the "Coast of Death" because of the number of shipwrecks there. Oil leaking from the vessel has already killed hundreds of seabirds, blackened beaches, and closed fishing grounds. The Coast of Death has also suffered other tanker accidents, the previous worst being in December 1992 when the tanker Aegean Sea ran aground near La Coruna, losing about 21.5 million gallons of crude.
The tanker Prestige split in two at eight this morning , breaking up around 150 miles off the Spanish coast. When its troubles began last week, the ship had at one time drifted to within only 8 kilometers off the coast, before Spanish tugboats began to tow it toward Portuguese waters, claiming they had approval from the Iberian neighbors government.
However, some have questioned the morality of the decision to attempt to send the listing tanker into African waters, rather than dealing with the problem in Europe.
"For us there is nothing we can do anymore," says Walder, a SMIT spokesman. Walder also said in a BBC interview that ship had to be moved from the Galicia area since they couldn't remove the oil in the rough seas there. However, other critics are saying they should have gone into port - even if it would have meant a marine disaster - to pump the rest of the oil out of the tanker.
As reported, the Prestige had been turned around late yesterday in hopes its damaged hull would no longer take further beatings from the sea, and thereby reducing the risk that the hull would slit in two. Both Portugal and Spain had refused entry of the Prestige into its ports, for fear any oil leaked could further damage their fishing industries.
The vessel had a 30- to 50-foot crack in the hull below the waterline which made it unable to proceed under its own power while salvagers sought a port to do repairs or transfer the oil to another vessel, according to the Guardian.
The ship was earlier described as Greek-owned. But the Greek embassy in Madrid has denied this, saying its owners Mare Shipping Inc were Liberian-based, and it was only administered by the Athens-based Universe Maritime company. That said, the ship's Greek captain Apostulas Maguras has been charged with preventing the tanker's salvage, and released on a EUR3 million bail.
Related articles...
'Disaster' fears as tanker splits
Oil tanker splits in two off Spain
Oil tanker breaks in two of Spanish coast
Damaged tanker carrying fuel breaks in two off Spanish coast
{UPDATE: I've updated this throughout the day, adding in, taking out as the news breaks}
The break-up of a leaking tanker off Spain may herald one of the world's worst oil spills, but experts say the distance to the coast and the warmth of the water may reduce the ecological devastation. Early estimated damage is around $90 million.
If the Prestige lost all its 77,000 tons of fuel oil, it would rank 14th in world tanker spills, a list topped by the Atlantic Empress off Tobago in 1979 with 287,000 tons of oil.
With the stern sinking, a further 5,000 tons to 6,000 tons have been spilled into the sea, on top of the already estimated 5,000 tons that has been spilt since the tanker ran into problems last week, and is affecting around 200 kilometers of coast in the northern Spanish province of Galicia, a region known for its fishing and seafood industry. "Fisheries, a principal source of income in the region, has been temporarily banned there. More than 1,000 fishermen have been hit and the government has promised compensation."
"It's already a huge disaster -- thousands of fishermen are out of work, oil is coming onto beaches. This will also be one of the worst in terms of its impact," said Sian Pullen, head of the European Marine Program at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). ... But she added that bacteria in the sea could help disperse the oil more quickly than, for instance, in the chillier waters of Alaska, where the Exxon Valdez ran aground in 1989, or the Erika disaster off northern France in December 1999. ... Also, the distance from land could help because the high seas will break up oil slicks before they reach beaches. "We're hopeful that we could see more oil break up than with the Erika, for instance," Pullen said.
But things may not be as bad as they could have been, according to some.
The type of oil in the Prestige could mute the impact of the spill -- experts said the fuel oil was of a lighter type than in the Erika, which spilled about 22,000 tons, and more refined than the crude in the Exxon Valdez, which spilled 34,000 tons.
"Some of the worst very heavy components will have been refined out," said David Santillo, a scientist with Greenpeace. "It all depends on the direction of the wind."
Also from the same article:
A decade after the Exxon Valdez, only bald eagles and river otters were considered as having recovered, Greenpeace said. Harbor seals, cormorants, ducks and pigeon guillemots were still struggling in 1999.
In the worst case, the tanks on the Prestige would implode from the pressure if both parts of the vessel sink in waters 11,810 feet deep.
If the tanks survive the sinking, oil would leak through the rusting metal in coming decades. Marine life would be more able to adapt to such a slow-fuse timebomb than to a catastrophic spill. The depth of the water would make salvage impractical.
Sky News has reported The World Wildlife Fund as saying" the slick could be twice the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill off the coast of Alaska - one of the worst ever." Exxon, it should be remembered, paid $2 billion in cleaning up after that spill.
The Bahamian-flagged Prestige ran into trouble off the coast of Spain during a storm last Wednesday in an area known as the "Coast of Death" because of the number of shipwrecks there. Oil leaking from the vessel has already killed hundreds of seabirds, blackened beaches, and closed fishing grounds. The Coast of Death has also suffered other tanker accidents, the previous worst being in December 1992 when the tanker Aegean Sea ran aground near La Coruna, losing about 21.5 million gallons of crude.
The tanker Prestige split in two at eight this morning , breaking up around 150 miles off the Spanish coast. When its troubles began last week, the ship had at one time drifted to within only 8 kilometers off the coast, before Spanish tugboats began to tow it toward Portuguese waters, claiming they had approval from the Iberian neighbors government.
However, some have questioned the morality of the decision to attempt to send the listing tanker into African waters, rather than dealing with the problem in Europe.
"For us there is nothing we can do anymore," says Walder, a SMIT spokesman. Walder also said in a BBC interview that ship had to be moved from the Galicia area since they couldn't remove the oil in the rough seas there. However, other critics are saying they should have gone into port - even if it would have meant a marine disaster - to pump the rest of the oil out of the tanker.
As reported, the Prestige had been turned around late yesterday in hopes its damaged hull would no longer take further beatings from the sea, and thereby reducing the risk that the hull would slit in two. Both Portugal and Spain had refused entry of the Prestige into its ports, for fear any oil leaked could further damage their fishing industries.
The vessel had a 30- to 50-foot crack in the hull below the waterline which made it unable to proceed under its own power while salvagers sought a port to do repairs or transfer the oil to another vessel, according to the Guardian.
The ship was earlier described as Greek-owned. But the Greek embassy in Madrid has denied this, saying its owners Mare Shipping Inc were Liberian-based, and it was only administered by the Athens-based Universe Maritime company. That said, the ship's Greek captain Apostulas Maguras has been charged with preventing the tanker's salvage, and released on a EUR3 million bail.
Related articles...
'Disaster' fears as tanker splits
Oil tanker splits in two off Spain
Oil tanker breaks in two of Spanish coast
Damaged tanker carrying fuel breaks in two off Spanish coast
As Democracy spreads, Iranian women getting even
Woman Cuts Off Nosy Husband's Ear
An Iranian woman cut off her henpecked husband's ear after he dared to query why she was late coming home, the Entekhab newspaper reported on Saturday. ... "My wife does judo and she gets angry very easily," the man, who was not identified, told a court in southern Tehran. ... "I'm not allowed to say anything she doesn't like and if I disobey her, she beats me up," he said.
Woman Cuts Off Nosy Husband's Ear
An Iranian woman cut off her henpecked husband's ear after he dared to query why she was late coming home, the Entekhab newspaper reported on Saturday. ... "My wife does judo and she gets angry very easily," the man, who was not identified, told a court in southern Tehran. ... "I'm not allowed to say anything she doesn't like and if I disobey her, she beats me up," he said.
Big Brother is Real...
Secret Court OKs Broad Wiretap Powers
In a victory for the Bush administration, a secretive appeals court Monday ruled the U.S. government has the right to use expanded powers to wiretap terrorism suspects under a law adopted after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. ... The ruling was a blow to civil libertarians who say the expanded powers, which allow greater leeway in conducting electronic surveillance and in using information obtained from the wiretaps and searches, jeopardize constitutional rights.
Secret Court OKs Broad Wiretap Powers
In a victory for the Bush administration, a secretive appeals court Monday ruled the U.S. government has the right to use expanded powers to wiretap terrorism suspects under a law adopted after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. ... The ruling was a blow to civil libertarians who say the expanded powers, which allow greater leeway in conducting electronic surveillance and in using information obtained from the wiretaps and searches, jeopardize constitutional rights.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Sex scandal has helped church - Bishops pat each other on backs?
Bishop Gregory says facing sex scandal has improved Church
"It's been painful for bishops as we come to terms with this issue, with our mistakes, our accountability," he said. "It's been painful for our priests, who have endured a period of awful scrutiny and some very unfair judgments on priests in general. It's been painful for our diocesan communities, our faithful and religious who make up the local churches." ... He added, however, "At this point I feel very much heartened that we are in a much different space. We have taken some very serious actions. We've been in dialogue with the Holy See" on revising the norms for dealing with sexual abuse that the bishops adopted in Dallas.
Well, if the Bishops really are taking responsibility, then yes, the Church has improved...
Bishop Gregory says facing sex scandal has improved Church
"It's been painful for bishops as we come to terms with this issue, with our mistakes, our accountability," he said. "It's been painful for our priests, who have endured a period of awful scrutiny and some very unfair judgments on priests in general. It's been painful for our diocesan communities, our faithful and religious who make up the local churches." ... He added, however, "At this point I feel very much heartened that we are in a much different space. We have taken some very serious actions. We've been in dialogue with the Holy See" on revising the norms for dealing with sexual abuse that the bishops adopted in Dallas.
Well, if the Bishops really are taking responsibility, then yes, the Church has improved...
Colin Powell aims to please, saying "If you can't beat them, join them."
Powell Wants More Muslims in U.S.
"From the mountains of Afghanistan to the valleys of Bosnia to the plains of Africa to the forests of Asia and around the world we are on the ground working with our Muslim partners to expand to the circle of peace, the circle of prosperity, the circle of freedom," he said.
Sounds like somebody's been reading Martin Luther King's phrasebook.
Powell Wants More Muslims in U.S.
"From the mountains of Afghanistan to the valleys of Bosnia to the plains of Africa to the forests of Asia and around the world we are on the ground working with our Muslim partners to expand to the circle of peace, the circle of prosperity, the circle of freedom," he said.
Sounds like somebody's been reading Martin Luther King's phrasebook.
Evangelical terrorists brutally attack followers Islam
A New Crusade?
Critics say evangelists are attacking Islam because it's a good way to drum up passions and donations among their supporters. Evangelical leaders say they're speaking out of conviction, and they'll keep doing so no matter what they president says
A New Crusade?
Critics say evangelists are attacking Islam because it's a good way to drum up passions and donations among their supporters. Evangelical leaders say they're speaking out of conviction, and they'll keep doing so no matter what they president says
So Hitler was a coke-head?
The Third Rush: coke as the last Nazi weapon
The drug, codenamed D-IX, was tested at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp north of Berlin, where prisoners loaded with 20kg packs were reported to have marched 90km without rest.
The Third Rush: coke as the last Nazi weapon
The drug, codenamed D-IX, was tested at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp north of Berlin, where prisoners loaded with 20kg packs were reported to have marched 90km without rest.
Court rules that we don't need to always preserve the species...
Supreme Court passes up inmate sperm case
Justices rejected William Reno Gerber's claim that he should be allowed to ship his sperm to his wife. ... The Supreme Court ruled 60 years ago that inmates cannot be sterilized, but it's never said they have a constitutional right to procreate from behind bars.
Supreme Court passes up inmate sperm case
Justices rejected William Reno Gerber's claim that he should be allowed to ship his sperm to his wife. ... The Supreme Court ruled 60 years ago that inmates cannot be sterilized, but it's never said they have a constitutional right to procreate from behind bars.
Bearded ones protesting Harry?
Are you a beardist?
The Beard Liberation Front (BLF) objects to the "obviously false" facial hair sported by Robbie Coltrane and the late Richard Harris in the fantasy movie. ... Such "end of a broom" fakes give beardists ample ammunition to taunt bearded men, who are particularly targeted for abuse in the run-up to Christmas.
I knew this had to be a Satanic flick, aimed at smearing poor Santa's image...
Are you a beardist?
The Beard Liberation Front (BLF) objects to the "obviously false" facial hair sported by Robbie Coltrane and the late Richard Harris in the fantasy movie. ... Such "end of a broom" fakes give beardists ample ammunition to taunt bearded men, who are particularly targeted for abuse in the run-up to Christmas.
I knew this had to be a Satanic flick, aimed at smearing poor Santa's image...
A big Tuesday thanks...
... to blogs4God for the very nice plug...welcome readers. Also, Joshua Claybourn tells me that he's having some problems accessing this site, so I may be playing with the template today. If anybody has any suggestions, please leave me a comment.
... also a big thanks to John at Inside Europe: Iberian Notes who very kindly left an update in the comments section below in yesterday's post on the "hostage" taking in Barcelona. Now that's what I call coordination!
... to blogs4God for the very nice plug...welcome readers. Also, Joshua Claybourn tells me that he's having some problems accessing this site, so I may be playing with the template today. If anybody has any suggestions, please leave me a comment.
... also a big thanks to John at Inside Europe: Iberian Notes who very kindly left an update in the comments section below in yesterday's post on the "hostage" taking in Barcelona. Now that's what I call coordination!
Three people take 25 school kids hostage in Barcelona?
This is breaking now...
Assailant takes children hostage at elementary school near Barcelona
Spain says there's a hostage situation at a school near Barcelona. ... Officials say details are unclear -- but that at least one assailant is holding some children hostage. ... They say the motive appears to be money. ... A spokesman won't confirm reports that three people armed with knives are holding 25 12-year-old kids.
Related articles
Twenty-Five Children Taken Hostage in Spain
The officials said a man had entered the school in the town of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat at around 10 a.m. EDT. Local media reported the man was holding the children, aged 12, at knifepoint and was demanding money
Spanish pupils held at knifepoint
This is breaking now...
Assailant takes children hostage at elementary school near Barcelona
Spain says there's a hostage situation at a school near Barcelona. ... Officials say details are unclear -- but that at least one assailant is holding some children hostage. ... They say the motive appears to be money. ... A spokesman won't confirm reports that three people armed with knives are holding 25 12-year-old kids.
Related articles
Twenty-Five Children Taken Hostage in Spain
The officials said a man had entered the school in the town of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat at around 10 a.m. EDT. Local media reported the man was holding the children, aged 12, at knifepoint and was demanding money
Spanish pupils held at knifepoint
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