10 Years of Peace
Coincidentally, our trip to Northern Ireland comes 10 years after the peace treaty and it’s getting some press here in Europe. In this day when bashing democracy seems to be quite normal in parts of the world, it seems democracy is winning and in some cases thriving. Yes a ton of money has been pumped into the north, but as one man told me “they are beginning to see that peace and prosperity solves a few problems.” He continued, “Many of the fighters are now politicians!”
Here’s an article on the issues. NORTHERN Ireland has enjoyed a massive fall in unemployment and an influx of new workers in the decade since the historic Good Friday agreement, new figures show.
It now outperforms every region of the UK except for the south-west, with only 4.2 per cent of its population out of work.
At the same time, the “peace dividend” has seen a long-standing pattern of emigration swapped for immigration, as it attracts migrants from new European Union member states such as Poland.
Figures from Westminster dramatically illustrate the effects on both sides of the religious divide since paramilitary action ended.
Some 18,558 people claimed unemployment benefit in the four Belfast parliamentary constituencies in January 1997.
But by January, this had fallen to 6,698 - an astonishing 64 per cent drop.
Across the province, around 100,000 more people are in work and the 4.2 per cent unemployment rate outperforms Scotland (4.9 per cent), the UK (5.2 per cent) and London (6.6 per cent).
Northern Ireland economics consultant John Simpson said the economic recovery had been “dramatic”. But he warned that the economic turn-around “cannot be date-stamped at Easter 1998″ and there was still widespread deprivation. Average weekly earnings in Northern Ireland stood at £330 last year - compared with £375 for the UK as a whole.
The figures emerged as politicians yesterday debated the legacy of the Good Friday agreement that restored - after several faltering starts - a devolved government and assembly to Northern Ireland.
The deal was struck in 1998 after many days and nights of painstaking negotiations and with the encouragement of the then prime minister Tony Blair and the former US president Bill Clinton.
The 108-member assembly took power in December 1999, though direct rule from London resumed temporarily in 2002 when devolution collapsed due to bitter arguments about the refusal of the IRA to decommission its weapons and the suspicion of a republican spy ring existing at Stormont.
Power returned in 2007 after an election left Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionists and Martin McGuinness’s Sinn Fein in command. This saw men who were once the bitterest of enemies work alongside each other as First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
Concerns remain about the presence of sectarian hatred and violence. However, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, reformed as the Police Service of Northern Ireland, is well on its way to the target of having 30 per cent Catholic officers by 2011.
Of the 450 loyalist and republican prisoners released early under the Good Friday deal, only 20 have had their licences revoked.
In 2005 the IRA ended its armed campaign and British troops now number 5,000.
Billy Hutchinson, a former Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) assembly member from north Belfast, said: “Sectarianism is still alive and well. People are still living in disadvantage and the only thing changed is the more peaceful atmosphere.”
But former Northern Ireland minister Paul Murphy said: “The Good Friday agreement has most certainly stood the test of time. We must remember that without the agreement, none of this would have been possible.”
Memories of a new dawn
DAVID ANDREWS (Irish Government - Fianna Fail): “I remember politicians desperately trying to grab some sleep in the negotiation rooms as the deadline for agreement loomed.
“I also recall the conclusion was very sudden. I remember George Mitchell set the final deadline and then a phone call from (US President) Bill Clinton to (Ulster Unionist leader) David Trimble sealed the deal.
EILEEN BELL (Alliance Party): “I suppose one of the most striking memories I have is of some pretty senior republicans and loyalists queuing up for food that week and watching them engage each other in conversation. It may have only been only about the food, but it was remarkable to see former enemies engaging.”
MARTIN McGUINNESS (Sinn Fein): “After the agreement was forged… I ran into a republican ex-woman prisoner in my home city who had spent a long time in Armagh Jail and I asked her ‘What do you think?’
“Her response was ‘Martin, what do you think?’ and when I said I thought we had done the right thing, she said: ‘That’s all right for me’.
“I have to say it was bit scary and humbling that people were putting so much faith in our leadership.”
LIZ O’DONNELL (Irish Government - Progressive Democrats): “The people who made the greatest political sacrifices suffered most. I think history will be fairer to David Trimble.”
Tags: democracy, europe, northern ireland
Share This
When my mother visited Northern Island the first store she saw when getting to the city was a Polish food store. Apprently they now also have Polish language inserts in the newspapers there.
Adam: Did you get my email last night? Do you have any idea yet which day you’re going to be near me?
@Adam Housley
Thank you again so much for writing of all this.
A minor fact check, to help either you or me get this right. You posted:
“Power returned in 2007 after an election left Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionists and Martin McGuinness’s Sinn Fein in command.”
I am near certain that McGuinness has never had control of the Sinn Fein Party. Gerry Adams remains the President (If I recall his party title rightly). More, the senior Paisley has recently retired. Now that wouldn’t change a statement about the ‘07 vote, but the subsitution of McG for Adams is worth checking.
now an opinion:
Also when reporting the Good Friday Accords, attribution of the success to the UKPM and POTUS at the time rather downplays a fellow named George Mitchell’s role.
In case this got lost on the other thread, Happy Easter one and all..
Positive article—-
Max– where is Adam?
and what is that thing next to the building? It looks like a ferris wheel?
And Happy Easter to all–
Happy Easter do you Folks
Susan: IDK. And i think it is a ferris wheel.
Happy Easter!
Beautiful picture Adam, I think its the big wheel
(forgot the name) in London?
Again, Happy Easter everyone!
Happy Easter right back at ya, Mrs. Housley.
I’m Jennifer. Nice to *meet* you. I’m kind of a part-timer on this blog. A husband, four kids (and all their activities), three cats, two dogs, church ministry and teaching takes up 99% of my time. The rest is chilling out and recovering to do it all again the next day.
But I love it.
I pray everyone is having a safe and restful Resurrection weekend. Check ya later!
@Susan-AZ and Mom
The picture at the top of this thread is Belfast City Hall, and that is a ferris wheel shown nearby.
ADDENDA to my post above:
I want to be clear: Adam Housley had it right to attribute the Deputy First Minister’s position to Martin McGuinness. My question on the fact check was as to the attribution of Sinn Fein being “his” political party.
@Mom
I’ll trust that ‘Mrs. Housley’ is the correct reference. I saw your inquiry about me over on the other thread and shall post a summary over there. My thanks for your trouble to ask.
Mom..
yes, I think we’ve all given little mini bio’s over on the Ireland post…
Avi - how is Easter celebrated over there?
Happy Easter to everyone! I doubt I will log on tomorrow. We will celebrate the resurrection of Christ tomorrow at church and then have a HUGE family dinner at my parents house with family and extended family.
Thank God America still has Easter on the calendar!
LDG - stopped by your wife’s website. Great pics. At least I don’t need those to be translated.
I wonder…where are the pictures of you two? hmmmm
How much longer until it is complete? Are you doing any of the work yourselves?
The house is beautiful and looks very “American”. Do other homes there look like yours? curious minds want to know.
@ Mom,
Welcome! We all love your son and hope to see him “coming to a town near you”. If I’m not mistaken….so far Susan has met him and Max is going to meet him. Lucky dogs!
@FL Sunshine
“…- stopped by your wife’s website. Great pics.”
Thank you kindly! There is a grand total of one thread there that has us pictured, so far. It is actually the first “House” thread, about our land ceremony before construction started. It is a side view and we are just part of the scene. But fear not if you missed it. Our 5th wedding anniversary is next week, and I have put in a request for a couple of our wedding (formal ceremony) pictures to go up in a thread on that day.
“The house is beautiful and looks very “American”. Do other homes there look like yours?”
It does, and that was the intention of my wife *and our builder*, who had the very unconventional idea of building a little bit of America in this corner of Japan. –As to other houses appearence, well, no they don’t look at all like ours.– Most houses here are built by “housing companies” that follow a pattern that looks a bit like modern european suburban development, with some local preferences like some have tile roofs… And yes, it is darn silly to put a heavy roof on a house in earthquake country. I’ll put in a request to see if we can post some pictures of the neighborhood and then you can see the contrast.
Addenda: missed the completion question. We’ll be finished and ready to move in by late May.
@FL Sunshine
look here and you can see the empty land and nearby homes, and the land ceremony pictures:
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/princess_foxy/c/82ead07a915be560ac643ac937c9297f/2
LDG—
I went back in time– December on your wife’s site and I left a couple questions- I think I found you and Foxy–
Happy Easter or whatever you may call it in your neck of the woods— but I hope you all have a nice day and you spend it with loved ones-
Mrs. Housley–
I hope you have a great day tomorrow– no Adam–
BUT, I bet he is going to have pretty gifts from his traveling-
Max and LDG- thanks for the heads up on the ferris wheel- Makes me want to ride it- Next Wednesday, Ken, my daughter, and I are going to the Wild Life Zoo and last time I was there I wanted to ride the carrousel but I didn’t get the chance- Well, I am this time around-
LDG–
I need a brief lesson again–
—-right to attribute the Deputy First Minister’s position to Martin McGuinness. My question on the fact check was as to the attribution of Sinn Fein being “his” political party.—–
If I don’t get back right away it is because I am getting ready for Easter– It will be nice for Ken as he gets to see his family- which sadly, is not often– Exception-his mom- We do see her frequently– I mentioned she is 90- 91 in a few months– She is my favorite– she goes and goes-
Bless all of you and I hope everyone enjoys their week-end–
Avi- are you still celebrating Purim?
Max– where is Adam? any news?
Link to Belfast City Hall- I like Adam’s picture better– I think because of the lighting-
http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=2782
Mrs. Housley–
You have some reading to do in the Northern Ireland subject– various people dropped you some messages–
I am saying pleasant day to all–
nite–
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOO
post not going through–
LDG– Ducks- 2 (thanks to Teemu) Coyotes- 1
Coyotes are not doing too well- (me sad for Ken
)
xxxx
Britian braces for white Easter–
Max– I hope you and Adam don’t get caught up with the bad weather–
http://news.uk.msn.com/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=7861803
Speaking of Belfast– white Easter too-
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/daily-imports/article3538735.ece
check out how the Filipinos recognize Easter– OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0321/breaking14.htm
Last Updated: 21/03/2008 13:01
Christians throng to Jerusalem
Thousands of Christians from across the world crowded the stone alleyways of Jerusalem’s Old City today, retracing the route Jesus took to his crucifixion.
Some Good Friday pilgrims carried large wooden crosses as they walked down the Via Dolorosa, or Way of Sorrows, stopping at 14 stations that commemorate events that befell Jesus as he was led to his death.
Many prayed in the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally the site of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
Some chanted hymns, while others prostrated themselves on a smooth stone slab marking the spot where Jesus’ body was placed after being removed from the cross.
Police said thousands of security personnel were deployed around Jerusalem because of Good Friday and the Jewish festival of Purim, which also falls this weekend.
Jews celebrate Purim by dressing up in costumes and reading the Book of Esther, which recounts a victory by the Jews over their enemies in ancient Persia.
Police are also on high alert because of fears of a revenge attack for the February assassination of a high-ranking commander in the Lebanese militant group Hizbullah. Israel denied involvement, but Hizbullah threatened to avenge his death with an attack on Israeli targets.
And the Pope has been busy too-
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8VIR44G0&show_article=1
If you open the link for the Pope, click on the first article on the right about him doing the baptism and you will catch the video and it really is a must watch!
OK–
These were my Easter contributions–
xxxxxxx
@Susan-AZ
“LDG– Ducks- 2 (thanks to Teemu) Coyotes- 1
“Coyotes are not doing too well- (me sad for Ken )”
me, sad for Ken too. At least your boys made a game of it, and better luck next go. If I might offer a happy thought to counter out some of the disappointment: Pens 7- Devils 1. Catch the highlights on FOXSports if you can, or the NHL website, ’cause it was a fun day to be a Pittsburgh fan.
@All
Happy holiday!
@Susan-AZ
“…need a brief lesson again–” re McGuinness in the Government of N.I.
Heh. this time it is current events, but here goes:
The major pro-Irish Republic political party in Northern Ireland is called Sinn Fein (sounds sort of like “seen fawn” in English). It is politely overlooked these days that it is the political wing of the Provisional-IRA militancy. Now note that all the territories of the U.K. use a parliamentary system that looks not at all like the U.S. congressional/executive system, so all the roles will seem odd if this is your first exposure to them. The head of the Party (titled President, If I recall correctly) is Mr. Gerry Adams. It is “his” party, in that he leads the central committee and can make all appointments to any Cabinet position his party wins, or is allowed to have by a coalition government. Right now, Northern Ireland has a coalition government (more than one party controls the Cabinet). The Cabinet position of Deputy First Minister is one position the Sinn Fein has been awarded as part of the government. Mr. Martin McGuinness is the appointee from the party that holds that job.
Were I to make a scenario in the U.S. government that would sort of look the same, I would offer this: (a) Imagine that neither G.W. Bush nor J. Kerry won the presidency outright, but that the G.O.P. was *slightly* ahead. then (b) the Democrats and the Republicans decide to run the country together, with a Republican President and a Democratic V.P. and with half the Cabinet Secretariats held by each party. then (c) Mr. Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, would have the power to appoint nominees for those Cabinet Secretariats allocated to the Democrats in the agreement to share power. lastly (d) H. Dean then choses to appoint someone other than J. Kerry to be Vice President, but gives Kerry the Secretary of State job. that would look kind of like the coalition situation, but it is purely *a scenario* for example’s sake.
I hope that helped ((worried look))
Susan: the storms, hail and snow have all been over my house. But the snow has melted now
Max,
do you want to send the snow, rain, and coldness over???/
Its fricken HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT HERE TODAY—- HOTTEST ITS BEEN IN A WHILE……
TERRIBLE HEATNESS — I WANT WINTER BACK
oo BTW
THE NEXT 2 WEEKS SHOULD BE INTERESTING TO WATCH IN THE MIDDLE EAST ….
Good morning Adam and everyone, it is a beautiful start to the day here in KS.
My heart goes out to all those affected by the awful floods and severe weather.
Most of our family was together yesterday and is now gone, today is restful and reflectful (is that a word?).
FYI…Since you all brought in the sports last night……..Kansas University (KU #1 seed in Midwest) is still rockin on!!!
Although Kansas State U. (KSU) lost last night… it was nice to see both there for a few games.
Adam’s Mom…have patience, you will catch up and catch on
Keep asking questions, and we will help.
I don’t know that there was a defining moment. I just gravitated to Adam’s way of telling a story and I trust Adam’s judgement on those stories. 
I think Adam and the people here were more of a defining moment than anything, as you have heard, its a great group. I’ve hung around one other blog and people were so rude, that wasn’t for me.
You asked how we started blogging? Humm…I’ve followed Adam’s reports for what seems like “forever”. I’d read his articles/blog on his web page many times, then he brought it here, where we could actually comment. The blogging started…weeeelll…. I’m not sure, but I hear there is a 12 step program to help us! *LOL* just kidding
When Adams puts up a debatable story, We agree to disagree, without lashing out at anyone. We get pretty fired up at times.
Avi…didn’t you get to go to a military thing a week ago or so? I cant remember what it was for sure, but you were excited about it.
I see Susan will be hot today, the weather said 90’s in AZ! YIKES! I dont like the cold, but not that hot either! Its supposed to be in the upper 40’s today here. 70 would be better! ha ha
Syria Deploys Three Military Divisions on the Border with Lebanon
Syria has deployed three military divisions along the borders with Lebanon amidst mounting tension in the region, press reports said Sunday.
The leading daily an-Nahar attributed the report to well informed sources, noting that the deployment backs a similar massing of fighters by pro-Syrian Palestinian factions in the Bekaa valley, especially Ahmed Jibril’s Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) in the Qoussayah area.
The development followed Hizbullah’s open war declaration against Israel after the Feb. 12 assassination in Damascus of the party’s Imad Mughniyeh by a bomb explosion.
Hizbullah is sponsoring a major rally in south Beirut’s suburb of Rweis on Monday to commemorate Mughniyeh, labeled commander of the “two victories” in reference to the Liberation of south Lebanon from Israeli occupation in May 2000 and the 34-day war against Israel in the summer of 2006.
Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has pledged that “thousands of Imad Mughniyehs would confront the Zionist enemy if it invades Lebanon.”
Israel has ordered its troops on alert to confront a possible attack by Hizbullah operatives when the party marks Mughniyeh’s memorial rally on Monday, 40 days after his assassination.
Patty,
it got nixed,
the guy is bringing this other guy to talk about the military but not about democracy and military ( the class wanted him to bring this guy to talk about jobs in the army )
the kids in my class dont care much about the news soo he didnt bother
so he wrote down questions for the guy so he comes prepared — perhaps tomarrow… nothing special…
Tuesday we got a trip to the North and we end the day at a leading hebrew daily newspaper printing place….
wednesday —- the Airforce is coming to talk to the whole school and then indivdual classes for a total of 4 hours or so …. some national program going on in all Highschools to rev up appreciation for the Army and Airforce and Israel as a whole!
I hope a War dont break out the next few days…. which would suck …..
Avi: i wish the snow would have stayed, but it’s gone already. Did you have any snow this winter?
I wish winter was colder here. How hot is it there?
*sends you some hail*
Morning all–
LDG– You can get the worried look off your face- I understood– Imagine this scenario here in the US– Boy would we have some angry people–
Hockey– well, I am glad someone’s team is doing well-
And around 6:00, Ken and I go out to the backyard and he waters for me and I have been on a pull weeds job– It is so pretty at this time– The street is busy again with the kids outside playing basketball- It is kind of neat! Now in about two months, my moaning will start-
Patty- It has been rather warm here lately– But when I look at the other states and see what the weather brings, I give thanks to living here– My heating/AC bill was only $57.00- the lowest it has ever been!
Sounds like you had a nice day yesterday. We are going to go to Church here in a bit– And then over to Ken’s sister’s– I have been up since 6:00 a.m. doing the kitchen thing– cooking-
Avi– Hizbullah needs to take some chill pills– You can’t even have a holiday without having the security personnel deployed to keep things safe– What does your mom cook for the holidays?
Max– still no sign of Adam?
xxxxxx
LDG–
It is Monday by you so did you have Easter Sunday yesterday?
Before I leave, my question to you– what kind of Japanese food do you and Foxy like?
xxxx
Avi…Always thinking/talking military would either scrare me or bore me…im not sure which would happen first. I just cant imagine… when we lived so tucked away here. Big cities are atleast 75 miles away…largest population is approx 2000 where we live. Its quiet, we watch out for each other. and many times… know too much about other families. ha ha
Stay safe!!
@Susan-AZ
Neither my family here nor Japan in general celebrates Easter. My wife was raised Christian to a point, but does not seem to practice. I, not being Christian, must content myself with a good Vernal Equinox party to welcome in the season of nature’s rebirth.
“what kind of Japanese food do you and Foxy like?”
I guess answering “all kinds” would not be helpful. Let’s see, I like pretty much anything put in front of me: the very good local rice, noodles of various types, the local vegetables and pickles, fish, shellfish, pork, beef, chicken, even the more ‘challenging’ items like seaweed, natto and umeboshi
My wife, even having grown up in one of the best places for fresh fish, can not abide raw fish. She also has no liking for natto.
Were I to suggest a favorite, I would say oden in winter, it is a kind of stew, and zarusoba cold service buckwheat noodles in summer.
@Avi
I need to be going, and won’t be back for a while, so if you see this in time take heed.
Weather Report for your region:
Heavy Weather with projectile rain and possible flooding along the borders predicted in the next 18~36 hours. Say 50~60% chance.
Be well and safe.
((departs, unfortunately))
Patty:
Thanks for the info.
I appreciate all the kind comments
with myself & my son! He has
always loved history!
LDG,
YESSS!!!!!!!!!!!!! THX
LDG: can you make it snow where i live?
Adam,
you hear anything from the Jeruslem bureau about whats going …… if so write it up…. Im confused …..
War - no war - maybe - ????????? Grrrrr
Is Adam going to Greece or not?
HAPPY EASTER..
TOODLE WOO
Hi Everyone!
I haven’t been around for awhile, so I thought I would say Hi!
So Adam’s on vacation in Europe. I tried to find somewhere that he may have posted where he plans to go on his vacation but couldn’t find anything. Does anyone know?
I know he went to Ireland, and now he’s in London, or at least I think he is. Where is his next stop? I heard they had a lot of snow there in the UK. So he might be knee deep in the stuff. lol
And then sent some our way! Here where I am at in Sweden we had not had snow all winter long, other than 3 times we had a dusting of snow, which turned to rain, so it was gone faster than it came. Then last week we had our first snow, that actually covered the ground a bit. But nothing spectacular. But last night in the middle of the night it started to snow. Me and my husband went out in it around midnight, to make fresh tracks in the new blanket of snow. hehehe And throw a few snowballs!
At that time, we had probably around 3 inches. And I think it has snowed a little more since.
The forecast calls for snow for Monday (today) and Tuesday. It’s not unheard of to get snow in March, but it is a little funny that we get our first real snow in end of March. lol
Good to see all of you again! Adam, I hope you and your wife enjoy yourself in Europe. I am kinda hoping you might take one of those cheap flights on Ryan-Air from London over here to Sweden. Sometimes you can get a flight for $20! But they have real strict luggage weigh and size restrictions, which is where they can get ya. They charge high amounts if you are over the restrictions. But if you can find a way to manage with the restrictions, you can get a real inexpensive flight over here.
Hi Amy is sweden…just a FYI… adam doesn’t have a “wife”… YET!
He does however have a beautiful girl friend, Tamera.
atleast not that we’ve been told.
good morning everyone-
patty- I think you are on to something with the YET-
If I were a betting man, I would bet Adam comes back either married or engaged, that is if I were a betting man-
Looks like we are in for another fun week
Derek…ha, i figure mom housley wouldnt be at home, if that were the case.
off subject…
KT…we were talking about the super delegates a while back.
Had you seen this page that tracks them?
http://www.politico.com/superdelegates/
patty-
True, but I see adam as a bit of a maverick, quiet ceremony now, big family display later
I am predicting at least a next level commitment, if they are dating, then an engagement, if they are engaged, then a marriage.
LOL
Derek…*LOL*
boy this conversation will make adam shake his head!
good morning–
Hope everyone had a good time yesterday–
Hannity had a special last night Beyond belief– The Shroud of Turin (to be or not to be) - Stigmata– and I fell asleep after that so I didn’t see the rest - darn–
I wanted to see War Stories- Mr. North was running a special on the soldiers in Iraq- I conked out early–
Amy in Sweden-
Last time you posted, you were going to build a computer– Boy that was a long time!
KT– I was pushing for Adam to go to Italy too– Greta’s sister is there– but I guess K2’s guess of Wales might be right– I think Adam should hop over to Belgium– I would love to go to Belgium–
And speaking of which– Max- any news from Adam?
Patty and Derek– what to talk about now?
Where is LDG? Is it his anniverary? He has an anniversay this week– and in about fifteen minutes it will be Tuesday in Japan–
well here is some news– from LDG’s link he recommended– counter terrorism-
March 24, 2008
Danger Signs on the Border
By Douglas Farah
A tip of the hat (actually, two tips) to Todd Bensman of the San Antonio Express-News for two articles (one in his paper and one one his website)
on the reality that Islamist terrorists have crossed the U.S. border, and are likely to do so again.
Bensman is one of the few investigative journalists left with a staff job who takes these investigations seriously. As much of newspaper world, in particular, slash their investigative capabilities, these gems will grow ever more rare.
Bensman looks at the recent case of three Afghanistan national with genuine Mexican passports seeking to enter the United States. The good news is that the Mexicans are willing and able partners in investigating these potential breaches. The bad news is that they nonetheless had real passports, which makes getting caught much harder.
In his other story Bensman looks at the 10 cases of terrorists who made it across the border, including al Qaeda, Hezbollah and Hamas operatives. This is the first time I have seen the cases laid out in some detail and linked to terrorist groups.
What is of greater concern to me than Mexico, per se, as I have written earlier, is the number of Latin American countries where terrorists and their sympathizers, particularly but not limited to Hezbollah, can likely acquire legitimate travel documents that do not arouse much suspicion. My full blog is here.
March 24, 2008 10:53 AM Link TrackBack (0) Print
@Susan-AZ
I’m around. just lurking while I field another matter.
Anniversary is actually the 29th.
Terri, las vesas
from the northern ireland blog,
I am glad somebody else loves Utah, I plan on living there again, I promised this company 2 years, but I will probably stay at least 5.
In 5 years I will renegotiate a home office from utah, with regional visits quarterly.
My wife is dying to live in Utah and she has only been here 2 months.
Do you have a favorite part?
We like the cache valley area and will look to settle there.
patty,
LOL, I do not feel like my day is complete unless I have made Adam either sqiurm, cringe, scratch his head or just stare at the screen speechless.
If the marriage rumors don’t work, I am going to come up with something about him working as an exotic dancer or something.
Derek..it worked on Idol! *LOL*
HI SUSAN!
Happy Aniv…to you and yours LDG. I know its early, but hey, with this memory, by then i might wonder who LDG is! ha ha
Avi–
http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5137
Susan: Yes, apprently he’d been emailing everyday, he is meant to contact me again when he gets to Notting Hill.
LDG–
Thanks for the anniversay date– My friend Lydia’s, Puerto Rican, birthday in on the 29th so this will be an easy date to remember-
Do you two go out to celebrate? I also want to know what kind of Japanese food do you eat? In case I go to a Japanese restaurant to eat? My daughter is coming over Wednesday and we were talking about eating Indian food– she is a vegan so I am looking at Indian restaurants in this area but I think we will have to go into Phoenix as these are where the restaurants are–
xxxxx
patty-
I have heard that during adams “full monty” days, he favored dressing up as dan rather, then stripping down to just a microphone the the soundtrack of star wars, a bit unorthodox, but the ladies loved it. When he met tamera it was a real “pretty woman” incident, where she just hired him for one date, he won her heart and she swept him a way from his “lifestyle”
Maybe I am wrong, but it cracks me up to think about it.
Max–
Is he crawling to Notting Hill?
The only costume I have seen Adam wear is when he dressed as Elvis– but he didn’t fit the part as Adam is too much in shape–
Susan: He said he’d be 15 minutes, but i think he overestimated the truthfulness of tourist bus time sheduals. So if he was crawling he may well have got here sooner.
Susan,
Nasrallah heaps threats and abuse on Israel to mark Mughniyeh memorial
March 24, 2008, 6:30 PM (GMT+02:00)
Addressing a memorial rally from a huge video screen in S. Beirut, the Hizballah leader said Monday, March 24: “In a few days Israel will discover its mistake in killing Imad Mughniyeh. Boasting of “our culture of death.” He went on to shout: “We will choose the target, the time and the place to avenge him. The Israelis have cause for worry. It is possible that Israel will cease to exist in the present generation.”
” FEW DAYS.” MEANING THE ARAB SUMMIT IN SYRIA??
max,
you really live in a place called notting hill??? lol
Derek:
While at the airport the other day we took in the free photo exhibit. There was one photo of a mountainous ridge in Utah. I don’t remember the name, but it was absolutely marvelous in its stark beauty! All I remember of Utah are the salt flats that I saw from the train… another spot to add to my “places to visit” list!
Hi all… hope you had a lovely Easter.
@Max
sorry joe no snow. I might have a spare monsoon in a couple months, if that would suit?
@Susan-AZ
“Do you two go out to celebrate? I also want to know what kind of Japanese food do you eat?”
Yes, we’ll be going out on Saturday. As to “what kind of Japanese food…”, I posted above on that:
Comment by LDG March 23rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
If your daughter has gone Vegan, Indian cuisine is the way to go. There are lots of tofu-based Japanese dishes, but almost all of them use a broth or fatty oil that is fish-based.
Avi: Yes.
LDG: No thanks, we get enough rain.
Updates–
Colombia confirms one Ecuadorian among dead in cross-border raid
Venezuela Star
Monday 24th March, 2008
(IANS)
Colombia has confirmed that an Ecuadorian was among the more than 20 killed in a cross-border air strike against leftist Colombian rebels in Ecuador, an admission that is likely to further strain already tense relations between the two countries.
Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos Sunday said that one of the bodies brought back to Bogota after the March 1 attack had been identified as an Ecuadorian citizen but warned Ecuador not to take any drastic action as a result.
‘I have told President (Rafael) Correa and the Ecuadorian authorities to keep a watchful eye and to not be robbed of their good faith by a few criminals,’ Santos told reporters here.
The controversial strike, which targeted Raul Reyes, the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), prompted a serious crisis in relations between Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
Both countries mobilised troops along their borders with Colombia and broke diplomatic ties, but the tensions appeared to have eased in the last two weeks amid reconciliatory moves from all sides at a summit in Rio de Janeiro and in talks at the Organisation of American States in Washington.
But Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa warned Saturday that the crisis could be reopened if it was confirmed that an Ecuadorian was indeed among the dead in the strike.
Santos again defended Colombia’s attack as ‘legitimate acts of war, legitimate acts in defence of democracy’.
Colombian commandos entered Ecuador’s territory after the initial air strike and retrieved the bodies of Reyes and another man initially identified as a FARC member known as Julian Conrado. Forensic examinations had now revealed the second man to be an Ecuadorian, Santos said.