Secret historical documents have absolved the Knights Templar...
The Vatican in Rome has allegedly published secret documents concerning the trial of the Knights Templar, including a parchment - long ignored because of a vague catalogue entry in 1628 - showing that the pope of that era, Pope Clement V, initially absolved the medieval order of heresy.
A 300 page volume has come out with a limited edition of799 copies, each priced at $8,377, said the Scrinium publishing house, which prints documents from the Vatican's secret archives.
The order of Knights, which ultimately disappeared because of the heresy scandal, recently captivated the public's imagination because of the best-seller "The Da Vinci Code", also made into a movie, which linked the templars to the story of the Holy Grail.
The Writers Lounge
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Mummy of King Tut is on display for first time...
The Mummy of King Tut is on display for first time...
Restoration took more than two years; CAT scans revealed he was not murdered.
Biggest threat is humidity caused by tourists; display should protect it
The ancient world is a big tourism draw for Egypt, which had 9 million visitors last year.
LUXOR, Egypt: The linen wrapped mummy of King Tut was put on public display for the first time on Sunday -- 85 years after the 3,000-year-old boy pharaoh's golden enshrined tomb and mummy were discovered in Luxor's famed Valley of the Kings.
"The only good thing (left) in this mummy is the face," says antiquities chief Zahi Hawass.
Archeologists removed the mummy from his stone sarcophagus in his underground tomb, revealing his shriveled leather-like face and body.
"The golden boy has magic and mystery and therefore every person all over the world will see what Egypt is doing to preserve the golden boy, and all of them I am sure will come to see the golden boy," Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass told reporters under the intense Luxor sun.
Hawass said scientists began restoring King Tut's badly damaged mummy more than two years ago after it was removed briefly from its sarcophagus and placed into a CT scanner for the first time for further examination. Much of the mummy's body is broken into 18 pieces that Hawass described looked like stones that were damaged when British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the mummy, took it from his tomb and tried to pull off his famous golden mask.
Hawass fears a more recent phenomenon -- mass tourism -- is further deteriorating Tut's mummy. Thousands of tourists visit the underground chamber every month. Watch the mummy be lifted from tomb and revealed »
"The humidity and heat caused by ... people entering the tomb and their breathing will change the mummy to a powder. The only good thing (left) in this mummy is the face. We need to preserve the face," said Hawass, who wore his signature Indiana Jones-style tan hat.
The mystery surrounding King Tutankhamun and his glittering gold tomb has entranced ancient Egypt fans since Carter first discovered the hidden tomb on November 4, 1922, revealing a trove of fabulous gold and precious stone treasures.
Archeologists in recent years have tried to resolve lingering questions over how he died and his precise royal lineage. Several books and documentaries dedicated to the young pharaoh, who is believed to have been the 12th ruler of ancient Egypt's 18th dynasty and ascended to the throne around the age of 8, are popular around the world.
In an effort to try to solve the mysteries, scientists removed Tut's mummy from his tomb and placed it into a portable CT scanner for 15 minutes in 2005 to obtain a three-dimensional image. The scans were the first done on an Egyptian mummy.
The results did rule out that Tut was murdered...
King Tut Mummy on display
Restoration took more than two years; CAT scans revealed he was not murdered.
Biggest threat is humidity caused by tourists; display should protect it
The ancient world is a big tourism draw for Egypt, which had 9 million visitors last year.
LUXOR, Egypt: The linen wrapped mummy of King Tut was put on public display for the first time on Sunday -- 85 years after the 3,000-year-old boy pharaoh's golden enshrined tomb and mummy were discovered in Luxor's famed Valley of the Kings.
"The only good thing (left) in this mummy is the face," says antiquities chief Zahi Hawass.
Archeologists removed the mummy from his stone sarcophagus in his underground tomb, revealing his shriveled leather-like face and body.
"The golden boy has magic and mystery and therefore every person all over the world will see what Egypt is doing to preserve the golden boy, and all of them I am sure will come to see the golden boy," Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass told reporters under the intense Luxor sun.
Hawass said scientists began restoring King Tut's badly damaged mummy more than two years ago after it was removed briefly from its sarcophagus and placed into a CT scanner for the first time for further examination. Much of the mummy's body is broken into 18 pieces that Hawass described looked like stones that were damaged when British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the mummy, took it from his tomb and tried to pull off his famous golden mask.
Hawass fears a more recent phenomenon -- mass tourism -- is further deteriorating Tut's mummy. Thousands of tourists visit the underground chamber every month. Watch the mummy be lifted from tomb and revealed »
"The humidity and heat caused by ... people entering the tomb and their breathing will change the mummy to a powder. The only good thing (left) in this mummy is the face. We need to preserve the face," said Hawass, who wore his signature Indiana Jones-style tan hat.
The mystery surrounding King Tutankhamun and his glittering gold tomb has entranced ancient Egypt fans since Carter first discovered the hidden tomb on November 4, 1922, revealing a trove of fabulous gold and precious stone treasures.
Archeologists in recent years have tried to resolve lingering questions over how he died and his precise royal lineage. Several books and documentaries dedicated to the young pharaoh, who is believed to have been the 12th ruler of ancient Egypt's 18th dynasty and ascended to the throne around the age of 8, are popular around the world.
In an effort to try to solve the mysteries, scientists removed Tut's mummy from his tomb and placed it into a portable CT scanner for 15 minutes in 2005 to obtain a three-dimensional image. The scans were the first done on an Egyptian mummy.
The results did rule out that Tut was murdered...
King Tut Mummy on display
Thursday, November 1, 2007
There was a political call for a fart tax in New Zealand some years back...
There was a political call here in New Zealand a couple of years ago by government politicians for a "fart tax"! The pollies claimed it contributed to global warming. Be that as it may, the farmers objected and protested so loudly the idea was discarded.
Cows allegedly produce methane when they fart which goes into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming and climate change.
I would strongly suggest that there is so much hot air produced in Parliament which probably contributes more to climate change and global warming.
After all what's a few farts among friends?
Submitted by Darius.
Very funny stuff this whole farting business. Scientists say that ome cow produces the same amount of pollution as 10 cars running all day.Well it all reminds me of a joke. A very proper lady is in a Harley shop, as she leans over to touch and admire the shiny hog she farts. Quickly she glances around hoping nobody heard her gaffa.She spots a young salesman coming her way so she immediately asks "young man how much is this magnificent vehicle".The salesman thinks for a moment and then says "I'm not sure I should tell you because you farted just touching it,your going to crap yourself when I give you the price". Keep the faith.
Good one, Darius
The Writers Lounge
Cows allegedly produce methane when they fart which goes into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming and climate change.
I would strongly suggest that there is so much hot air produced in Parliament which probably contributes more to climate change and global warming.
After all what's a few farts among friends?
Submitted by Darius.
Very funny stuff this whole farting business. Scientists say that ome cow produces the same amount of pollution as 10 cars running all day.Well it all reminds me of a joke. A very proper lady is in a Harley shop, as she leans over to touch and admire the shiny hog she farts. Quickly she glances around hoping nobody heard her gaffa.She spots a young salesman coming her way so she immediately asks "young man how much is this magnificent vehicle".The salesman thinks for a moment and then says "I'm not sure I should tell you because you farted just touching it,your going to crap yourself when I give you the price". Keep the faith.
Good one, Darius
The Writers Lounge
Friday, October 12, 2007
Sire's story about the tri nation rugby supporters clash with the law in Arabia...
I had to record the following story for posterity's sake. It was written by my online Aussie mate "Sire", in his My BlogLog recently. I don't think he would mind me sharing it with you here. He's a good bloke,Sire, vry helpful with a great sense of humour and a good supply of humorous stories.
"Rugby Fans Get Death Penalty In Arabia"
Three tri nation rugby fans were in Arabia celebrating the coming New Year, an Aussie, South African and a New Zealand national. Unfortunately they were hitting the booze when the Saudi police rush in to arrest them.
They should have known better because while possession of booze is a severe offence in Saudi Arabia, actual consumption of it meant a death sentence!
After being incarcerated for many their lawyers were able to successfully appeal their sentences down to life imprisonment.
Luckily it turned out to be a Saudi national holiday the day, their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheik decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik announced: “It’s my first wife’s birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping.”
The South African was first in line, he thought for a while and Then said: “Please tie a pillow to my back.”
This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. When the punishment was done he had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain.
The Australian was next up. After watching the South African’s Horror he said smugly:
“Please fix two pillows to my back.” But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again and the Australian was soon led away whimpering loudly (as they do).
The New Zealander bloke was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheik turned to him and said:
“You are from a most beautiful part of the world and your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two wishes!”
“Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness”, the Kiwi replied. In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me Not 20 lashes but 100 lashes.”
“Not only are you an honourable, handsome and powerful man, you Are also very brave”. The Sheik said with an admiring look on his face.
“If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish”?
“Tie the Australian to my back.”
My Communati
"Rugby Fans Get Death Penalty In Arabia"
Three tri nation rugby fans were in Arabia celebrating the coming New Year, an Aussie, South African and a New Zealand national. Unfortunately they were hitting the booze when the Saudi police rush in to arrest them.
They should have known better because while possession of booze is a severe offence in Saudi Arabia, actual consumption of it meant a death sentence!
After being incarcerated for many their lawyers were able to successfully appeal their sentences down to life imprisonment.
Luckily it turned out to be a Saudi national holiday the day, their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheik decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik announced: “It’s my first wife’s birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping.”
The South African was first in line, he thought for a while and Then said: “Please tie a pillow to my back.”
This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. When the punishment was done he had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain.
The Australian was next up. After watching the South African’s Horror he said smugly:
“Please fix two pillows to my back.” But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again and the Australian was soon led away whimpering loudly (as they do).
The New Zealander bloke was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheik turned to him and said:
“You are from a most beautiful part of the world and your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two wishes!”
“Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness”, the Kiwi replied. In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me Not 20 lashes but 100 lashes.”
“Not only are you an honourable, handsome and powerful man, you Are also very brave”. The Sheik said with an admiring look on his face.
“If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish”?
“Tie the Australian to my back.”
My Communati
Friday, October 5, 2007
Little "Pumpkin" to live in China with grandma...
Farewell little "Pumpkin" we wish you well in your new life with Grandma in China.
She beamed into our lives through world TV news programs a few weeks ago; that poor little abandoned three year old at a Melbourne, Australia, train station. She was nick-named "Pumpkin" by Australian authorities, because of the Pumpkin Patch clothing she wore on that fateful night.
Soon the horrible truth that preceded her abandonment was revealed by New Zealand police. Her father had apparently murdered her mother in Auckland and fled to Australia with his little daughter, callously and cold heartedly abandoning her at the train station, and catching a flight to Los Angeles.
Soon the little girl was identified as Qian Xun Xuecan. Her mother, Anan Liu, was found murdered in the boot of a car outside the family home in Auckland.
Later news revealed she had an elder half sister in Auckland,Grace,the estranged daughter of Nai Yin Xue,who is still being pursued by US marshals in California to this day, and due to appear on "America's Most Wanted" program in a few days or so.
In the meantime little Pumpkin was brought to New Zealand by Australian social services authorities to await a decision on her future.
After her maternal grandmother arrived in New Zealand and expressed her desire to look after her little grand-daughter,a family group conference was held in Auckland.
The Principal Family Court Judge, Peter Boshier, has made his decision in the case.The child's grandmother, Liu Xiao Ping, has been given custody of Qian Xun Xuecan, the youngster the New Zealand public knew as little "Pumpkin".
Apparently Judge Boshier had a difficult decision to make because of many conflicting Acts of Parliament which had to be balanced, creating tensions, and because of this significant parts of his decision were suppressed to the public.
Mrs Liu, the grandmother, accompanied by an interpreter and her lawyer,was spoken to directly by Judge Boshier.
I quote the Judge:" It is important to acknowledge at the outset to those members of the family present today the utterly tragic circumstances." And further." Above all else, I acknowledge the sadness of the circumstances that bring us here today."
He appointed Mrs Liu as an "additional guardian" under New Zealand's Care of Children Act.
Under the same Act the grandmother was given leave to apply for a parenting order so that the child "is placed into the day to day care of her grandmother".
He also ordered that Qian Xun Xuecan's elder half sister be given contact with the child through email, telephone, exchange of photos and visits when Grace is in China, or when the child is in New Zealand.
The parenting order allows Qian to live in China with her grandmother. Even though she is a New Zealand citizen, she is Chinese and has cultural links to China, and attachment to her grandmother is demonstratable.
Surprisingly, the child's father still has guardianship rights over the girl, something that will be reviewed at a later date.It was a very good and just decision by Judge Boshier, reflecting the famiy's wishes to support and protect the little girl.
Goodbye, little "Pumpkin" and best wishes from us all for the future!
Peters Life and World Events
She beamed into our lives through world TV news programs a few weeks ago; that poor little abandoned three year old at a Melbourne, Australia, train station. She was nick-named "Pumpkin" by Australian authorities, because of the Pumpkin Patch clothing she wore on that fateful night.
Soon the horrible truth that preceded her abandonment was revealed by New Zealand police. Her father had apparently murdered her mother in Auckland and fled to Australia with his little daughter, callously and cold heartedly abandoning her at the train station, and catching a flight to Los Angeles.
Soon the little girl was identified as Qian Xun Xuecan. Her mother, Anan Liu, was found murdered in the boot of a car outside the family home in Auckland.
Later news revealed she had an elder half sister in Auckland,Grace,the estranged daughter of Nai Yin Xue,who is still being pursued by US marshals in California to this day, and due to appear on "America's Most Wanted" program in a few days or so.
In the meantime little Pumpkin was brought to New Zealand by Australian social services authorities to await a decision on her future.
After her maternal grandmother arrived in New Zealand and expressed her desire to look after her little grand-daughter,a family group conference was held in Auckland.
The Principal Family Court Judge, Peter Boshier, has made his decision in the case.The child's grandmother, Liu Xiao Ping, has been given custody of Qian Xun Xuecan, the youngster the New Zealand public knew as little "Pumpkin".
Apparently Judge Boshier had a difficult decision to make because of many conflicting Acts of Parliament which had to be balanced, creating tensions, and because of this significant parts of his decision were suppressed to the public.
Mrs Liu, the grandmother, accompanied by an interpreter and her lawyer,was spoken to directly by Judge Boshier.
I quote the Judge:" It is important to acknowledge at the outset to those members of the family present today the utterly tragic circumstances." And further." Above all else, I acknowledge the sadness of the circumstances that bring us here today."
He appointed Mrs Liu as an "additional guardian" under New Zealand's Care of Children Act.
Under the same Act the grandmother was given leave to apply for a parenting order so that the child "is placed into the day to day care of her grandmother".
He also ordered that Qian Xun Xuecan's elder half sister be given contact with the child through email, telephone, exchange of photos and visits when Grace is in China, or when the child is in New Zealand.
The parenting order allows Qian to live in China with her grandmother. Even though she is a New Zealand citizen, she is Chinese and has cultural links to China, and attachment to her grandmother is demonstratable.
Surprisingly, the child's father still has guardianship rights over the girl, something that will be reviewed at a later date.It was a very good and just decision by Judge Boshier, reflecting the famiy's wishes to support and protect the little girl.
Goodbye, little "Pumpkin" and best wishes from us all for the future!
Peters Life and World Events
Monday, October 1, 2007
April 25 is ANZAC DAY in New Zealand and Australia...
April 25 is ANZAC DAY in Australia and New Zealand...
April 25 is Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand. This is the day we honour and remember our fallen heroes from all wars, and especially recall how the legend of Anzac began on April 25 1915 when members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were dropped off on the beachs of Gallipoli on the Turkish coast as part of the British campaign to invade Turkey. The place is known as Anzac Cove today.
From the ships thousands of Australian and New Zealanders disembarked into the shallow waters under heavy gunfire, machine gun and rifle fire. Many were killed instantly,others made it to the beaches and were killed, others fought in the campaign during many months before being repatriated. Thousands were killed and wounded on both sides, Anzacs and Turks. Thousands were left behind to be buried in military cemetries. The campaign was a disaster; the Anzacs were landed on the wrong beach. The British High Command had failed dismally. The campaign involved British and other Empire troop, including Indians.
The Gallipoli campaign was to create not only the legend, but begin the journey of nationhood for Australians and New Zealanders, from British dominions to the self governing nations within the Commonwealth of today.
Today from Darwin to Perth to Brisbane to Melbourne and Sydney and the bush; from Auckland to Napier to New Plymouth to Wellington to Christchurch to Greymouth and to Invercargill,and scores of other towns and even at Gallipoli itself, will hold dawn parades to remember the fallen, and to retire later to RSL's and RSA's for a meal, a quiet drink and a chat with former comrades, friends and families and continue the spirit of Anzac which actually grows stronger with every passing year.
Lest we forget; we will remember them. The spirit and legend wll never die!
April 25 is Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand. This is the day we honour and remember our fallen heroes from all wars, and especially recall how the legend of Anzac began on April 25 1915 when members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were dropped off on the beachs of Gallipoli on the Turkish coast as part of the British campaign to invade Turkey. The place is known as Anzac Cove today.
From the ships thousands of Australian and New Zealanders disembarked into the shallow waters under heavy gunfire, machine gun and rifle fire. Many were killed instantly,others made it to the beaches and were killed, others fought in the campaign during many months before being repatriated. Thousands were killed and wounded on both sides, Anzacs and Turks. Thousands were left behind to be buried in military cemetries. The campaign was a disaster; the Anzacs were landed on the wrong beach. The British High Command had failed dismally. The campaign involved British and other Empire troop, including Indians.
The Gallipoli campaign was to create not only the legend, but begin the journey of nationhood for Australians and New Zealanders, from British dominions to the self governing nations within the Commonwealth of today.
Today from Darwin to Perth to Brisbane to Melbourne and Sydney and the bush; from Auckland to Napier to New Plymouth to Wellington to Christchurch to Greymouth and to Invercargill,and scores of other towns and even at Gallipoli itself, will hold dawn parades to remember the fallen, and to retire later to RSL's and RSA's for a meal, a quiet drink and a chat with former comrades, friends and families and continue the spirit of Anzac which actually grows stronger with every passing year.
Lest we forget; we will remember them. The spirit and legend wll never die!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wait until I call your number, love - an exercise in patience...
Wait until I call your number,love - an exercise in patience...
One Friday night in a crowded downtown Wellington hotel bar many years ago a very large man sat down beside me and started banging the bar with his fist.
A very busy and flustered barmaid with three pints of beer in each hand said she would be right back to serve him.
But the extremely impatient customer started banging the bar again with his fist for service.
Going to the cash register, the barmaid wrote the number 567 on a piece of paper and laid it in front of him. "Wait until I call your number, love!" she said to him.
Then turning to the bar she said," Now who has number one?"
I think that impatient customer learned a very valuable lesson that night.
One Friday night in a crowded downtown Wellington hotel bar many years ago a very large man sat down beside me and started banging the bar with his fist.
A very busy and flustered barmaid with three pints of beer in each hand said she would be right back to serve him.
But the extremely impatient customer started banging the bar again with his fist for service.
Going to the cash register, the barmaid wrote the number 567 on a piece of paper and laid it in front of him. "Wait until I call your number, love!" she said to him.
Then turning to the bar she said," Now who has number one?"
I think that impatient customer learned a very valuable lesson that night.
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