• Temporarily closing airport operations - Operations temporarily ended at Seven Airports - Basel, Budapest, Krakow, Palma, Rzeszow, Salzburg and Valencia.
• Capacity Cuts at others - The airline is cutting down on 14% of its flights in/out of London's Stansted Airport this winter from 1850 to 1590 a week. British Airport Authority (BAA), owner of the airport, is charging 15% higher for the year (there was a 100% increase last year). Stansted per passenger charges have gone from £5 to £12 over the last five years. Resulting from this cutback, Stansted will lose 90,000 passengers (worth £8m)
• Grounding Airplanes - Ryanair is grounding 20 of its airplanes this summer

From Telegraph -

Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary said: "These winter schedule cutbacks, which are significantly greater
than those of last winter, show just how damaging the BAA airport
monopoly has become to consumers and the best interests of London, UK
tourism and the economy generally."

How are you all doing? We are starting to get back in the swing of things here in the midwest. Not really knowing what time it is, or where I am, this is a bit of a challenge.
Oh, if you want the in depth, semi professional blog experience, then you need to go to magster.vox.com. If you are here for my ramblings, good for you.
I shall try and keep this as brief as I can in my scenic road trip manner.

We flew into Dublin last Wednesday morning, around 9 am, Dublin time. We got on the plane around 7pm cst, Tuesday evening, so, in the magic of time zones, we turned a 7 hour flight into a 14 hour adventure. Be honest, which of you is able to sleep for more than 20 minutes @ a time on a plane? Bouncy, noisy, uncomfortable, one is doing well to sleep @ all. Fortunately, when we arrived @ the hotel, our rooms were ready. We tried valiantly to jump out the taxi door, and go tackle the largest city in Ireland, but, fatigue met us when we got out and slapped us in the face. We went to our room and napped for 4 hours. Collapsed would be more accurate. Getting up after a couple hours, we headed out on to the streets. Ok, the sidewalk. We both had our maps, so we kinda had an idea where to go. We had set up with our friends that we would be in front of a B&B around 6 dublin time, noon cst, and they would see us on a traffic webcam. We got there in short order, and to my horror, since I have been watching this camera for a month to test it, the camera wasn't pointing @ the B&B. We hung around for a while, and then figured that nobody was watching or care. Later, we found out that several friends did see us! Way cool. They saw us standing on a street corner in Ireland. Evidently, the camera that was pointed @ us, was not visible, or, a small, unobtrusive camera. Anyway, we were seen in the midwest, while being in Dublin.
After an hour or two, we wandered back to O'shea's, the B&B for dinner. Ah, our first experience with bad Irish food. A nice interior, that was what one thinks of with an Irish pub. However, dinner was not even mediocre. Oh well.

Thursday, we wandered around town again. We went back to Temple Bar again. It's an area downtown that is way cool and hip. Old shoppes, tiny streets, cool things.
Breakfast was much better than dinner the night before. A neat little restaurant with a hip feel. But not too hip. After breakfast, we headed in the general direction of the Dublin Castle. A building that was started around 900 ad. Whew. We wandered around the outside, but, the tours were booked up for the rest of the day, so, we caught a taxi to the Guinness brewery. Our taxi driver's name was Patrick O'brien. Seriously. And what a nice man. Pleasant, easy going, and good @ what he did. We had a wonderful 10 minute tour of the area we were in. One of the nicest persons we met in Ireland, or, one of the most outgoing people.
Anyway, one has to go to the Guinness plant, whether or not one drinks it. It's kind of like going to San Francisco, and not going to Fishermans wharf. The plant isn't actually a plant, it's a mini museum of stout. 7 stories tall, with a 360* view of the city. We finished the tour, had our pint, and then back to the hotel. We were about to meet our tour group.
The tour actually started @ 3 pm Dublin time. We came in a day early to start the adjustment to euro time. Some of our tour members were picked up @ the airport, and brought to the hotel to drop off their luggage, pee, and then back on the bus to head out to see the city. Or, actually, nap on the bus. The did not come in a day early to adjust to a time zone 6 zones ahead of some of them. We went around the city, and, stopped @ Trinity college, to see the book of Kells. It's a book of the gospels that was one of the few that wasn't destroyed in the 'my god is bigger than yours' wars. It was found in a peat bog, after around 800 years. Way cool. It's those decorative fancy starts to chapters drawings.
All around the town, and then back to the hotel for drinks and dinner. Met some of our team mates, and then on to bed for the next day. Out to the country.
More later. . .

Cluster Bombs - Ireland

While most of us are settling for the pipe-and-slippers lifestyle, news of guitarist Ronnie Wood's 10-day tryst in Ireland, with a 20-year-old Russian waitress, lifted my spirits in direct proportion to the amount of spirits, vodka to be precise, Ronnie downed during this time.

Not so good is the fact that 61-year-old Wood has checked himself into rehab for the seventh time, presumably he turned up and said, "Gimme shelter."

His wife of 23 years, Jo, issued an ultimatum when she learned of what had been going on during this "painting" trip.  She told Ronnie to get himself home, sell the house in Ireland or the marriage is over.

Meanwhile the waitress, Ekaterina Ivanova, has vowed to stand by Ronnie.  It is reported she has been offered £250,000 for her story.

The British Sunday tabloid newspapers should make for interesting reading this Sunday.

[Based on reports from The Daily Telegraph and The Independent. ]

Since 2001, more than 100 journalists have left Ethiopia. Now, amid discussion that a new media law will be another impedance to achieve press freedom, there is no sign that this trend will change.

RAP 21 interviewed prominent African news website journalist Habtamu Dugo who left Ethiopia several months ago to live in New York City. His story, unfolding alongside the new media law in his home country, is as a testimony to the hostile environment journalists in Ethiopia work in. Though since his arrival in the United States he has again raised his voice on US national radio and television shows in defence of those still in Ethiopia grappling with injustice.

Read African Press Network's interview with journalist Habtamu Dugo at RAP 21.

James Kirkup
London Telegraph
July 18, 2008

Read Full Article Here

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said that there was a glitch in the radar hardware. The apologies by the IAA for the delays ring hollow when as it turned out this problem was weeks old, and has been the fifth radar problem since the radar was installed in 2005. Added to this disaster is the fact that the IAA has no back up options... one radar for one country.

While delays like this are the exception rather than the rule, there are a number of steps which can be taken to reduce the strain of having to travel through an airport while still fulfilling the necessary requirements of the airline. The DAA recommends that you arrive 90 minutes before your flight is due to depart. Some of these tips are very straight forward and deal with your normal every day journey through Dublin Airport, but no matter how prepared you, delays such as those at Dublin Airport recently can leave you helpless and stranded.

1 - Arrive in plenty of time and get checked in for your flight as soon as possible. While that is a simple matter for those of us living in Dublin, tourists who may be traveling from further afield will have the extra complications of having to drop back a car rental, checking out of hotels etc. The budget airlines at Dublin Airport work mostly off a self service check in kiosk which makes the whole process of getting your boarding card very quick. If you are traveling long distance from Dublin Airport, it is suggest you arrive 3 hours before your departure.

2 - Once checked in, it is important to run the security check gauntlet as soon as possible. This process be anything between mundane and horrific depending on how busy the airport is and how many security check gates are open. It is important to know the security requirements regarding what you can and can't bring on the plane. For more information click here.

3 - After passing through security, you will be in the old duty free shopping area. There are a good variety of shops and products here for last minute gifts and for treating yourself from everything to a cup of coffee to a new camera. There is good value to be had here, particularly if you buy items in bigger sizes. If your flight is delayed, here is the place to try and waste some time.

4 - The food court is good but expensive in Dublin Airport. It would be nice to think expensive means good quality, but I'm afraid not. Everything from sandwiches and coffees to a full meal is available here.

5 - Internet access can be found throughout the airport either by using the computers provided or the wireless service provided by Dublin Airport.

6 - For those wishing to enjoy a bit more comfort during their stay at the airport, there is a passenger lounge available from 0530 till 1900 daily (The Anna Livia Departure Lounge). This offers complimentary refreshments, magazines, newspapers and a business centre with free internet access. If you are going to be delayed for any period of time, this may be the place for you.

7 - The last place for waiting for your flight is the departure lounges. They have a generous supply of seats for passengers waiting to board planes. The area can get busy just before a plane is due to board, but sitting here and reading a book is an excellent way to spend your time waiting for your flight to depart.

Dublin Airport is working hard to expand and cope with the ever increasing passenger numbers. There is a number of facilities not mentioned here available to all passengers. These include: Currency & Banking services, Left Luggage, Meet & Greet, Baby Changing Facilities and reduced mobility facilities.

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En una cueva cerca de las costas del mar del Norte, se encontró un duende llamado Young; con el Dios de la Eternidad. El duende no quería envejecer, por lo cual le dijo que haría lo que el quisiera para ser eterno. El Dios le dijo que para que esto sucediera debía entregarle muchas almas, para compensar su longevidad. Young cerró el pacto dando su palabra de honor.

Cuando llego a su hongo en el bosque, se sentó en su sillón, encendió su pipa y comenzó a pensar como iba a hacer; para llevar las almas hasta aquella cueva tan alejada. Que artilugios iba a tener que inventar. Se sentó en una mesita, iluminado con una vela, hizo su lista de personas que iba a ofrendar. Le costaba mucho decidir quienes iban a ser, pero bien valía ser eterno.

Al día siguiente comenzó la entrega de almas al Dios de la Eternidad, como se había convenido. Todo fluía muy bien. Hasta que un día el Dios le dijo, Young ten en cuenta que si quieres mantenerte vivo; siempre tu vida será así. El tiempo pasó, y cada vez tenía menos gente a su alrededor; los animales iban desapareciendo. Empezó a sentir la soledad, y se dió cuenta que el era responsable de estar solo definitivamente, y por toda la eternidad!.

Cabizbajo se dirigió a la cueva donde estaba el Dios de la Eternidad, lo esperaba ansiosamente con la nueva alma que le entregaría. No fue así. Young arrepentido de lo que había hecho, entregó su alma para que revivieran todos aquellos que había entregado en todos sus años de vida. Pero a cambio vivió eternamente en el corazón de ellos!...

Moraleja: Si existe la eternidad, ten siempre presente compartirla con quien amas...

Irlanda, mientras leen les estoy haciendo llegar estrellitas de protección y amor!

Nota: Con referencia a los Derechos de Autoría, y Propiedad Intelectual de este Cuento – Ficción - . Dirigirse a la 1º pestaña a la derecha, del encabezado del Blog.

Blogalaxia
hadas
duendes
gnomos
espiritualidad
espiritual
positivismo
marcela+ciaffone+kenny

We had breakfast at McGann's. A FULL IRISH Breakfast.

After breakfast, we walked towards the Doolin pier. We went into a ticketing office for ferries. We just missed the last ferry for the Aran Islands PLUS Cliffs of Moher special. Bummer! So we decided to forego the islands. We bough tickets for a Cliffs of Moher cruise. Since we had a bit of time before the next cruise, we went back to a small strip of stores we passed on our way down to the pier. We looked around a little bit. Then, it was time to head back to the pier.

The boat was delayed, so I used that time to explore the little rocky area off to the side of the pier. We boarded. We had front row spots! Titanic style! Only, not quite. Heh. It was a one hour cruise. Beautiful! Pictures, as usual, don't do it justice :( We saw tons of birds! Some puffins as well! There were a few times where I got wet from the waves crashing against the boat. In all, probably my best spent €10 since I got here! The sun came out half way through our cruise. BEAUTIFUL! Simply amazing. I really enjoyed the ferry ride.

After we got back on land, we went to a part of the Burren. Just off to the side of the pier. We spent a few hours there exploring. Christie, TJ, and I got really adventurous. We went almost all the way down to the water level. A bit dangerous, probably. Especially for me. No balance and all! The terrain was rather uneven. Jean ended up staying up top while we got a little crazy trying to find the next level down.

After a while, we headed back up top. Jean was patiently waiting up there. I made it all the way to the end without falling, without disaster! So... OF COURSE I had to trip and fall. Without that, it would have been too weird. :P A bit of a scrape. A few bruises.

Once we made it out of the rocks, we grabbed some late lunch. I got ice-cream! Good good good stuff. Then we went shopping for real this time in that small strip of stores. The woolen sweaters are sooo expensive :( I found a jacket type thing that I would have liked. But it was ridiculously priced. €99 or something. Seriously! Crazy. I found a pair of celtic earrings though! So I bought them. Puuurrty!

We shopped/looked around for a couple of hours, then headed back to the hostel. The others took a nap, while I wrote down what happened, so I could make a fair entry, after the last few were a bit pathetic...

TJ took a shower, it was pretty obvious she needed one, as she skipped her morning shower. Phew! Just kidding! OH! Speaking of smells. One of the shops had perfume made at the Burren Perfumery. IRISH PERFUME! :P I never would have thought.... Anyway, I really liked one of them. The Summer Harvest Scent, I believe. Too bad a bottle costs €35. Crazy!

We had dinner at McGann's. Originally the only table open was outside. So we sat outside, then eventually somehow migrated inside. I got a hamburger. It was .... interesting. It wasn't bad, just interesting. They used some different type of spice in it. Doesn't help that the beef already tastes different, and the ketchup too! The ketchup is Heinz, same old. But it has more vinegar in it, than its American counterpart. In all, good food, great company, good time. The walk back to the hostel is so nice! So pretty and quaint!

Last night at the hostel :( Very sad. Doolin's a beautiful place.

//EDIT// I forgot to mention, Right after we got off the boat. We got cornered by a couple. They were from Germany (or something). The lady knew German Sign Language. Which is what she was using (obviously.) I understood a little bit. I think it helped that I knew a bit of the LANGUAGE itself. So I could somewhat get a bit of her mouthing. It gave me something to work with! If I went in cold... good luck! In all, the sign language was very different.

OOH! We're going to go see a play in a few weeks. The play has ISL interpreters set up. That will be interesting! I FINALLY can see some ISL! :)

As we drive to Limerick, I can't help but stare in awe at the landscape. The rolling hills, the farms, the small towns, the occasional ruins. The day's a bit cloudy and gloomy. Instead of taking away from the awesomeness of the scenery,, it adds to it. THe land almost seems alive with a quite sort of energy. The green is brilliant against the grey sky. It's almost like there's some mysterious light under the grass, giving it an extra glow.

Before, the land was a tad flat, but now... the hills have begun to come ALIVE!

*Begin music*
The hills are alive with the sound of music
With songs they have sung for a thousand years.
The hills fill my heart with the sound of music
My heart wants to sing every song it hears.
My heart wants to beat like the wings
Of the birds that rise from the lake to the trees.

Wow. I'm surprised how much of that I remembered...

The clouds are pretty low, they're obstructing the tops of some hills. Very misty feel.

I love those random patches of brilliant green. It's almost like it's beckoning me to come and 'frolic' in the grass.

COWS EVERYWHERE! Of EVERY kind! I've seen more of Holstein and jersey cows though... Don't ask me how I know my cow breeds. Maybe I was a farmer in a previous life?! :P

Amanda would love to ride Bus Eireann across Ireland. The bus's rather comfortable, and plus she's been demanding pictures of the country. I snapped a few, but it's a tad dark, due to the tinted windows. None of the pictures I've taken so far come close to capturing the beauty out there.

Little by little, piece by piece. Ireland steals my heart. HOW AM I TO LEAVE??!! Must not think of that now. No. Think of Doolin, think happy thoughts.

We finally arrived around 8pm. Just in time to check into the hostel, and walk down to one of the 3 local pubs to grab some dinner. Amazing how small this town is that they can only boast THREE pubs, and they're all on the same street. Not too far apart from each other! The walk to the pub from the hostel was gorgeous. Sunset. Beautiful green hills, cows, ruins. Just pretty.

We went to McDermott's for dinner. Jean left early, while TJ, Christie, and I stayed until they started playing traditional Irish music. There were a few singers too. It was interesting. We had front-row seats! We sat at a table for dinner, and apparently that table was right in front of the musicians' bench/area :)

Bed around midnight.

After Avondale, we drove to Glendalough. It's a park, pretty much. Trails and such. We were set loose there for about 3 hours. We had packed lunches. So we took off on the trails. Pictures, etc. Today was a nasty weather day. Not ideal for Glendalough. But in a way, it made things awesome. Foggy. Rainy. Mysterious. It almost made the green in the forest glow. Very neat. Two lakes in the area, plus a old Monastery town, along with a waterfall. In all a fun time, despite the rain :)

We got home. I was cold, wet, tired. So I spent the night in. I did find the time to top-up my phone though. I have a pay-as-you-go phone. So, I topped-up (put more money on). Now, I get FREE texts! In the network only. The interpreters have a phone in that network, so that's nice. Plus my friend's on that network. Life is a whole lot easier... and cheaper! :)

I spent my evening memorizing a poem. I had to memorize a few verses from The Madwoman of Cork. Tomorrow's another drama day. We were split up into groups last week. Then, we had to invent a way to recite the poem. My group did it boringly. :) We just took turns saying lines. We weren't too creative. I don't think any of us have an acting bone ;)

So. Poem memorization. That didn't take too long.. well, that and I fell asleep :)

Class finished early! Whee!! I had made plans with a friend of mine from around here for after school. He ended up backing out. Me thinks he's a tad nervous. :P Well, so was I!

(For those who don't know. Yes, I have a friend from Ireland. We've known each other for about a year and half online.)

Since he chickened out, I headed home after school. Christie, TJ, and I planned out our weekend. We're headed to Doolin!! It should be a blast! They've the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher out there. We hunted down an acceptable hostel, then called them for reservations. Then we bought our bus tickets online. Pretty much finished. Weekend's all set! Leaving Thursday after school. Bus for 6-7 hours to Doolin. Then Doolin all day Friday, and half of Saturday before heading back on the bus again.

Plans all set! Time to go over to the boys' apartment for dinner! They made hamburgers, everyone else brought a dish to share. The hamburgers were good, despite the fact Irish beef tastes different. :P I watched everyone else play card games. I didn't know the game, and it was a fast paced game with talking involved. So, I opted to watch rather than play.

Christie, TJ, and I walked home eventually. Around 11, I believe. I was up late again. Teasing my friend mercilessly about chickening out. :)

Tea/Coffee & muffins.

Class for the afternoon was Irish Literature. That went as usual. Reviewed the play we had to read. Pretty much your basic class.

After I got home, I basically just stayed in for the evening. I got to chat with Kristie, Taryn, and my Mum on the webcam. That was good. Always good fun.

All day, I really did nothing. I cannot for the life of me think of something I did, besides nothing that is.... Nope. Nothing. :)

I was up rather late though.. I think it was almost 2AM. BAD!
(So sorry that this is so short. It was a while ago. My feelings, the little things that day. Gone. Bye-bye. No more memory. Well, there's also the fact that today was rather uneventful... Hah.)

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You see, it was always relatively simple to state the problem. We have two antagonistic viewpoints: nationalist/catholic and unionist/protestant. Now, how do we elect regional parliamentarians who can claim the support of both tribes?

Unfortunately, when an electoral system was restored, its design was part of the deal to secure peace rather than having an ambition to bridge the divide. The solution offered by the Irish and British governments has delivered dominance in their opposing camps to SF and the DUP.

There is a democratic way to ensure cross community support for all members of the Assembly. A by-product would be the likely failure at the polls of all extremists. Now that peace has been achieved, it might be time to revisit the electoral system.

My suggestion is to hold two sets of primary elections, followed by run-offs between winning candidates. The central idea is to recognise the divided society at the voting stage rather than at the stage of creating a government. There would be a Nationalist Primary Election and a Unionist Primary Election. Crucially, however, the entire electorate - nationalist and unionist - would vote in both primaries. In order to win a primary and an opportunity to contest the run-off, a nationalist would have to appeal to unionist voters and vice versa. In short, everyone seeking election would need cross-community support and it would be very unlikely that an extremist could be elected.

Yes, of course I can see the technical problems - particularly the fate of a non-sectarian party and how to deal with the predictable antics of the wreckers - but as a contribution to creating a more integrated society it might be worth solving these problems.

After passing both through both houses in Parliament the UK has Ratified the EU's Lisbon Treaty.  Of course there are those who claim that the Government promised a Referendum on the EU Constitution and by Ratifying this Treaty they have not done what was promised. Hopefully you would have noticed the wording I've used here: Treaty and Constitution.

For in this case they are not the same things.

The Government did promise a Referendum on the Constitution, but this wasn't about the Constitution. You can most certainly argue that the Lisbon Treaty contains about 90% of what was first seen in the EU Constitution. But because the treaty has no Constitutional implications for the UK a referendum was not required.

Small details however for the Rabid right-wing newspapers in the UK, the Conservative Party and for those who post on the BBC News website, I'd hate to think what the comments section on the websites of said newspapers would be full of, if they haven't gone into meltdown already.

My view is the same as the fellow who posted the following on the BBC news website:

"It's amazing to me just how many people want a referendum on this issue when probably almost all of them have not actually read the document! How on earth do they think they can vote against something they haven't bothered to read? Essentially the only thing proponents of a referendum want to do is to have a vote on whether to stay in Europe or not. I just wish people would appreciate the crucial importance of being at the heart of the EU and stop their ridiculous right-wing nonsense."

But would a referendum in this country would be so compromised, that there is very little chance of it delivering a yes vote? In the current political climate and with plenty of sensationalist headlines from the newspapers, not much chance.

These sort of votes are like by-election votes, the electorate view them as a way of sending a message to the Government of the day, so the vote ends up being more about domestic issues than international ones, as if to say that voting on such issues is really not that important. It looks like a lot of this happened with the Irish vote, although with some prodding from a couple of wealthy Irish Businessmen who view America as Ireland's Trading partner rather than the EU.

The EU has not covered itself in glory however. There is still little understanding of what the treaty is about and this is down to poor communication from the EU, the UK Government and how successful the anti-European brigade go about their business.

But also the electorate must take a share of the blame. We just don't take the importance of the EU seriously.

This is where I would keep my list

Every person should create a bucket list (things one should do or accomplish before their impending demise). I’m starting to create one, which indicates two things:

- I’m getting old(er)

- I’m a nerd

I don’t know if anyone has ever written guidelines about how to create a bucket list, but that would be a helpful thing. For instance, a bucket list should never be too long. If you have a list of more than 500 things to accomplish before you die, well, it’s not only difficult, but you’ll be so busy trying to check off every activity that you may not enjoy the ho-hum of life. My theory is that everyone needs a little monotony and stagnancy, which makes those special moments even that much more enjoyable.

Also, you should create a list that’s realistic. For instance, “travel to the moon” might be realistic to a billionaire or Lance Bass, but to most people it’s a crazy stretch of the imagination. However, who am I to say you shouldn’t dream big, but a bucket list should be reasonable to some degree.

I can’t reveal my whole bucket list yet (because I’ve only just begun), but here are some starters:

- Eat the best burgers that NYC can provide (here’s an article that gives me a great start, which my buddy DP mentions in his blog as well)

- Go on a cross-country excursion in an RV

- See U2 in concert

- Shake Albert Pujols hand and if possible try to get an artifact used by him (batting gloves, cap, wristband, jockstrap…)

- Travel to Ireland and have a real authentic Guinness from a local pub

Here are some recent pics of EJ. I have to admit, this kid is so cuddly and adorable that I can’t get enough of his cooing.

15 ΧΩΡΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΥΡΩΠΑΙΚΗΣ ΕΝΩΣΗΣ-ΟΧΙ ΟΤΙ ΚΑΙ ΟΙ ΑΛΛΕΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΠΑΡΘΕΝΕΣ- ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΜΑΥΡΟ ΧΡΗΜΑ.

European Commission Warns 15 Members

On Money-Launder Rules

BRUSSELS (AFP)--The European Commission is warning 15 member states that they face legal action for failing to adopt E.U. anti-money laundering rules into national law as part of the fight against terrorism.

Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy raised the warning in a letter to Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden and Spain, a spokesman said.

Η ΣΥΝΕΧΕΙΑ ΕΔΩ

"It is far, far too early to be talking about a referendum or about some specific policy to go forward", said Dick Roche, European Affairs Minister.

On Monday, Nicholas Sarkozy, French president, will visit Dublin, looking for a way ahead, after the EU treaty has been rejected by Irish noters on 12 June.

The EU’s six-month rotating presidency is currently held by France, which is keen to resolve the Lisbon Treaty stumbling block before the end of its presidency.

"The Irish will have to vote again", Mr Sarkozy was quoted as saying on Tuesday, while speaking to deputies from his conservative UMP party in Paris.

Ireland was the only one of 27 EU member states to hold a referendum on the treaty, aimed at streamlining EU institutions in order to improve decision-making in the enlarged bloc. To take effect, the treaty has to be ratified by all 27 states.

To critics, the Lisbon Treaty is a further evidence of a federalist, pro-integration agenda, at work in the EU.

‘Irish perspective’

During his visit to Dublin, president Sarkozy would be "in listening mode", said Mr Martin.

"We're not entertaining any prospect or any bullying from anybody", he said. "We'll be looking at it from an Irish perspective and what's in the best interests of Ireland."

"We don't want to have a row with Mr Sarkozy", a senior Irish government source told the BBC, adding that the government "does not know exactly what Mr Sarkozy said [to UMP deputies]".

But some Irish politicians were sharply critical of President Sarkozy. Eamon Gilmore, opposition Labour Party leader, said that the French leader had "seriously put his foot in it".

And Sinn Fein's Aengus O Snodaigh called Mr Sarkozy's comments "deeply insulting" to the Irish people.

Last month, EU leaders agreed that after analysing the reasons for the No vote, the Irish government would present its ideas on the treaty at the next EU summit, in October.

Brian Cowen 'photo, from topnews.in), Irish prime minister, said in New York on Tuesday that the "implications and consequences" of the Irish No vote would have to be discussed in detail.

‘At the start of the process’

"It is not simply a matter internally, there is also the wider issue of discussing with colleagues within the European Union how they see things as well... we are at the start of a process here, rather than at the end", Mr Cowen said.

While speaking on France 2 television, president Sarkozy’s close aide Henri Guaino, said that it was "one of the solutions" to ask the Irish to vote again, though he added that in that case, the text of the treaty would "probably ... not be quite the same".

He stressed that Mr Sarkozy's remark about a fresh Irish vote was "not an official statement".

As Ireland is a country extremely sensitive to anything that can be construed as bullying from its bigger European neighbours, French president’s difficulty is to find a way to sell the idea of a second referendum in Ireland, reports Hugh Schofield in Paris.

Currently, the EU is operating under the Nice Treaty, which was first rejected by Irish voters in 2001, before being accepted just over a year later, in a referendum re-run.

But after the EU constitution debacle in 2005, it is harder to re-run the Lisbon Treaty. In 2005, the constitution has been rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005, and the EU decided against putting the constitution to another vote.

Ireland voted down the treaty by referendum last month, leaving the EU scrambling over a response. Sarkozy, who is also currently serving as the EU's rotating president, went with the more aggressive measure on the table--simply making them revote. And out came the response (AFP):

Sarkozy's comments were described as "deeply insulting" by Sinn Fein's Aengus O Snodaigh, who speaks for the party on international affairs. Sinn Fein was the only major political party in Ireland to oppose the Lisbon Treaty.

"In the month since the Irish people voted overwhelmingly to reject the Lisbon Treaty, we have listened to a succession of EU leaders lining up to try and bully and coerce us into doing what they want," O Snodaigh said.

"The fact is that the people have spoken and the Lisbon Treaty is dead."

He added that Sinn Fein had sought a meeting with Sarkozy when he visits Ireland Monday.

"It is important that President Sarkozy understands that the Irish people demand that our vote is respected and, more importantly, our concerns addressed," he said.

Even supporters of the Lisbon Treaty reacted badly to Sarkozy's initiative.

Eamon Gilmore, leader of the opposition Labour Party which backed the treaty, told the Irish Independent that Sarkozy had apparently "seriously put his foot in it."

The French president should be told "in blunt terms" that Irish leaders needed time and space to consider their options, he added.

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen played down Sarkozy's remarks during a visit to New York, the Irish Times reported, saying: "We (have) to acknowledge that there were many views across Europe about the problems we face after the rejection of the measure."

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin told Irish radio that Sarkozy would be in "listening mode" during his visit to Ireland.

"We're not entertaining any prospect or any bullying from anybody," he said.

The Treaty of Lisbon establishes a more defined charter for the EU and is necessary for the Union to continue building institutions and expanding membership. In order for it to be passed, all 27 EU members are required to ratify it individually. Of those members, Ireland was the only one whose internal laws required that the matter be settled by referendum.

            On June 12^th in Ireland, citizens spent the day voting peacefully in an Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. In Zimbabwe in March voters were threatened, beaten and arrested by the ruling Zanu-PF party’s thugs in an attempt to cripple the opposition MDC’s election campaign. A stark contrast between the two national plebiscites you might think, until one considers the respective reactions of those involved.

            Robert Mugabe refused in the three weeks succeeding the Zimbabwean presidential election to publish the results, snubbing the choice of the people to have MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai as their president. In the days succeeding the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty tempers flared in Europe. Nicholas Sarkozy pronounced the EU to be in “deep political crisis.” German Vice-Chancellor Frank Walter-Steinmeier complained of the injustice of a “few million Irish” holding back 495 million Europeans. Many have called for parliamentary ratifications in all other 26 EU states – Ireland being the only country to hold a referendum - to continue regardless of the republic’s decision. In essence Europe has ignored the decision of its citizens, in much the same way that Mr. Mugabe and Zanu-PF have ignored Zimbabwe.

            One may argue that these two situations are different entirely. That Zimbabwe’s was a comprehensive poll arriving at a conclusion to which the government was constitutionally bound to adhere. Whilst the Irish referendum was a “bit part” vote, sampling just a tiny minority of the opinion of half a billion Europeans. There is little law guiding a European response to a treaty rejection. Therefore the confusion surrounding not only Lisbon but also the failed Constitution, Maarstricht and Nice when a rejection occurred is understandable. The convention for this has been to demand a revote, such as has been called for by European leaders in response to the Irish vote.

            The suggestion of a revote shows how the EU has no regard for the decision of Ireland. ‘Riding roughshod over democracy’ would seem to be a fitting and apt phrase to describe the Lisbon situation. However this was the phrase used by Jacob Zuma to describe Robert Mugabe’s actions in the decision to have a presidential run-off. Mr. Mugabe has been heavily criticised for these decisions, foremost among them the probable rigging of the initial vote which returned a majority for Morgan Tsvangirai.

            It is important to stress that this correspondent is not drawing a direct comparison between European responses to Lisbon and Mr. Mugabe’s obscene violence in trying to maintain the power of his sinister and wretched cabal. His and the actions of his ‘men of sin’ are inexcusable and should be reason enough to go to any measures to remove this ogre from his gilded and self-aggrandised position. Nevertheless Mr. Zuma’s comments ring true for both Zimbabwe and Ireland’s Lisbon vote. By suggesting a revote, and moreover, by raking Ireland’s prime minister, Brian Cowen, over the coals at a meeting of EU leaders in Luxembourg after the vote – placing the onus of finding a solution to the ‘political crisis’ squarely on his shoulders - Europe has shown how EU centralisation and political integration at any cost is more important than listening to the desire’s of voters. The charge that it was only Ireland’s opinion rather than Europe as a whole seems a thin argument considering that Ireland presented the only public test to Lisbon. Indeed the Dutch foreign minister pressed this truth home a week after the vote – when tempers of pro-Lisbon leaders and eurocrats had cooled – in remarking that had other countries held referendums, they may have returned ‘similar results’.

            The run-off in Zimbabwe and suggested revote for Ireland – required if Lisbon is to come into effect – are similar in their respectively explicit and implicit rejection of voters’ opinions and hence democracy. It is shameful that as the western world condemns and vilifies the brutal regime of Robert Mugabe and his disregard for democracy, some of these countries are actively engaging in a rejection of their own, shunning Ireland for its decision. By no means are they comparable in the sense of the evil of Mr. Mugabe’s repression, but the strange and scary truth is that they are in fact similar. Too much so to be comfortable.

Bibliografía: El Misterio. La Profecía del Cuerno Verdadero

El Misterio
El Cuerno del Unicornio es aún más antiguo que su portador viviente, y esto significa que es una parte esencial de su origen divino. Existe la creencia que Dios puso su propia materia elemental para dar forma y nacimiento al cuerno, que luego aparecería sobre la frente del Unicornio. Ha sobrevivido al fuego original y a las inundaciones sucesivas del Génesis de la Tierra conocida, al tacto de reyes, santos profanos. Durante mucho tiempo se ha sostenido la teoría de la existencia, de un único cuerno con miles de desdoblamientos físicos y temporales.

Esto que parece una elucubración poco clara, podría explicarse de este modo: Sólo existe un cuerno mágico original, que aparece en cada Unicornio haciendo una prolongación de sí mismo; y representando la eternidad y omnipresencia de Dios a través de él.

Es un talismán de poder soberano, que incluso habiendo sido seccionado de su portador; puede atraer a otro Unicornio viviente. Pero ésta es su advertencia: su fuerza y virtud sólo se pueden activar, por obra de su verdadero propietario. Su luz disminuirá hasta extinguirse, si está en manos de otro.

En el Cuerno reside la historia total del Unicornio, y quizá del mismo Universo. Su forma es una espiral: las dos mitades, o flautas, se enlazan entre sí. En su juventud –o como mida el tiempo el Unicornio- el aspecto del Cuerno es suave y simple. Las flautas, apretadas como hilos de una cuerda, manifiestan cierta energía vibrante y compacta, y un resplandor blanco y fuerte que no emite calor alguno.

Cuando el Unicornio nace, no posee ningún cuerno en su frente. Es un pequeño ser, macho o hembra, que no se diferencia en nada de una simple cría de caballo. Sólo algunas especies traen al nacer un incipiente bultito cubierto de pelo, que indica la presencia del germen del Cuerno. Sin embargo, rápidamente se desarrolla y aparece sin dolor ni sangrado, como en todas las bestias que poseen cornamenta.

A medida que el Unicornio va viviendo, el Cuerno experimenta una transformación notable; la espiral se alarga retorciéndose sutilmente. Esto ilustra bien la índole viviente y evolutiva del Cuerno. En la plenitud de sus años, los giros del cuerno de esta criatura son aún mas relajados. Ya de edad muy avanzada, el Cuerno adquiere surcos y grietas que son el grabado signo de las lecciones y sucesos que ha experimentado.

El Unicornio parece considerar su Cuerno como el recipiente, o el cauce de sus pensamientos, o quizás como el órgano de un sentido ignato, e inherente a la divinidad más alta a que pueda remitirse. Algunas veces, los Unicornios han sido representados con alas, lo que los confunde en cierta medida con el Pegaso Alado, con el cual en verdad no tiene parentesco alguno. En esas oportunidades, lo único que diferencia a ambas criaturas es la presencia del Cuerno. Es posible que la cualidad de transportarse por el aire que sí posee en Unicornio, alado o no, provenga de la capacidad del cuerno de trascender las dimensiones de tiempo y espacio por medio de su materia especial y procedencia cercana a la creación original.

El Cuerno no está inclinado ni hacia atrás ni hacia adelante; recto, se alza directamente de la frente de la creatura, poco mas arriba de los ojos. De tonalidad brillante y más blanca que la nieve, más suave que el marfil, vibra de vida, aún más que la carne mortal; abriga sentidos de muy largo aliento y ocupa al mismo tiempo ésta y otras dimensiones físicas. Por ello es capaz de penetrar cualquier sustancia. Existen quienes dicen que algunos Unicornios poseen cuernos de apariencia metálica o nacarada. En horas de peligro o de prolongada concentración, el Cuerno puede exhalar cierto brillo o un suave resplandor, que cambia su natural color blancuzco por otro más rojizo.

La duración del Unicornio sobre la Tierra es mucho mayor que la del Hombre. Pero está sujeto, como todo lo creado, al Tiempo, a la edad, a la reproducción y a la final disolución y muerte.

Todo lo que de hermoso posee el Hombre está sujeto a la decadencia: cada año deja su huella, hasta que el cuerpo mortal termina en polvo. No así el Unicornio: los años incontables no afectan a su belleza: su crepúsculo es tan bello como su alborada. Pero cuando muere, al fín, perece todo y de una vez; ya no se lo ve en dimensión alguna hasta el fín del tiempo, no retorna como espíritu ni fantasma ni ser invisible alguno. Su partida deja, sin embargo, un monumental recuerdo: su fuerza y virtud maravillosa.

Aunque son muchos los años del Unicornio, tienen no obstante un límite, pues cuanto existe en el Tiempo debe el Tiempo deshacerlo. Pero cuando finalmente le llega la muerte, su forma externa no se corrompe. Tal cual la madera entrega su fuerza a las llamas y solo deja atrás las cenizas, asi también el espiritu de la creatura libera cuanto elemento alguna vez fue su vestido; el viento los esparce.

Sólo de este modo se puede obtener un cuerno que conserve valor y poder, pues no existe brazo fuerte ni red de brujería que pueda arrancar el asta espiralada de su viviente dueño sin perder así todas las capacidades mágicas del mismo.

Así pues, de todos los aspectos del Unicornio el que más impresión causa en la mente del Hombre es el Cuerno, espiralado, solitario, grande y poderoso. Y así debe ser, pues el asta es su talismán y su marca distintiva. En ella se concentra su fortaleza, sabiduría y sutil entendimiento. El Cuerno es exterior y visible, pero tambien es la forma mística e inasible de esta criatura: permanece, soberano, trasmutándose a sí mismo a través de las edades en diversas e infinitas formaciones.

Irlanda, mientras leen les estoy haciendo llegar estrellitas de protección y amor!

Fuente y Foto:http://www.elundain.com.ar

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Ephraim Chury Iribarne - Radio Centennial

Translation: Machetera

"In Argentina it's the ultra right-wing that's resurgent, and the Marxists, the Trotskyists, don't realize that they are the ones who will reap all the consequences of the strike."

Chury: We're saying good day to James Petras as we do every Monday; how's it going James?

Petras: Very well, we have really good weather here right now, rain at night, harvests in the day.

Chury: That's very good, here we've only got cold weather at the moment...

Petras: Yes, winter's begun.

Chury: Winter's begun, that's for sure. Petras, I'm going to start with the south, the Uruguayan government with the president at the head, but also Danilo Astori, Marina Arismendi (of the Communist Party), various ministers, more than 50 businessmen and union leaders from the PIT-CNT, Juan Castillo and Richard Read are touring Panama, Mexico and Cuba. And the question is whether this is a political tour or a tourist junket.

Petras: Okay, first, for the union leaders it's tourism, to enjoy themselves a little with Mexico's mariachis, a bit of salsa in Cuba and all the rest; because effectively, there's not a lot to discuss in Mexico with union officials, and in Cuba there's not been a lot of militancy shown toward the exchange of economic strategy. In Panama, I imagine that the conditions for the visit are that certain class unions should not be touched, for example, those that exist between the ports and others. Now the important part of the trip is between the businessmen, particularly those who are looking to extend their trade in food products and their financial links with Mexico. I think this is the principal core of the visits. With Panama, I don't see much of a market. Panama is notorious for contraband, unregulated banks that launder plenty of money. With Cuba, there are very few things that Cuba might export to Uruguay, more than anything, it's importing food because of the failed agricultural policies. With Cuba I think there are two things: one, is to give the slight impression that in Uruguay, Danilo Astori and Tabare Vazquez haven't gone so far to the right as to leave Cuba completely out of the picture; therefore it has a public relations effect and maybe an effort to connect with the Cuban market and export more food. Cuba imports more than $1.3 billion dollars worth of food, something that maybe Uruguay could get in on. Mexico is a market of almost 100 million people, it's a country with high oil income and perhaps there could be some important economic agreements for the private sector, particularly with President Calderón, who is ultra-rightwing and so there might be more congruence between Uruguayan style neoliberalism and Mexican neoliberalism.

Chury: In Argentina, the police lifted one of the pickets on the highways of Gualeguaychú, in many areas of that country, food shortages have been seen. One must ask, what interests are on either side of this conflict, where the rural sectors threaten to prolong this protest another 100 days?

Petras: I believe there there's a dynamic in Argentina that many people have not understood. I think that in the beginning of the conflict, it was a vindictive conflict to lower tariffs on exports from the agricultural sector, but with time and the success that the agricultural exporters have had, particularly in mobilizing the small and medium agricultural producers and with the advance of the strikes and the incapacity of the government to resolve the problem either through strong intervention or through concessions, I believe that those who are directing the strike are from the economic right-wing, and the small, combative farmers are their shock troops. In any case they are not going to dictate the conditions for a settlement, still less will they benefit from the consequences. But more than that, lately, the political right-wing has become involved, particularly in mobilizing the middle class in Buenos Aires, Rosario and the interior; and lately it's taken on a political physiognomy in order to weaken and discredit the government. And since the government doesn't have a policy for stopping or mobilizing against the parties, it's left with declarations that are hard one moment, and conciliatory the next, and this vacillation has stimulated a right-wing policy now with the pot-bangers in Buenos Aires, and those go beyond the vindictive struggle.

I believe that the right-wing and ultra right-wing are behind the strike of the agricultural exporters, not just trying to discredit the government, but to displace it forcefully, through an economic crisis of food shortages. They are looking to provoke a crisis as much in external accounts as with internal inflation, through the lack of products and the lack of control over the roads and transportation. This makes me think that something has entered the picture that three months ago was not considered, that they are putschists who are immersed in this process, who don't only want to change economic policy but want to change the regime itself.

In this sense, I think that the government has two alternatives facing it. One, a capitulation, which I believe is the most probable. Accept economic concessions and suffer a loss of character, a discrediting of its policies. The other alternative, that's not on the table, is to intervene in the major agricultural exporting units. Threaten to take them over, displace the oligarchy, and reorganize production. And this is one way of fighting the exaggerated rural demands. But for this, a far more leftist government is needed, a government capable of presenting the citizens, the unions, the workers, the poor, with an alternative program saying that "if capitalism is not inclined to produce, we shall take these units and make them work under the control of the state, with the collaboration of rural workers and laborers." But this is not even considered; the Argentine left hasn't even discussed this alternative. So I think that in the world of the probable, these strikes will continue until the government folds.

The government has no other alternative to negotiating with the capitalists directing the strike and within the typical Argentine left, the radical left has taken the agricultural sector's side, supposedly in solidarity with the small producers. But the fact is that the small producers are in solidarity with the huge exporters, and are even more combative as shock troops, and as in other countries, the petty bourgeoisie has taken note and the large bourgeois is simply biding its time, provoking in order to seize power at the right moment. I don't believe that the small farmers have indicated consideration of any kind of alliance with the left, less still with the workers and unions. In this case, one has to reject any effort to distinguish between small and large agriculture, because they already form a hegemony, a political block, and they are on a confrontational trajectory that seeks to topple the government.

In this sense, I believe that the struggle right now is between an institutionalized and paralyzed center left, but within the nuances of a bourgeois democratic system; and outside, the ultra right-wing headed by the agricultural exporters is rapidly accumulating force and that's the most important thing, while the government is paralyzed. The left doesn't show any indication of presenting an alternative. It's the ultra right-wing that is resurgent. The Marxists, the Trotskyists don't recognize that they're not going to benefit as a result of this strike, rather, it's the ultra right-wing that will reap all the consequences. In this situation I believe that one has to put all forces against the striking bosses, mobilize all the available forces who are suffering shortages, inflation, and in any case withhold support from the Kirchner government, but defend instead the institutions and democratic laws against these resurgent putschists.

Chury: I agree totally with what you're saying, Petras, and I'm going to another subject. Today in the international press it appears that peace talks will continue between Syria and Israel and from Egypt it's also been mentioned that an agreement between Israel and Hamas may be reached. Do you think that these conversations will arrive at some kind of peace?

Petras: If we look back at history we have to say that Israel has never been consistent; it's opened dialogues, discussions on various occasions but within a tactic of dividing and seeking, trying to conquer the Arab countries. But never in the past 20 years has Israel opened serious discussions; it's not inclined to hand over the Golan Heights, it's not inclined to reach a non-aggression agreement, etcetera. While it talks of peace today, yesterday it launched bombs against Syria. While it talks about an agreement with Hamas, in the past three weeks it's killed almost 100 civilians and Hamas fighters. In concrete terms, with feet on the ground, it doesn't talk of reconciliation, Israel has not taken one positive step toward an accord. There are rumors, there are discussions, but at this moment we have to say that the most likely next Prime Minister is the Zionist fascist Netanyahu, which the polls in Israel say is the most likely to be elected; he's the Hitler of the Jews. Second, a poll says that 65% of Jewish citizens do not agree with the de-colonization of Golan, and these facts for me are very revealing, because Israel circulates these rumors to get international cover, that they're not as totalitarian as the daily massacres they're committing would appear, but until one sees something more concrete such as stopping their rockets and bombs over the cities and homes of Gaza, one has no reason to believe much in relation to Hamas.

Hamas has offered peace, has offered a ceasefire, has offered a prisoner exchange, etcetera, and every peace proposal, every concrete step taken by Hamas is rejected by the Zionists. And here in the United States, all the Zionist mafia, the main organizations, have not shown any kind of support for peace; they continue to parrot any kind of statement by the state of Israel and right now there is no initiative whatsoever.

I believe that Israel's entire policy is to disarm worldwide economic policy in order to accelerate its aggressions against Iran. They want to separate Syria from Iran, they want to weaken any ally of Iran, aside from these pseudo-offers of negotiation.

Chury: After Ireland's rejection of the European Union treaty, is it impaired, or will everything go on the same until January 1st, 2009, which would be when it should take force?

Petras: You're talking about the vote in Ireland?

Chury: Exactly.

Petras: Well, the vote in Ireland was very impressive because it was like in Uruguay, the PIT-CNT, the bankers association, the large capitalists and he three principal political fronts were in favor, and the popular masses with their very minor parties won with the No vote.

It's very impressive that civil society, individuals, citizens and social movements captured some 54 or 55% of the vote.

And why did they vote No? Because in the first place Ireland has a policy of neutrality. It never participated in the Second World War, nor in the Cold War, and has always maintained a position independent of imperialism, and this is notable in Ireland. The people don't wish to subordinate themselves to the imperialist policies of the Economic Community; they want to maintain their traditional position.

In this sense it's very peculiar, it's a conservative progressive vote, that preserves the progressive tradition of the past in relation to its options for external relations. Second, the Irish who suffered 800 years of colonialism, value their democratic rights. In this sense they don't want to submit to policy made in Brussels, they want at least to control the way their politics work in Ireland and not have to look for solutions from or influence over a supposedly European government in Brussels that's going to be dominated by the large countries; France, Germany, England.

This second reason I believe is the operative one, and Europe, as a consequence, is not going to accept this defeat. What I think is most likely is that they will begin with all their political engineering, that is, take part in the measures that were in the referendum, for instance, elect a president, have their own Foreign Minister, etcetera, and it'll be implemented piecemeal. In other words, since they couldn't implement the entire package, they'll do it bit by bit. And they'll do it through a connected agreement in order to advance in small steps, now that they've lost or failed to do it in one great leap.

I believe that this way of manipulating the results confirms that when the bourgeoisie lose an election, they look for other authoritarian or administrative ways to achieve the same objective.

Chury: Petras, we thank you very much for these interpretations and we'll see you again next Monday, like always.

Petras: Yes, a hug.

Chury: Be very well, Petras.

Petras: Thanks, you too.

Machetera is a member of Tlaxcala, the network of translators for linguistic diversity. This translation may be reprinted as long as the content remains unaltered, and the source, author, and translator are cited.

French intelligence has passed on this recording to President Sarkozy. He has, it seems, presented Biffo with a plan. Biffo gets a positive result in a re-run of the Lisbon Treaty referendum and in return he can have Carla. Biffo can take his time - years if he wants, by which time Carla will be entering the change and will be developing a Michelin accessory, and Nicolas will be on the look-out for the latest model. Like Nicole in the Renault add, he will have moved on, and Carla will be all Biffo's.