One of the greatest plays ever written!!

COMING SOON: On Boredom

Israel Attacks Gaza Aid Fleet

Today's aid-carrying envoy for people in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli military clash proves, once again, the eternal truth of realism in International Relation's theory: power and security rule.
The Israeli military symbolizes power and security, and the humanitarian fleet international law.
Newspapers stated the Israeli army has, again, "violated international law" by attacking innocent civilians on a humanitarian mission.
While true, the notion of International Law remains a theorectical perspective, as nations continue to act according to self-interest, committing actions that violate notions of international law.
Given Israel's history of hostility, the aid envoy could be considered an act of provocation, as it was set to enter Israeli waters.
Although the humanitarians were perfectly in their jurisdiction to bring aid to the people of Gaza.
What was to be expected? Cries of joy and welcome from the Israeli MILITARY?

Istanbul Kittenage

The black cat that prowls in my neighborhood, and which features in the photograph on the right, just had kittens.

In Istanbul, people find creative solutions to the stray animals:

The dogs -- and there are a lot of them -- are sprayed and neutered, but there are so many cats that many of them are not fixed.

Therefore spring is kitten season.

The lovely black cat and her kittens now reside in a cardboard box on the sidewalk outside the electronic shops, fruit stands, and dürüm et lokantlar (meat sandwich restaurants) in my neighborhood.

I saw her, today, with her new kittens. She looked up at me with sweet, motherly eyes, while the wrinkled, wriggling, runt kittens milked away.

The cardboard box keeps the kittens from crawling and getting squashed on the road.

Like I said -- creative solution!

As an aside, fanatical animals lovers really should not be disturbed by the fact that there are so many, seemingly uncared for strays.

The fact is, the animals are an amazing feature in the city.

The dogs, considering their numbers, are well-fed by Istanbul residents, and friendly toward humans -- some of them are really fat (obese, in fact).

Of course, dog personalities change in different neighborhoods.

In rich parts of the city, like Bağdat Caddesı on the Asian side, the dogs act like house pets and are very healthy and happy. They are loyal companions to whomever sits on the benches to rest.

On the European side, and other less wealthy disticts, the dogs are more ragtag, wild and full of character. They exist in packs and run free in the streets.

These dogs avoid, but have no hostility toward people, and will often greet passers-by, from a distance, with a grim tail-wag.

Dog and cat chows are a prominent feature on the sidewalks, and are scattered in neighborhoods, and busy streets, including İstiklal.

The same applies to cats.

When I was living in Beşiktaş, another district in Istanbul, I was the subject of an attempted attack by a black-and-white cat that looked as though it was hissing to itself, and could not walk a straightline.


It was one of those tragicomic moments: people in the busy street who witnessed the cat's failed attempt, laughed, but then watched it sadly. I was just relieved it didn't manage to make contact with my bare legs.

Re-Stalinization in Russia?

As Moscow prepares to celebrate the 65th anniversary of its victory against Hitler's army, the topic of Stalin worship in the public sphere has become a matter of debate as an increasing number of portraits and statues appear in public.
Stalin worship in the public sphere has not been actively displayed since his death.
Liberals in the country disapprove of what appears to be a revival in the personality cult and consider it an "excuse for the Kremlin to legitimize Russia's authoritarian past in order to justify its current government."
War veterans still remember Stalin as a despot who brutally killed most of the Soviet army commandership.
The cult of Stalin is on the rise, especially among mid-level bureaucrats and police officers who put his pictures on their walls, and have his portrait on their watches.
Like the image of the revolutionary leader Chi Guevara, Stalin is quickly becoming a trend for mass production.
Lead-up to the re-establishment of the Stalin Cult started in 2007 when high-school textbooks advocated his work during the industrial revolution, while downplaying the more sinister elements of his rule.
A popular a show called The Name of Russia revealed that Stalin was considered Russia's leading historical figure.
Polls revealed that 16 percent of the country consider Stalin their idol, and 54 percent speak highly of his leadership skills.
In 2009, an original quote from the Stalin-era Soviet national anthem reappeared at Kurskaya Metro Station. It reads: "Stalin reared us on loyalty to the people. He inspired us to labour and heroism."
The Russian Communist Party also plays a lead role. 1,000 Party billboards show Stalin's face with "The victory is up to us." Members of the party consider him a father and an idol.
Information from Newsweek and Telegraph.co.uk

Early this week I posted a blog called "Escape from Istanbul". One of my readers asked for more about the city, which is why I am posting these pictures that I think capture the meaning I am trying to portray.
Do I hate Istanbul? No. I love it.
I'm just tired of all the positive, idealistically written articles about the grandeur, and beauty of the city that only short-time visitors feel.
Yes, you will get sucked into the calmness that exudes from the Bosphorous, but only before you arrive at Taksim Square and feel the jolt of its chaotic reality. When you stay longer in any city the euphoria begins to wear off and one becomes struck with the utter chaos that is this city.
No problem. My friends and I can feel the tourist euphoria whenever we pause from our busy lives to absorb everything enjoyable the city has to offer -- the list is long.

Newsweek reported the potential for another conflict between Lebanon and Israel. King Abdullah of Jordan issued a warning about a potential conflict in the summer.

Hizbullah is reported to be increasing stocks of rockets and missiles, which is leading to the destabilization of the region.

It is alleged that Syria and Iran are passing scud missiles to Hizbullah, and the missiles would put Jerusalem within striking distance.

The dispute has put into question current U.S. engagement with Syria and its potential to dissolve. As Syria still maintains close relations with Hizbullah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Newsweek writes: the moves could "signal that an attack by Israel," which could turn into a broader regional conflict.