The Birth of Aphrodite And The Decline of The West

 

The Birth of Aphrodite And The Decline of The West - by James Wm. Pandeli

“Whether our age has reached a higher point of civilization than any preceding one, is, of course, a matter of very great doubt, but there is no doubt that it makes louder claims to superiority in this respect than any previous period. Such pretensions are generally the consequence of ignorance of other times and their productions. It is certainly a circumstance worthy of some consideration, that persons whose talents and acquirements have enabled them to take wide and penetrating views of the past and present, have shown the least disposition to echo the cry of the march of intellect.”

‘Civilization’, Enc. Americana, 1829-31, Page225.

I. Introduction

It has been said that the history was written by the winners. The implication is that the successful in any endeavor whether war or otherwise, wrote the history to satisfy either their point of view or their interests. Another view might be that history was written by the survivors, perhaps implying that sometimes a more accurate attempt may result. Finally the third view is that history was written by the scholars who have the written material from the ancient past to analyze and proceed with their thoughts. Illyr-Albania has not benefited from any view. First, no written materials have been left from the past. Second, the Illyr-Albanians were people who it was thought had not survived the ages. And third, except for the conquests of the Illyr-Albanian Alexander the Great of Emathia, the Greatland, (Illyr-Albanian translation of the original name of Macedonia) they had not been the winners having been conquered by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, by the Ottomans c.1500, and finally the communists resulting in the almost complete dilusion of spirit. The difficulties at any attempt at the histories of the Illyr-Albanian World should be understood in view of these obstacles. But happily Illyr-Albania did survive and now the purpose of this attempt is to understand Her lessons: to appreciate a ‘new light’ from the old world, to try to understand the concept ‘master’s of publicity’ – in the context not only of the history but maybe even in the context of today’s politics - and perhaps begin to comprehend or at least speculate about a correlation between a comparison of the birth of the Hellenic Aphrodite and the birth of the Illyr-Albanian ‘Aferdite’ with the decline of the West and Western Man/Woman.

The comparison of the birth of the Hellenic Aphrodite and the birth of the Illyr-Albanian ‘Afterdite’ might suggest that the decline of the West is due to the failure of Western Man/Woman to spiritually mature in His/Her own right before the influence of the Hellenic (Greek) Civilization; then because of its failure to bring positive substance to the spiritual life, the subsequent influence of the Semitic peoples and their productions and disruptions. By the time of the Roman Empire and its perversions, instabilities and disruptions in the declining years, Western Man was doomed by His immaturities as it related to his perceptions of the world and the chaotic failings of the existing spiritual philosophies. Sad in many ways because His material productions and scientific achievements in what we call the modern age have surpassed all other peoples on the earth combined yet He remains under the spell of the ‘master’s of publicity’ – whoever or whatever that may be. It may not be something that can be explain, but rather sensed. Perhaps our world today is showing signs that the explanations may come sooner than later and then only if people are willing to exhibit a ‘goodness of human spirit’ despite the flaws in our evolution – that is discuss and analyze truths as it relates to failures without taking offense – and evolve from there.

We have to remember that the Illyr-Albanian presence in the Balkans pre-dates the Hellenic presence and it should be generally agreed that the foundation of the early Hellenic presence owed much to the Illyr-Albanian World, though many of the Hellenic understandings were somewhat distorted and even perverted. The name ‘Parthenoun’, ‘P arthen Oun’, is more probably translated in Illyr-Albanian as ‘from where I come’ (the pronoun ‘I’ a reference to God), perhaps an indication that the Illyr-Albanian World had been an influence that had remained unrecorded except for some names and words that were used by the Hellenes. The Hellenic forced meaning of the ‘Parthenoun’ translates to ‘the Virgins’.

II. The Birth of Aphrodite

The oldest account in Greek Literature of the ‘foam-born goddess’ Aphrodite, comes to us from Hesiod’s ‘Theogony’ c.700 B.C. (Genesis of the Gods) line187. In Greek, ‘aphro’ is supposed to translate to ‘foam’. Aphrodite was considered the daughter of Ouranos, the Heaven God. Hesiod’s story involved the act whereby Kronus cut off the genitals of his father, Ouranos, and threw them into the sea.

“And so soon as he had cut off the members with flint and cast them from the land into the surging sea, they were swept away over the main a long time: and a white foam spread around them from the immortal flesh, and in it there grew a maiden. First she drew near holy Cythera, from there, afterwards, she came to sea-girt Cyprus, and came forth an awful lovely goddess, and grass grew up about her beneath her shapely feet. Her gods and men call Aphrodite, and the foam-born goddess and rich-crowned Cytherea because she grew amid the foam, and Cytherea because she reached Cythera, and Cyprogenes because she was born in billowy Cyprus, and Philommedes because she sprang from the members. And with her went Eros, and comely Desire followed her at her birth at the first and as she went into the assembly of the gods. This honour she has from the beginning, and this is the portion allotted to her amongst men and undying gods, - The whisperings of maidens and smiles and deceits with sweet delight and love and graciousness.” (Hesiod, lines 187-207)

That is the first written story of the goddess of love and beauty as presented by the Hellenic (Greek) Civilization to the Western World and a part of what is referred to as the ‘classics’.

III. The Birth of The Illyr-Albanian ‘Aferdite’

The Illyr-Albanian story can be told based on “the faith of reason” and on names and words of the Illyr-Albanian World.

The Illyr-Albanian phrase ‘near day’ is ‘afer dite’; the phrase ‘nearly day’ is ‘afro dite. ‘Aferdite’ in Illyr-Albanian is ‘dawn’.

Imagine, if you will, the sky appearing to fall to earth when viewed in the distance. ‘Ou Ra’ (from the name Ouranos) in Illyr-Albanian is ‘I fall’ or ‘I fell’ - ‘Ou’ being the pronoun reference to the first God as the result of the re-enactment of religious stories in the first person by the early people (see essay ‘Illyr-Albania: The Mother Earth by this writer). Imagine, in the stories of the early people, that this took place over the Shkumbe River. In Illyr-Albanian this name translates to ‘Foam’ River, ‘shku mbe’ – ‘go on or upon’. Imagine water that goes over rocks or pebbles making a foam-like appearance. The ancient name of the River is Genusus (quite possibly a dual reference to the River, one representing the natural occurrence, the other name representing the wedding of Heaven and Earth). In Illyr-Albanian ‘ge nuse’ translates to ‘Earth as a bride’, the bride of Heaven. From this Union, the Dawn, Aferdite is born. As you look to the East, where the sky appears to touch the Earth in the distance, the sun rises – this perception probably influenced the stories by the early people who knew the names and words originally in the context of only their Illyr-Albanian World.

Elbasan is a city located by this River. The ancient name of the city is ‘Skampa’. In Illyr-Albanian ‘S kam pa’ is ‘I did not see’ or ‘I could not see’. Can one imagine why? All the world was in darkness. The first day of the ‘beginning of the world’ had not yet been born. The marriage of Heaven and Earth had not yet taken place. The stories of the early people had not yet turned into substance. The name representing the place of darkness, Skampa, had not yet evolved. We might guess that this is the truer story of the birth of what we have come to know in the Western World as Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty.

(The versions of the birth of Aphrodite and Aferdite have been taken from the book by this writer ‘Oh Albania, My Poor Albania’; l980; pages 28-31, as has the following):

The intelligible forms of ancient poets

The fair humanities of old religions,

The power, the Beauty, and the Majesty
That had their haunts in dale or piny mountain,

Or forest, by slow stream, or pebbly spring,

Or chasms and watery depths; all these have vanished;

They live no longer in the faith of reason;

But still the heart does need a language; still

Doth the old instinct bring Back the old names;

Spirits or gods that used to share this earth

With man as with their friend; and at this day

‘Tis Zeus who brings whate’er is great,

And Aphrodite (Aferdite?) who brings every thing that’s fair.”

(Bulfinch,T., ‘Age of Fable’, p.4,quoting Coleridge’s ‘The Piccolomini’.)

IV. Master’s of Publicity

Let us wonder who perpetuates the histories written by the winners, by the survivors and/or the histories based on the civilizations that left writings and then interpreted by the so-called scholars. Let us wonder why the perverted and difficult to comprehend seem to be the norm and the versions from the Illyr-Albanian World, once deciphered and from which to make sense, receive little notice.

Twenty-six years have passed since the implications of the Genusus River (‘Earth as a bride’) have been renewed and still Western Man/Woman does not seem to appreciate the concept ‘the holy land’ of the West. Imagine, the Genusus River, the ‘archeological find’ of the centuries and still silence in the wealthy, educated societies of the Western World. Who or what is this ‘master’s of publicity’ that keep the darkness around us and why?

The epitaph for the people of this age will read:

“They slept through the darkness. Sadly, they slept through the daylight as well.

Now, for all eternity they can continue their great sleep,

With their delusions, their perversions, their self indulgence and the

Chaotic world, in their repose, they left behind and for us to weep.”

When the phrase “This day and age” is heard, the implication being that we have reached a higher point of civilization than the past, one should shutter and wonder who are the winners and who are the survivors that wrote the histories and who has perpetuated this ignorance?

V. “A New Sun and Another Day”

Finally, we might reflect ‘On the Death of Julian’ (The Illyrian Emperor of Rome and nephew of Constantine the Great; 331-363 A.D.).

“If Julian had succeeded in restoring the old religion, the ancient Illyr-Albanian history might have emerged as a part of our general knowledge (and spiritual understandings). Julian, himself an Illyrian, knew the religion as ‘Hellenism’ (and we have to wonder What is meant by this Hellenism?) – its Illyrian roots had already been lost. Whatever hope there might have been for the Illyr-Albanian history not to decline further into obscurity, ended with the death of Julian and the decline of importance of the old religion…” (So our work is made more difficult because we are working without written histories left behind, an immature Western Man/Woman who constantly rises and declines in His/Her civilizations without an appreciation nor even an understanding for their own spiritual worth based on the memories from their ancestors that can be traced to the old Illyr-Albanian World and our failures to find the truer story of that World and seemingly little interest by many to do so.)

“Libanius (philosopher and friend of Julian) is convinced that Julian’s slayer was a Roman Christian, and goes on to say: ‘Those who sought his death were men who lived in habitual transgression of laws…and who were perhaps indignant at the emperor’s attachment to the Gods to whom they were themselves opposed’.”

Julian: “…But I am not here to criticize you, only ask you to keep the peace and never forget that the greatness of our world was the gift of other Gods and a different, more subtle philosophy, reflecting the variety in nature.”

Libanius: “With Julian, the light went, and now nothing remains but to let the darkness come, and hope for a new sun and another day, born of time’s mystery and man’s love of light.

(The above ‘On the Death of Julian’, with quotes and credits included in ‘Oh Albania, My Poor Albania’, 1980, page 77, by this writer.)

When we hear the phrase “Good Morning”, let us hope it will be!

“They live no longer in the faith of reason;

But still the heart does need a language; still

Doth the old instinct bring Back the old names;”

Essays by this writer:

The Language of God

The Double Eagle – Its Origin as the Symbol of the Illyr-Albanian People

Illyr-Albania: The Mother Earth.

Possible Future Essays:

Ze Mbret: Voice of the Ruler

Restoring America.

 

Does the Mother of the Groom have the right to choose a Brooklyn bridal gown for the bride? It is not always known that role the Mother of the Groom plays in her son’s wedding. Choosing the perfect for the bride may not be one of her responsibility but she can always offer assistance to the bride especially during the absence of the bride’s mother.

 

To increase the happiness and the feeling of fulfillment of the Mother of the Groom, some rules of decorum are said to be the responsibilities of the Mother of the Groom.

· The Mother of the Groom must start the ball rolling by initiating contact between her and the bride’s family. Introductions between families should be as simple as an informal invitation to dinner at their home or to a nice restaurant. This may be done with or without the presence of the bride and groom.

· If they live far away, a friendly letter with a picture of the family would suffice. A kind gesture would be to include a snapshot of her son as a child.

· It is also the Mother of the Groom’s duty to provide the guest lists the soonest possible time with the correct number of guests she was instructed to invite.

· It is the Mother of the Bride who shall be the first one to select what she will wear on the wedding then the Mother of the Groom may select her own gown. As much as possible, her chosen gown should compliment that of the bride’s mother in terms of color and style. She should avoid a dress that matches the dresses of the bridesmaids nor that of the bride’s mother rather compliment both.

· Accommodation reservations during the wedding for both her family and out-of-town guests of the groom’s family also fall in her list of duties.

· Rehearsal dinner hosting should be shouldered by the groom’s family.

· During the wedding ceremony, the Mother of the Groom is accompanied down the aisle usually by the groom while the Father of the Groom follows behind. The groom’s parents are seated on the first pew, right hand side.

· Also during the ceremony, the Mother of the Groom and the Mother of the Bride light the family candle on the altar before the entrance of the bridal party.

· At the reception party following the wedding ceremony, the Mother of the Groom stands in the receiving line to greet guests and introduces her relatives and friends to the bride’s family.

This may not be the general rule to be followed. But you can expect these duties or initiatives from the mother of the groom.

 

 

The Royal House of Aragon was founded by James I of Aragon ("The Conqueror") who reigned as King of Aragon 1213 - 1276. The Kingdom of Aragon was one of the small Christian states which arose in the Iberian peninsula following the gradual expulsion of the Moors, who had held sway in the area in the wake of their conquest of the old Visigothic realm of Spain in the eighth century.

Peter III succeeded his father James I to the throne in 1276, and for many years the succession continued without problems. But when King Martin I (the Humanist) of Aragon died in 1410 he had no children to succeed him, and he had not named any successor. The only written law of succession was the Will of James I which confirmed the principle of male primogeniture, but this was not followed. Six claimants to the throne stepped forward. Through intrigues and political gerrymandering the law of succession was set aside, and a group of nine electors was put together todecide upon the respective claims. They met at Caspe in Aragon in 1412, and by the very composition of the group a decision for one of the claimants, Ferdinand of Antequera, was assured in advance. He thus came to power in a manner similar to a coup in conflict with the prevailing order of succession.

This point is also stressed by T.N. Bisson, who for many years was professor of medieval history at Harvard University. When discussing the “compromise” of Caspe in his book “The medieval crown of Aragon” he points out that “ … the issue was (or became) political rather than simply legal, a utilitarian question of which candidate with some dynastic claim would make the best king”(op. cit., pp. 135-6).

When James Count of Urgel, who should have inherited the throne after Martin I, died in captivity in 1433 the legitimate line passed to the Duke of Gandia who died without heir in 1454. The lawful succession thus passed in 1454 to the House of Ayerbe where the Princes of Cassano were heads of the House until their line became extinct with the death of Joseph the last Prince of Cassano.

The succession thence passed to the cadet branch of the House of Ayerbe, the line from Peter, the younger son of King James the Conqueror in his third marriage. Peter first Baron of Ayerbe had a son Michael who in turn sired a boy, Giovanni the Elder born in 1347 and who in 1398 became Vicar General of the Kingdom of Sicily. Giovanni married Sibilla Spadafora and from that union descends unbroken the line of the House of Paternò.

Over the centuries the descent had thrown off numerous branches, many of which have intermarried. Thus, when the last Prince of Cassano died, it was not clear who precisely held the dynastic right to the jus majestatis of the Lands of the Crown of Aragon and it became urgently necessary that the question be answered.

A family conclave, on the initiative of the 7th Duke of Carcaci Don Francesco Paternò Castello e Sammartino, was called on 14th June 1853, and held in Palermo in the palace of the Marquis of Spedalotto, head of one of the more senior branches of the family. After a review of the relevant evidence and a wide-ranging discussion, it was the finding of the conclave that the royal rights, which had been the subject of the debate, should be confirmed as belonging to Don Mario, son of the Duke of Carcaci's younger brother Don Giovanni and his wife Donna Eleonora Guttadauro of Emmanuel Riburdone, the heiress of the House of Guttadauro. This conclusion which had received the assent of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies was reached on the recognition that Don Mario alone had the royal blood of Aragon in his veins from two sources, through the separate descents of both his mother and his father from King James the Conqueror.

A family pact was then signed and registered on 16 June 1853in the Chamber of Seals and Royal Registers of the Kingdomof the Two Sicilies. It was decreed that during the minority of Don Mario, his father Don Giovanni should be Regent.

The sealing of the family pact was but one of a series ofevents following the death of the last Prince of Cassanowhich determined and confirmed the dynastic rights of the House of Paternò Castello Guttadauro. The final endorsement came on 2nd February 1860 when the Royal Commission for Titles of Nobility recommended to the new king Francis II that a petition by “Ecc’mo Sig. Don Mario Paternò Castello Guttadauro dei Duchi di Carcaci be granted. The petition was that the Prince should receive all confirmation of the Sovereign's assent for those "chivalrous distinctions" which he wished to bestow. On 11th February 1860 the king approved the recommendation of the Royal Commission and directed the Secretary of State for Sicilian Affairs to give effect to his approval.

In 1996, following the abdication of his father, H.R.H. Don Francesco became Head of the Royal House of Aragon, Majorca and Sicily as Prince of Emanuel and Duke of Perpignan.

Vedic Sanskrit is the language in which all the vedic literatures are written. It is said to be the language of the denizens of heaven. Vocabulary, grammar and syntax make the understanding of Vedic Sanskrit difficult. Classical Sanskrit is said to be derived from Vedic Sanskrit. Vedic Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, a large variety of hymns, incantations, 'theological' discussions which are the earliest religious texts of the Vedic culture. Modern linguists consider the metrical hymns of the Rig veda to be the earliest, composed by many sages over centuries and passed down to disciples through hearing process. The "end" of the Vedic era is marked by the composition of the Upanishads, which form the concluding part of the Vedas. Nowdays, belief is that the Vedic Sanskrit survived until the middle of the first millennium BCE. After that many other languages and religions sprouted marking the beginning of the modern era.

Classical Sanskrit

Vyasadev is the compiler of the Vedas and literatures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata generally known as itihasas. However the form of sanskrit Vyasadev used in the itihasas is slightly different from the one he used in the Vedas. As it was passed on through the disciplic succession, the style kept changing but without deviating from the true meaning of the texts. The deviations are generally considered to be on account of interference from Prakrits, or "innovations". Traditional Sanskrit scholars call such deviations aarsha, or "of the rishis", the traditional title for the ancient sages who spoke transcendental literatures. There is also a language called "Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit" by scholars, which is of course found in Buddhist prakrit texts and gradually evolved to various forms of Sanskrit, some with more deviations than the others. According to Tiwari ([1955] 2004), there were four principal dialects of classical Sanskrit, pascimottari (Northwestern), madhyadesi (lit., middle country), purvi (Eastern) and daksina (Southern).

Writing System

Historically, Sanskrit was not associated with any particular script. The emphasis on passing the knowledge through the hearing process in the Vedic Sanskrit tradition was maintained through the development of early classical Sanskrit literature. When Sanskrit was composed, the system of writing was influenced by the surrounding scripts of the scribes. As such, almost all of the main literature and writing systems of South Asia have been used for the production of Sanskrit manuscripts. Later at the end of the 19th century Devanagari became the main writing system for Sanskrit.

Grammatical tradition

Sanskrit grammatical tradition known as vyakarana, began in late Vedic India and ended in the astadhyayi of Panini, which are in total about 3990 sutras. After a century Panini composed the vartikas or Paninian sutras. Patanjali, who was born about three centuries after Panini, composed the mahabhasya, the "Great Commentary" on the astadhyayi and vartikas. Because of these three ancient sages this grammar is called Trimuni Vyakarana. To understand the meaning of sutras Jayaditya and Vamana composed the commentary named Kasika in 600 AD. Paninian grammar is based on 14 Shiva sutras (aforisms). Here, the whole Matrika (alphabet) is abbreviated. This abbreviation is called Pratyahara.

Verbs

Sanskrit has ten classes of ten forms of verbs divided into two main groups: athematic and thematic. The thematic verbs are so called because an a, called the theme vowel, is inserted between the stem and the ending. Every root has zero, guna, and vrddhi grades.

The End of the Pirates of the Caribbean

by Cherie Pugh

Cherie Pugh discovered the true story of the Nassau pirates when sailing through the Caribbean on a traditional wooden ship. She found the court records of their trials in London, and spent years researching and writing her pirate novel “Mary Read – Sailor, Soldier, Pirate”.

The ultimate pirate yarn is now available as an ebook or paperback from www.womanpirate.com

At its height, the Brethren of the Sea was a loose organisation of thousands of pirates, in companies of hundreds of men, in large fleets of ships. And the corrupt governors of the New World colonies were only too happy to trade with the pirates, instead of buying expensive goods imported from Europe.

[For more information on the pirate life, see my article

“The Real Pirates of the Caribbean”]

Then English King George lost patience with his Navy’s inability to catch the pirates, mostly because the commanders were too busy making their fortunes by convoying merchantmen for up to a quarter of the cargo. The King offered a Pardon, which halved the pirate numbers, most of them happy to return home from a long exile in fear of the noose. He began the radical step of paying high-ranking government employees a salary large enough to save them from the necessity of making money from corruption – up until then common practice. He also increased the powers of the Governors to hang whole crews of pirates, instead of just captains and quartermasters. This was justified by a vicious smear campaign that insisted that the pirates were all like Blackbeard- bloodthirsty psychopaths, half-mad from the pox. In fact, Blackbeard and his crew were based on Saint Thomas, and then the American mainland, and were not welcome in Nassau.

[For more information on Nassau, see my article

“Nassau – Pirate Haven in the Caribbean]

John Haman designed and built the pirate ships at Harbour Island in the Bahamas, and he based his designs on the sloops of the Malacca pirates, 'fast to attack, faster to run', which were themselves based on the Arab dhow. Shallow draughted and agile, the pirate sloops were much more suited to sailing the treacherous reefs and shallows of the Caribbean. Their fleets of small, quick sloops and schooners, all with the new bird-wing sails and longer prows, glided across the water under the lightest of breezes. Despite, or because of, their smaller size, they easily outran, out-sailed and out-fought the clumsy, square-rigged, massive Navy ships. The Dutch had provided an effective defense against Spanish invasion using small, lightly-armed fishing boats against huge Spanish galleons, and these lessons were not lost on the pirates. Thousands of them flourished in the Caribbean by 1715, in companies of hundreds of men, in fleets of fast ships.

King George also sent Captain Woodes Rogers to take Nassau back from the pirates. During Queen Anne's War, Rogers had captured enough Spanish gold to finance England’s entire campaign against French domination. When he sailed his fleet into Nassau, Captain Vane met him with fireships, and forced him out again. Yet that night, Vane’s supporters melted away from him. Given their love of freedom, and Vane’s reputation for arrogance, they chose to live as Englishmen, in an English colony, with a Governor, rather than as the subjects of a pirate King. When the Governor sailed in again the next morning, Vane only stayed long enough to fire a volley at him, and then fled through the impossibly narrow eastern channel. Anne Bonny, masquerading as a man, sailed with him.

[For more information on pirate women, see my article

“Mary Read and Anne Bonny - Pirate Women of the Caribbean”]

Governor Woodes Rogers was an ambitious Puritan, with little time for women, and none for the Brethren. He didn’t understand the pirates’ readiness to surrender, and was sure they would mutiny against him. Rogers had brought colonists from Europe, but the rains brought fever, and he buried most of them within weeks. The Brethren would not farm, and when he insisted that they slave to erect forts against an expected Spanish attack, many returned to the sea. When the Spaniards finally attacked, the remaining Brethren easily beat them off, but Rogers still distrusted them.

With absolutely no support from his government, Rogers was soon deeply in debt, and forced, with ruined health and reputation, to return to England to beg for help, where his creditors had him arrested for debt. He returned to Nassau eventually, and with the rovers gone, finally succeeded in governing Nassau.

When the Naval commanders based in the colonies appealed to the local Governors for money to equip small fleets of sloops, they were finally able to challenge the pirates. When Rogers sailed into Nassau, he had sloops with him, though they did not dare follow Vane through the narrow eastern channel out of Nassau harbour. Yet Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet were both captured by naval sloops that trapped them in the shallow mudflats of rivers on the American Main, and blasted them to pieces. Bonnet's crew was hung en masse, before they could die of their wounds. Jack Rackam was also finally captured by a Jamaican Navy sloop, though the wild women in his crew almost fought off their attackers single handed.

The Caribbean pirates committed a great deal of theft, and very little murder, and were hunted down and exterminated by a government that had abandoned them to crime in the first place. That the English government justified this slaughter by smearing their reputations for centuries is an injustice that must now be remedied. The truth is, the Caribbean pirates were brilliant sailors, made desperate by their own rulers. They united under ethical government, and lived consistently by fair rules, which is more than can be said for their government that trained them until they were among the best sailors in the world. The British government, in its contempt for the sailors that made it a great nation, created the pirates of the Caribbean. When they brought world trade to a halt, the pirates were then destroyed by the British government, with exactly the same contempt.

The ultimate pirate yarn is now available as an ebook or paperback from www.womanpirate.com

When I was still young I had a dream. As I was sleeping I tranced into a revealing vision. Initially, I never cared about this vision treating it as just a dream and hence, would never happen, until these recent days that I came to remember about it and analyzed what would that message mean. 

Sometime in 1972 in a Police Headquarters of one of Laguna's chartered cities, two police patrolmen were casually exchanging views as to who would be the next President of the Philippines after the term of Mr. Marcos. Both were anxious to know who could really beat Marcos should he ever allow the government to hold presidential election. The policeman who seemed to be a pro-Marcos believer insisted that Marcos shall remain forever, considering his enormous political power and martial law rules. In the middle of the discussion, an old man in the late 70's who was keeping an ear on the discussion politely cut in and delivered his dialogue:  "It is imminent that President Marcos shall step down from the power comes few years ahead. As a matter of fact, there would still be four more Philippine President after him.  To include Mr. Marcos' surname initial, four more presidential initials would follow which shall compose the particular word "MARIA".  The fifth initial which stands for "A" is a lady who would be the last president of the Republic.  During the lady president's incumbency, the Philippines shall be the starting place of the world catastrophe which may eventually turn to the end of the world. But several more years prior to its catastrophic occurrence,  the Philippines shall first soar into a great nation and shall be considered as one of the richest countries in the world. The fact is, there would still be three more presidents under the lady president's  administration".

In my younger mind of 21 (now I'm 59),  I was there wondering whether this old man was telling the truth or not considering that it was still Mr. Marcos' incumbency and nobody ever knew whether there would really be another election at that time  There were also some lingering questions that I set aside at that time:

1. What does the abbreviation "M.A.R.I.A." stand for;?
2. How is it possible for the Philippines to become one of the richest countries in the world considering the present economic crisis;
3. Why should there be three more presidents under Ms. A's presidency?
4. And why of all countries should the small Philippines be the source of the world catastrophe which may eventually turn to the end of the world?

1.  What does the abbreviation "M.A.R.I.A." stand for;?

Today in the year 2009, I now am able to analyze what are all those things mean. The word "MARIA" stands for "Marcos", "Aquino", "Ramos", "Estrada", "Arroyo". Why? Estrada does not have initial of  "I".  Well, the answer is simple, in the countryside the word that spells "MAREA" is spoken and sounded as "MARIA", that is self-explanatory.

2. How is it possible for the Philippines to become one of the richest countries in the world considering the present economic crisis;

The Philippines, as a small third country which is indulged in serious economic and political crisis, has still has a chance to prove that it can possibly be one of the richest countries in the world considering its great volumes of precious reserves and mineral deposits particularly, the so-called "Deuterium: The White Gold of the Philippines".

According to Major Tom/June 17, 2008, (Deuterium: The White Gold of the Philippines, The Economy Science and Technology),  "the Philippines is identified to hold the greatest amount of deuterium deposit, somewhere in the area known as Mindanao Trench, the part of the Pacific Ocean just off the shores of Surigao. Deuterium is most prevalent in an area more widely known in the whole world as The Philipppine Deep. In the Freeman news article (dated August 2004), Dr. Anthony B. Halog, the Filipino scientist working at the Sustainable Technology Office of the Institute for Chemical Process and Environmental Technology, and the National Research Council of Canada described the Philippine deuterium wealth in this manner:

"A big deposit of 868 miles long, 52 miles at widest point, and 3 miles at deepest point, replenished by nature 24 hours a day after deuterium travels more than 12,000 kilometers from Central America to the Philippines through the span of the Pacific Ocean when Planet Earth turns on its axis from West to East in unending perpetual motion."

And it's potential in this breathe: "At 12 million barrels per day capacity priced at US$7.00 per barrel, this is US$84 million per day or US$30.66 billion per year, enough to wipe out all existing foreign debts of the Government in one year, revenue-wise in foreign exchange."

3.  Why should there be three more presidents under Ms. A's presidency?

Under the present territorial setting, federalism issue and the conversion into state (just like in America) of the three major island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, is presently being raised for debate in the Philippine Congress/Senate? (Please correct me if I'm wrong.)  What is Federalism  by the way?

It is a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of government on a territorial basis. The division is made between a central, or national, government and several regional or local governments. Each level of government has its own area of powers. Neither level, acting alone, can change the basic division of powers the constitution makes between them. Each level operates through its own agencies and acts directly on the people through its own officials and laws.  (Reference: http://firstclass.rfsd.k12.co.us/~mschneiter/Fad/legislative_1_federalism.htm)

Now we see picture.  There can be three more presidents under one over-all president should there be a conversion of these three major island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao into the so-called state. As in the U.S., a state is headed by the Governor and as in the case of the Visayas island  in the Philippines, each major island would be headed by the Visayas President.  

4.  And why of all countries should the small Philippines be the source of the world catastrophe?

Ever realized that the late movie actor Fernando Poe, Jr.  did not make it to the Presidency despite his popularity? It may be a will of doom to let President Arroyo stay in power and experience the end of the world. Since the Philippines is set to become one of the richest countries in the world for its sky-rocketing deuterium production, there is an imminent danger of resentment among other countries, focusing enviously on the Philippine healthy economy while the others experience economic global crisis. Such perspective may eventually generate conflict among four big nations. With the use of modern and sophisticated military hardware, regardless of leveling themselves into an offensive-and-defensive position, but with one particular aspect - and that is  to defend and destroy,  this  may become catastrophic situation and may eventually trigger to the end of the world. Just an opinion.

Even those who have never read the Bible will recognize it. Revered by the occult and feared by the superstitious, it’s a number forever linked with infamy. It is the number six hundred sixty-six. For over two millennia, this number has been used as a proxy for Satan himself. It’s been the subject of endless speculation, hearsay, and confusion.

And during this time, it’s been used to justify the false identification of hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of individuals as the Antichrist. These false identifications have only served to confuse people as to the original Biblical meaning of the number 666, and unfortunately, they also cause many to dismiss bible prophecy as a mere superstition of crackpots and conspiracy theorists.

So where does the number 666 come from? And what does it mean?

All the speculation concerning 666 comes from a single verse in the Book of Revelation. In a passage describing the Antichrist and his world empire, we learn the following:

“He required everyone – great and small, rich and poor, slave and free – to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed to understand this. Let the one who has understanding solve the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.” Revelation 13:16-18 (NLT)

During the Great Tribulation, the Antichrist will require everyone on the earth to be given a mark on the right hand or the forehead. Those who refuse this mark will be unable to buy or sell anything, effectively cutting them off from all economic activity – the purchase and sale of food, water, shelter, and the basic necessities of life.

This mark will have the following characteristics:

1) It will be the name of the beast
2) It will be the number representing his name
3) It will be the number of a man
and
4) The number is 666

Let’s address each of these aspects individually in order to gain a firm grasp of their intended meaning:

The Name of the Beast

Who is the beast? Traditionally, “the name of the beast” is interpreted as being the name of the Antichrist, who is clearly referenced in verses 11-18 of Revelation Chapter 13 (this topic will be addressed in-depth in a later article). However, in these verses, the Antichrist is described as a second beast who exercises “all the authority of the first beast.” The first beast is described in verses 1-10 of the same chapter, but this beast does not represent the Antichrist as some believe, but rather the world empire the Antichrist will rule.

We know this because the first beast has “seven heads and ten horns” (verse 1), and this is a beast students of bible prophecy have seen before.

In the Book of Daniel, we are introduced to him as “the fourth beast,” a global empire that will destroy everything in its path:

“Then he said to me, ‘This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling everything in its path. Its ten horns are ten kings that will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them. He will defy the Most High and wear down the holy people of the Most High.’” Daniel 7:23-25 (NLT)

Does this fourth world power sound familiar? It has “ten horns” (Rev 13:1) and will trample everything in its path, probably prompting people to ask “Is there anyone as great as the beast? Who is able to fight against him?” (Rev 13:4). It will also devour “the whole world,” gaining authority over “every tribe and people and language and nation” (Rev 13:7)

We also learn that the Antichrist will “require all the earth and those who belong to this world to worship the first beast, whose death wound had been healed” (Rev 13:12). Who is this beast whose death wound has been healed? The wounded beast who will be resurrected is the fourth beast in Daniel 7 – the world empire of ancient Rome, which was never completely destroyed like previous world empires. In the last days, the Roman Empire will appear once again, and the world will marvel at its appearance.

Daniel confirms this when he states that the Antichrist will be a ruler from the people who destroy the Temple in A.D. 70 (Daniel 9:26). The Romans destroyed the Temple, and they will have a ruler once again in the last days, confirming that the Roman Empire must once again exist.

The Book of Revelation also predicts this resurrection of Rome:

“Five kings have already fallen, the sixth now reigns, and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief.” Revelation 17:10 (NLT)

The angel reveals to John that 5 of the kingdoms have fallen:

1) Egypt
2) Assyria
3) Babylonia
4) Medo-Persia
5) Greece

The sixth kingdom “now reigns”:

6) Rome (John’s vision occurred in the 1st Century, when Rome still ruled the known world)

And the seventh “is yet to come”:

7) The Revived Roman Empire

In the last days, this resurrected Roman Empire will rule all of humanity. Its reign will be brief, but it will be like no other kingdom before it.

The Antichrist will require all the earth and those who belong to this world to worship the revived Roman Empire, a global government that will rule “over every tribe and people and language and nation” (Rev 13:7)

So the “name of the beast” described in Revelation 13:17 is not the name of the Antichrist as widely believed, but instead, it will be a name associated with the world empire he requires the world to worship.

The Number Representing His Name

If the mark of the beast is “the name of the beast,” how can it also be “the number representing his name”? Ancient Greek and Hebrew, the two languages most associated with the Book of Revelation, both used an alphanumeric system in which each letter of the alphabet correlates with a number. What verse 18 reveals is that the mark, which is the name of the beast, will have a numeric value that can be calculated as the number 666. The only way to “calculate” this number is if it appears as letters that need to be interpreted in a numerical form. Therefore, we can say with certainty that the mark of the beast will not be a literal brand of “666,” but rather it will be a word or a phrase which when converted into its numerical equivalent will represent the number 666.

How this is properly calculated depends on whether or not John originally wrote the Book of Revelation in Greek or Hebrew. Tradition says he originally wrote the book in Greek. However, a strong case has been made that the book was originally written in Hebrew, then quickly translated into Greek. Not knowing for sure multiplies the difficulty of calculating the number of the beast, because each letter of the Greek and Hebrew alphabet is associated with a different numerical value.

The Number of a Man

If the number 666 represents the revived Roman Empire and not a man (the Antichrist) as traditionally believed, then why does verse 18 say, “…for it is the number of a man”? The answer is that some translations interpret this verse as “…for it is the number of humanity.” Either way, in both cases, the verse can be interpreted as “mankind” or the “entirety of the human race.” If this is the case, it tells us that the number 666 will not only be the name of the beast (the revived Roman Empire), but it will also be reflective of the entire human race, especially those who freely chose to accept it on their right hand or forehead.

When Daniel conveys God’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the empires of the world are symbolized in the form of a statue – a statue of a man.

“Your Majesty, in your vision you saw in front of you a huge and powerful statue of a man, shining brilliantly, frightening and awesome.” Daniel 2:31 (NLT)

The association of this statue with mankind and world government provides a strong indication that the mark of the beast is more akin to the number of humanity, rather than any particular individual.

The Number is 666

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible associates certain numbers with an overall theme. The number six is often associated with mankind. For instance, man was created on the sixth day. Similarly, the number seven is often associated with perfection and rest. For instance, God rested on the seventh day.

In contrast to the number seven, six is viewed as highly symbolic of incompletion or imperfection. Just as man has “fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), the number six is symbolic of man’s shortfall of the perfection of God’s seven.

When the number six is repeated three times in the number 666, many believe it’s indicative of Satan’s attempt to imitate the trinity.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the true meaning of the number 666 will not become apparent until the Great Tribulation, when the Antichrist forces the world population to accept the number as a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. Contemporary attempts to calculate this number ahead of time as either the name of a person, human beings, or the revived Roman Empire, will only lead to frustration. Even worse, these attempts may end up having a negative impact in that, once proved false, they will damage the credibility of those who teach end times bible prophecy in general. If the devil can convince the world that bible prophecy is the exclusive domain of crackpots and conspiracy theorists, then he can snatch away a valuable tool for spreading the Gospel of Christ.

In the end, it is the duty of our generation to carefully examine the meaning of Revelation 13:16-18 and convey an accurate historical interpretation of these verses for others. If we succeed, the end times generation will have the ability to properly interpret the number of the beast. Because once the Antichrist arrives on the world scene and announces his intention to require the mark, it will become clear to everyone on earth what acceptance of this number really means. Whether the number of an individual, a kingdom, or mankind itself, acceptance of the number 666 will be tantamount to a public rejection of Jesus Christ.

VITRIOL is the First Formula of Alchemy - the hidden meaning of VITRIOL is a guided meditation which gives the hidden Meditational meaning of the Philosophers Stone.

VITRIOL is a Latin word which means Acid. The acid which can dissolve all negativity. It also means anger and thus symbolises a method to reduce and remove all negative emotions like anger, fear and depression or sadness or bereavement or trauma.

The Integration of all the Chakras ends in complete freedom, Kaivalya or Enlightenment. We can use this meditational formula to Ground all Negativity.

The Painless Grounding Of Negative Energies and Emotions Is The Secret Of The Philosophers Stone described By The Ancient Alchemical Phrase, "Drain the last Dregs of your Vitriol!!" where Vitriol is used in the sense of, "Anger" which is representative of all negative emotions to remove totally all Anger, Fear and Depression.

Each letter in the word VITRIOL stands for another Latin word which together form the First Formula, or guided meditation, of Alchemy.

A Guided meditation encoded for centuries in the word VITRIOL - a guided meditation given in the Art Card of the Tarot, THOTH Pack, you can see the Latin words, an explanation of VITRIOL in a circle behind the figure on the card as a prelude to learning and practising these Practical, Ancient and Successful Meditations for the removal of all negative emotions like Anger, Fear, and Depression.

The Guided Meditation encoded in the Latin words of VITRIOL shows what is and also how to activate "The Philosophers Stone" The "Occultem Lapidem" or "OL" OF VITRIOL! which is the catalyst which changes Base metal into Gold.

Not the metal Gold, the Element Gold or "Fools Gold" as the Alchemists used to call it. The Enhancement of the pure Golden Spiritual Energy of the Crown Chakra and the transmutation of the Negative Energy slowing down the Base Chakra, or how to change or transmute the Base metal (lead) - The Energy Blockages of the Base Chakra, into pure Spiritual Golden Energy.

VITRIOL is a guided Meditation for the removal of all negative emotions like Anger, Fear, and Depression teach how to Ground Negative Energies, how to transform the stress, the Negative Energy of daily life, which arises in you or that which you pick up from other people. The stress which arises from the painful memories of the past.

The Secrets of the Guided Meditation of Alchemical VITRIOL have been taught for thousands of years for the removal of all negative emotions like Anger, Fear, and Depression teach how to use meditation to get rid of all Painful Traumatic Memories and the Energy Blockages which hold them in the Body, the Emotional Armour of Reich, which causes toxins to be deposited in the area of the Stiffness, eventually failing in the body and making operations necessary.

Each letter in the word VITRIOL stands for another Latin word which together form the First Formula, or guided meditation, of Alchemy. VITRIOL is the Ancient and Successful Meditation for the removal of all negative emotions like Anger, Fear, and Depression teach how to use meditation to ground the pain of broken relationships.

VITRIOL is the guided Meditation from the Emerald tablet of Hermes Trismegistus for the removal of all negative emotions like Anger, Fear, and Depression teach how to use meditation to ground the pain of bereavement, the pain of divorce, the pain of abuse. The pain which causes fear, sadness, anger and grief.

The Grounding Of Negative Energies Is The Second Formula Of Alchemy - "Solve Et Coagule" said the Alchemists, or "Dissolve to Integrate". The secret of Alchemy is that all metals dissolve in Acid, all metals except gold dissolve in acid or vitriol.

The Second Formula Of Alchemy Is "Sec" - "Solve Et Coagule", A Latin Word Meaning "To Dry" - Dry out the Water Of The Emotions - get rid of your fear, pain, anger, jealousy and negativity etc. Through the guided meditation of V.I.T.R.I.O.L.

The ancient and meaningful phrase, "Drain The Last Dregs Of Your Vitriol" Where vitriol in this phrase means anger, yet also it symbolises how to Get Rid Of All Your Anger And Pain With this guided meditation which is thousands of years old and exists in many different cultures.....

The same vitriol meditation exist in India as part of the Kundalini Kriyas. It exists in China as the Five Elemental Pathways of the Qi of Chinese Alchemical Taoism. It exists in Europe and Arabia as the Alchemical Meditations of Hermes Trismegistus and his Emerald Tablet.

This is part of "The Secret of the Golden Flower" a book translated from Ancient Chinese Taoist sources by Jung.

VITRIOL exists as a major part in some of these useful Ancient and successful Meditation Techniques below which put you in contact with, so that you can use the high and plentiful energies of the earth and of the universe, from many cultures to create the Launch pad of Enlightenment and the Creation of Genius...

Meditation, Shaktipat, Energy Circulation, The Kundalini Kriyas, The Five Elemental Paths Of The Chi Of Chinese Alchemical Taoism, The Grounding Of Negative Energies, V.I.T.R.I.O.L, The Art Card Of The Thoth Tarot, Access To Kundalini Energy, Strong Psychic Protection, Learn The Merkaba, Pyramid Protection, Power Tower Protection, Create The Antahkarana, Soul Fusion, Monadic Infusion, Logos Infusion. The Painless Removal Of Stress, Trauma And Negative Emotion.

THE BYZANTINE CITY OF MYSTRAS

The old city of Byzantine Mystras was once a thriving hub of Byzantine culture and politics. From the 13th century until the 19th century, when the foundation of modern Sparti sounded the final death knell for the citadel, Mystras was one of the most important cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Although time and seismology have taken their toll, Byzantine Mystras is still an impressive sight, blending crumbling ruins with a cascade of wildflowers.

THE FOUNDING OF MYSTRAS BY THE FRANKS

Mystras, as we know it, was founded in 1249 by Frankish crusaders, who were trying to strengthen their hold on the Peloponnese. They occupied the area, in 1204, after the capture of Constantinople during the IVth crusade. Guillaume II de Villehardouin was responsible for building the castle here, but the Byzantines regained control of the area in 1262. During the Battle of Pelagonia, in 1259, when the Principate of Achaia fought against the Greek Empire of Nicaea, Guillaume was captured. Mystras, along with Monemvasia and Greater Mani, formed part of his ransom payment, and was ceded to the Greeks. Although sporadic outbursts of fighting continued, the Greeks dominated the Peloponnese for many years.

MYSTRAS UNDER THE BYZANTINES

After 1262, the entire district, known as the Morea, was governed by a Byzantine general based at Mystras. Fighting with the Franks continued for many years, resulting in the inhabitants of the city of Sparta moving behind the protective city walls of Byzantine Mystras. The increase in population was the primary reason for the development of the site, from defended village to full blown town and centre of culture. Instead of being solely a military garrison, monasteries, churches and a library were built, and the See of the Bishop of Lacedaemonia was established here. In addition, the governorship of Byzantine Mystras became a permanent and hereditary position. Gradually, the site was tied to Constantinople, by bonds of blood and religious hierarchy.

THE DESPOTAT

Throughout all periods of history, the strategic importance of the Peloponnese, as a crossroads for the eastern Mediterranean, influenced its cultural and political development. This significance was no different in the mid-fourteenth century, when Franks and Turks continually attempted to seize the area. This, coupled with labyrinthine Byzantine political manoeuvring, led to Emperor John VI Katakouzenos sending his son, Manuel, to stop the continual infighting. This task he performed admirably and he continued to develop the growing settlement. Again, political power struggles led to changes in the balance of power in Byzantine Mystras. The nephew of Manuel, Demitrius, tried to declare independence from the new emperor in Constantinople, John V Palaiologos, and was ruthlessly defeated. The son of the emperor, Theodore, took the reins of command in the area, and Mystras was bound ever more tightly to the Byzantine sphere of influence.

Under the Palaiologoi, the influence of Byzantine Mystras grew, encompassing the whole of the Peloponnese. Despite continued internal wranglings and external pressures, the city thrived for nearly 80 years, until 1460. Throughout this period, the strengthening Turkish presence in the Middle East was a major threat, not just to Mystras, but to the whole Byzantine Empire. In 1423, the Turks raided the Peloponnese and caused mayhem, until Theodore II stabilised the area, with the aid of his brother Constantine. After yet another Turkish invasion, in 1446, and a revolt of ethnic Albanians in the Peloponnese, the tensions bubbled to the surface. Some elements of the ruling class agitated for alliance with the Turks, others advocated seeking aid from the Latin powers. A large army of Turks, under Mohammed II, invaded Byzantine Mystras, and a new period of Turkish rule began.

THE TURKISH PERIOD

For a long period of time, until the Greek War of Independence, in 1825, the town of Mystra remained under Turkish dominion. Without the authority of the Byzantine church, it no longer wielded the same amount of influence, but it was still an important provincial capital. In 1464 and 1687, some attempts were made, by the Venetians, to capture the citadel. The 1687 assault was successful, and the town reached its peak population, of about 42 000 people. In 1714, the Turks recaptured Mystras, and used it as a base against the troublesome Maniots. This was the beginning of the end for the town, and by the end of the War of Independence, it was a shadow of its former glory. The building of the modern town of Sparti, in 1831, delivered the final blow to Byzantine Mystras.

Find the original article at www.eccentric-englishman.com

From the foundation of the first church of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte to the apogee of the Abbey

When one speaks of San Fruttuoso with someone who knows this splendid locality on the promontory of Portofino, few are aware that the complete name of the nuclear abbey of this little village is San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte. Capodimonte explains the name; San Fruttuoso explains the legend which we will briefly relate.

Arriving from Spain, the priests Giustino and Procopio of Terragona wanted to reach the coast of Liguria and bring the bones of San Fruttuoso, the archbishop of Braga and founder of monasteries in Spain and Portugal. He would later be mart yered in 262.

A strong tempest surprised them in the area of Portofino and it was here that an angel of the Lord appeared to Giustino and promised to bring him to safety in a narrow'avine in the cliffs and from which he would chase away a pestiferous dragon. The priests would then have to construct a church there among the rocks by a gushing spring.

It was thus that the locality where the church was constructed and later the monastery, first of thefollowers of Saint Colombano and then of the Benedictines, came to be called San Fruttuoso. Here the Abbey that was to have such great importance for the Tigullian Gulf until the twelfth century developed.

The Abbey exercised rights over hunting and fishing on the entire promontory and in addition fostered agriculture, mostly on the eastern slope of the promontory of Portofino which was more suitable for cultivation.

The submission of many coastal and inland parishes reaching as far as the dio- ceses of Tortona, Bobbio, and Brugnato, were the consequences of many donations. Anticipating the fatal year 1000 that was supposed to represent the end of the uorld, many feudal lords and even emperors deprived themselves of land to be given to the church.

In particular the empress Adelaide or Adalgisa of Bourgogne must be remembered for having donated the land of the "oltregiogo"(1) for her spiritual salvation and that of the emperor Otto I and in appreciation for the physical salvation of her son Otto II's escape from a grave danger. Even the island of Sestri Levante belonged to the Abbey and so we can confidently talk about its supremacy over the lands of Tigullio.

Since San Fruttuoso belonged to the "marca januensis"(2) constituted by Berengario II in 950 and entrusted to the Obertenghi family, the relationship between the Abbey and the aristocracy was such that the existence of numerous feudal landlords such as the Fieschi, the Este and the Malaspina did not pose a serious danger to the Abbey. The Fieschi were established in eastern Tigullio while the other two were dominant in the Appenine mountains and in the Po valley and plain.

The year 1133 is a very important date in the history not only of the Genoese church but for the abbey at San Fruttuoso as well. Since Pope Innocent Il separated the diocese of Genoa from the seat of Milan, establishing it as an archdiocese with Siro II, it became necessary to reorganize the territory.

The world is increasingly facing the proliferation of nuclear facilities, which the Unites States and other major developed nations of the world believe is fast threatening the existence of man and indeed living creatures from the surface of the earth. The United States as the sole Super Power of the world following the collapse of the former USSR in 1991 has been in the forefront of the anti-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction war which she believes will be utilized in bringing about disastrous effects on mankind

 

For sure, the US has developed apprehension following the September 11 attacks in which many lives and properties were lost. The US has had to battle with nations suspected to be developing nuclear weapons and on one occasion labeled those states “Evil states” These “Evil States” include but not limited to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Afghanistan, Libya etc. This is no longer news anyway.

 

However, following the recent agreement entered into by Libya with the US to compensate the families of the victims of the Lockerbie disaster which the country is believed to have masterminded and similar agreement earlier signed between the two countries to forbid nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, the USA have reportedly removed the name of Libya from the list of terrorist countries.

 

The USA is yet to find diplomatic resolution over Iran’s interest in creating what the country has referred to as nuclear facilities, a situation that has continued to defy every available solution with Iran maintaining that the nuclear facilities are for purposes other than military. This claim of Iran is viewed as an insincere one by the US because the country has strongly made moves forbidding the USA and anti nuclear Agencies from inspecting her suspected sites.

 

Again, the US has reasons to express fears over Iran creating of what she has stated are nuclear facilities because for once, the attitude of the newly elected President of Iran expresses hostility towards the US and Israel in particular. It has been alleged that the President of Iran once commented that the object of Iran is to remove Israel, the US’s greatest Allies from the map of the world. It is believed that if allowed to develop the weapons it will therefore be used to cause the US and Israel untold harm and it might slip into the hands of terrorists within and outside the country. Discouraging Iran from the development of the weapons of mass destruction there is the major aim of the US. Russia and Germany are believed to be backing Iran in the face of further threats of sanctions by the US and Allies.

 

The US with assistance from Britain and Canada designed and built the first Atomic Bombs in what was known as Manhattan Project, a project that was directed by Robert Oppenheimer, an American, this became the very first time the world would see the Atomic Bombs. Following the testing of the Bombs at Trinity site on July 16, 1945, “Little Boy” was used on Hiroshima in August 6 1945, and the “fat Man” on Nagasaki in August 9, 1945. The US thus became the first and the only nation to use the atomic bomb on a nation during the WWII. Since then the development of nuclear weapons has acted more as deterrence which International Relations experts argue has helped to prevent another major wars.

 

The US has also expressed fears on the ability of the Nigerian government to effectively put the nuclear facilties to good use and security of same in view of militant activities in the Niger Delta at present ravaging the country with endless attacks and another frequent Islamic fundamentalism with which the northern region of Nigeria is known for. The US, following the official visit delegation of Iranians to the Nigerian government with a promise to help the country develop nuclear facilities for the peaceful purpose of generating power supply, clearly warned Nigeria to desist from nurturing such an ambition. She also admonished Nigeria that striking friendship with Iran would launch the country (Nigeria) as the enemy of the US. The way forward for Nigeria in this regard considering the strong threat from US is what the world awaits.  

 

As it were now, the US is faced with the task of ridding the world of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction which is capable of inflicting injuries on a number of people and destroying the entire world completely. What was witnessed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are minor compared with the sophistication of nuclear might within the possession of these countries. The US appears to be the most concerned nation among the comity of nations wishing that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction becomes a thing of the past because the September 11 attacks on the USA showed that the US can be attacked after all.

 

How the US hopes to deal with this development is what the entire world awaits and it is very critical if it will bring about that much desired peace that the world deserves. The US may have to resort to the imposition of sanctions; if negotiation fails and what follows will definitely be the use of force. Certain difficulties may be encountered by the US in trying to achieve this successfully.

 

Some of which maybe the largeness of Iran being several times larger that the Iraq the US is currently battling. The US may not find this an easy task to accomplish. Iran expectedly has larger population which the US may be finding very difficult dealing with, prosecuting such a war will involve larger sum of finance considering that the US is just recovering from a war in which she has spent billions of dollars to prosecute.

 

The US may also find it difficult convincing the UN and its Allied Forces on the genuine cause for the war because the world appears tired of wars at this moment and the UN and almost every nation having troops helping the UN and other regional organizations to maintain peace worldwide may become reluctant listening to the USA because of monetary expenses. Britain for the first time has not sounded like she wants to enter into coalition with the USA in prosecuting the war against the so-called “Axis of Evil” but only time will tell as we await the USA to decide on the next course of action.

 

How the US will convince the Arab nations that this time she is fighting a genuine course to save the world from one of their own is also an arduous task. And if Nigeria as a sovereign nation finally decides to stability electricity supply in the country using nuclear facilities with assistances of the Iranians, will the USA find it quite easy to add another enemy to the long list of her enemies? If Iran carry on with her nuclear plans, will the US peacefully accept same or go to war? We all await the US responses and only time will tell.

1. The blog Le blog d’Yves Daoudal carried a report on 2 February, 2007 regarding the Atlas of Creation titled “Darwinist panic.” 2. The Belgian newspaper A Voix Autre referred to the impact that Harun Yahya’s Atlas of Creation had in France in the following terms: “The panic behind the scenes!” and “Creationist literature has never been so powerful.” 3. The magazine Le Nouvel Observateur described the most significant representative of the Creationist movement as, “Harun Yahya himself, with the contribution made by the international Harun Yahya publications.” 4. Science magazine made the following comment regarding the Atlas of Creation sent to France and other countries in its 16 February, 2007, issue: “It's the most gorgeous-looking attack on evolution seen in a long time: That's the consensus among European scientists who in recent weeks have received . . . free copies of the Atlas of Creation.” 5. Daily Le Monde described the Atlas of Creation as “an incomparable work” in its 3 February, 2007, issue. 6. An article by Nicolien den Boer on the Dutch Radio Netherlands web site stated that the Atlas of Creation has stirred up a “deluge” in all of Europe. 7. The 2 February, 2007, edition of daily Le Figaro carried the headline “Islamic creationism on the offensive in France.” 8. The 3 February, 2007, edition of daily Le Monde carried the headline “Creationists are now on the offensive in French schools.” 9. The 6 February, 2007, edition of daily La Liberation described Harun Yahya as “the greatest champion of creationism in Turkey.” 10. The 5 February, 2007, edition of The Washington Post described the Atlas of Creation as a “Turkish book attacking Darwinism.” 11. On 9 February, 2007, the news portal www.bellaciao.org, a joint Italian-French production, carried a report concerning global pro-creationist movements. The report stated that: “Harun Yahya (a Turk whose real name is Adnan Oktar), who has declared Darwin’s theory to be invalid (and the only philosophy to encourage conflict and regard it as valuable), goes much further than merely rejecting the theory of evolution.” 12. On his personal web site the eminent American journalist Doug Ireland carried a report headed “Islamic creationism invades France.” 13. A report in the French political web site Gaullisme said the following in a report dated 3 February, 2007: “… the most active preacher of creationism is, due to the power of the Harun Yahya publications, definitely Harun Yahya himself.” 14. A blog on evolution called Le blog des bactéries et de l’évolution carried two reports on 8 and 9 February, 2007. These referred to the Atlas of Creation as “this great warship using wide extracts from the verses of the Qur’an.” 15. In its 5 March, 2007, edition Le Soir, one of Belgium’s main dailies, carried a report about the global impact of Harun Yahya’s Atlas of Creation. The report, titled “A red book rejects Darwin’s thesis,” described Harun Yahya’s work as “an intervention of genius.” 16. Prof. Bernard Rentier of Liege University made this comment on his personal page: “The content is surprising, but effective. One does not dare to think of the impact that will arise following the distribution of the Atlas across the world…” 17. The Polish pro-creation organization Polskie Towarzystwo Kreacjonistyczne stated that “in some countries the author’s books are more esteemed than school textbooks…” 18. On 23 March the Polish internet magazine Interia.pl carried a report concerning Harun Yahya’s Atlas of Creation headed “An anti-Darwinist textbook has shocked the authorities. 19. The news portal Glos Nauczycielski described the terror a book has instilled in the Belgian Ministry of Education under the caption “Anti-Darwinist book strikes Belgian schools.” 20. The news portal Dziennik Online discussed the Belgian reaction to the idea of creation, and referred to the Belgian authorities as “saying the book needs to be rounded up as a matter of urgency.” 21. A report carried in the 2 May, 2007, edition of Le Matin, one of Switzerland’s main dailies bore the caption, “Propaganda firmly installed in Europe: an extraordinary Atlas has invaded all Switzerland!” 22. The Liège University monthly journal carried a report titled “A surprising example of Creationism: a Turkish work leads to evolution debate!” in it 15 May, 2007, edition. 23. In its 20 June, 2007, edition Die Welt, one of Germany’s largest dailies, carried a long report titled “Struggling with the Qur’an against evolution.” The report referred to “the Paris Ministry of Education panicking and calling for the book not to be taught in the class.” 24. On 20 February, 2007, the German news portal hpd-online.de carried a report concerning the Atlas of Creation. This referred to the panic that the distribution of the book had caused in France and Benelux. 25. The major American news portal www.newsmax.com carried a report titled “Turks: Atheism Is the 'Root of Terrorism'” on 22 November, 2006. The report stated, “This … has an influence U.S. creationists could only dream of.” 26. The 23 March, 2007, edition of La Libre Belgique, published in Belgium, referred to “an author enjoying increasing success in his rejection of the theory of evolution…” 27. Kevin Myers made this reference to the Atlas of Creation in the Irish Independent on 9 March, 2007: “… Harun Yahya's Atlas of Creation from Global Publishing, is quite the most spectacular so far this year.” 28. A report by Carl-Johan Bilkenroth in the 4 March, 2007, issue of Svenska Dagbladet, published in Sweden, referred to the Atlas as “a glorious work that challenges Darwin.” 29. A report concerning the Atlas of Creation in the 4 June, 2007, edition of Corriere della Sera, Italy’s largest daily, contained the following statements: “At the same time, a competition has arisen between creationists of Christian origin centered in the United States and those of Islamic origin who have preoccupied us with the Atlas of Creation. We cannot know which of these will prevail, we do know for certain that we will be the losers…” 30. The news agency Armenews carried a report on 18 April, 2007, which contained the words, “The struggle against evolution being waged in Turkey seems to have ended in almost total victory.” 31. One pro-evolution web site published in Italian, Dragor, carried an analysis headed “Darwin, Farewell?” The analysis compared the impact of the Atlas of Creation in France and Italy and emphasized that it was next to impossible to stand in the way of the Islamic creationism led by Harun Yahya. “How much longer will France be able to stand out?” it asked. 32. The 24 June, 2007, edition of The Washington Times carried a report about the Fact of Creation, which is growing increasingly powerful in European countries. The report quoted Hervé Le Guyader, a biologist from Paris University, who called the challenge from Islamic thinkers “much more dangerous than the previous creationist initiatives, which were often of Anglo-Saxon origin.” 33. A report in the 29 March, 2007, edition of Stern, one of Germany’s most important magazines, said “A book like a clap of thunder. … It is obvious from the outset: This book is totally different!” 34. The French daily Lyon Capitale referred to Harun Yahya as “the most active Islamic Creationist today,” on 13 February, 2007. 35. The 29 June, 2007, edition of Süddeutsche Zeitung, a daily with one of the largest circulations in Germany, referred to Harun Yahya’s Atlas of Creation as “a book adorned with stunning pictures from the plant and animal kingdoms.” http://www.atlasofcreation.com/