Your Wednesday Enlightenment 08.29.07
Posted by Matthew D.S. on 08.29.2007
Where horses and diamonds collide. But not literally.
*The age is at hand.*
*It is the age of the Enlightenment.*
[YourWednesdayEnlightenment.]
So the summer is almost in the books.
What have I accomplished recently during said summer?
Well…not much. Ish.
Oh, but I did watch Summerslam, which I thought was jolly good fun.
And what did I learn from that?
Apparently old chicken makes good soup.
Thank you Vince, thank you.
Guess the summer wasn't such a waste after all.
The NEWS.
Hostages to be Set Free
Kabul, Tuesday, August 28: In a story that has been weeks in the making, the Taleban, after long negotiations with the South Korean government and other mediators, have agreed to release 19 captive missionaries. Despite the previous murders of two of the missionaries, the Koreans have agreed to withdraw their troops from the war-torn nation by the end of 2007 in exchange for the safe release of the others. The South Koreans also conceded a travel ban on its citizens, as well as an end to all and any future missionary endeavours. Families of those held were elated, and are awaiting their release, which the Taleban stated it was working on doing immediately. It may be possible that some type of ransom may also have helped secure their release.
Freedom, but at a cost.
Kidnapping is one of the most heinous crimes that can be committed, and when it comes to kidnapping by terrorists, often time there is no deal reached. Governments whose citizens are held often refuse to negotiate for fear that any such negotiation would weaken the resolve of said government, or their nation, in the face of terrorist threats. It is, simply, bad PR, and gives terrorists a boost. What the South Koreans have done is understandable. Nineteen lives hung in the balance, and from what the country has said, they planned to withdraw their troops by the end of the year anyway. However - and there is always a however - will their negotiations with the Taleban embolden the terrorists to strike out at an even increasing rate against foreigners? It very well might.
Aid Chief Booted from Sudan
Khartoum, Monday, August 28: The Sudanese government has stepped up its recent expulsion of Western diplomats with the further expulsion of the chief of Care in Sudan, an aid agency. The chief, Paul Barker, said he had not been given any specific reason for his deportation, although he was told that the matter was decided at the highest levels of the national security apparatus in Sudan. Barker was given 72 hours to leave, and was decidedly upset by the move. The decision taken by the Sudanese falls on the heels of, as mentioned, the expulsion of other diplomats, including the charges d'affaires of both the European Union and Canada, who were accused of interfering in Sudanese affairs. Mr. Barker noted that his agency had experienced trouble after an email from the agency was leaked, which debated the future of the war ravaged Darfur region.
Less Care to be given.
These expulsions by the Sudanese government, although legitimate in their eyes, proves to undermine their position on the world stage, and increase its pariah status, especially as the atrocities and suffering in Darfur continue to occur. Expulsion is a political tool used by states to cover its own tracks, and to show strength at a time of perceived weakness, to impress people abroad, but particularly at home. Image is everything in politics, domestic and foreign, and the expulsions only serve an unimpressive attempt to deflect criticism.
Horse Disease Spreads Down Under
Canberra, Tuesday, August 28: Causing great distress amongst horse breeders, trainers, and race aficionados alike, a strain of equine flu has continued to spread throughout Australia. Officials have taken no chances, and have banned horse movements throughout Australia until August 31, with New South Wales banning racing indefinitely. A major horse event, which draws over 6000 tourists for beer and racing called the Birdsville races, has been cancelled to prevent any further spread of the disease. Racing officials have bemoaned losses in the tens of millions, and even crowd control at a meeting of Asian Pacific leaders will be adversely affected, with police horses having contracted the flu. Japan is the suspected source of the outbreak, after many horses their came down with the ailment.
Next stop: the glue factory? Relax PETA. Jokes.
The "Moment" for this week actually hasn't been certified (you'll understand in a moment…how ironic), but if it is, then this will be one hell of a moment someday…
"A Moment of Bling."
Now I've covered stories about money in the Moment before, including a house that sold for zillions of dollars (that number is approximate), but this stone above may very well outdo it. If certified, the stone above will be the largest diamond ever discovered at over 7000 carats, which is double the size of the famed Cullinan, which served to be the centrepiece of many of the British crown jewels. Industry experts however are less impressed, and are awaiting tests to see if the claims are true.
Well, what can I say. Kaching?
"This Just In" features me trying to lamely spin a globe in an equally lamer attempt at providing randomness. I do what I can to entertain you.
Which isn't too much I guess.
*spins the globe*
Congratulations REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA, it's your turn to shine!
The nation that gets a bad rap as a drug lord's paradise, I know it has extremely beautiful landscape and physical features: like Miss Colombia ahaha…uh.
The top story then.
An American judge is seeking the extradition of a former top Colombia paramilitary commander, Carlos Jimenez. Jimenez is wanted on drug trafficking charges in the States, and has allegedly continued to operate an illicit operation (sounded a bit repetitive, didn't it?) while behind bars.
Once a commander.
Reference: http://www.colombiatimes.com/
Now that's all for now, but someone out there has to help me get a piece of that diamond.
Help end my career in retail via diamond wealth. Please.
STAY CURRENT