We have often discussed the plight of women in Muslim nations as they fight virtual chattel status in some areas and religiously based discrimination. However, even with this long history of abuse of woman, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, 21, could be forgiven for being a tad confused. Hadi wowed the audience at the Southeast Asia games with an amazing performance that garnered her nation six medals, including two gold medals. She was then denounced by a chorus of clerics and others for wearing a “revealing” leotard.
Category: International
Regrettably, my seventh and final day in London has arrived. I made good use of the time before my afternoon flight but taking the Tube back to the Portobello district so that I could walk around and visit the antique stores when they opened between 9 and 10 am. I then went to visit the Hays Building and then finished with the HMS Belfast. For a military history nut, it was the perfect ending to a perfect stay in London.
On my occasional travel blog, I try to find an interesting hotel or hotels to offer my own review for our many readers who travel. It is of course subjective and the hotels can range from modestly priced lodging to more expensive options. On this stay, I opted for one of the more expensive hotels (due to a mix of business travel and discounts). I chose one of London’s newest and most discussed hotels: The Shangri-La at the Shard. The Shard is the towering hotel in the center of London (SE1). While I am very critical of much of the recent architecture in London which is truly hideous for the most part, the Shard is a beautiful building both inside and outside. (Photos published with permission of the Shangri-La).
Continue reading “London: The Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard Review”
The fifth day in London began (after a stop at the market for a “Scotch egg”) with a visit to Portobello Market and then went to Parliament to watch the debates before meeting with counterparts in the House of Commons. My only complaint is that I was unable to find a single station that showed the final game of Stanley Cup to watch my Blackhawks prevail over the Lightnings. Worse yet, two stations showed dart competitions again. Darts. Despite their artistic, political, and legal contributions of the world, England remains a terribly backward people when it comes to supports. First there is that “football” misunderstanding and then they show dart rather than hockey competitions. Nevertheless, I went on computer to check the results. If you listened hard in London, you could hear a cheer from near the top of the Shard early in the morning.
Continue reading “Day 6: London From Portobello to Parliament”
Today was another grand day in Londontown and then moved on to St. Paul’s Cathedral. That was the last stop for Leslie who is returning home today where I have to wrap up a few things in London.
Continue reading “Day Five: From St. Paul to Lord Nelson to Jeremy Bentham”
Day Four in London captured the wonderful diversity of London. We began at the lively flea markets of Camden and then went to see the antiquities of the renowned British Museum. Along the way was some great meals and we met some even greater people.
Continue reading “Day Four: From Flea Markets to The Elgin Marbles”
London was decked out today for the 89th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II with hundreds of troops, horses, and a very cool flyover. It was great to witness the events, but the day was also full of other wonderful moments in London, a city that seems to easily mix the mythical with the mundane of English history and life.
Continue reading “Day Four: London Celebrates A Royal Birthday”
Day three in London was a whirlwind of activities starting with my participation in the celebration in 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. The event was a wonderful success with a fast-moving discussion of the legacy of the Magna Carta with an outstanding panel. After the ABA event, we walked to the incredible outdoor market and then spent much of the day in the Tower of London. The day ended with a stellar dinner at the ancient Lincoln’s Inn of Court. It was the perfect day in London.
Continue reading “Day Three: From The Tower Of London To The Lincoln’s Inn”
My first day in London was a delight. It was a glorious day in London and I walked for over ten miles in visiting different landmarks. London is not simply a gorgeous and inspiring city but it is filled with people who are eager to help any lost tourist and simply to chat on the streets. I have yet to meet a single Londoner who was not incredibly cheerful and helpful.
Continue reading “Day Two: London From Big Ben To King John”
This week I will be blogging from London, England. Today will be the first day, though I arrive around 10 pm in London. I will be speaking at the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. I will be participating on a program organized by Hon. Delissa A. Ridgway, Judge of the United States Court of International Trade entitled “What if . . . there had been no Magna Carta?”
Continue reading “LONDON CALLING: DAY ONE IN LONDON ENGLAND”
We have previously discussed the disastrous reign of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who made himself and the soccer organization notorious for mismanagement and corruption. Yet, like any organization of “made men,” Blatter was immune from virtually universal contempt until recently when a criminal investigation put him directly into harm’s way.
Continue reading “FIFA Flob: Soccer Organization’s $29 Million Film Makes $609 In Debut”
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court reaffirmed yesterday that it rejects the most fundamental notions of due process, free speech, freedom of religion, and the free press. It was able to do all of that in one case — perfectly capturing the inherently abusive elements of Sharia law and religiously based legal systems.
The Islamic State is offered the world another horrific view of its enforcement of Islamic or Sharia justice. The Islamic extremists tosses gay men from a building in front of a large crowd. The men were held by their ankles and then dropped from the roof. WARNING: the photos at this site are highly disturbing.
By Darren Smith, Weekend Contributor
Those having great concern of the rise of Turkish President Recep Erdogan as a threat to free speech and his pursuit of an increasingly autocratic government can breathe, at least in the short term, a collective sigh of relief. With ninety-nine percent of the polling counted, Erdogan’s AK Party lost its parliamentary majority, preventing it from successfully pursuing constitutional changes that could solidify his power and what likely would lead further erosion of the traditionally secular state. This is the most significant setback to the AKP in the thirteen years it has governed over Turkey.
The announcement of the loss of majority came as a surprise as many feared manipulation of the voting process and witnessed numerous attempts at voter suppression and the jailing of media officials and those critical of the president.
Continue reading “Erdogan’s Ruling AKP Loses Majority In Turkish Elections”
We have followed various cases of exorcisms that result in injury or death over the years. A video has gone viral of one such ritual that did not harm the “possessed” individual but again raises questions over the abusive nature of these rituals. “Father Valeriy” of Church of St Michael in the self-proclaimed state of Transnistria, in Eastern Europe is shown riding the man like a donkey as he protests. After the man collapses, the priest stands on top of him and raises his arms in victory. The Moldovan Orthodox Church has launched a probe. Assuming that this is not just some horrible joke, the video shows the potential for great abuse in such rituals.