Coming to an end

Yes, after what seems like an age, the summer holidays here are finally ending. No more late nights, no more parties, no more travels to far off lands...hold on a minute, I didn't get to do any of those !!!

But as the nights get darker, and the preparations start for a new term, I find myself also in a new stage. Namely, putting more weight on my leg. Okay, not the height of excitement, I know, but it's the most I'm getting out of a summer spent in hospital :(

Well, onto a few news stories. The UK government has surprised most of us, by actually deciding to do something for the good of the world. All debt owed to it by third world nations will be written off, allowing those countries to worry about their people, not the debts they have. Let's see if Germany or the US can follow suit.

Another shocking piece of news, is that Fujimori, the exiled dictator of Peru, has decided he will flaunt a personal ban, and stand for presidency in next year's elections. Let's just hope he gets tried for his previous crimes first.

In Malaysia a woman has regained her crown as the scorpion queen, by sealing herself inside a box with 6000 of these creatures for over 32 days. What a great holiday.

Ringtones. They annoy thousands of people every day on the trains, in restaurants, soon also in planes, but could it be that they can be used for good? Well according to a japanese man, his special tunes have helped women increase the size of their breasts. Does that mean I too can be in Baywatch (I was wondering how to get that long forgotten series into this blog...) through passive tune listening?

Back to home, the arrival of Javi and Albe on the 30th is to be expected, and I'm sure some form of celebration will be taking place (starting with the cinema, I believe, and including many trips to the Eisgrub).

Time for bed, whilst others enjoy the hospitality of the Valencians I will enjoy the, um, coldness that's settled in Mainz.

Sleep tight

Around the World

No, not my next holiday plan (although I wish it was) rather the region from where this collection of news stories come.

King Mswati III of Swaziland has chosen himself another wife. Not uncommen, you may say, there are lots of countries that allow many wives. However it's the ceremony that's of importance here. Namely, a reed dance involving 20,000 bare breasted virgins, where the king decides which one he wants to wed.

Proof has come (at last) that the nuclear tests in Nevada (amongst others) in the 1950s did in fact contaminate Europe. Maybe some leaders will think about the consequences of their actions before they next carry out such "safe" tests.

Australian scientists are trying to outdo our british ones with weird science, investigating whether environmental factors are affecting the sexuality of their cows. Yep, enough with the sheep, it's the cow's turn now !

In Berlin a bear tried a magnificent escape attempt, involving paddling across his moat using a log as a raft, and taking a bike to get out the gate. Someone should really take the TV out of his room...

Another animal story shows how chimps too are affected by being without "physical stimulation". Yes, this monkey took up smoking and spitting in China (quite normal there actually) because her mate was too old to fulfil her desires. Whatever next.

Okay, enough of the world, and back to Mainz where the winter has set in (was there a summer?).

Wrap up warm