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