The Ghazala Khan trial verdicts have been reached. Her father received a life sentence. Her brother (he who shot her) received 16 years, as did two of her uncles. Her aunt (who set up the fake conciliation meeting and thus lured Khan to her death) received 14 years followed by extradition for life, as did one of her cousins, and three family friends all recevied 8-10 years.
Justice has been served, if you can call 16 years for murder justice.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
YES!
Just found out that DR1 is showing the last but one season of 'Doctor Who'. Although I've already seen these (courtesy of my connections in the UK underground) it will be great to see them again.
Germany 2006
Oooh, nice game! It was good to see the Brazilians, as always in good form, thrash Ghana 3-0. It was especially good to see Ronaldo defy his critics and become the highest scoring player in world cup history! Too fat indeed!!!
Mette thought it a shame for the African team, but I pointed out that there is no dishonour or shame in losing to Brazil!
I'm really hoping to See Germany Vs Brazil in the finals. That would be so sweet!
In the mean time of course, Germany may get to annhilate England (if the English can beat the Portuguese) and I'm now listening to 'Buck Dich' by Rammstein by way of anticipating the results of such a game... heh heh heh heh....
Mette thought it a shame for the African team, but I pointed out that there is no dishonour or shame in losing to Brazil!
I'm really hoping to See Germany Vs Brazil in the finals. That would be so sweet!
In the mean time of course, Germany may get to annhilate England (if the English can beat the Portuguese) and I'm now listening to 'Buck Dich' by Rammstein by way of anticipating the results of such a game... heh heh heh heh....
Bück dich befehl ich dir
wende dein Antlitz ab von mir
dein Gesicht ist mir egal
bück dich
News from Denmark: Update
This afternoon's big news story in Denmark is the handing down of a verdict in the Ghazala Khan honour kiling trial. According to Unni Wikan who is a Norwegian professor from Oslo University and who has specialised in the study of honour killings, this conviction is a 'sensation'. For the first time in Northern European history, an entire family has been found guilty of murder and of the nine people charged, only one will receive a sentence under five years, (sentencing has yet to be determined)
According to TV2, there have been ten honour killings in Denmark since 1986.
edited to add link.
According to TV2, there have been ten honour killings in Denmark since 1986.
edited to add link.
The Battle of Port Royale
In between other projects I've been working on a Napoleonic naval game involving 12 elements per side. (This is one of the few projects that doesn't involve the computer so its one of the few things I've actually been able to do of late)
Oleg and I have been working on a naval skirmish system, based as always on the DBA system, which roughly translates to Oleg does all the numbers and then we get together to do trouble small shooting games, after which I make small models/counters.
Now, we are well under way to making our first full, 4 player game and I've been building the models we will need, though in truth, such a game could easily be played with paper counters.
The premise of the game is a large cutting out action in the Mediterranean Sea (circa 1805), based very loosely on the First Battle of Copenhagen and O'Brian's account of the demise of the Polychrest in the novel 'Post Captain'. Port Royale is a mythical French town, containing a number of war ships of the Revolutionary Marine Nationale which the British Royal Navy has decided to either capture, sink or burn.
The British have the advantage of the open sea and slightly greater numbers. The French have coastal defences and a possible concentration of fire power.
Each player must roll to see which 6 elements they have at their disposal from a list of 20 possible's. This ensures a random spread of forces across both sides whilst still confing the game to the traditional 12 elements. The largest elements available to either side are 74 gun ships of the line and the smallest are, for the French, Gun Boats and for the British Gun Brigs. The French also have the possibility of floating batteries.
The game can also be played by 2 players, with each taking on 12 naval elements rather than 6.
edited to add:
Grimsby Wargaming has a post on Napoleonic naval gaming today as well. Its well worth a look for the images of the models!
And speaking of mini's. I note that Langton has a page on Russian and Baltic models to include images of several most interesting Baltic galleasses!
I wish I could afford them!
Freja: Convict on the loose!
Mette har lavet en del børne tøj på det sidste og idag er ud at vise dem til nogle butikker i byen. Blandt hendes kreationer er dette sjovt dragt som Snoos'en har på i dag. (Den er trods alt ikke en af dem til salg)
Freja har haft en god dag i dag og i gar. Livet er some sædvænligt for den lille pige. Hun stå op rigtig tidligt og skriger og skråler indtil en af os (næsten altid Mette) kravler ud af sengen. Så få hun morgenmad og leger indtil det er tid til formidagens lur. Det er normalt omkring det tidspunk jeg står op, men nogen gang har jeg det ret svært med at stå op om morgen da jeg er ikke noget morgen menneske og hvis jeg har været sent op kan det sagtens være klokken 11 før jeg vågner. Her på det sidste har jeg prøvet (endnu en gang) at går tidliger i seng, men lige meget hjælper det når Freja vækker os klokken et om morgen og skal har noget vand eller knus som det sidste par nætter hvor hun har været urolig om natten. Enten er fordi hun har urolig mave eller dårlgie drømme. Forleden nat (Skt Hans), da Mette sad ud på terrasen sammen med naboerne, vågnede Pipski fra mareridt og så måtte jeg syng for hende mens jeg lavet noget varme mælk. Det var hyggeligt og hun faldt straks til ro. Det føltes godt. Vi er begyndte at få en rigtig tæt forhold nu og nu får jeg ligeså mange knus som Mor.
=)
Mette's been making children's clothes recently and today she is out at showing them to various shops in the city on the off chance there is any business going. She normally sells grown ups clothing in three or four shops here in Århus, but since Freja was born has not had the time to really get much done.
In her spare time though she's been making children's clothes, mostly for Pipski, but also for fun, and here is an image of 'the Snoos' wearing one of Mette's more whimsical creations.
Recently Freja has had a few good days but unsteady nights, with tummy upsets and bad dreams waking her up in the early morning. The other naight was Midsummer and Mette was out on the terrace when Pipski woke up crying. It was obvious that she'd had a bad dream from the way she was crying, so I lulled her by singing to her whilst I made some warm milk (and boy did that milk go down fast!). It's nice of late to feel the bond between us growing stronger as she has begun to reciprocate the love and tenderness that comes with physical expressions of love. I now get just as many hugs and smooches (you can't really call it a kiss when she's gnawing on your nose) as Mette gets.
Life is good.
Freja har haft en god dag i dag og i gar. Livet er some sædvænligt for den lille pige. Hun stå op rigtig tidligt og skriger og skråler indtil en af os (næsten altid Mette) kravler ud af sengen. Så få hun morgenmad og leger indtil det er tid til formidagens lur. Det er normalt omkring det tidspunk jeg står op, men nogen gang har jeg det ret svært med at stå op om morgen da jeg er ikke noget morgen menneske og hvis jeg har været sent op kan det sagtens være klokken 11 før jeg vågner. Her på det sidste har jeg prøvet (endnu en gang) at går tidliger i seng, men lige meget hjælper det når Freja vækker os klokken et om morgen og skal har noget vand eller knus som det sidste par nætter hvor hun har været urolig om natten. Enten er fordi hun har urolig mave eller dårlgie drømme. Forleden nat (Skt Hans), da Mette sad ud på terrasen sammen med naboerne, vågnede Pipski fra mareridt og så måtte jeg syng for hende mens jeg lavet noget varme mælk. Det var hyggeligt og hun faldt straks til ro. Det føltes godt. Vi er begyndte at få en rigtig tæt forhold nu og nu får jeg ligeså mange knus som Mor.
=)
Mette's been making children's clothes recently and today she is out at showing them to various shops in the city on the off chance there is any business going. She normally sells grown ups clothing in three or four shops here in Århus, but since Freja was born has not had the time to really get much done.
In her spare time though she's been making children's clothes, mostly for Pipski, but also for fun, and here is an image of 'the Snoos' wearing one of Mette's more whimsical creations.
Recently Freja has had a few good days but unsteady nights, with tummy upsets and bad dreams waking her up in the early morning. The other naight was Midsummer and Mette was out on the terrace when Pipski woke up crying. It was obvious that she'd had a bad dream from the way she was crying, so I lulled her by singing to her whilst I made some warm milk (and boy did that milk go down fast!). It's nice of late to feel the bond between us growing stronger as she has begun to reciprocate the love and tenderness that comes with physical expressions of love. I now get just as many hugs and smooches (you can't really call it a kiss when she's gnawing on your nose) as Mette gets.
Life is good.
News from Denmark
The latest polls show the political spectrum has regained its previous balance between left and right, with the gains made during the Mo'toons crisis now a thing of the past. The nationalist Dansk Folkeparti have dropped from a high point of 15% to 12.6% (at the last election they gathered 13.2% of the vote) and the left of centre Radikal Venstre have also dropped 2% to 9.3% ( at the last election RV had 9.2% of the vote). The reasons for this are not clear, but are described in the domestic media as being due to the recent welfare reforms. The social democrats have all but regained their former popularity.
Captain Annemette Hommel is a Danish army officer who was charged with having mistreated Iraqi prisoners in Iraq some two years ago. Along with four other Military Police Officers, Hommel was found guilty of violating the Geneva Conventions regarding the treatment of civilians in January, for having mistreated Iraqi prisoners by refusing them access to a toilet or fresh water during interogations. Hommel and her men appealled the verdict and her re-trial is currently underway in Østre Landsret (Eastern National court). The prosecution has today demanded four months in prison for Hommel, and lesser jail terms for the four MP's.
moif: As far as I am aware, if Hommels appeal is not overturned, she would become Denmark's first official 'war criminal'.
During the night, environmentalists from Greenpeace dumped 35 tons of coal in front of the Folketing (Danish parliment) building, in the shape of a giant Dannebrog (Denmarks flag). Their point was to emphasis the amount of coal Danes use. According to the activists, the average Dane uses 75% more coal than the average Chinese.
"Denmark needs an energy policy that gets us out of the coal age and reduces our dependency on oil. Therefore, Greenpeace has tried to open the politicians eyes today and confront them with the filthy and scandalous over use of coal" said energy and climate co-worker Tarjei Haaland on behalf of Greenpeace.
"Half of all Denmarks electricity is produced by means of burning coal. Denmark uses almost 7 million tons of coal, per year, which corresponds to 1.3 tons per Dane making Denmark's coal consumption amongst the highest in the world.
One third of Denmark's CO2 emissions are the result of burning coal. Coal is that fuel source which releases the most CO2 and Denmark's use of coal makes it difficult for the country to meet its Kyoto obligations. Instead of dealing with the domestic production of CO2, the government has relied on buying quota's and investing in foreign projects.
Apart from the difficulties coal burning imposes when trying to deal with climate problems, coal burning also releases other dangerous elements into the atmosphere, such as SO2, NOx and heavy metals. If the additional costs these emission were added to society's bill, then the sum total would render coal burning far more expensive than the costs of building more wind farms".
moif: Good. Lets build more wind farms!
Captain Annemette Hommel is a Danish army officer who was charged with having mistreated Iraqi prisoners in Iraq some two years ago. Along with four other Military Police Officers, Hommel was found guilty of violating the Geneva Conventions regarding the treatment of civilians in January, for having mistreated Iraqi prisoners by refusing them access to a toilet or fresh water during interogations. Hommel and her men appealled the verdict and her re-trial is currently underway in Østre Landsret (Eastern National court). The prosecution has today demanded four months in prison for Hommel, and lesser jail terms for the four MP's.
moif: As far as I am aware, if Hommels appeal is not overturned, she would become Denmark's first official 'war criminal'.
During the night, environmentalists from Greenpeace dumped 35 tons of coal in front of the Folketing (Danish parliment) building, in the shape of a giant Dannebrog (Denmarks flag). Their point was to emphasis the amount of coal Danes use. According to the activists, the average Dane uses 75% more coal than the average Chinese.
"Denmark needs an energy policy that gets us out of the coal age and reduces our dependency on oil. Therefore, Greenpeace has tried to open the politicians eyes today and confront them with the filthy and scandalous over use of coal" said energy and climate co-worker Tarjei Haaland on behalf of Greenpeace.
"Half of all Denmarks electricity is produced by means of burning coal. Denmark uses almost 7 million tons of coal, per year, which corresponds to 1.3 tons per Dane making Denmark's coal consumption amongst the highest in the world.
One third of Denmark's CO2 emissions are the result of burning coal. Coal is that fuel source which releases the most CO2 and Denmark's use of coal makes it difficult for the country to meet its Kyoto obligations. Instead of dealing with the domestic production of CO2, the government has relied on buying quota's and investing in foreign projects.
Apart from the difficulties coal burning imposes when trying to deal with climate problems, coal burning also releases other dangerous elements into the atmosphere, such as SO2, NOx and heavy metals. If the additional costs these emission were added to society's bill, then the sum total would render coal burning far more expensive than the costs of building more wind farms".
moif: Good. Lets build more wind farms!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Freja
The 'snoos' (a.k.a Thunderpants) went to the beach today. Mette was sick of sitting in the flat when the weather was so good, so she took Freja (and the camera) and went to the same beach as the last time. I stayed at home and had my usual bad day.
At one point my parents came by, hoping to see Pip, but alas, they came in vain. (My Mom has been in the hospital the last few days after operations to remove a swollen lymph gland and a part of her tongue which was cancerous).
The images are in the links below. Unfortunately I have not been able to adjust them since I've taken photoshop off the computer.
Lille Frejamusen var på stranden idag. Mette var træt af at være hjem hele dagen når vejret var så flot, så hun tog ud til stranden. Jeg blev hjem og havde det skidt. På et tidspunkt kom min forældre forbi (min mor har været indlagt for at få fjernet en mulig kræft ramt lymfe kirtel, samt noget af hendes tung).
Heldigvis havde Mette taget kameraet med, men desværre kan jeg ikke lave om på billedernes kvalitet da photoshop er ikke længere på computeren (jeg regner med at geninstallere den lige så snart som jeg kan få computeren istand igen).
Billede 1, billede 2
At one point my parents came by, hoping to see Pip, but alas, they came in vain. (My Mom has been in the hospital the last few days after operations to remove a swollen lymph gland and a part of her tongue which was cancerous).
The images are in the links below. Unfortunately I have not been able to adjust them since I've taken photoshop off the computer.
Lille Frejamusen var på stranden idag. Mette var træt af at være hjem hele dagen når vejret var så flot, så hun tog ud til stranden. Jeg blev hjem og havde det skidt. På et tidspunkt kom min forældre forbi (min mor har været indlagt for at få fjernet en mulig kræft ramt lymfe kirtel, samt noget af hendes tung).
Heldigvis havde Mette taget kameraet med, men desværre kan jeg ikke lave om på billedernes kvalitet da photoshop er ikke længere på computeren (jeg regner med at geninstallere den lige så snart som jeg kan få computeren istand igen).
Billede 1, billede 2
News & comment from Scandinavia
So, the news from Sweden made my eye brows twich today. Apparently a man was spotted walking around the suburb of Stockholm known as Tensta, wearing explosives strapped to his belly.
Worried residents alerted the police who quickly surrounded the man and evacuated the area. It soon transpired that the man was claiming to have been held hostage for the last three days and that unknown persons had strapped a remote controlled bomb to him and turned him loose.
After six hours the police finally managed to release the man from the assumed explosive device. A police spokesperson told the media that the man, a well known petty criminal, was a Norwegian citizen. No motive has yet been advanced though the Swedish media mused with the notion that the man was being punished for having passed on information to the police.
moif: the whole thing was very odd and reminded me of the film 'Swordfish'.
I saw one resident of Tensta, a man of Turkish origin, being interviewed on Swedish TV. He said, he felt that Tensta (which has a huge immigrant Muslim population) was now too dangerous and he was thinking of moving since 'the terrorists had arrived'. It made me laugh since this same sentiment was echoed last year by Nalin Pekgul:
(Translated from the Swedish by me)
"Nalin Pekgul, well-known social democratic advocate of suburbs with a high concentration of immigrants, is leaving her own suburb Tensta because she thinks it has become to insecure. Tensta has become too dangerous for the children, she says. ...
[snip]
The triggering factor was an incident in connection with the Tensta Market earlier this autumn, when a man was hurt by gunshots close to the family's apartment."I was on my way home with my son. There was blood everywhere. It's not funny for an eight-year old to have to see something like that," says Nalin Pekgul. According to rumours, the man survived because he wore a bulletproof vest. A circumstance which also worried Nalin Pekgul."I understood then that many are wearing bulletproof vests here. What has happened here, I wondered. Is this Tensta? I must have missed what has happened here the last years." Link.
To be sure, there isn't very much actually funny about this, but I'm a pessimist at the best of times and its ironic that during the Mo'toons crisis, the Swedish establishment was so free and quick to criticise Denmark.
Worried residents alerted the police who quickly surrounded the man and evacuated the area. It soon transpired that the man was claiming to have been held hostage for the last three days and that unknown persons had strapped a remote controlled bomb to him and turned him loose.
After six hours the police finally managed to release the man from the assumed explosive device. A police spokesperson told the media that the man, a well known petty criminal, was a Norwegian citizen. No motive has yet been advanced though the Swedish media mused with the notion that the man was being punished for having passed on information to the police.
moif: the whole thing was very odd and reminded me of the film 'Swordfish'.
I saw one resident of Tensta, a man of Turkish origin, being interviewed on Swedish TV. He said, he felt that Tensta (which has a huge immigrant Muslim population) was now too dangerous and he was thinking of moving since 'the terrorists had arrived'. It made me laugh since this same sentiment was echoed last year by Nalin Pekgul:
(Translated from the Swedish by me)
"Nalin Pekgul, well-known social democratic advocate of suburbs with a high concentration of immigrants, is leaving her own suburb Tensta because she thinks it has become to insecure. Tensta has become too dangerous for the children, she says. ...
[snip]
The triggering factor was an incident in connection with the Tensta Market earlier this autumn, when a man was hurt by gunshots close to the family's apartment."I was on my way home with my son. There was blood everywhere. It's not funny for an eight-year old to have to see something like that," says Nalin Pekgul. According to rumours, the man survived because he wore a bulletproof vest. A circumstance which also worried Nalin Pekgul."I understood then that many are wearing bulletproof vests here. What has happened here, I wondered. Is this Tensta? I must have missed what has happened here the last years." Link.
To be sure, there isn't very much actually funny about this, but I'm a pessimist at the best of times and its ironic that during the Mo'toons crisis, the Swedish establishment was so free and quick to criticise Denmark.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Germany 2006
And so we have now reached the quarter finals and I based ont he matches thus far I have made some predictions (as posted at AD)
Game 49, 24 June. Germany will defeat Sweden.
Game 50, 24 June. Argentina will annhilate Mexico.
Game 51, 26 June. England will defeat Ecuador
Game 52, 26 June. Holland will defeat Portugal.
Game 53 25 June. Italy will defeat Australia.
Game 54, 25 June. Switzerland will defaet Ukraine.
Game 55, 27 June. Brazil will defeat Ghana.
Game 56, 27 June. Spain will defeat France.
Edited to change the dates about. I don't know why the dates were wrong since I copied them directly from the official FIFA World Cup homepage.
Game 49, 24 June. Germany will defeat Sweden.
Game 50, 24 June. Argentina will annhilate Mexico.
Game 51, 26 June. England will defeat Ecuador
Game 52, 26 June. Holland will defeat Portugal.
Game 53 25 June. Italy will defeat Australia.
Game 54, 25 June. Switzerland will defaet Ukraine.
Game 55, 27 June. Brazil will defeat Ghana.
Game 56, 27 June. Spain will defeat France.
Edited to change the dates about. I don't know why the dates were wrong since I copied them directly from the official FIFA World Cup homepage.
XPletives abound
So far my attempts at re-installing XP have met with scant results. Trying to format the disk prompts the following message:
Windows cannot format this drive. Quit any disk utilities or any other programmes that are using the drive, and make sure no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then try formatting again.
So I have removed everything from my computer except XP and tried to boot my brand new XP Cd rom by going into the BIOS start up menu and changing the boot up sequence...and met with resounding failure. No matter how I change the boot up sequence, the computer continues to boot from the main drive.
So, that leaves three options. Partitioning, or using Oleg's Win98 method. I've been looking at the partitioning 'how to' guide on the microsoft site and it still requires changing the boot up sequence... Argh!
Its enough to do my head in. I'm tempted to simply go with the third option and buy a new (and bigger) hard drive and be done with it.
Windows cannot format this drive. Quit any disk utilities or any other programmes that are using the drive, and make sure no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then try formatting again.
So I have removed everything from my computer except XP and tried to boot my brand new XP Cd rom by going into the BIOS start up menu and changing the boot up sequence...and met with resounding failure. No matter how I change the boot up sequence, the computer continues to boot from the main drive.
So, that leaves three options. Partitioning, or using Oleg's Win98 method. I've been looking at the partitioning 'how to' guide on the microsoft site and it still requires changing the boot up sequence... Argh!
Its enough to do my head in. I'm tempted to simply go with the third option and buy a new (and bigger) hard drive and be done with it.
Monday, June 19, 2006
News from Denmark
Today’s main headline involves a series of threatening letters that have been posted to some one hundred foreigners in the region of North Jutland. According to DR online, these letters carry images of Adolf Hitler and Rudolph Hess and warn the recipients (all of whom are foreigners) to leave Denmark before the ‘war against bastards’ begins. The police have described the letters as disgusting racism, which will not be tolerated, though they admit they have no leads on who sent the letters, which were anonymous. The leader of Denmark’s nazi party has denied any responsibility for the letters describing them as ‘an unsuccessful method of encouraging immigrants to leave Denmark’.
The political landscape in Denmark has shifted further in recent days. During the turmoil of the Mo’toons affair the polls indicated a dramatic shift to the right but in the last two months the numbers indicate a return to the previous equilibrium with the social democrats gradually making up their losses during various domestic political battles (education reform, social welfare reform etc). Now however, the Radikal Venstre party have said they will not, under any condition, support the current head of the Social democrats, Helle Thorning Schmidt.
This statement of ill will has surprised many onlookers since the two parties have joined in a common line during the ongoing welfare reform talks, but according to Margrethe Vestager, who is a high standing member of the Radikal Venstre (is sometimes referred to as the ‘Crown Princess’) the split is due to the Social democrats having adopted the governments policy of no more taxes. (This is a policy the Conservatives vetoed as a precondition for their cooperation, when the government was first joined in 2001) The next election is in 2009, so today’s announcement doesn’t really add up to much except as yet another indication of Marianne Jelved’s (leader of the Radikal Venstre) ambition to become the next Prime Minister.
The political landscape in Denmark has shifted further in recent days. During the turmoil of the Mo’toons affair the polls indicated a dramatic shift to the right but in the last two months the numbers indicate a return to the previous equilibrium with the social democrats gradually making up their losses during various domestic political battles (education reform, social welfare reform etc). Now however, the Radikal Venstre party have said they will not, under any condition, support the current head of the Social democrats, Helle Thorning Schmidt.
This statement of ill will has surprised many onlookers since the two parties have joined in a common line during the ongoing welfare reform talks, but according to Margrethe Vestager, who is a high standing member of the Radikal Venstre (is sometimes referred to as the ‘Crown Princess’) the split is due to the Social democrats having adopted the governments policy of no more taxes. (This is a policy the Conservatives vetoed as a precondition for their cooperation, when the government was first joined in 2001) The next election is in 2009, so today’s announcement doesn’t really add up to much except as yet another indication of Marianne Jelved’s (leader of the Radikal Venstre) ambition to become the next Prime Minister.
Down time
I will probably be off line in the next few days or weeks. My internet connection has been proving very unreliable in the last few days and it looks like my computer's software is also in dire need of maintenance.
I det næste tid vil jeg nok forsvinde fra nettet. Jeg skal fix computeren og har problemere med stofanet. Hvis i vil i kontakt med os, skal i nok ikke regne med at vi kan læse vores e-mail.
I det næste tid vil jeg nok forsvinde fra nettet. Jeg skal fix computeren og har problemere med stofanet. Hvis i vil i kontakt med os, skal i nok ikke regne med at vi kan læse vores e-mail.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Freja
Pipski spent yesterday with Mette and Malene whilst I was engaged with my friends. Here are two images from Kaløvig where the girls discovered a picturesque poppy field. After this they went down to the sea and Mette took a dip (and reports the water to be comfortably warm). Afterwards the girls slept at Malene's place and I didn't seem then until midday today whence I found out that Freja has started replying again. Mette has taught her to say "ahh" when stroking things (Freja petted Malene's little cat thus) and apparently Malene had Freja saying thank you at one point.
I går var Pipski ud sammen med Mette og Malene og her kan man se dem allesammen i en valmurt mark. Bag efter var de ned ved vandet og Mette var ud og svømme i havet. Jeg var ikke med da det var Torsdag så jeg havde min venner på besøge. Pigerne sov hos Malene og jeg så dem igen først i dag ved middagstid. Det viste sig at Freja var begyndte at sige ting igen og hun kælede ved Malene's kat mens hun sagde "Æhh". Mette fortælte også at Freja havde sagt tak til Malene flere gang.
Og nu skal jeg se noget mere fussball! Weiter, weiter ins Verderben
Germany 2006
Am currently watching the Agentina Vs Serbia game and cringing for the poor Serbs... so far its 5-0 and the Serb supporters look like they're in shell shock. I have nothing against the Serbs (even though their artillery shelled my lilttle brother and one of their snipers took a pot shot at his head back in '95) and nothing agaínst the Argentinians either (though as a boy I cheered happily when the British Army kicked them out of the Falklands)....
Ooops... make that 6-0! ...its starting to look like Argentina might break the record (which I think was Hungry 9 Vs South Korea 1) back in the day. That would be cool...naw... only one minute to go now....Poor Serbia. I see that fat slob Maradonna is in the crowd, cheering his head off.
Yesterdays role playing interupted the flow, but I kept an eye on the scores and was mollified to see England and Sweden creeping along with such feeble presentations. So far I'm think Spain, Germany and now Argentina may all have the best chance...but I'm not really all that sure about Germany...
Ooops... make that 6-0! ...its starting to look like Argentina might break the record (which I think was Hungry 9 Vs South Korea 1) back in the day. That would be cool...naw... only one minute to go now....Poor Serbia. I see that fat slob Maradonna is in the crowd, cheering his head off.
Yesterdays role playing interupted the flow, but I kept an eye on the scores and was mollified to see England and Sweden creeping along with such feeble presentations. So far I'm think Spain, Germany and now Argentina may all have the best chance...but I'm not really all that sure about Germany...
News & comment from Denmark: Extremism & violence
According to todays DR online and the Berlingske Tiderne newspaper, research done by the Danish Institute for International Studies shows Denmark has produced no more than thirty or so Islamic extremists and of these all originate from only three or four (out of one hundred and fourteen) mosques.
Currently there is one major group identified, and currently under legal proceedings, known as the Glostrup cell, who are charged with participating in an attempt at carrying out a suicide bombing of the American embassy in Bosnia. It is noted by Michael Taarnby of the DIIS that the members og the Glostrup cell were only 12 years old when the World Trade Center was destroyed.
moif: If the DIIS findings are accurate then two thoughts spring immedietely to my mind. The first, a question, wonders at what the criteria for being considered an Islamic extremist is, for in my mind, Abu Laban is most certainly an Islamic extremist, as is Asmaa Abdol Hamid. In fact I would say that any one who advocates the introduction of Sharia law is an extremist. Muslim or otherwise.
The second thought concerns social violence. The DIIS study does not take this ever growing phenomenon into account, and I have no doubt this is because social violence is not considered a particularly Muslim problem... this despite the fact that 60% of the inmates of Copenhagen's prisons speak Arabic.
Erik Meier Carlsen, editor of BT, has an opinion piece on the subject of social violence, looking particularly at the growing problem of violence in Danish schools. Carlsen's take describes how the evolution of Danish society, over the course of the last many generations moved violence out of the work places and schools, out of society in general and placed it firmly into the hands of the state institutions, the military and the police.
With the influx of so many immigrants into Danish society however, other social traditions have been introduced into what was, once, a very safe nation. Ethnic groups, especially from the Middle East, brought with them a tradition of social violence that leaves Danish school teachers helpless in the face of an ever spreading and ever more technically savvy, culture of violence.
I largely agree with Carlsen, though the problem isn't just rowdy Muslims. The whole trend of globalisation has brought with it a global culture that glorifies violence and seeks to put it onto the internet for all to see and 'enjoy'. I recall browsing a 'funny video's' site (the sort of place where people's home video's show cats falling from sofa's and kids crashing on their bikes in the back yard) back in 2000. Suddenly I found myself confronted with a short video clip of a young Russian soldier, lying onthe ground, a boot on his head, and as he struggled in vain, having his throat sliced open by a large hunting knife. This was my first experience of the Chechen Mujahideen.
As a consequence of seeing that video, I have avoided the video's of hostages being beheaded in Iraq, but I have been aware, by various stories in the Danish media, that in schools all across the nation, children have been engaged in 'happy slapping'. That is to say, beating up younger children and recording their sordid bullying on their cell phone's. Some teachers have also reported finding Muslim children, crowded about phones, and crying out "Allahu akbar!" as they watch the latest text message video from Iraq.
The irony is, people call Zarqawi a shrewd terrorist because he made such use of the internet to spread the spectacle of his murders to the whole planet. Even seasoned journalists have identified this trait as being Zarqawi's 'stroke of genius'. It makes me laugh that people can be so dull.
When school children all across the world are carrying out much the same idea as the worst terrorists the human race can offer, then there is something much more dangerous going on than can be so easily explained away as a 'stroke of genius' or as just 30 or so extremists coming from 3 or 4 mosques.
Currently there is one major group identified, and currently under legal proceedings, known as the Glostrup cell, who are charged with participating in an attempt at carrying out a suicide bombing of the American embassy in Bosnia. It is noted by Michael Taarnby of the DIIS that the members og the Glostrup cell were only 12 years old when the World Trade Center was destroyed.
moif: If the DIIS findings are accurate then two thoughts spring immedietely to my mind. The first, a question, wonders at what the criteria for being considered an Islamic extremist is, for in my mind, Abu Laban is most certainly an Islamic extremist, as is Asmaa Abdol Hamid. In fact I would say that any one who advocates the introduction of Sharia law is an extremist. Muslim or otherwise.
The second thought concerns social violence. The DIIS study does not take this ever growing phenomenon into account, and I have no doubt this is because social violence is not considered a particularly Muslim problem... this despite the fact that 60% of the inmates of Copenhagen's prisons speak Arabic.
Erik Meier Carlsen, editor of BT, has an opinion piece on the subject of social violence, looking particularly at the growing problem of violence in Danish schools. Carlsen's take describes how the evolution of Danish society, over the course of the last many generations moved violence out of the work places and schools, out of society in general and placed it firmly into the hands of the state institutions, the military and the police.
With the influx of so many immigrants into Danish society however, other social traditions have been introduced into what was, once, a very safe nation. Ethnic groups, especially from the Middle East, brought with them a tradition of social violence that leaves Danish school teachers helpless in the face of an ever spreading and ever more technically savvy, culture of violence.
I largely agree with Carlsen, though the problem isn't just rowdy Muslims. The whole trend of globalisation has brought with it a global culture that glorifies violence and seeks to put it onto the internet for all to see and 'enjoy'. I recall browsing a 'funny video's' site (the sort of place where people's home video's show cats falling from sofa's and kids crashing on their bikes in the back yard) back in 2000. Suddenly I found myself confronted with a short video clip of a young Russian soldier, lying onthe ground, a boot on his head, and as he struggled in vain, having his throat sliced open by a large hunting knife. This was my first experience of the Chechen Mujahideen.
As a consequence of seeing that video, I have avoided the video's of hostages being beheaded in Iraq, but I have been aware, by various stories in the Danish media, that in schools all across the nation, children have been engaged in 'happy slapping'. That is to say, beating up younger children and recording their sordid bullying on their cell phone's. Some teachers have also reported finding Muslim children, crowded about phones, and crying out "Allahu akbar!" as they watch the latest text message video from Iraq.
The irony is, people call Zarqawi a shrewd terrorist because he made such use of the internet to spread the spectacle of his murders to the whole planet. Even seasoned journalists have identified this trait as being Zarqawi's 'stroke of genius'. It makes me laugh that people can be so dull.
When school children all across the world are carrying out much the same idea as the worst terrorists the human race can offer, then there is something much more dangerous going on than can be so easily explained away as a 'stroke of genius' or as just 30 or so extremists coming from 3 or 4 mosques.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
ISS
On Saturday, at 23:58.17, the International Space Station will pass directly over Denmark and Denmarks meteorolgical Institute has forecast a clear sky so the station should be visible with the naked eye, even in Århus. I will certainly be on the terrace looking up!
Germany 2006
Its hot, today we had 30 C in the shade and it felt like real summer! Am now listening to the 'Live in Berlin' version of 'Buck Dich'
Alas I spent most of the day prostrate in front of the box, waiting for the Brazil game and sorting out old reference images (part of my big summer clean out). I had so many old news paper clippings, pin ups, post cards and assorted sketch work that I'd stuck into ring binders meaning to get around to using it at 'a later date'. I also had a mound of role playing and sci fi idea's that were upwards of fifteen years out of date. I put 11 ring binders and 5 folders full of crap into the bin today.
I love shedding dead skin!
So any way... the World Cup... France Vs Switzerland was an almighty major snore fest. I can't believe the French are still relying on old man Zidane. They must be fucking desprate!
...excuse my French.
Mette was in the room with me (sewing baby clothes) whilst South Korea beat Togo and we both cheered on the Asians seeing as how they were all so small compared to the Africans, but really, my heart was impatient to see Brazil playing Kroatia.
Apart from Denmark, I think Brazil is my favourite team (I'm still hopping the Germans or the Brits win the contest though). Mostly because they are so damned good, but also because they play with such a laid back flair. Its like watching an angelic ballet at times.
By the way, Wikipedia, as usual, has excellent info on the games.
Alas I spent most of the day prostrate in front of the box, waiting for the Brazil game and sorting out old reference images (part of my big summer clean out). I had so many old news paper clippings, pin ups, post cards and assorted sketch work that I'd stuck into ring binders meaning to get around to using it at 'a later date'. I also had a mound of role playing and sci fi idea's that were upwards of fifteen years out of date. I put 11 ring binders and 5 folders full of crap into the bin today.
I love shedding dead skin!
So any way... the World Cup... France Vs Switzerland was an almighty major snore fest. I can't believe the French are still relying on old man Zidane. They must be fucking desprate!
...excuse my French.
Mette was in the room with me (sewing baby clothes) whilst South Korea beat Togo and we both cheered on the Asians seeing as how they were all so small compared to the Africans, but really, my heart was impatient to see Brazil playing Kroatia.
Apart from Denmark, I think Brazil is my favourite team (I'm still hopping the Germans or the Brits win the contest though). Mostly because they are so damned good, but also because they play with such a laid back flair. Its like watching an angelic ballet at times.
By the way, Wikipedia, as usual, has excellent info on the games.
Monday, June 12, 2006
News from Denmark: Thats what friends are for!
So… Anders Fogh Rasmussen, our not so popular, Prime Minister, is in the USA at the moment and (as some of you have noticed) he’s been getting a deal of attention in the USA where supporters for the Bush administration are few and far between. DR (TV) news had a bit about the visit and showed Fogh on CNN and being interviewed by US journalists. It was gratifying to see him affirm Denmark’s support of the USA and in particular of the work being done by coalition forces in Iraq....
I was actually proud of him, the old boot faced sod. It would have been worth gold to see the faces of the Socialist opposition watching Fogh on TV.
…. Not least because the latest figures reveal that during, and after, the Mo’toons boycott of Danish goods by Muslims, Denmark’s exports grew by 7% above normal and what made the big difference was the United States buying Danish produce. Heh heh heh heh… that just made my day! We actually made money on the whole debacle!
And screw you Jack Straw!
There’s a whole bunch of other news, concerning social violence, political posturing and other such things but I’m in too good a mood to bother with them.
I was actually proud of him, the old boot faced sod. It would have been worth gold to see the faces of the Socialist opposition watching Fogh on TV.
…. Not least because the latest figures reveal that during, and after, the Mo’toons boycott of Danish goods by Muslims, Denmark’s exports grew by 7% above normal and what made the big difference was the United States buying Danish produce. Heh heh heh heh… that just made my day! We actually made money on the whole debacle!
And screw you Jack Straw!
There’s a whole bunch of other news, concerning social violence, political posturing and other such things but I’m in too good a mood to bother with them.
Germany 2006
It’s been a good day today, really hot with lots of great football matches. The Australia Vs Japan match was excellent, and although I was rooting for the Japanese (they being so small) I was overjoyed to see the Aussie’s put three goals away in only 8 minutes to go from a humiliating defeat to a decisive victory.
The USA Vs Czech game was less interesting with the Americans being given a lesson in Eastern European football. Again, I was rooting for the losers, but I didn’t mind the defeat (I’m not American) since it was a deserved victory. The crème de la crème however came with the Ghana Vs Italia match. I was rooting for the Italians (I love Italy) and I thought the Ghanans played pretty dirty and deserved to lose.
In between matches I sat in the sunshine (25 C n the shade) and played with Pipski, who also had a great day (Images coming soon) Am now listening to 'Wollt ihr das bett im flammen' by Rammstein, and I'm in a particularly good mood tonight!
The USA Vs Czech game was less interesting with the Americans being given a lesson in Eastern European football. Again, I was rooting for the losers, but I didn’t mind the defeat (I’m not American) since it was a deserved victory. The crème de la crème however came with the Ghana Vs Italia match. I was rooting for the Italians (I love Italy) and I thought the Ghanans played pretty dirty and deserved to lose.
In between matches I sat in the sunshine (25 C n the shade) and played with Pipski, who also had a great day (Images coming soon) Am now listening to 'Wollt ihr das bett im flammen' by Rammstein, and I'm in a particularly good mood tonight!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Freja
The Pip has had a good week, all things considered (no images I'm afraid) She started out with a snuffle and evolved into a cough, but this doesn't seem to bother her much... though it bothers me since she infected me and now my throat hurts when I swallow.
Today, was a bright sunny day and the girls (with Malene) were out and about, enjoying the sunshine (and its finally starting to look summer like here) whilst I sat in doors watching a bunch of men kicking a ball about.
Development wise, Freja is coming along in fits and starts. She hasn't responded verbally to greetings in the last two weeks at all (still waves a lot though) but I'm assuming this is merely because its boring. Her latest games involve a lot of crawling about at high speed, adventuring and exploring the flat. She also huffles and puffs a lot whilst mumbling to herself. She is so cute!
She's also starting to get little blonde curls around her ears.
Pipsen har haft en god uge (alt taget i betragtning) Hun har haft en forkølelse som nu er den blevet til et host men hun er åbenbart ligeglad. Jeg er også bleven smittet (som sædvænligt)
I dag var en rigtig solskins dag i Århus, og pigerne tog med 'Moster Malene' ud og omkring mens jeg sad og gloede VM (jeg har haft det ret skidt i dag også med ny blødninger. Fændeme typisk!)
Freja har ikke besvaret mig her på det sidste. Hun vinker hele tiden men hun har ikke sagte 'Hej hej' i ti dage nu. Det betyder nok at hun syntes ikke det er sjovt mere. Nu har hun nogle ny spil som gå ud på at kravler rundt om i lejligheden på eventyr mens hun mumbler of grynter til sig selv. Hun er så sød!
Hun har også begyndte at få små krølle omkring hendes ører.
Today, was a bright sunny day and the girls (with Malene) were out and about, enjoying the sunshine (and its finally starting to look summer like here) whilst I sat in doors watching a bunch of men kicking a ball about.
Development wise, Freja is coming along in fits and starts. She hasn't responded verbally to greetings in the last two weeks at all (still waves a lot though) but I'm assuming this is merely because its boring. Her latest games involve a lot of crawling about at high speed, adventuring and exploring the flat. She also huffles and puffs a lot whilst mumbling to herself. She is so cute!
She's also starting to get little blonde curls around her ears.
Pipsen har haft en god uge (alt taget i betragtning) Hun har haft en forkølelse som nu er den blevet til et host men hun er åbenbart ligeglad. Jeg er også bleven smittet (som sædvænligt)
I dag var en rigtig solskins dag i Århus, og pigerne tog med 'Moster Malene' ud og omkring mens jeg sad og gloede VM (jeg har haft det ret skidt i dag også med ny blødninger. Fændeme typisk!)
Freja har ikke besvaret mig her på det sidste. Hun vinker hele tiden men hun har ikke sagte 'Hej hej' i ti dage nu. Det betyder nok at hun syntes ikke det er sjovt mere. Nu har hun nogle ny spil som gå ud på at kravler rundt om i lejligheden på eventyr mens hun mumbler of grynter til sig selv. Hun er så sød!
Hun har også begyndte at få små krølle omkring hendes ører.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
'Le Grand Galley'
My friend Oleg has finished the principle construction of his 28mm scale galley (he may rebuilt the fore castle he says) and here are three views of the model, as taken on Thursday. Its really quite a nice model and I can't wait to use it. Of course I have to finish my Nao and that means having the space to do so... I've rearranged my room to accomidate another work space since up until now my games projects have had to compete with my image making projects and I hope to be able to do both soon.
Germany 2006
I was prepared to cheer on the English side, but felt oddly indifferent when the national anthems were being played. Usually that English anthem makes my heart swell with recollections of my childhood and a feeling of fraternity with the Brits, but, and I don't know why, ever since Beckham became Captain, I've not felt the old glow of pride.
Frankly, I think the guy is over rated. In fact I'm sure he is so popular only because he married that Spice Girl because he is an appalling football player in my experience (granted I've never seen him play a league match... or even score a goal now I think about it). Anyway, the game was boring. I'd have had more fun watching a bunch of school kids playing than the 92 minute somnambulation that was Englands opening world cup match. Why, even their goal was an own goal gift rather than any evidence of inspired playing by an English team member.
Later I watched the Sweden Vs Trinidad and Tobago game and although no goals were scored, I was far more entertained. The Swedes and the Trini-Tobagans had far more verve and energy than either England or Paraguay.
Frankly, I think the guy is over rated. In fact I'm sure he is so popular only because he married that Spice Girl because he is an appalling football player in my experience (granted I've never seen him play a league match... or even score a goal now I think about it). Anyway, the game was boring. I'd have had more fun watching a bunch of school kids playing than the 92 minute somnambulation that was Englands opening world cup match. Why, even their goal was an own goal gift rather than any evidence of inspired playing by an English team member.
Later I watched the Sweden Vs Trinidad and Tobago game and although no goals were scored, I was far more entertained. The Swedes and the Trini-Tobagans had far more verve and energy than either England or Paraguay.
News from Denmark
Danish researchers have isolated the gene which may cause asthma. The long-term expectation is that the find will improve the treatment of asthma patients, as people carrying the gene will be able to receive a more precise diagnosis and enter treatment earlier.
The scientists behind the discovery of the gene are from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital. Their search began in 1996, and there has been fierce international competition to find the gene.
English article.
It has been discovered that hundreds of old Danish landscape paintings, by such artists as Janus La Cour, H.A. Brendekilde and Peder Mønsted, have been bought by Russian art swindlers, touched up with added Russian details, such as orthodox churches being painted over Danish churches, and then sold as forged Russian masterpieces for large sums of money. Art dealers in Austria, Germany, Finland and Sweden have noted a similar trend. It is reckoned that at least 150 classical Danish paintings have been bought and mistreated in this way.
Who is faking the great paintings of Russia?
In Gjellerup, a suburb of Århus with a heavy immigrant population, an anti Islamic demonstration, by a group calling it self ‘Stop the Islamification of Denmark’ mustered 12 old age pensioners with paper flags. But still managed to cause a minor riot today when upwards of sixty youths wearing Palestinian style scarves and waving various middle eastern flags attacked the police and media with fireworks and stones in retaliation. No one was arrested and the police broke the demonstrations. TV images showed journalists being hit my a mass of stones and fire works, then being told to withdraw in the interests of public safety by the police chief.
Later on, in the southern Danish town of Svendborg, two opposing political groups (left & right wing extremists) clashed in opposing demonstrations regarding racism and immigration. The right wing group was heavily out numbered and the Police arrested 19 and broke up the demonstrations before it could get out of hand.
moif: Thus, 19 Danes were arrested in Svendborg, basically for shouting at each other, whilst in Gjellerup, 60 Muslim kids threw rocks and fireworks at the police and not one single person was arrested...
In the ongoing ‘honour killing trial’ two Pakistani witnesses have told the court that they have been threatened against testifying (they did so anyway) providing further evidence against the accused. This trial (which deals with the public murder of 18 year old Ghazala Khan by her brother) has been in headlines of the national media for the last two weeks now. Both of the Pakistani witnesses have told much the same story, though one has told that Ghazala Khan knelt and begged forgiveness in the moments before she was shot and was told, ‘it is to late for you’.
moif: There has been a lot of social violence of late. In the last week a young Turk was stabbed and killed by two Lebenese kids in Århus and the day before a Brit was near decapitated by a mentally deranged bloke in Copenhagen. According to JP, when the Lebenese kids (who turned themselves in rather than be caught by the Turks family) were presented at the preliminary inquest, they were shouted at by several female members of the Turks family telling them they were 'dead men!'.
The scientists behind the discovery of the gene are from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital. Their search began in 1996, and there has been fierce international competition to find the gene.
English article.
It has been discovered that hundreds of old Danish landscape paintings, by such artists as Janus La Cour, H.A. Brendekilde and Peder Mønsted, have been bought by Russian art swindlers, touched up with added Russian details, such as orthodox churches being painted over Danish churches, and then sold as forged Russian masterpieces for large sums of money. Art dealers in Austria, Germany, Finland and Sweden have noted a similar trend. It is reckoned that at least 150 classical Danish paintings have been bought and mistreated in this way.
Who is faking the great paintings of Russia?
In Gjellerup, a suburb of Århus with a heavy immigrant population, an anti Islamic demonstration, by a group calling it self ‘Stop the Islamification of Denmark’ mustered 12 old age pensioners with paper flags. But still managed to cause a minor riot today when upwards of sixty youths wearing Palestinian style scarves and waving various middle eastern flags attacked the police and media with fireworks and stones in retaliation. No one was arrested and the police broke the demonstrations. TV images showed journalists being hit my a mass of stones and fire works, then being told to withdraw in the interests of public safety by the police chief.
Later on, in the southern Danish town of Svendborg, two opposing political groups (left & right wing extremists) clashed in opposing demonstrations regarding racism and immigration. The right wing group was heavily out numbered and the Police arrested 19 and broke up the demonstrations before it could get out of hand.
moif: Thus, 19 Danes were arrested in Svendborg, basically for shouting at each other, whilst in Gjellerup, 60 Muslim kids threw rocks and fireworks at the police and not one single person was arrested...
In the ongoing ‘honour killing trial’ two Pakistani witnesses have told the court that they have been threatened against testifying (they did so anyway) providing further evidence against the accused. This trial (which deals with the public murder of 18 year old Ghazala Khan by her brother) has been in headlines of the national media for the last two weeks now. Both of the Pakistani witnesses have told much the same story, though one has told that Ghazala Khan knelt and begged forgiveness in the moments before she was shot and was told, ‘it is to late for you’.
moif: There has been a lot of social violence of late. In the last week a young Turk was stabbed and killed by two Lebenese kids in Århus and the day before a Brit was near decapitated by a mentally deranged bloke in Copenhagen. According to JP, when the Lebenese kids (who turned themselves in rather than be caught by the Turks family) were presented at the preliminary inquest, they were shouted at by several female members of the Turks family telling them they were 'dead men!'.
Germany 2006
Unlike the Grimsby Wargamer, I am into the World Cup and I watched (or semi watched) the opening game with satisfaction. Most of the time I was busy moving my large books shelving unit from one side of the room to the other, but I managed to catch two of the goals as they were happening.
I cheered on Germany because they are our neighbours... and I have a soft spot for them in football games... and I love their national anthem! It actually brought tears to my eyes as I listened to it (classical German music is so beautiful! the 4 movement of Beetheovens 9th always gets me going). When they were up 3-1, I was kind of hoping the Germans would seal the game with a last goal, but their defending line up was terrible and it was not to be... alas. It would have been a cool start to the tournament if the Germans had massacred them with 4 goals to 1.
England plays tomorrow afternoon and I'll be watching that one as well.
The Swedes are also playing and I hope they get thrashed!
=)
I cheered on Germany because they are our neighbours... and I have a soft spot for them in football games... and I love their national anthem! It actually brought tears to my eyes as I listened to it (classical German music is so beautiful! the 4 movement of Beetheovens 9th always gets me going). When they were up 3-1, I was kind of hoping the Germans would seal the game with a last goal, but their defending line up was terrible and it was not to be... alas. It would have been a cool start to the tournament if the Germans had massacred them with 4 goals to 1.
England plays tomorrow afternoon and I'll be watching that one as well.
The Swedes are also playing and I hope they get thrashed!
=)
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Freja
Here are some recent images, uploaded just for Malene! (I still haven't gotten around to reinstalling XP yet, I've been trying to save all my links and figuring out what needs to be kept... I'm very slow)
News from Denmark: The Mo'toons affair
This is a direct translation of a news article on DR news...
From DR news online.
07. June. 2006
School children not allowed to borrow Mohammed book.
Several school libraries (in Denmark) are not allowing students to borrow Kåre Bluitgens much-debated book ‘The Quran and the Life of Mohammed’.
The book, which inspired Jyllands Posten to print the Mohammed Cartoons has otherwise sold well and had good reviews, including in the School Library Organisations own magazine in which the book is described as a ‘gift to any school library, both for Muslim children and to all the rest of us”.
Uncensored.
At Park School in Struer the book is not even on the shelves though.
“This is not due to the Mohammed cartoons case, or that we intend to censor the book” says the school librarian Søren Langkjær, “but it is because it is a very violent book and if read without the guidance of an adult it will give a wrong impression of Islam, and not least of the Muslims view of other religions”.
Understanding the reaction.
Jørgen Bæk Simonsen is a scholar of Islam at Copenhagen University and, to some degree, understands the school libraries caution.
“Over all, this is not an appropriate book for a child to read alone. It is a historical document and therefore its important that children receive the story of Mohammed in the correct context”
The author of the book is baffled though.
“If there is anything wrong with the book, then it is more likely due to its being so uncritical of Mohammed since I used the traditional, Muslim sources” he says. “When one considers that the libraries have no problems in lending out copies of The Bible then this seems like a misplaced consideration for Islam”.
From DR news online.
07. June. 2006
School children not allowed to borrow Mohammed book.
Several school libraries (in Denmark) are not allowing students to borrow Kåre Bluitgens much-debated book ‘The Quran and the Life of Mohammed’.
The book, which inspired Jyllands Posten to print the Mohammed Cartoons has otherwise sold well and had good reviews, including in the School Library Organisations own magazine in which the book is described as a ‘gift to any school library, both for Muslim children and to all the rest of us”.
Uncensored.
At Park School in Struer the book is not even on the shelves though.
“This is not due to the Mohammed cartoons case, or that we intend to censor the book” says the school librarian Søren Langkjær, “but it is because it is a very violent book and if read without the guidance of an adult it will give a wrong impression of Islam, and not least of the Muslims view of other religions”.
Understanding the reaction.
Jørgen Bæk Simonsen is a scholar of Islam at Copenhagen University and, to some degree, understands the school libraries caution.
“Over all, this is not an appropriate book for a child to read alone. It is a historical document and therefore its important that children receive the story of Mohammed in the correct context”
The author of the book is baffled though.
“If there is anything wrong with the book, then it is more likely due to its being so uncritical of Mohammed since I used the traditional, Muslim sources” he says. “When one considers that the libraries have no problems in lending out copies of The Bible then this seems like a misplaced consideration for Islam”.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Post Captain
By Patrick O'Brian
This is the second book in O'Brians lengthy series about the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, the physician and spy Stephen Maturin. Unlike the first book 'Master and Commander', this one concentrates on more than just a maritime theme in that it introduces the theme of romance, along with all the jealousy and drama that entails.
For my part its a lesser book than 'Master and Commander'. I find that it is a darker, gloomier read ...but in a way this kind of enhances the difference in feel since the first book took place in the sun filled Mediterranean and this novel (mostly) takes place in and around the English channel.
So... Its not really as good a read as the first book, but this is only a matter of degree due to a change in emphasis and the book is still recommendable.
This is the second book in O'Brians lengthy series about the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, the physician and spy Stephen Maturin. Unlike the first book 'Master and Commander', this one concentrates on more than just a maritime theme in that it introduces the theme of romance, along with all the jealousy and drama that entails.
For my part its a lesser book than 'Master and Commander'. I find that it is a darker, gloomier read ...but in a way this kind of enhances the difference in feel since the first book took place in the sun filled Mediterranean and this novel (mostly) takes place in and around the English channel.
So... Its not really as good a read as the first book, but this is only a matter of degree due to a change in emphasis and the book is still recommendable.
Artist of the Month: Kurt Trampedach
Despite his reclusive nature Kurt Trampedach is probably the most popular Danish artist around and this is in small amount due to the body of figurative work he produced in the 1980's. His most popular poster image is the above (titled 'Anette') which Trampedach produced whilst living in New York. (I have this poster hanging above my computer)
In later years, he moved to the south of France and focused on painting unusual dwarf like figures with opulent features. Quite what this large body of unusual paintings is meant to represent is not clear to me, but its obviously something important to Trampedach since he's spent up to the last two decades playing about with the same motif. I much prefer his earlier efforts however, and though the essential elements of his figurative style remains the same I can't bring myself to love his later works which are too uniform and repetative.
When I was studying in England, I used to watch a video'ed DR documentary titled 'The Man on the Mountain' about Trampedach each time I returned home. This programme was filmed in the south of France and caught Trampedach at the beginning of his 'dwarf period' but had an interesting perspective on the artistic endeavours of the man and his method. I used to watch this programme and feel a sense of inspiration that I tried to carry back to school with me after each holiday...
It didn't do me much good in the end, and I eventually fell under the spell of other artists, but I still nurture a sense of admiration and respect for Trampedach, even though I've lost the thread of his work.
Kurt Trampedach's home page
Freja
Poor lil Pip is all snuffling and ill at the moment (and I'm coming down with it tonight as well) She's had a rough few days with troubled nights and much grizzling and whining during the day... except of course when guests were here... then she perks up considerably.
Unfortunately I have no images to post either since the computer is now empty of all our images and files as I prepare to reinstall Windows XP. If I disapear for a few days or weeks, then you'll know why!
Stakkels lil Pipski er noget så syg med forkølse for tiden (og har nu givet den videre til mig). Hun har haft en elendigt på dage og nætter og har haft stor besvær med at fald til ro om natten. Det eneste tidspunkt hvor hun har været helt normalt er når vi har haft besøgende, for så er hun glad. Hun elsker selskab og nyt omkring sig.
Desværre har jeg ikke noget billede lige for tiden da jeg har tømt computeren for alt i for bederelse for at geninstallere Windows XP. Hvis jeg lige pludsigt forsvinder, så ved du hvorfor.
Unfortunately I have no images to post either since the computer is now empty of all our images and files as I prepare to reinstall Windows XP. If I disapear for a few days or weeks, then you'll know why!
Stakkels lil Pipski er noget så syg med forkølse for tiden (og har nu givet den videre til mig). Hun har haft en elendigt på dage og nætter og har haft stor besvær med at fald til ro om natten. Det eneste tidspunkt hvor hun har været helt normalt er når vi har haft besøgende, for så er hun glad. Hun elsker selskab og nyt omkring sig.
Desværre har jeg ikke noget billede lige for tiden da jeg har tømt computeren for alt i for bederelse for at geninstallere Windows XP. Hvis jeg lige pludsigt forsvinder, så ved du hvorfor.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Pinsedag
I have no idea what this day is called in English. Its a christian holiday of some sort or other but I don't know what its about and I don't really care. We had a good but noisy day. Not only was the church up the road banging away on their bell but the fire crews were out many times and their sirens are LOUD!
My in laws came by and Mette made Brit style fish 'n' chips which she didn't think were right, but which I enjoyed immensely. Pipski had a fine time with her Mormor (maternal grandmother) but due to a passing cold slobbered on everything and every one all day long... actually, she's been having a rough few days & nights of late, what with the snuffles and blocked nose.
After the others had been out walking, Auntie Lillian came by and we all sat about the table and solved the worlds problems. I stayed at home all day since the last week has been a helterskelter ride and I wasn't sure I'd make it. Some what chilled by the low temperature in the house I carried on drawing my Samurai image and I'm quite satisfied with it. Its not bad considering how out of practice I am become... its still only a line image at this stage, but I reckon I'll start inking the lines in tomorrow.
Right now I'm listening to Vaughn Williams excellent second symphony which is dedicated to the city of London and considering whether or not I ought to add another Samurai and some Ashigaru in the background of the image... to give it more depth. In truth the image is only a 'training exersize'... but I have a fatal flaw for perfectionism... Here is the image from 'Throne of Blood', by Akira Kurosawa I'm using as my starting point.... you can't go far wrong with good old Toshio Mifune!
My in laws came by and Mette made Brit style fish 'n' chips which she didn't think were right, but which I enjoyed immensely. Pipski had a fine time with her Mormor (maternal grandmother) but due to a passing cold slobbered on everything and every one all day long... actually, she's been having a rough few days & nights of late, what with the snuffles and blocked nose.
After the others had been out walking, Auntie Lillian came by and we all sat about the table and solved the worlds problems. I stayed at home all day since the last week has been a helterskelter ride and I wasn't sure I'd make it. Some what chilled by the low temperature in the house I carried on drawing my Samurai image and I'm quite satisfied with it. Its not bad considering how out of practice I am become... its still only a line image at this stage, but I reckon I'll start inking the lines in tomorrow.
Right now I'm listening to Vaughn Williams excellent second symphony which is dedicated to the city of London and considering whether or not I ought to add another Samurai and some Ashigaru in the background of the image... to give it more depth. In truth the image is only a 'training exersize'... but I have a fatal flaw for perfectionism... Here is the image from 'Throne of Blood', by Akira Kurosawa I'm using as my starting point.... you can't go far wrong with good old Toshio Mifune!
During our conversations around the dinner table we touched briefly on the rudeness of the French and I was reminded of something which was said when Christian, 'Ghost' and Maya were here a few weeks ago. In the world, many people look on Europeans and think them rude and arrogant, where as in Europe, every one looks on the French as being rude and arrogant.... in France then, every one looks at the Parisians as being rude and arrogant... so I wonder if, in Paris there is a city district which is considered to be ruder and more arrogant than the rest, and within this district, perhaps there is a particular street where the people are the rudest most arrogant and in this street there is one house in particular... and in that house there is one particularly obnoxious and rude old fellow, who lives in the basement and who is the physical embodiment of European arrogance...
Perhaps there is also such a person in the USA? After all, the US has a pretty poor reputation for arrogance also, and in my experience, there are none so arrogant as the Texans... Perhaps, some where in Texas (or the White House?) there is a fellow so rude and obnoxious that he is the physical embodiment of American arrogance?
Saturday, June 03, 2006
News from Denmark
The police have arrested a twenty one year old man for the murder of nineteen year old Khurram Wagar who was beaten to death at the gates of Christiania. Very few details have emerged, but it transpires the dead man was of Pakistani origin and a stranger to the ‘Free state’. More arrests are expected since the murder suspect did not act alone. The inhabitants of Christiania have, in recent days made their outrage at the violence well known in the national media (but I noted they all distanced themselves as to the cause: the open sale of illegal drugs that they, as a community tolerate). According to BT nor was it the people of Christiania who helped the police to catch the suspected murderer. Kriminalinspektør Ove Dahl is quoted by BT as saying:
After a general meeting held at Christiania, we haven't had any response or received any information from the people there. We hope that now the case is moving forwards, the people there will come to their senses.
---
Also in the national media at this time is the court case of last years prominent ‘honour killing’ of eighteen-year-old Ghazala Khan, where by her Pakistani family conspired together to execute their daughter and her newly wed Afghani husband. The girl’s brother gunned both down in broad daylight and the event was witnessed, and photographed by members of the public. Given the public nature of the killing the brother can hardly claim his innocence, but the prosecution is currently charging the slain girls entire family with conspiracy to commit murder. Each day has brought fresh revelations as various witnesses have testified and a clear picture of a family bent on mortal revenge is becoming clear.
Yesterday the husband, who survived the attack, related how his wife was terrified of her family and the retribution they would bring upon her for having married some one who did not meet with her family’s prior blessing. Her last words were translated as ‘My Brother! What are you doing?”
---
A recent opinion poll, taken in the aftermath of the recent stories of US marines killing innocent civilians has shown that for the first time, the majority of Danes (51%) now favour withdrawing Danish troops from Iraq. Naturally the socialist opposition greeted this news enthusiastically with several prominent opposition politicians making (what I can only describe as extremely biased and exceptionally unfair) broad statements against the US government and its military adventures in the ‘Muslim world’. Only 40% of those polled indicated a desire for Danish troops to remain in Iraq.
---
Yesterday the Folketing (Danish parliament) passed a law that allows lesbian couples to receive the same rights to state funded artificial insemination as is given to heterosexual couples. In order for this to happen, several members of the governing Liberal Conservative party Venstre, had to vote against their own partners in government, the conservatives. As a consequence both the conservatives and the nationalist Danske Folkeparti have come out with strong condemnations of the way by which the PM Anders Fogh Rasmussen, runs his government.
A poll published today indicates that 49% of Danes are opposed to the new law which is seen by many as discriminating against heterosexual couples since by law these are only given three state funded attempts at insemination per woman where as lesbians, by virtue of there being two women in such a relationship will thus automatically have the chance at getting six free attempts at pregnancy. Only 36% of Danes polled stated they were in favour of the new law.
moif: Personally I think its all a storm in a tea cup. So what if lesbians get an advantage? Big deal! Its not like they have so many odds in their favour and maybe its no bad thing for homosexuals to have an advantage for once. It seems to me that far too many people in this matter are more concerned with limiting others than with their own personal growth. More power to the lesbians, and I hope they all have fat healthy children!
After a general meeting held at Christiania, we haven't had any response or received any information from the people there. We hope that now the case is moving forwards, the people there will come to their senses.
---
Also in the national media at this time is the court case of last years prominent ‘honour killing’ of eighteen-year-old Ghazala Khan, where by her Pakistani family conspired together to execute their daughter and her newly wed Afghani husband. The girl’s brother gunned both down in broad daylight and the event was witnessed, and photographed by members of the public. Given the public nature of the killing the brother can hardly claim his innocence, but the prosecution is currently charging the slain girls entire family with conspiracy to commit murder. Each day has brought fresh revelations as various witnesses have testified and a clear picture of a family bent on mortal revenge is becoming clear.
Yesterday the husband, who survived the attack, related how his wife was terrified of her family and the retribution they would bring upon her for having married some one who did not meet with her family’s prior blessing. Her last words were translated as ‘My Brother! What are you doing?”
---
A recent opinion poll, taken in the aftermath of the recent stories of US marines killing innocent civilians has shown that for the first time, the majority of Danes (51%) now favour withdrawing Danish troops from Iraq. Naturally the socialist opposition greeted this news enthusiastically with several prominent opposition politicians making (what I can only describe as extremely biased and exceptionally unfair) broad statements against the US government and its military adventures in the ‘Muslim world’. Only 40% of those polled indicated a desire for Danish troops to remain in Iraq.
---
Yesterday the Folketing (Danish parliament) passed a law that allows lesbian couples to receive the same rights to state funded artificial insemination as is given to heterosexual couples. In order for this to happen, several members of the governing Liberal Conservative party Venstre, had to vote against their own partners in government, the conservatives. As a consequence both the conservatives and the nationalist Danske Folkeparti have come out with strong condemnations of the way by which the PM Anders Fogh Rasmussen, runs his government.
A poll published today indicates that 49% of Danes are opposed to the new law which is seen by many as discriminating against heterosexual couples since by law these are only given three state funded attempts at insemination per woman where as lesbians, by virtue of there being two women in such a relationship will thus automatically have the chance at getting six free attempts at pregnancy. Only 36% of Danes polled stated they were in favour of the new law.
moif: Personally I think its all a storm in a tea cup. So what if lesbians get an advantage? Big deal! Its not like they have so many odds in their favour and maybe its no bad thing for homosexuals to have an advantage for once. It seems to me that far too many people in this matter are more concerned with limiting others than with their own personal growth. More power to the lesbians, and I hope they all have fat healthy children!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Bleh!
Feeling a bit low today. I saw a doc on DR about a new animation education that has been set up in Denmark for the last few years. It brought home to me all that I've missed out on being so ill all the time. I've basically been screwed up since 1998 and not really able to get about.
Yesterdays gaming didn't help much either. I had a bout of chronic flatulence that left me near prostrate with depression and after the others had gone I sat in my room and 'deflated', both phyiscally and mentally. By the time I finally roused myself from the internets chymerical lure it was approaching 3am and I was thoroughly sick of myself.
Whats worst about this animation education in Copenhagen is not the superb resources enjoyed by the students or my jealousy at the talents of other artists, boy am I jealous! ...but also a deep seated sense of unfairness that such an education was no where to be seen when I so desperately sought it back in '92. Seeing the success of so many other Danish artists of my generation I have a strong impression, a feeling of deja vu, that I am trailing behind every one else as usual. Its a factor of my life that I have always been an outsider, dragged to England as a Danish child and forced to catch up to the other children, then dragged back to Denmark at 16 as an English teenager and forced to catch up again, without language, without any desire to learn. A thoroughly miserable time. Living out in the middle of no where with never a girl in sight.
I was twenty two by the time I finally managed to escape the prison of that life. I look back on it now with a sense of slumbering anger that my parents should have stacked so many odds against me, though I appreciate that they did their best and their failings were not really the cause of my mine.
Its easy enough to seek blame else where and I know that my situation is as much my own fault as it is the product of illness or a poor start. I've always hidden from the world inside my self and whilst many animators and artists will describe themselves in a similar vein, I think my biggest problem has always been that I hid just a little too well... Indeed, I fear I am still hiding.
Right now I am alone and listening to 'The Reflecting Chamber' by Steve Roach. I have a large drawing of a Samurai warrior on the desk beside me and a glass of water... time to get back into character...
Yesterdays gaming didn't help much either. I had a bout of chronic flatulence that left me near prostrate with depression and after the others had gone I sat in my room and 'deflated', both phyiscally and mentally. By the time I finally roused myself from the internets chymerical lure it was approaching 3am and I was thoroughly sick of myself.
Whats worst about this animation education in Copenhagen is not the superb resources enjoyed by the students or my jealousy at the talents of other artists, boy am I jealous! ...but also a deep seated sense of unfairness that such an education was no where to be seen when I so desperately sought it back in '92. Seeing the success of so many other Danish artists of my generation I have a strong impression, a feeling of deja vu, that I am trailing behind every one else as usual. Its a factor of my life that I have always been an outsider, dragged to England as a Danish child and forced to catch up to the other children, then dragged back to Denmark at 16 as an English teenager and forced to catch up again, without language, without any desire to learn. A thoroughly miserable time. Living out in the middle of no where with never a girl in sight.
I was twenty two by the time I finally managed to escape the prison of that life. I look back on it now with a sense of slumbering anger that my parents should have stacked so many odds against me, though I appreciate that they did their best and their failings were not really the cause of my mine.
Its easy enough to seek blame else where and I know that my situation is as much my own fault as it is the product of illness or a poor start. I've always hidden from the world inside my self and whilst many animators and artists will describe themselves in a similar vein, I think my biggest problem has always been that I hid just a little too well... Indeed, I fear I am still hiding.
Right now I am alone and listening to 'The Reflecting Chamber' by Steve Roach. I have a large drawing of a Samurai warrior on the desk beside me and a glass of water... time to get back into character...
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Master and Commander
By Patrick O' Brian.
Continuing the naval theme, here is the very book which got me started on the Napoleonic period, and in particular the naval history of that period. I first read this book in 1998 when I was attracted to the series by the splendour of its cover art (by Geoff Hunt). People say you should never judge a book by its cover, but I'll wager as a trained illustrator myself, I can recognise a labour of love when I see one!
My intuition was correct for the series is the finest example of historical fiction I have ever read, and after 'War of the Worlds', takes pride of place as my favourite set of novels. I would recommend these books to any one who was interested in the period without a doubt and to any one else who was not interested but perhaps searching for something new and interesting ...as I was myself when I picked up the first book from the shelf in Chatham (no less and how appropriate given that towns maritime heritage).
Since then I went on to read the entire series (of twenty books) five times in a row, thus I read a POB novel for one hundred times straight which is a dubious acheievement I doubt I shall ever repeat. From this you may conceive I have a love of this story, and indeed I have read them all through once more in the mean time. Now, inspired by my recent naval gaming dabblings and my poor health (no better remedy than escapism to pass the time) I have taken up the series for a seventh time!
If you recognize the name of the book, it is perhaps because the movie moguls made a fairly decent film a few years back with the same title, starring Russel Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey and loosely based on several of the books in the series. I shall just remark that the over all casting was done, exceptionally poorly in my not so modest opinion and be done with that.
'Master and Commander' is the story of a British Royal Navy officer, his first command and his friendship with an Irish/Catalan physician who takes up his offer of a place on board ship as Surgeon. It is set in the Mediterranean, in the earlier years of the Napoleonic war.
Patrick O' Brian has an easy going style which describes everything in a sparse manner. he doesn't bother with long tedious explanations but simply refers to things as they are, leaving the reader with a very direct ambience of the period. In other words, it feels real, even though it so obviously isn't. There is also humour and a charming way with words that inspires familiarity and even friendship with the characters.
Continuing the naval theme, here is the very book which got me started on the Napoleonic period, and in particular the naval history of that period. I first read this book in 1998 when I was attracted to the series by the splendour of its cover art (by Geoff Hunt). People say you should never judge a book by its cover, but I'll wager as a trained illustrator myself, I can recognise a labour of love when I see one!
My intuition was correct for the series is the finest example of historical fiction I have ever read, and after 'War of the Worlds', takes pride of place as my favourite set of novels. I would recommend these books to any one who was interested in the period without a doubt and to any one else who was not interested but perhaps searching for something new and interesting ...as I was myself when I picked up the first book from the shelf in Chatham (no less and how appropriate given that towns maritime heritage).
Since then I went on to read the entire series (of twenty books) five times in a row, thus I read a POB novel for one hundred times straight which is a dubious acheievement I doubt I shall ever repeat. From this you may conceive I have a love of this story, and indeed I have read them all through once more in the mean time. Now, inspired by my recent naval gaming dabblings and my poor health (no better remedy than escapism to pass the time) I have taken up the series for a seventh time!
If you recognize the name of the book, it is perhaps because the movie moguls made a fairly decent film a few years back with the same title, starring Russel Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey and loosely based on several of the books in the series. I shall just remark that the over all casting was done, exceptionally poorly in my not so modest opinion and be done with that.
'Master and Commander' is the story of a British Royal Navy officer, his first command and his friendship with an Irish/Catalan physician who takes up his offer of a place on board ship as Surgeon. It is set in the Mediterranean, in the earlier years of the Napoleonic war.
Patrick O' Brian has an easy going style which describes everything in a sparse manner. he doesn't bother with long tedious explanations but simply refers to things as they are, leaving the reader with a very direct ambience of the period. In other words, it feels real, even though it so obviously isn't. There is also humour and a charming way with words that inspires familiarity and even friendship with the characters.
Sea trials
So, yesterday Oleg and I ran our first multi vessel trial of the OVZ naval skirmish rules. Unfortunately the trial was somewhat constarined by a lack of time (we were gabbing away about politics for two hours before ever we sat at the table) but in the half hour or so we had left, I got a distinct feel for the differences between the new naval system and the previous DBA system. With Napoleonic naval elements the emphasis is on concentrating broadsides and having the weather gage. Ships move in lines and have to get into the most advantagous position viv-a-vis the wind. This is a bit difficult due to the size of the table upon which the game is taking place (a true battle might be fought over a very long stretch of sea) but certainly possible.
So far so good. I shall look forward to the next, hopefully more comprehensive trial game!
Oleg also brought along his half built model galley and here is an image that compares its size to my Nao. Both models are made for 28mm skirmish games and as a consequence are adapted to the 28mm figures rather than to any accurate idea of actual vessels. Having said that though they are pretty close to the mark and I'm looking forward to fighting a skirmish battle on this scale! Unfortunately I have not been working on my model for a while now since I have gotten side tracked on a painting of a Samurai inspired by the film 'Throne of Blood' by Akira Kurosawa.
So far so good. I shall look forward to the next, hopefully more comprehensive trial game!
Oleg also brought along his half built model galley and here is an image that compares its size to my Nao. Both models are made for 28mm skirmish games and as a consequence are adapted to the 28mm figures rather than to any accurate idea of actual vessels. Having said that though they are pretty close to the mark and I'm looking forward to fighting a skirmish battle on this scale! Unfortunately I have not been working on my model for a while now since I have gotten side tracked on a painting of a Samurai inspired by the film 'Throne of Blood' by Akira Kurosawa.
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