theweaselking | Nov. 8th, 2005

Nov. 8th, 2005

Graham Parry reviews three books on the Gunpowder Treason.

The concluding thoughts of three of these books turn to the contemporary problem of terrorism in London. The parallels between 1605 and 2005 are striking: the perpetrators come from a religious minority that is widespread throughout the country; they are motivated by perverted religious values; they are thought to have foreign support from countries or groups hostile to this nation; they target London; and their instrument of destruction is gunpowder, in ancient or modern form. Hatred of government policies is another common factor, driving a desire for vengeance in a spectacular way that will destabilise the country. In 1605 the Catholic community immediately repudiated the conspirators and distanced itself from the plot; there were no more conspiracies for a very long time. What helped to restore confidence after the plot was the recognition by the authorities that Catesby and co were extremists and quite uncharacteristic of their fellow Catholics. There was no vindictive policy of persecution once the trial of the plotters had ended, but a sustained attempt to make allegiance to the crown a universal bond. We could learn something from that precedent.

Churches that don't support the War On Terra in sermons may lose their tax-exempt status in the USA.

Newest argument against homosexual marriage: "The anus is holy"

Dictator's astrologer's orders mean that Rangoon is no longer the capital of Burma

Taking a hint from a Hollywood scriptwriter, Scottish youth escapes prison by posing as his own identical twin.

Grape-flavoured blasphemy:

On the list of things that cause cancer:
Hair dyes.

"Men of Appenzell, Switzerland, gather to vote on public issues at the annual Landsgemeinde (constitutional assembly). Most Swiss cantons have abolished the Landsgemeinde in favor of anonymous written ballots, but a few Landsgemeinde are still held, continuing this 600-year-old tradition of direct democracy."

Second Hussein lawyer killed. Witness says it was a drive-by shooting from armed government vehicles.

Wired Magazine covers History's Worst Software Bugs

Also,
US Senators are "mysteriously" much better than anyone else at predicting the stock market - outperforming the market, on average, by 12%, when 3% is enough to get you a job making miillions on Wall Street as one of the best in the business.

Amazing what a little insider trading will do for you.

The guy who got glued to a Home Depot toilet seat?

He had the *exact same thing* happen to him a year ago, except that he claimed to have pulled loose last time. The manager of that store went with him to the bathroom and found no evidence of anything stuck to the toilet seat. The complaint was never pursued further, last time.

So.

Looks like this is another finger-in-the-chili incident.