h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Much more recently than that Stone Aart, Papal troops fought during the Italian wars of Reunification (the 1860s-1870s) for the last time Papal troops actually saw battle. The pope may have supported wars since but none spring to mind.

Hardly a surprise that Francis I supports the Argentinian claim to the Falklands, after all he collaborated with the military junta that tried to take them back last time. You'd think the cardinals would have learned from their mistake after picking a member of the Hitler Youth last time.

I would be interesting in finding out how the Pope can argue that Jesus would return the Falklands to the "motherland". Considering that Argentina is a well known Neo-European land with a tradition of slaughtering the natives etc it would be interesting to delve into his thinking.

Australia a past some allege to be filled with genocide, ethnic cleansing, racist and totalitarian policies versus Waltzing Matilda, Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Digeridoos and Skippy:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21872919

300000 forced adoptions of children of unwed mothers in Australia, a report:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21872955

Lost peoples of the American plains: a photographic odyssey:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20351012

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/22/lucy-meadows-press-harassment

This why we need legal oversight of our press: because some journalists can't be trusted to act as decent human beings, let alone obey the law. Back before Christmas, and in keeping with the festive spirit of love and generosity, Richard Littlejohn attacked a primary school teacher for undergoing gender reassignment. This week, the teacher killed herself having complained about the abuse she was receiving and the press intrusion into her life.

This has made me so angry. There's a petition going to get Littlejohn sacked, for those who are that way inclined and it includes a link to the original bit of hate speech by Littlejohn.

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-daily-mail-fire-richard-littlejohn-for-victimizing-lucy-meadows-leading-to-her-possible-suicide

I don't want him sacked. I want him hounded, I want him persecuted, I want him to suffer. This poor woman had a 3 year old son, a son who has now lost a parent. I want Littlejohn to know that pain, to lose someone dear to him because of the hatred incited by some ignorant piece of who couldn't mind their own damn business.

Shameful. Big mouth. Little mind.

I was going to post a different story here but don't want to detract from this one.

PP.

Its the modern version of the "witch hunt", hounding someone to their death, except it is entirely media led and served up to the masses as entertainment.

In other news, there's been an awfy hailstorm in Houston - http://www.wimp.com/womandescribes/

Ah man, y'gotta love her!
Ain't that America!

~jwf~

A former actor in long-running BBC medical drama Casualty has had part of his ear bitten off in Newcastle.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-21927889

Am I alone in thinking - "Physician, heal thyself"?

>>A former actor in long-running BBC medical drama Casualty has had part of his ear bitten off in Newcastle.

I wonder why such a recognisable actor chose to stay in a Travelodge?

I'm assuming there wasn't a Premier Inn nearby?

This must be a contender for the stupidest story of the year (so far).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-21923218

Following an injury to a pupil sustained when he was hit in the face by a flapjack thrown by another pupil, catering staff have been told not to cut triangular ones any more. From now on they must be square or rectangular. Presumably, it is safer being hit in the face with a square flapjack than by one of the old fashioned, dangerous triangular ones.

We are not told whether the throwing of flapjacks has been prohibited.

I am guessing that eBay will be banning listings of Ninja Throwing Flapjacks too.

PP.

Visiting relatives today, I was told about the following story. A 68 year old woman, known to friends neighbours and health professionals as being a bit of a doolally paranoid fantasist but with no previous criminal convictions was jailed for two years after sending threatening emails to the US Embassy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21924243

Two years! Really?

Wrong link

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/384118/Pensioners-jailed-over-bomb-threats-to-Obama-and-US-embassy

What a waste a money. Just get her into counselling and take away her ISP or something. This is not setting an example, as "headcases" will be "headcases".

This one may need a little scene setting.

Blackburn Rovers, an English football team with a disastrous recent history, currently in the 2nd tier of English football, have sacked 3 managers this season. They have a local rivalry with Burnley.

Burnley fan with experience of managing a pub team applies for the job, promising to achieve back to back relegations.

Gets interview offer.

Blackburn's owners have little credibillity amongst football fans.

http://www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk/news/strange-but-true/burnley-fan-applies-for-vacant-blackburn-job-1-5515595

PP.

oh very good

I wonder if he'll actually go to the interview or if he'll chicken out.