Allies in Shame

All we are saaaaaying, is, give TRUTH a chance;
All we are saaaaaying, is, give the INVESTIGATION a chance!
Sing along folks... http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/please-re-open-madeleine-mccanns-case
Maybe one day we will know why politicians interfered with an investigation.
Maybe one day we can all sing "Arguidos Para Sempre"...

Flag This

A few nights ago, two ballsy lads took a leader across downtown Lisbon, and climbed onto the balcony of the Town Hall.

Wearing Darth Vader masks, they went on to substitute the Municipal flag with the old Portuguese flag up until 1910, when a bunch of republicans, carrying the red and green flag of the Republican Party, proclaimed the Republic from the same balcony.


These lads made a video of it and post it on the web. It was meant as a joke - a publicity stunt, to call attention to a number of issues. An obvious one, was the lack of security which allowed them to succeed on their peaceful plan.


There were other issues. One probably not on their list was to embellish the Town Hall, but they made that happen as well. :D


There was the issue of lack of discussion on the Portuguese society about the coming celebrations of the 100 years of the Republic, where the State is ready to spend a bundle; the lack of democratic legitimacy of the said Republic which subverted a Lawful State, not to mention the assassination of the Head of State and his oldest son...


Anyways, this kind of public protest in a humoristic way, is not really common is Portugal - a Country that takes it self too seriously.

Taking that in consideration, there was a surprisingly positive reaction from many people, even some who aren't monarchists; but eventually, we had those, who don't bat an eye-lid when reminded of the bloody days of the Republic, foaming at the cheek of those boys.


In a perfect example of how this incipient democracy works - guess what - the authorities didn't like it one bit, and when one of the "Dart Vaders" went voluntarily to return the flag, he was taken by the cops, questioned and made an Arguido - a term you may recall from the McCann case.


Like the Police has no real criminals to chase and nothing better to do...

I don't think this was what George Lucas had in mind when in Star Wars they say "use the force" or "may the force be with you"...


Anyhow, it was the most fun this country had in years!
Just to think of those old republican farts foaming in disbelief, ranting like mad ayatollahs, yes, it was totally worth it!
Obrigado Darth Vaders do 31 da Armada!

To show my solidarity with those brave boys, I am raising the most beautiful flag, here on Bloguistan!

Blunder from Downunder

There has been more fluff on the media about a possible suspect in yet again the Madeleine McCann case.


I have read many things, including G.Amaral's book; all things considered, I believe the forensic evidence recovered in PDL is enough to state beyond doubt, as much as it pains me to say it, that Madeleine died that night.


Weather you accept it or not, there is no evidence of abduction; just of a cover up.


1- There is forensic evidence (haematic and corpse scent) related to a member of the Mccann clan.


2 - Credible witnesses that saw Gerry carrying Madeleine towards the beach that night.


3 - Contradictions and lack of cooperance from the parents & friends.


4 - Inadmissible political and media pressure over the investigation.


5 - A neverending list of suspects that lead nowhere but to a wild goose chase to keep the public opinion misinformed and the money running to their pockets.


6 - They are NOT the only parents to loose a child, but they are probably the only who's acctions contributed to that end.


7 - They are all about themselves. The only person going to the end of the world for Madeleine, is G.Amaral.


8- Just this week the Police released the figures of the expenses on this case - they are the lawful channel to conduct an investigation. The Mccanns can ask them to re-open the case - it's the only way they can clear themselves of any suspicion.


9 - The Mccans created a media monster that had a negative impact on the investigation; but this monster is getting out of their control and will end up devouring them.


10 - Stop discrediting the PJ. Innocent people have been sent to jail by UK's finest with less or no evidence.



As a matter of a fact, one of the English Police agents that took part in the investigation said that he had sent people to prison in the UK with less. So to claim that Amaral somehow "framed" the parents is acctually claiming that the Scotland Yard is an accessory to Mr. Amaral - a man, btw, that contrary to the Mccann, had nothing to lose; and rather than conceal is "trick", he writes a book about it...



That's why people resent the McCann. We want justice for Madeleine.


Recently I have seen something that added another piece to the puzzle.


Why did Gordon Brown get involved in this case? Why did others, not pertaining to the investigation?


I found a reference to the Masonry that could in fact explain a lot.


A secret society where men dress in aprons and get together to do anything but cooking, is always going to smell fishy to me.



Being Portuguese, I know very well how subversive they can be, as they were responsible for the Regicide in 1908 and the subsequent overturn of the Monarchy.


However, I believe not in a larger conspiracy re the Mccann affair, but more in fashion with what is suggested on the Handbook of Masonry, page 183, which I take the liberty to replicate: "You must conceal all crimes of your brother Masons...and should you be summoned as a witness against a brother Mason be always sure to shield him...It may be perjury to do this, it is true, but you're keeping your obligations."



Does it sound crazy? Well, I've seen more crazy stuff coming out with the McCann’s blessing. Why isn't the world press questioning and discrediting the Mccanns stategy of shooting in all directions, but actually getting nowhere? Their smokescreen tactics will have to backfire one day...


The difference between the so called "Team McCann" and the rest of the world (let's call it Team Justice for Madeleine), is someting akin to the difference between the middle-ages and the Renaissance. I did a little experiment, aimed at finding out why some people blindly stick with the McCann version of the story; the results are not groundbreaking, rather very much the expected - their opinions are based on the supernatural - love the one that links the desapearence of Maddie with the Apochalipse - tarot, faith, hope, and lots of misinformation.
Ultimatelly, the difference between "Team McCann" and "Team Justice for Madeleine", will be defined by the outcome of this story (if ever) - if they are right and Madeleine is alive and well (little chance), Team Justice for Madeleine will be happy for her; if Team McCann is wrong, they will have nothing to be happy about...

UPDATE 16.08.2009

Seems like the leaflets with 10 reasons suggesting Madeleine was not abducted, may have been inspired by this post ;D

I hope the McCs won't call the coppers on me too. After all, last time they seemed to be running from them...

BARACK OBOOTY CALL

President Barack Obama has told African leaders it is time to stop blaming colonialism and "Western oppression" for the continent's manifold problems.

Wow.
The world was still wondering if the presidential eyes were set on a Brasilian booty, when this other shocker hit them - Obama, having in part African heritage, pointed out that Africans are responsible for their own destinies now, so they should drop colonial excuses and say "yes we can".


Well, that's what I've been saying to Brazilians for a long time. It's quite effective as Brazilian girls immediatetly turn around and walk off, giving me the chance to check out their booty. (I can totally understand Obama and Sarkozy - you gotta keep your eyes on the booty as the face is not the best feature...)

Thanks to ABC Network, we can all see that Obama, if he looked at the girl at all, it was more of a sly fox look, masterly done; Sarkozy, as a good Frenchman, had the "horny dog" look, also known in Europe as the "Berlusconi look".

Speaking of looks, a quick look to History reveals that Obama is completely right.
Everyone, at one time or another has been someone else's b*tch - all civilizations on Earth have had its rise and falls.
Old Egypt, Rome, Bantu etc...
Rome colonized most of Europe, many Europeans were enslaved, Romans brought many advances to these societies as well.
Later on, Europeans would use their advances to do the same on other parts of the globe. When they left, someone else took their place.
Bottom line - if it hadn't been the Romans, it would have been the Arabs, or the Chinese, or the Africans; it's basically just a question of who does what and when.
In some cases, what people really can't get over is the racial factor - it's ok that some Africans were colonising other Africans and were also involved in the slave commerce; but how dare the Europeans?
That's what Obama - a "black" man (mainly for white people), was saying.
Stop being losers, get over excuses and get your act together - this goes to many Brazilians as well.

Who cares?

In this day and age, there are still people who actually believe that there is a God and people that don't believe that "He" exists.
Fine. Like people discussing which religion is "better" wasn't enough...

What do I believe? I believe you people need to get a girl/boyfriend.

Personally, I think atheism and religion are basically two sides of the same coin - philosophies pretending to know what happens after one dies.

I belong to a third category - those who don't care about flipping the coin; I respect your views, whatever they are, and I guess we will find out who's right pretty soon...

RON9MANIA

He's been the talk of the Summer and nearly an obsession of the press all over the world and even here in Bloguistan.

Shorten to just Ronaldo, CR's name is finally on the back of Real Madrid's shirts, right over his new number, a big (9) nine.

That number, once raised to mythical proportions by R.M.'s Di Stefano - one of the greatest of all time - is said to be cursed.

It hasn't bring luck nor success to any player that used it since the other Ronaldo, the Brazilian, aka "the phenomenon", or simply "the fat", wore it in the then team known as the "Galaticos".

The Brazilian sunked to a new low when was caught in some Hotel with a tranny. He later said he was not aware of the fact "she" was a he.

But fear not, CR's fans! The Portuguese stud will not fall victim to silly superstitions... also, his reputation was never that good. If he has survived Paris Hilton, than he can only go up, from there.

Yesterday, C. Ronaldo generated the kind of mania that only Superstars like the late King of Pop or Madonna use to get. Over 80 thousand screaming fans took every seat available at the Bernabeu, leaving many fans outside that couldn't get in, while others were watching his first day at Real Madrid live on TV. And it was just C. Ronaldo in RM's colours; no big game, no UEFA final, not even the team's warm up - they all wanted to see just one man in his new shorts and jersey - Cristiano Ronaldo.

This is why some people are wrong to say that R. Madrid went insane over C. Ronaldo; the world has gone insane over other people less talented before, it's all a question of marketing. Yesterday it was proven that there is a huge market out there hungry for CR9...

Most people who spoke against the biggest deal of this Summer (and ever), saying no football player was worth that amount that RM was ready to offer for CR, overlooked the fact that Ronaldo is more than a Footy player - he is a brand name and just as valuable, or more, outside the pitch as he his when he's playing.

Real Madrid started paying him off as soon as the deal was announced. In a few years, they will have a profit, regardless of the sport results they'll get.

Seems to me they made a mistake, though. They are selling a shirt that is exactly the same name and number as the one the Brazilian Ronaldo had; so, why should people bother to get one when all they have to do is get their old one from the wardrobe... unless the mophs got to them first.

Oléeee - New Campaign?

After ALLGARVE and WEST COAST of EUROPE, the now ex-minister of Economy of Portugal has invested on another Portuguese ancient tradition - just not sure if he meant Cuckolding or Bullfighting.

Before PETA hacks Bloguistan, let me state here and clear that I do not support Bullfighting nor the suffering of any animal.
Except some politicians.

Now, at least bulls have PETA, cuckolds have nothing but endless shame.

Portugal has long banned the killing of the bull in the arena, with only a local exception.
The killing of the trust between a couple, however, starts with opening an exception.

We don't know for sure what Mr. Pinho had in mind, besides his two index-fingers; but it was clearly a bad idea.

The 1st Portuguese

This is another no-budget big production, brought to you by Bloguistan to honor the 1st King of Portugal - King Alphonse I - the man who dreamed to start his own country and actually achieved that, within his lifetime, with flying colors. This is his epic, true story.

Born in the early years of the 12th century, his father was a French nobleman and his mother the youngest daughter of the King of Castile (Spain). His parents were the administrators of the Portucale County, edged between the Atlantic and the Kingdom of Leon, it was basically the current North of Portugal down to the town of Coimbra.
To the South layed the Moors.

Much of what happened back in the day is hazy as the chronicles are scarce and mixed with legend.
There is still much debate about King Alphonse’s birth place, his early years and his physical constitution - some sources say he was born frail and sickly, others that he was a “giant”, others that he was in fact puny but was either replaced in childhood by another boy or simply was a late bloomer and also thanks to a divine intervention got stronger as he grew up – well it’s a matter for debate even today, because his tomb was never opened. Almost happened once, but some bureaucratic/political/stupid decision prevented the studying of the remains, at the last minute…

Legendary is also the fierce independence feeling that was apparently passed through the generations in the area. It had been the centre of a short-lived Germanic (some people say Slavic) kingdom, ruled by the Suevi (probably from Swabia other people say from the word Slavic).

What is certain is that Count Henri, his father, was already involved in the separation of his county from the northern county of Galicia. Young Alphonse continued his work but took it to the next level.

Galicia, once in the periphery, was now concentrating the political and religious centres. Things got to the point where the Galicians came to Braga, the once capital of the Suevi Kingdom and highest priory, and they translated the holy relics of the saints buried in Braga to Santiago…
The Portucalensis barons and clergy decided they had enough of it and would not become second-best.

Young Alphonse couldn’t read nor write but he was from start a shrewd man. He had it all, basically. He was so full of courage and confidence and defiance that he armed himself a knight at age 14. Then he entitled himself Prince. From there it was a straight arrow to leading armies against his Christian “oppressors” and the Moors alike.

He succeeded in liberating many important towns like Lisbon, and doubled the size of the county he received from his father, in little more than 20m years, making it a Kingdom – and thus, Portugal was born. Without King Alphonse, there wouldn’t have been the age of discoveries (at least when and as it happened); there wouldn’t be a Brazil, so the world and football would be very different than it is… :D

The King of Pop

My first music album was Thriller.
It was well before my teens but I was really impressed.
An older cousin of mine had Thriller and he made me terribly jelouse - he had that slick album that not only had great music even a kid could like, it had lyrics printed on it too!
Next day I asked my mom to buy it for me. I still have it today. I started learning English from it and it has been the soundtrack of my Summer holidays in the 80's till I discovered Scorpians and Dire Straights (yeah, my Summers were quite drepressing).

Anyway, I was not Michael's most die-hard fun but I didn't en joy see him called "Wacko Jacko".
As I grew older he grew wearder, but what was worse, in my view, was that his last great album was "Bad" - I was 16 if I'm not mistaken.
After that, Michael Jackson became kind of a footnote for me. I would hear about him in the news but didn't really pay a lot of attention.

Yeah, he was a guy that wasn't easy to understand but we weren't really trying as well.
When that documentary came out and Michael was taken to Court, I was acctually sorry for him. I can't say he was inocent or not ; but I do believe he was inocent at heart. Only someone so completely "inocent", naive like only children can be, could actually turn to the interviewer and say with upmost honesty that he slept with children on his bed and add something like: "wouldn't you?" like it was the most natural thing in the world to do.

In his world of Neverland it was. He may not be Peter Pan but he probably was like little King Arthur (only the pure at heart could lift the sword from the anvil)...
In our devious, dishonest adult world, no, it's not natural and cannot be tolerated; but in his "neverland" world, in his lost childhood, it may be possible that a unique person, an artist, a dreamer, a child trapped in a grown up's body, could acctually see no harm in sharing a bed with another child.
Just because we are tainted doesn't mean that everybody's like that. A burp after a good meal, is considered rude in most places; in China is expected, and rude is the guest who doesn't rip one out.

I know that Michael settled out of the Court, but probably most famous people would be advised by the lawyers to do that just to avoid the media circus.

I don't acctually know how to explain his most bizarre choices and actions. Even Bubbles probably acted more wisely than his master...
I mean, we all understand that he had a "tough" upbringing and felt lonely and misundertood, but so did thousands of people in this planet and they don't end up looking like Skeletor...

Nevertheless, he hadn't turn stiff for long and people were coldly insinuating that he did this and was that... well, this kind of malice, I don't think Michael had. But, at the end of the day, what really matters is that he will be remembered for his talent, his music , and above all, his moonwalk...
Michael Jackson, the uncontested King of Pop, has joined the other king, Elvis Presley. They have left the building but live on in their artistic legacy. RIP.

Welcome back, Conando! :D

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