March 2005
March 19, 2005
Caral, The Mother City
Our historical origins present the conventional basis of our identity as a species, provide the background for our sense of progress, and a vision of what the future has in store for us. In that sense Caral answers one of the great questions of archaeology: the origin of civilization. Though what is Caral?, as a matter of fact Caral is no recent finding. Caral is a magnificent ancient city of pyramids discovered in 2001 in Peru; but Caral is much more than a mere archeological site, it represents a hope for the human race.
Working for Hewlett Packard Peru provided me with a chance to give lectures on science and technology in the majority of universities in my country. My lectures discussed how these advances are changing our world, our lives, even our culture. In fact, science and technology have made the world a neighborhood, but it will take love to make the world a brotherhood, a community of peace with justice. Ever since I heard about Caral I decided to include it at the beginning of each of my presentations. I believe that probably Caral is one of the most important discoveries for the whole of humankind rather than any other discovery in science or technology. But unfortunately very few people know about it. For this reason and as the beginning of my presentations I want to bring this news to the Willamette community as the beginning of my reports in the Willamette World News.
Most of the 20th Century historians agreed that the origins of civilization could be traced to the organization of society for the purposes of war and conquest. However, in 2001 a lone woman archeologist changed this view. At Caral in the Peruvian desert, archeologist Ruth Shady found the remains of a “mother city” (the technical term for a site that exhibits the first stage of city-building, without preceding layers of settlement). In pristine condition, this city is now recognized as the oldest in the Americas, dating to the times of the earliest Egyptian dynasties, circa 3200 BC. To the shock and bafflement of many experts, Caral reveals no battlements, no weapons, no murals or sculptures to glorify conquest, no bones evidential of a violent ending. It appears to have been a peaceful settlement whose inhabitants dedicated their time to commerce, play, religious ceremony, dance, theatre and hedonistic activities. Caral has changed the paradigm on what brings people together in large urban settlements. Love, not war, proves to be the prime motivating force in the rise of civilizations, and only love can be the prime motivating force capable of making the world a better place.
A lot has been happening in Zimbabwe since my last submission. The country just finished voting in the Parliamentary elections and the results will have a far reaching effect than people just choosing their constituent representatives. A two-third victory by the ruling ZANU PF will enable President Robert Mugabe amend the constitution and one of the moves he’s looking forward to doing is hand pick his successor when he decides to step down, which is expected to be within the next few years. Unlike in the previous election where there was widespread violence with many lives lost, the word on the ground is that the lead up to this year’s elections was quieter. No deaths were reported only few scattered reports of intimidation. But the results themselves wouldn’t be more disappointing, not from my point of view, but speaking as an average Zimbabwean, with many observers reporting that the elections were not free and fair at all. Life has been hard and things need to change and the results of these elections don’t offer any hope, but mean five more years of suffering for the ordinary citizen.
Now to give you an understanding of what actually has been happening, I think Zimbabwe currently has the worst economy in the world. With inflation as high as 600% at one point in time, unemployment thought to be around 70%, and a financial crisis that led the many of the country’s financial institutions to collapse, I don’t think any country can beat that.
In other news, a 23-year old lady was arrested for possessing books that criticized the president. In the last few years draconian laws have been enacted limiting freedom of speech and this is just an example of how extreme these laws are.
Moving away from politics and to the next most important thing football, as it is called that part of the world. The warriors (Zimbabwe senior national soccer team) kept their hopes alive by beating Angola by 2 to nil. This was good news, something to cheer the masses in these trying times. Also making the Zimbabwean football news is a 15 year-old Chinese boy who is looking to start his professional football career in Zimbabwe. It’s usually that Zimbabwean players go to play in China, not Chinese players playing in Zimbabwe.
FRANCE COULD SAY NO TO THE EU CONSTITUTION
There’s going to be a referendum at the end of May thanks to which French
people will be asked whether they accept the European constitution or
not. For months, everybody thought the “Yes” would win easily but for the
first time last week, a poll showed that it could be the other way
around. It’s hard to tell what could be the consequences of such a
surprising result but President Chirac (strong defender of the Yes)
predicted that France would lose its credibility. Click on the link to
have more details about the constitution and about why it is not easy to
choose.
FOX NEWS WANTS THE OLYMPICS AND THE TERRORISTS TO GO TO PARIS
Seriously, when will they stop? John Gibson, a TV show host on Fox News
congratulated Lance Armstrong for supporting Paris candidacy for the 2012
Olympics. He wants this event as far as possible from New York and thinks
that Paris and the French deserve the terrorist attacks that could
happen. According to him, the French love the terrorists so much that
they will “all be nice and cozy together for a summer of Parisian Olympic
fun”. That is certainly what the Olympic spirit should be, thank you Mr.
Gibson, you’re too kind.
FRENCH MOVIES SEDUCING THE US
Fortunately, Fox isn’t representative of the whole country. It seems that
the Americans appreciate more and more French cinema which is now at the
top of foreign screen imports in the US movie market. In 2004, 40 French
films were shown in US theatres, earning 73 million dollars, and two of
them were nominated for the Oscars. Movies like “Amélie” and “The
Pianist” helped the American audience to understand that French cinema
doesn’t always match its stereotype (no action, a lot of intellectual
talking).
Ukraine's Yushchenko Takes Westward Drive to U.S.
At the time, when debates in Ukraine over the last presidential elections
seem to have subsided, and old frustrations have become less poignant, it
is time for the president to get to business. Among other priorities
Viktor Yushchenko set for himself, are closer relationship with Western
European countries and the USA which are likely to ensure Ukraine's future
membership in the EU and NATO as well as World Trade Organization. The
first step towards the realization of this plan will be this week's visit
to the United States. During the visit Viktor Yushchenko will have a rare
opportunity to address Congress. He will meet President Bush, Vice
President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. There is
much hope that these official meetings will foster the development of
friendly political and economic relations between the countries.
Yushchenko's Wife Gets Ukraine Citizenship
The American citizenship of our president's wife, Katerina Yushchenko, was
not a popular fact to mention during the election campaign. The reason for
that is self-evident: the candidate's opponents could have used it against
him. Now that the first lady has received Ukrainian citizenship, this is a
matter of the past. Read more here:
Space Day
The date of April, 12 is coming. Perhaps, this day says nothing either to
an American or to a Western European. However, almost every person born in
the post-Soviet countries will tell you why this day is glorious in
history. April, 12 is a Space Day, the day when the first human being
overcame earthen gravity and saw our planet from space. This is not a
day-off in Russia or Ukraine but is definitely the holiday which is
commemorated every year and will be remembered as a date opening the space
exploration era. Read a biography of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
English Family Became Kardjali's Talisman
This article briefly describes the story behind the decision of a British family to settle in Kardjali, a town 30 miles from the Bulgarian border with Greece. Nine years ago, after visiting Bulgaria for the first time, the family just decided to settle there for good. There also are a couple of photos of the house and the street where they are currently living.
Bulgaria Lost Its Icon
Emil Dimitrov, one of the best singers in Bulgarian history, passed away at the age of 65. There is hardly a person, who does not know his most popular song ⌠My country, my Bulgaria■ by heart. Under the name ⌠Monica■, the song has been translated into French, Italian, German and Swedish. His song ⌠Arlekino■ was translated into Russian and became a hit in the former USSR, sung by Alla Pugacheva. The article offers a retrospective to his past with a brief history of his achievements and successes during his artistic years. The second article describes the funeral of Emil Dimitrov, enumerating the some of the people who attended it.
US army says killing of Bulgarian "tragic accident"
Once again, the US army has proved its unwillingness to pursue the truth behind any of the incidents considered as ⌠friendly fire■ in Iraq. This is shown by the fact that the US soldiers who killed the Private Gardi Gardev several weeks ago will not be prosecuted or trialed, because the event was characterized as a ⌠tragic accident■ by the US top command. But this is what everybody was expecting anyway┘
BSP Runs at the Elections in Rap Rhythm
In the upcoming general elections the Bulgarian Socialist Party is changing strategy - it will draw young voters with rap music. Rap is particularly popular among the 18-year-olds and the BSP Leadership hopes to take advantage. The party is however worried that they may lose the support of the elderly people, who have always formed a substantial part of the BSP electorate. Hence, the party has decided to make rap and techno cover versions of the old partisan songs. The problem however remains √ wouldn▓t BSP▓s elder voters consider the cover versions a mockery with the well-loved lyrics?
Bulgarian Longest Horo Enters Guinness
Under the initiative of the singer Iliya Lukov, popular for its performance of traditional folk songs, the longest horo (ring dance) will be formed on May 2 around St Alexander Nevski Cathedral in the capital Sofia. 18 to 20 thousand dancers are expected to chain hand by hand and thus set a Guinness record. Willing ordinary citizens would be welcomed to join the folklore ensembles. Each participant will be given a sticker with his or her name, as this is the Guinness Book of Records requirement.
We Get Scanty Funds for Surgeries
Prof. Radoslav Gaidarski, one of the founding fathers of pancreatic surgery in Bulgaria says the first liver transplantation in Bulgaria was delayed due to a lack of funds. Suitable recipients need suitable donors but such are hard to find under the new Organ Transplant Law. Under previous legislation a patient had to explicitly refuse to donate his organs, anyone who did not do so was considered a potential donor. The Organ Transplant Act states that a patient should sign a statement included in their medical records to confirm this consent has been given. How is Bulgaria the going to aid the approximately 100 patients who need transplantation every year?
March 04, 2005
SCANDAL-HIT MINISTER RESIGNS
France's Finance Minister Hervé Gaymard, accused of lying in a scandal over a apartment paid for by the state, gave in to the pressure Friday and handed in his resignation. A 44 year-old ally of President Jacques Chirac and the father of eight children, Gaymard moved out of a luxury flat near the Champs-Elysées a week ago after the satirical weekly Le Canard Enchainé revealed that it was costing the state 14,000 euros (18,500 dollars) a month. The scandal burst out again on Wednesday when the same magazine revealed that Gaymard already has a large apartment of his own in central Paris.
CHIRAC DEFIES BUSH ON CHINA ARMS
And here we go again! Just as those two were pretending they could be friends again, another disagreement gets in the way. As France is going to join the NATO mission to train Iraqi forces, Iraq is suddenly not the problem anymore, China is. President Chirac considers that the ban on exports of military equipment to China is no longer justified. President Bush expressed his “deep concern’ and said clearly that the US Congress wouldn’t hesitate to take countermeasures.
A GUIDE TO DRIVING IN FRANCE
As far as driving is concerned, French people have a pretty bad reputation that, let’s face it, we totally deserve (we have one of the worst road deaths toll in Europe). Road regulations are pretty similar to those in the rest of Europe and in the US, but there’s a bunch of notable exceptions that one might want to know before hitting the road.
Students held symbolic protest against rising fees
As you might know, students in Europe in general have to pay way less than American students. In the Netherlands the tuition is about 1500 euros per year, which is more than our fellow students in France and Germany, for example, but it is feasible. Unfortunately, the State Secretary of Education is now developing a plan that might increase tuition fees up to 4500 euros for students who take longer than five and a half years to complete their studies. For a lot of people this is not a good development, and thus several students decided to protest at the same place where students held an historical protest in 1969.
Dutch universities rely on foreign academics
Apparently a lot of Dutch academics move abroad after they graduate, which makes it necessary for the Dutch universities to get their researchers and staff from other countries, which is not a bad thing. However, this is not as easy as it seems, so the government and other organizations are working on improving this situation.
Dutch UN refugee chief quits over harassment claims
The former Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers had been working as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for four years, when least year he was accused of sexual harassment. He has now been found guilty and therefore resigned from his post, staying on until a replacement has been found.
Dutch ‘Whitney Houston’ heads to Eurovision
I don’t know how much of the following is known in America, but there are millions of European people going crazy over the Eurovision Song Contest every year. It’s been going for some 50 years, and every year singers and bands representing their country try to get as many points as possible and then… that’s it. I personally never really get into it, although it’s fun to give out points and watch how certain countries always give the same country points and ignore others. I think Holland always gives point to Israel and Belgium. And Scandinavian countries are usually pretty generous towards each other too. Anyway, after a lot of fuss, the Netherlands have decided on our candidate, who will hopefully get us in the higher regions again, since we haven’t won in… well, a long time. I’m actually starting to think it’s sad that I won’t be able to watch this year… American Idol is just not the same…
Stamps honor Charles' and Camilla's wedding
Even though David Letterman gave that news a decisive "Who cares?"-shrug, Europe is caring a lot for everything that is related to the marriage between Prince Charles and his long-time companion Camilla Parker-Bowles. But more interesting than just the article are the reactions of readers that mirror how divided the British people is.
Teenage British girls drink as much as boys
In a survey the National Centre for Social Research has organized since 1982 for the first time as many British girls between 11 and 15 admitted drinking as boys. 23 Percent of both groups stated that they had drunk alcohol in the past week. Even though the percentage dropped slightly from 25 Percent, the development triggered concern. Apparently it became much more socially acceptable for girls to drink.
Father killed his terminally ill son after working in Iraq
This articles describes a very sad case that shook up many Britains: A former soldier, who suffered major stress during workiing as a security guard in Iraq, came home and killed his son - 10 year old Jacob who suffered from Hunter Syndrome, which left him crippled and deaf. His psychatrist claims an abnormality of mind and that he had dearly loved his son and thought that was what he wanted. The sentence is awaited eagerly.
Mexican Congress weighs allowing compatriots in U.S. to vote
This article is about a new bill that the Mexican government tries to set. It is a bill that gives Mexican immigrants that live in the United States the right to vote in the presidential elections of Mexico in 2006. It would probably cause several problems and would allow corruption to occur. If this bill is approved, it will need to have a lot of money invested, as well as people and time. Obviously for the next presidential elections in June 2006, there is not to much time to organize all the Mexicans living in the states, neither to establish regulations nor verify them.
Healing with the flesh of the gods, Maria Sabina and her legacy
If you are interested in all about healing, magic and mystic issues this article will interest you. Also, Maria Sabina is a very important woman in the Mexican and Oaxacan culture. Her knowledge was a gift given by her ancestors or as she said, “of the Gods”. This article gives a description of this mythical woman and what happened to her power after she passed away. This site is very cool, enjoy it!
Controversial crater probe ends in reef shipwreck
Sometimes science is not good for our nature even though it tries to “help” it. Man can make mistakes that cause terrible damages in just seconds and it takes more than millions of year for those damages to repair. A good example is this probe in the Yucatan Sea, it really damaged coral reefs which are not replaceable.
EU official predicts Turkey, Ukraine membership around 2015
Ukraine might be a part of European Union. It seems like it is early to talk about it. However, Ukraine's new president – Yushenko wants Ukraine to be a part of European Union. At this point, there is a hope that Ukraine might become a part of EU in 2015.
Yushchenko Asks Europe to Take Ukraine Seriously
One of the ultimate goals of Ukraine’s president is to be a part of the EU. This article provides some information of what the president’s plan is.
Chornobyl: Funding Problems May Cause Disaster
Chornobyl happened in the Ukraine about eighteen years ago. It was a powerful disaster for many people within and outside the country. To avoid further danger, a Shelter was constructed to protect the environment from radioactive releases. However, today the Shelter is not in a good condition and needs some reconstruction. This article points out that many countries around Europe as well as the USA are concerned. People are still exposed to radiation and there is a threat to human lives. It is challenging for Ukraine to shut down the Shelter because it means they may have a critical power supply shortage.
This is another website that provides information on Chornobyl.
Ukraine seeks EU and NATO integration
Ukraine is living through a very important time now. President Viktor Yushchenko made it his goal to get EU and NATO membership for the country. However, he insists on keeping a good relationship with other neighbors such as Russia which has been our strategic partner for decades.
Ukraine relaxes visa policy for EU
After Ukrainian singer Ruslana won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 it was a big surprise for the whole country. Firstly, no one expected such
success. Secondly, the country was reluctant to shoulder the responsibility of the host during the next contest which obviously entailed much expense. Nevertheless, these days the preparations are in full swing and the Ukrainian capital Kiev looks forward to the event. Now Ukraine is ready to make a pleasant surprise for all who want to visit
this spectacular show: it relaxes its visa policy for European tourists. So, welcome to Kiev, Ukraine, on May 19 and enjoy the holiday of music!
Sightseeing in Kiev
For those who accept the invitation to Ukraine, make sure it is really worth your attention. See the slideshow of Kiev's places of interest:
Search for new US-Ambassador in Germany will send a decisive signal
Daniel Coats vacated his post as US-Ambassador in February 2005. The former Republican US senator from Indiana did not know much Garman or about Germany when he arrived in 2001. So he wasn't the best person to try to solve the conflict between the two nations. The White House is still searching for a successor, but if it wants to signal interest in improving relations with Germany, they should choose a better man for the job. One of the moist likely options is Gerhard Casper, Hamburg-born former president of Stanford University. The emigree named Condoleeza Rice Stanford's Dean.
After Bush visit Schröder redefines German-American relations
German chancellor Gerhard Schröder stated in his first interview after American president George W. Bush visited Germany, that "Harmony" might be the wrong word to use. In this commentary the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) tries to explain the special relationship the chancellor has with the United States and stress the fact that - unlike his predecessors - he had been only one year old when the war ended, so the emotional tie of gratitude others have felt does not hold him back from rejecting the plans of the global power at times.
Germany suffers from relaxed visa requirements
Without doubt Joshka Fischer is the most popular German politician. Until now the Foreign minister could do no wrong. But now he finds himself in big trouble. The Green politician approved relaxed visa requirements. In consequence thousands of illegal immigrants - mainly from China and Ukraine - entered the Republic and crime rates in human traffic, drugs and prostitution soared.
Clock towards European Entry is ticking
This brief article talks about the newly constructed clock that will countdown to Bulgaria▓s entry into the European Union; it highlights the motives of the governing party and the Bulgarian people to become integrated in the European community through the EU. Is Europe becoming
One as more countries join this supranational community? The answer in Bulgaria seems to lean to: "Yes".
Trial against Bulgarian doctors in Aids scandal
This website has outlined some of the major parties involved in the "Libyan Trial". The huge international controversy was raised when Libya accused several Bulgarian doctors and nurses that they have engaged in "a conspiracy to infect the Libyan children with AIDS and HIV". Amid a failing public health system, international agencies such as the EU, UN, and USA condemned the Libyan abuse of human rights towards the Bulgarians
and demanded a fair and open trial.Currently the trial is slowly proceeding; constant reports of torture, denial of legal representation, and unrest among the international parties involved makes the situation tense. International organizations have put serious pressure and threatened sanctions if Libya does not release the doctors and nurses. The president/dictator of Libya faces mounting domestic pressure amid an ineffective regime and sees the trial as a means to raise his public image in Libya; at the same time, his new policies of expansion and reconciliation with the international community conflict with his domestic policy in this case.
300,000 Delinquent in Paying Health Insurances Remitted
After deliberating for a long time, the Bulgarian government finally decided to exempt Bulgarian citizens who have lived abroad for more than 183 days in the last calendar year from their health insurance payments. Anyone who has spent more than half of the days in 2004 in a foreign country would not have to pay back the insurance payments he or she was supposed to pay in the last twelve month. This decision comes as a relief to all of the Bulgarian citizens living abroad, because up to today their health insurance status in Bulgaria was really undefined.
Private Gurdev Killed by US Bullet
This article points out that the eighth Bulgarian soldier killed in Iraq was not killed by terrorists as it was first reported but by an American soldier, guarding a communication point. This incident occurred 2 hours before the similar murder of an Italian negotiations officer by an American patrol in Baghdad. The slaying of our soldier proves once again the incompetence of the US soldiers currently deployed in Iraq.
USA Admitted Two Mistakes in Line with Gurdev's Death
This article illustrates the results of the US led investigation about the so called ⌠friendly-fire■ related death of Private Gurdi Gurdev. The results confirm the hypothesis that the US soldiers did not do anything to prevent this incident from happening.
The legend behind the "Martenitsa"
March 1st is a traditional holiday unique for Bulgaria. People exchange and pin to their clothes ⌠martenitsas■, tassels made out of red and white weaved threads. The symbolic significance and function of the "matenitsa" range from an amulet for protection from evil spirits to a symbol of the coming spring. Follow the link below to learn the legend of ⌠martenitsa■ as well as how to make one for yourselves.
March 3rd - Independence Day for Bulgaria
On March 3rd Bulgaria celebrates its Independence from the 500 year-long Turkish supremacy. On March 3, 1878 in the small town of San Stefano, a peace treaty was signed to put an end to the Russo-Turkish war. The victory of the Russian army, led by Tsar Alexander II brought Bulgaria back on the map of Europe.
Women's day - nice gesture or degrading tradition?
March 8th is celebrated as International Women▓s Day. In Bulgaria, the holiday has a long-standing tradition. It is an opportunity for people to acknowledge the special women in their lives √ mothers, sisters, wives. While many women feel faltered to have a day dedicated solely to them, others have been arguing that it degrades female dignity by setting an only date on which due respect is shown to them. Here is an American perspective on the issue:
