Organic Wines are fertilized excrementally

I was falling about laughing when I was reading this. I quote:

Helen Comoutos is a winemaker who knows about faeces.  “Sheep manure is the secret ingredient,” Comoutos says during a stroll through her 25 acres of aromatic vineyards on the Ionian Sea island of Zakynthos, the place where legend has it Zeus came for his wine.

“No chemical fertilizers, no industrial weed killers,” the octogenarian Greek vineyard owner adds, proudly prodding the roasting loam with her walking stick on a hot August afternoon. “We’ve mostly made our $15 Verdea Grande Reserve this way since 1638. And now the rest of the world is following us.”

Either way, all organic wines must be fertilized excrementally. In Burgundy, for instance, homemade compost mixtures based on cattle dung are handed down from father to son. One recipe, according to wine consultant and historian Clive Coates, calls for droppings to be stuffed inside a cow horn, buried in the earth on a special date and dug up on another before being diluted by 10 million parts of water and applied to the soil.

I am not that much of a wine drinker, the idea of drinking fermented grape juice somehow just doesnt fit into my world view, but the idea that one is drinking stuff made from grapes grown in manure… go figure.

Egypt: Female circumcision crackdown

Here’s another good step that is happening on FGM. Bastard doctor got what was coming to him. I quote:

Reports on Thursday said that the first doctor in Egypt was being charged under a new Egyptian law that forbids the controversial practice of female genital mutilation, or FGM. The man allegedly illegally circumcised a young girl last week and is being charged after a local hospital notified the authorities following the 11-year-old girl’s admittance into the hospital with heavy bleeding as a result of the procedure.

The Forest Jihad

A very interesting paper indeed. I quote:

Recent Al Qaeda threats and related jihadi propaganda potentially herald a new weapon in the terrorist arsenal: the deliberate setting of forest fires and other conflagrations both to terrorize society and wreck untold economic damage. Beyond the immense, new burdens that would be placed on emergency response personnel, these fires could also create grave environmental crises causing severe pollution from gases escaping into the atmosphere. The strategy of “Forest Jihad,” now being championed by Al Qaeda strategists, is supported and justified theologically by radical Islamic scholars. With this new weapon, the terrorists believe, maximum physical and financial damage can be inflicted to targeted countries at comparatively little risk.

The paper was an eye opener for me. I didn't realise the sheer prevalence of using forest fires as a terrorist weapon. Over the 2 decades in Palestine/Israel, terrorism driven arson in the forest area was quite prevalent. Here’s the message posted as an example:

I quote

English translation of the statement:

“summer has begun so do not forget the Forest Jihad.”

“In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.”

“We pray for God to aid us and heed our calls.”

“Summer has begun so do not forget the Forest Jihad.”

“I call on all Muslims in the United States, in Europe, in Russia,

and in Australia to start forest fires.”

“Praise God and praise God once more.”

“Peace and blessings upon his prophet.”

“The active intellectual scholar, the jihadist Abu Mus'ab Al-Suri, may God set him free, says: Jihad is an art just like poetry, music, and the fine arts. There are people that draw and there are others that are jihadists. They both act upon inspiration.”

“May God ease his calamity and set him free along with all of our imprisoned brothers. It is by the glory of God that his imprisonment has not prevented him from publishing his writings in the form of books and media. The idea of forest fires is attributed to him, may God set him free, as is in this short clip:”

“This call goes out to Muslims in Europe, in the United States, in Australia,

and in Russia to start forest fires.”

“Forest Fires.”

“The Jurisprudence of forest fires, as in 'an eye for an eye'; the amazing results;

and the operational instructions.”

“The Jurisprudence:

Is it permissible to burn trees?”

“Yes, under certain circumstance, such as when the prophet, PBUH

[peace be upon him], burned the Jews' palm trees in Al-Nadir.”

“Ibn Al-Qayyim narrated in [a book entitled] 'I'lam Al-Muwaqqa'in,' that: You should retaliate in the same manner as that in, which you were attacked. He goes on to say that: The punishment for a sin should be a similar sin. He also mentions that: If you should punish, punish as you were punished. This, in essence, justifies that. This suggests that the punishment should fit the crime, for instance in life, in matters of honor, and where assets are involved. Scholars have justified chopping down and burning the infidels' forests when they do the same to our lands.”

“God Almighty agreed to allow the companions to cut down the Jews' palm trees in order to dishonor them [Jews]. This was the Almighty's intention when He said: 'Whether ye cut down (O ye Muslim!) the tender palm-trees, or ye left them standing on their roots, it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgressors. [Koranic Verse; Al-Hashr, 59:5].' This proves that God Almighty wishes to punish the unjust aggressor. The justification for burning their belongings is their aggression against Muslims and their deception. It is they who burn the Muslims' wealth.”

“This section was taken from a book by active and anonymous [as received] jihadi scholar Yusuf al-Ayiri²⁸ may God accept him, entitled: 'The Truth about the New Crusade.' This is particularly evident in the Chapter regarding the times when it is permissible to kill those among the infidels who would be otherwise protected. The first case in this chapter addresses this topic. This is in the event the book entitled 'I'lam Al-Muwaqa'in' Shaykh Yusuf, may God have mercy on his soul, is unavailable.”

“Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdasy writes in [his book entitled] 'Al-Muqni' [The Convincer], in the chapter on killing infidels and shelling them with manganese, as well cutting off their water supplies and destroying their fortresses: Concerning the issue of uprooting or burning their trees and plants, there are two views. The first is that it is permissible to do so as long as it does not harm Muslims. The second is that it is not permissible to do so unless it is justified to do so to them, for instance when they have done the same to us. An eye for an eye.”

“Shaykh Sulayman Bin Abdallah Bin Muhammad Bin Abd-al-Wahhab narrates in 'Al-Muqni' that trees and plants can be divided into three groups. The first group comprises [those trees and plants] which need to be cleared for a particular purpose, and can thus be uprooted or burned. This, however, solely on the basis of an undeniable need, as the narrator explains. The second is that group whose uprooting will cause Muslims harm. In this case, it is totally forbidden to uproot or to burn them. The third encompasses all other cases, which can be further divided into two subgroups. The first is a group that it is considered permissible to uproot or burn in the Hanbali [Muslim scholar] school of thought, where the scholars Malik, Shafi'i, and Ibn Al-Muthir followed the Hadith of the Prophet, PBUH, in the case of the burning of the palm trees in Bani Nadir, where God sent down the following: 'Whether ye cut down (O ye Muslim!) the tender palm-trees, or ye left them standing on their roots, it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgressors.' [Koranic Verse; Al-Hashr, 59:5].”

“This has been taken from page 486 of the book entitled 'Al-Muqn'i Ma'a Hashiyatihi,' published by the Al-Salafiyyah [Salafist] Publishing House in Cairo.”

40% of Somali & Ethiopian Women in Netherlands Genitally Mutilated

This was indeed shocking news. I quote:

THE HAGUE, 30/05/09 - Four out of ten Somali and Ethiopian women who give birth in the Netherlands have been genitally mutilated. This is relatively few, Health State Secretary Jet Bussemaker wrote to the Lower House on Friday.

The figures were recorded by research organisation TNO after questioning midwives. The number of cases of female circumcision is fairly low, since nine out of ten women in the countries of origin have been circumcised, Bussemaker reasoned.

To obtain a better picture of female circumcision, the state secretary previously announced that midwives would be registering this form of mutilation. They will also be trained in how to discuss circumcision with families.

I realise that the populace concerned is small, but the percentages are shocking. Criminal. And dont  think this is just Islam. Ethiopia is a Christian nation. Christ, what a mess. But there is hope over to the south of Europe. I quote:

Italy plans to launch a campaign to focus attention on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in a bid to stem its practice in the country, Equal Opportunities Minister Mara Carfagna said on Wednesday. Some 150 million women are victims of the practice world-wide, with an estimated 35-40 thousand cases in Italy by foreigners living in the country, said Carfagna who called FGM "torture, a barbaric action".

The government plans to run a series of ads on state-run television in a bid to convince parents to end the practice.It is also setting up a committee to deal with the problem, which Carfagna said is "an underestimated phenomenon". "I plan to use my ministry's funds to combat and prevent a practice which violates human rights," she told a news conference. The government has already earmarked some 3.5 million euros and plans to add another four million to back 21 projects set up to deal with FGM.

FGM, which is also known as female circumcision, covers a number of different practices, usually involving either removing the clitoris or sewing up the vagina. The most severe form, infibulation, entails both, and accounts for around 15% of all procedures. An estimated 150 million women around the world have undergone genital mutilation, while some 6,000 girls are mutilated every day, according to the London-based human rights organization Amnesty International.

It is practiced in at least 28 African countries, and is also common in some Middle Eastern states, including Egypt, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. Italy passed a law in January 2006 outlawing FGM. IT lays down jail terms of up to 12 years for those who carry out the procedure on adult women and up to 16 years if it is carried out on a minor or in exchange for money. Doctors caught carrying out FGM are banned from their profession for up to ten years. The law is applicable even if the woman is operated on abroad.

National Socialist Emails

I am a member of several libertarian and conservative lists here in the UK. And i frequently come across BNP members who infest these lists. I frequently wonder why is it that they tend to come into these groups and then I think i found the answer. These knuckle dragging neanderthals who believe in the white race, are happy with shooting immigrants and are basically incoherent in trying to define nationality or race, cannot actually have a conversation with each other. Every thing they see and talk is coloured through the eyes of immigration and race. I mean, their entire existence is tied up in that frame of mind. And the frequent protestations of being a patriot or wrapping themselves in the flag, appealing  to the military, getting into bed with fascists, referring to the images of wartime, hating jews. Pretty much the same. The massive conspiracy theories, the vague muttered imprecations towards the media and mainstream politics.

So it was funny when Little Green Footballs pointed to Wikileaks showed this list of private message :

US National Socialist Movement private emails until 15 Aug 2009 mail archives (chronological)

So like the ones which I read and chuckle. Poor sods, clowns, all of them. Read and giggle.

Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs with a sense of humour

You normally dont associate tax people (or even bankers or even anybody who has anything to do with finance and figures) to have any sense of humour) but check out this letter by HMG’s tax chap. I wouldn't mind paying my taxes if they are accompanied with missives of this wonderful nature.

Dear Mr  Addison,
  I am writing to you to express  our thanks for your more than prompt reply to our latest  communication, and also to answer some of the points you raise. I will  address them, as ever, in order.

  Firstly, I must take issue with  your description of our last as a "begging letter". It might perhaps  more properly be referred to as a "tax demand". This is how we at the  Inland Revenue have always, for reasons of accuracy, traditionally  referred to such documents.

  Secondly, your frustration at  our adding to the "endless stream of crapulent whining and panhandling  vomited daily through the letterbox on to the doormat" has been noted.  However, whilst I have naturally not seen the other letters to which  you refer I would cautiously suggest that their being from "pauper  councils,  Lombardy  pirate banking houses and pissant  gas-mongerers" might indicate that your decision to "file them next to  the toilet in case of emergencies" is at best a little ill-advised. In  common with my own organisation, it is unlikely that the senders of  these letters do see you as a "lackwit bumpkin" or, come to that, a  "sodding charity". More likely they see you as a citizen of Great  Britain , with a responsibility to contribute to the upkeep of the  nation as a whole.

  Which brings me to my next  point. Whilst there may be some spirit of truth in your assertion that  the taxes you pay "go to shore up the canker-blighted, toppling folly  that is the Public Services", a moment's rudimentary calculation ought  to disabuse you of the notion that the government in any way expects  you to "stump up for the whole damned party" yourself. The estimates  you provide for the Chancellor's disbursement of the funds levied by  taxation, whilst colourful, are, in fairness, a little off the mark.  Less than you seem to imagine is spent on "junkets for Bunterish  lickspittles" and "dancing whores" whilst far more than you have  accounted for is allocated to, for example, "that box-ticking facade  of a university system."
  A couple of technical points  arising from direct queries:

  1. The reason we don't simply  write "Muggins"on the envelope has to do with the vagaries of the  postal system;
  2. You can rest assured that  "sucking the very marrow of those with nothing else to give" has never  been considered as a practice because even if the Personal Allowance  didn't render it irrelevant, the sheer medical logistics involved  would make it financially unviable.

I trust this has helped. In the  meantime, whilst I would not in any way wish to influence your  decision one way or the other, I ought to point out that even if you  did choose to "give the whole foul jamboree up and go and live  in  India " you would still owe us the  money.
  Please send it to us by  Friday.
  Yours  sincerely,
  H J Lee
  Customer  Relations

Death and Taxes, ancient history

What’s that saying? Only death and taxes are the only constants in this life, but also that taxes are the only one which constantly goes up.

As it so happens, one of the oldest complaints about taxation has been found. I quote:

Inscriptions revealing complaints about high taxes from 1,700 years ago have been found during the excavation of the ancient city of Rhodiapolis in Antalyàs Kumluca district, daily Today's Zaman reports. "In addition to many historical artefacts, we uncovered some relics concerning the social life of the people during the excavation", Nevzat Cevik, head of the archaeology department in Akdeniz University, said, adding that " we found a tablet written by a messenger describing that the people was complaining of high taxes; the tablet was sent to the emperor to request a discount". "

When we consider that people wanted sales tax and income tax rates to be lowered, we can infer that toward the A.D. third century the people of Rhodiapolis could not pay their taxes", the scientist said. Noting that the people of Rhodiapolis wanted Roman Emperor Septimius Severus to lower taxes, Kizgut declared that "The emperor gave the green light and promised the messenger that taxes would be lowered. Upon his return to Rhodiapolis, the messenger informed the leader with great joy and in his honor, an inscribed stele was erected in the agora"

more things change, more they remain the same. Perhaps we should send messengers to Gordon Brown asking to reduce the tax burden. Fat chance of that happening, watch us all turn into squeaking pips.

"That's my niece Diane, and she's going to Hell"

You couldn't make this up even if you wanted. This is an actual advertisement for a church.

Also check out the last line, God sends another plague of Muslim Airline Pilots our way. Welcome to Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Cleaning up the corrupt stinking mess in Nigeria

I am a firm believer that Africa no longer needs aid. What it needs is the belief of the outsiders that they can do it themselves. Frankly, we keep on pumping in money and they keep on stealing it. If giving money indeed was the solution, then it would have sorted out the damn continent 4 times over. Think about Nigeria, one of the most valuable resource owning countries in that continent, but it is now a byword for corruption. But still, some small steps are being taken. I quote from here:

 

Nigeria's special fraud police say they are preparing to act against business tycoons who have failed to pay back billions owed to banks. The move comes with the expiry of a deadline for those owing money to return it to the troubled banks.

The government was forced to rescue five banks and sack their entire leadership teams last week to save the banks from collapse. Some senior bankers are in custody but two chief executives are on the run.

Yes, chuck them into jail and demand performance. And yes, i speak as a banker. Naming and shaming them is not going to work, its not as if they have any honour really. They are thieves, pure and simple. I further quote from here:

The central bank has published a list of dozens of prominent Nigerian businessmen as debtors to the ailing banks.

The list includes tycoon Aliko Dangote, rated by US Forbes magazine as one of the world’s richest Africans with a net worth of around 3.3 billion dollars, as debtors to these banks.

Dangote, 52, who is also the new president of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), has denied managing the oil and gas company listed as owing Intercontinental Bank more than eight billion naira.

Central bank governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi put the total loan portfolio of the five ailing banks - Afribank, Intercontinental Bank, Union Bank, Oceanic Bank and Finbank - at 2.8 trillion naira (17.8 billion dollars).

Criminal.

1 in 6 households with nobody working in that household

Quite an interesting statistic, no? I quote:

The ONS also reported that the number of working-age people in so-called workless households jumped by 500,000 to 4.8 million in the year to June.

The workless household rate increased by 1.1 per cent to 16.9 per cent, the highest since 1999 and the biggest year-on-year increase since Labour came to power in 1997. The number of households with someone in work fell by 410,000 to 10.7 million, the figures revealed.

The workless household rate was highest for lone parents at 40.4 per cent, followed by one-person households at 30.1 per cent, with the worst figures recorded in the North East at 23.2 per cent. The lowest rate was in the East of England at 12.2 per cent. Figures showed that the biggest fall in the employment rate over the past year was for married fathers, down 2.1 per cent to 88.8 per cent.

Also see this. Two million people who can work have never ever worked in their life. Now imagine the drag on society with this kind of dead weight. I realise we are just coming out of one of the most difficult recessions in living memory, but bloody hell!