Due to my eclectic background, I am a man with strong convictions, who respects and welcomes diversity. Furthermore, I am a Secular Humanist who believes in Science, a fair political activist who values Liberty, and a 19th century Romantic / Devido à minha natureza eclética, sou um homem com firmes convicções que respeita e incentiva diversidade. Além disso, sou um Humanista Secular que acredita na ciência, um ativista político que valoriza a liberdade e um romântico do século XIX.
Friday, December 19, 2008
A Tribute for a Great Brazilian Hero: General Osório, the Marquis of Herval – Bicentennial Celebration
All Brazilian patriots, who conscientiously qualm about the future of their country in times of “great peril”, would undoubtedly honor the historical significance of valiant individuals whose lives and examples had profound influence upon the formation of their very character. Consequently, I feel compelled to wholeheartedly join my compatriots by warmly remembering this greatest of all heroes, who represents a Models of Courage and Valor whose life-time devotion is responsible not only for the strengthening of its institutions, but for contributing for the creation of the national identity!
After spending his entire youth in dedication for the service of his country, the Marquis’ greatest contributions transpired at an advanced age, when courage and valor became legendary among Brazilian and allied soldiers during the War of the Triple Alliance, a.k.a. Paraguayan War (whereby Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Defeated Paraguay - 1864-1870).
The example of this great Brazilian enhances the absence of wisdom and patriotism noteworthy in the deplorable state of the current Brazilian political arena, where corruption, deception and weakness abounds vis-à-vis the dangerous ideological menace posed by Venezuela and Cuba, whose increasing influence in Brasilia not only alarms the nation but jeopardizes the national honor, peace and integrity…
Yet, echoing the views of General Gilberto Baborsa de Figueiredo,
I trust that Brazil is much bigger than the feeble entity represented by “these people without patriotism, honor, and character” that currently infest Brazilian politics today. Similar to this illustrious general, I firmly believe in the capacity of people to react against great adversity, as already demonstrated in diverse episodes of our history. Although we believe that the rule of law, along with the existing democratic mechanisms should enable Brazilians to revert this perverse situation, because Brazil deserves our collective faith in its future, it also demands close monitoring!
Monday, December 15, 2008
THE RISE & FALL OF DOMINANT GLOBAL POWERS
With the fall of the Roman Empire, the (Christian) Byzantine and ultimately its successor (Islamic) Ottoman Empire became the commanding ruler of Western Civilization in Constantinople (now Istanbul); thus becoming the sole shining beacon of knowledge, culture and sophistication for centuries (west of a far remote, isolated China) until the emergence Islamic Caliphates of Cordoba and Baghdad. Together, these Islamic Super Powers (standing in sharp contrast with its modern counterpart) upheld and further developed all knowledge rescued from a brutalized Medieval Europe, which had regressed into the darkest pits of barbarism under the powerful grip of dogmatic catholic oppression.
Due to the influence of its progressive neighbors in Cordoba, Portugal eventually come to light as a major Maritime Power, often perceived as the first sign of a re-emerging Europe after centuries of Medieval “darkness”, the bold, adventures Portuguese, the first European navigators to venture beyond the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and circumventing the African continent, also epitomize the earliest signs of independent thought, thus laying the foundations of a very long, valiant struggle of Science and “Reason” against the dogmatic religious intolerance of the oppressive catholic church…
With the upsurge of the Italian Renaissance and the following Neo-Classical era, the world witnessed the rise of Spain and France as the prevailing Sovereign States on planet Earth, despite the remaining nefarious influence of the Catholic Church in both royal courts at Madrid and Paris. Due to the efforts and sacrifices of many heroes, the Spanish and French explorers were capable to start disseminating relatively free artistic marvels, early scientific discovery and even the some of the earliest examples in Freedom of Expression (a quintessential western trait), while at the same time plundering the resources and victimizing the natives of the vast new territories in order to solidify their role of Dominant World Powers.
At the close of the Seventeenth Century, following a long, bloody epoch of religious conflicts, the development of Political Philosophy along the concept of “Liberty” enabled the British Empire to surface as the third Global Super Power (following Rome & Spain). Despite its inevitable blunders in terms of socio-economic exploitation, the relatively benign British Imperialism along with a significantly less intolerant Anglican church, spread the seeds of “freedom” and “representative government” whereas establishing the foundation for a world where Slavery became illegal (1806).
Similar to its historical predecessors, at the dawn of the Twentieth Century, the gradual decline of Great Britain as the World’s main power was further exacerbated, notwithstanding its enormous wealth, naval force, and sizable colonial territories. Yet the highly sophisticated British ruling classes were self-delusional in their inability to recognize the upcoming downfall until compelled to face reality, immediately after the Great War (1914-18), given the overwhelming losses sustained and subsequent economic deterioration.
As a result of direct assistance from the United States of America, which had been gradually flexing muscles in the background since the 1870’s, the United Kingdom managed to avoid financial melt-down; but was rapidly replaced as Global Leader by its very economic-military rescuers, notwithstanding the American refusal to partake in the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919. Nevertheless, Washington’s newly enhanced global status was soon diluted by the emergence of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1945, when the American government was compelled to share such prominent role with its “former allies” after their combined victory against the Axis Powers.
Although the former Soviet Union and the United States ruled supreme during most of the previous century, analogous to their historical predecessors, both nations inevitably witnessed their decline, in spite of opposing ideologies. Whereas the USSR suddenly crumbled in 1991, when their “union” disintegrated and their “colonies” were lost, the USA’s fall from grace has been significantly more gradual. Yet, regardless of a brief period of “revival” during the Reagan & Clinton years, I daresay that the tragic historical events that transpired on September 11, 2001 are bound to be eventually identified by future historians as the official benchmark closing the “Era of American Predominance”.
Nearly identical to the backstage upsurge of North America during the late Nineteenth century, in “copy-cat” format, the People’s Republic of China appears to be “setting the foundations” to make its claim in the prominent role of World Super Power, as it has been aggressively poising itself as the next Global Leader – yet, I daresay the Chinese Communist Party does not seem to be moving along in the same discrete fashion as its predecessor, exactly one century ago.
Monday, December 8, 2008
THE BRAZILIAN COUP D’ETAT OF 1964
Photo: João Goulart
The entire ordeal really started in 1963 when Military forces (army/navy/air force) “persuaded” Jango into a compromise, with the congress, whereby the presidential powers would be reduced through the approval of a constitutional amendment changing Brazil into a parliamentary democracy with Jango as a weakened head of state. Yet, Mr. Quadros appears to have outmaneuvered the Brazilian military by re-instating the presidential system by calling a “National Referendum”.
The crux of the issue lies in the fact that Jango, in all fairness to the upper-level, right wing military elements of the time, was undoubtedly a “closet” socialist during the height of the cold war, around the time of the Cuban missile crises. In fact, Jango was politically isolated, in view of his tragic misjudgment (in fact, also a series of contradictory missteps) of conducting a completely independent (and potentially dangerous) foreign policy. Because he openly criticized the Bay of Pigs invasion by the US, while at the same time also (openly) criticizing the Cuban regime of Fidel Castro during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Mr. Quadros appeared misleading to BOTH Washington and Moscow! Such naïveté, during a time when the Bi-Polar Geo-political game was on the brink of another World War, along with the pending Domino theory suggesting that all Latin American countries would fall one after another in case Brazil followed Cuba. In a continues attempt to be fair towards all the parties involved (the US administration, NATO, and the upper echelon of the Brazilian Military), I must concur with this point of view, given the typical, devious stratagems which the KGB (under advisement of the Soviet politburo) was capable of accomplishing.
The coup thrust Brazil into a military dictatorship lasting until the election of Tancredo Neves in 1985.
A Soviet Earth (in an Alternate Universe) - Another Conjecture
Furthermore, although Brazil was scarcely anything more significant than a large pawn within the context of the Global Geo-Political arena where the Cold War was unfolding, during the early and middle portions of the Twentieth Century, if the USSR had successfully secured Brazil’s admission into the Eastern Bloc during the 1960’s, World History would have unfolded rather differently… Following the installation of the Brazilian Communist Party in Brasilia, where an enormous Soviet Friendship Center (comprising a Cultural Mission, a KGB Office and a huge Soviet Embassy), all of South America would have turned red within Geo-political strategy maps across the planet; thereby enhancing the power, wealth and influence which Moscow would certainly utilize to further expand its totalitarian grip into all of Africa and most of Asia.
Quite possibly, in another parallel universe where such events DID take place, the United States, Canada and decreasing number of Western-European allies would inevitably become increasingly isolated, poorer, and (possibly also) unable to secure access to middle eastern oil fields. As a result, such unfortunate alternate set of developments, would make it nearly impossible for the decaying NATO members to either to provide the grounds for any “Technological Revolution” (during the 1980-90’s) or to continue matching increased Soviet expenditures in areas ranging from Weapon’s Research & Development, Space Exploration, Espionage, and even Industrial Productivity.
In case the vastness of the MULTIVERSE happens to contain an Alternate Universe where such an unfortunate version of Planet Earth exists, the (former) COMECON Nations (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance) would not only exist in 2008, but its map would also comprise the vast majority of the planet's land mass; representing a world where its oppressed, monitored and ideologically correct inhabitants would “happily” co-exist in a conflict-free Soviet Domain; under such conditions, in the event a skirmish or civil commotion were to emerge anywhere, there would not have been any Network (legally) broadcasting its occurrence in "Latest News Updates", and any “disgruntled” individuals caught “spreading slanders” Against the "United Socialist Front" (or COMECON) would surely be targeted for a speedy enrollment into any of the several "Freedom Psychiatric Centers", conveniently located every where across the globe to serve mankind...
ACTUAL HISTORICAL REFERENCE:
The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (1949–1991). It represented an economic pact composed of Communist States - the military equivalent of the Warsaw Pact
Sunday, December 7, 2008
On this day: 7 December
0043 BC: Roman Orator and Advocate Marcus Tullius Cicero was executed on the orders of the warlord Mark Antony - His head & right hand were chopped off by soldiers
909: Sa'id ibn Hussein, the 'Divinely Guided One', establishes a Shiite caliphate of Tunis and became a rival to the caliphate of Baghdad.
0185: Emperor Lo-Yang of China sees supernova (MSH15-52)
0983: Death of Otto II, the Red German king/emperor (973-83)
1254: Death of Pope Innocent IV (1243-54)
1383: Death of Wenceslaus, Duke of Brabant
1542: Birth of Mary Stuart Queen of Scotland (1560-1587) – Executed (decapitated) under by decree of Queen Elizabeth I of England (against her conscience & better judgment)
1646: Princess Louise Henriette (19) marries monarch Prince Frederik Hendrik of Orange
1741: Elisabeth Petrovna, a.k.a. Empress of Russia (1741–1762) became Tsarina of Russia – Responsible for bringing Russian into the Seven Year War
1761: Birth of Madame Marie Tussaud (Original creator of the London Wax Museum)
1783: The Royal Theater opened in Covent Garden, London
1783: William Pitt Jr. became British Premier
1787: Delaware became the first American State to ratify constitution
1808: James Madison was elected for the post of US President
1815: Death of Marshal Michel Ney. French (Battle of Waterloo) - Murdered
1835: The (first) German railway (from Nürnberg to Fürth) was inaugurated
1836: Mr. Martin Van Buren was elected as the 8th President
1941: The Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise attack against the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor - "A date which will live in infamy."
1842: New York Philharmonic conducted its very first concert
1872: HMS Challenger set sail on a 3½ year long World Oceanographic cruise
1877: Thomas A Edison demonstrated the gramophone
1924: Birth of Mário Soares (Socialist), premier of Portugal (1976-78)
1979: Death of Prince Chahryar Shafik, nephew of the Shah of Iran - Murdered)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
On this day: 6 December
1285: Birth of Ferdinand V king of Castile & León
1421: Birth of Henry VI king of England (1422-61)
1792: Birth of Willem II Frederik King of Netherlands (1840-49)
1793: Death of "La Comtesse du Barry", mistress of Louis XV, (beheaded)
1867: Death of Giovanni Pacini, composer
1877: Thomas Edison makes the first recording of the human voice - his own, reciting 'Mary had a little lamb'.
1906: Birth of Agnes Moorehead Clinton MA, actress (Endora-Bewitched)
1916: David Lloyd George becomes prime minister after ousting his colleague and Liberal leader HH Asquith.
1922: The Anglo-Irish treaty is signed, partitioning Ireland and creating the Irish Free State
Friday, December 5, 2008
Parallel Universes
Having rejected the idea for years, some scientists are now saying "yes" to the theory of infinite parallel worlds.
Also known as the Multiverse Theory, the idea is mind boggling when taken to its extreme. It states that there are an infinite number of universes making up all of physical reality. Our world is one of many. While some worlds will be virtually identical to ours, others will be unrecognizable – containing space, time and bizarre forms of exotic matter. In effect, the Multiverse caters for every possible outcome of every single event.
Big Bounce
Far from being the moment of creation that is widely accepted today, the Big Bang may have occurred when two of these bubble universes collided. Our universe could have formed out of the quantum foam of two parent universes. This turns the conventional Big Bang Theory on its head, suggesting that space and time existed well before our universe was ever born.
Tying Up With String Theory
Since Einstein gave us his Theory of General Relativity, and modern day physicists gave us Quantum Mechanics with its String Theory, Hyperspace and Dark Matter – all that remains is to unite these ideas in a Theory of Everything. But how do they fit together? M Theory (in which the M is speculated to mean Master, Mother, Membrane or Matrix among other things) may be the key. Although incomplete, it ties together the five big superstring theories and provides the concept of membranes for an eleventh dimension.
An amusing conjecture – A Roman Earth (in an Alternate Universe) - FICTION
A brilliant disillusioned scientist from an Universe similar to ours, after enduring momentous personal loss, drastically turned against his own society and decided to use his knowledge (and spare no effort) in order to fundamentally alter the status quo. In order to achieve this objective, the “scientific Villain” decided to brilliantly manipulate Space-Time & Gravity, thereby discovering the “secrets of Time Travel”. After conducting some preliminary testing with minor mammals and other primates, our brilliant Villain eventually utilized his formidable contraption in order to reach the Italic peninsula - circa 59 B.C - a few weeks after Julius Gaius Caesar had been elected Consul of the Roman Republic; a few weeks after having solidified an strategic alliance with Pompey (with the offer his own daughter Julia’s hand in marriage) – approximately two decades before the Roman Civil War was “scheduled” to unfold...
After managing a successful meeting with the newly elected Consul, the mischievous scientist using the disguise of a Messenger from Jupiter (the Roman “main God”) bestowed Julius Caesar with the “Gift of Foresight” into a possible “future World” where his own assassination and the eventual downfall of Rome would have been ordained... Therefore, under the clever pretext that gods favored the Consul, our Villain disclosed to Julius the necessary information thereby preventing the unfolding of such distressing events; this gift should be perceived as a token of Jupiter’s favor and was designed to ensure the eternal Glory of Rome under the Guidance of the Consul (soon named Emperor) and his successors, following the wise council of the Divine envoy (who was readily nominated a Roman Senator, Chief Scholar and First Advisor to the Throne)
Unlike most similar Sci-Fi stories (based on “Time Travel”), because of the Multiverse (and its eleven dimensions) and unlike the presumption of the plot’s Creator, the original “time-line” was not endangered despite the Scientist’s Machiavellian deeds… Rather, instead of altering his world’s history, his interference simply triggered the automatic creation of a separate Universe which would unfold along a separate but parallel pathway, alongside the original one, which would proceed impervious of the above-referenced developments in its Ancient Past….
THE ACTUAL STORY
Date - December 5, 2110 AG
In that newly created Universe, following the time when our Villain embarked in his adventure into the mysteries of Time-Space (2008 AD), due to a completely different calendar (based on distinct Time-Keeping conventions) the current year reads 2110 AG – where AG stands for “After” (Julius) “Gaius” (Caesar’s birth).
Location - Roma Novae, Luna Province
Location - Roma Novae, Luna Province
A group of Privileged school children eagerly trailed their Tutor during a special visit to the oldest Museum on Luna – the site of the very first Roman colony in space – at the center of Roma Novae main module. As the pupils admired the amazing museum’s façade, ancient looking Doric and Ionic columns – the remarkable construction of which had been the first to combine Classical design with the necessary technical requirements of Surface exposed to vacuum and solar radiation - built during the early days of space exploration, a mere 100 years following Planet Rome’s colonization of outer space (400 years ago).
As most young students anywhere in the vast Roman Empire, the youngsters were often querying their impatient History Preceptor about nearly everything spotted along their pathway, particularly after reaching the old Lunar Temples of Jupiter, Minerva and Dionysius, where the tutor suddenly finally locates the museum’s section devoted for Ancient Terran History and Early Mythological Creeds. Relived for reaching the intended area – specially selected for his monthly “in locus” class – after examining priceless Sumerian, Babylonian and Greek statues, as well as various artifacts and papyrus from Terra – which survived not only the rigors of time but also the challenge of an arduous space tow to Luna aboard an ancient Space-Galley Freighter, the teacher leads the curious pupils towards the section hosting the “Early Atlantican” religions (Roman-given denomination for America - settled by the Romans in 957 AC), when he is suddenly interrupted, once again, by the most curious of the little rascals in the group – the elder son of the Lunar Consul.
The lad was rudely pointing to a curious looking wooden object nearly concealed by a statue of an equally ancient Roman Governor – it was a tiny cross… Annoyed, after taking a particularly deep sigh, the History Preceptor decides to indulge the prominent youngster, mostly due to the influence of his father, and replies in a surprised manner: “Are you actually curious about THAT small contraption? Ah, silly boy! The wooden object represents nothing more that a mere mythological symbol associated with an obscure ancient sect of maniacal rebels… If my memory serves, I understand such criminals were followers of one of the first Terrorists in recorded history – a bizarre criminal from Judea who was executed about two millennia ago”.
When further questioned whether the historical rebels had engaged any followers in Judea, the frustrated tutor reprimanded: “Well, according to historical data, I understand there was a small group of followers, even in Rome! Yet in order to prevent further dissemination of their dangerous beliefs the Empire exterminated most of the fanatics within a few decades, mostly in the Roman main arena of the time: the Coliseum, located in the Imperial Capital on Terra. Now, just concentrate on important issues relating to your studies, and leave aside any further consideration for any such irrelevant issues which bear little or no significant impact upon the course of History!”
Upon pronouncing his lasting words of wisdom, the History Preceptor quickly led-on the excited group of pupils along the vast rooms of the main Lunar Museum.
ACTUAL HISTORICAL REFERENCE:
Gaius Julius Caesar, July 12, 102 BC – March 15, 44 BC (Roman Republic)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
On this day: 4 December
1154: Nicholas Breakspear is elected Pope Hadrian IV, the only Englishman to become pope.
1667: birth of Michel Pignolet de Monteclair, composer
1829: Suttee' - the ritual burning of a wife with her dead husband - is outlawed by the British in India.
1888: birth of Aleksandar I Karadordjevic, king of Yugoslavia (1921-34)
1892: birth of Francisco Franco, general/dictator of Spain (1936-75)
1896: birth of Nikolai S Tichonov, Russian writer (against Pasternak)
1910: birth of Ramaswamy Venkataraman, President of India (1987-92)
1905: birth of Emilio Médici, President of Brazil (1969-74)
1961: The female oral contraceptive, or 'pill', becomes available on the National Health Service.
A tad of Modern Brazil - Rio or São Paulo?
RIO DE JANEIRO - a.k.a. "The Wonderful City" is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautilful metropolises! Despite the recent increase in crime, along with the customary corruption - inherent at all levels of Brazilian republican system, most Cariocas (as the natives are called locally) would hardly consider switching their lovely seaside paradise for any other, more glamorous, spot on Earth...
SÃO PAULO - a.k.a. “Pauliceia” is not only the World’s 4th largest city, but also unquestionably the most exciting, glamorous and cosmopolitan metropolis in South America (rivaled only by Buenos Aires), despite an equal increase in crime and the bad reputation which its proud citizens (locally called “Paulistanos”) generally have within the Brazilian territory…
BBC FACTOID: Rio de Janeiro is currently the 3rd most expensive city in Latin America (although globally it reaches only the 139th spot). São Paulo’s position, on the other hand, is the 5th in Latin America (and 162nd worldwide)
ANCIENT MYSTERY (RELATED TO A GALACTIC EVENT) RECENTLY SOLVED
IN 1572, A "NEW STAR" APPEARED IN THE SKY WHICH STUNNED ASTRONOMERS AND EXPLODED ANCIENT THEORIES OF THE UNIVERSE
Now the supernova recorded by Tycho Brahe has been glimpsed again, by Max Planck Institute scientists; thus triggering a new study designed to help solve this 400-year-old mystery over the nature of the celestial event which captivated our ancestors who have observed the mysterious celestial event (not only in Europe, but across the entire planet, including India and China!)
STELLA NOVA
Lord Brahe’s measurements revealed that this “Stella Nova” (new star) was located well beyond the Moon - contradicting the Aristotelian tradition that such stars were unchangeable (an assumption that is clear evidence of religious ignorance & dogma) - which had dominated western thinking for nearly 2000 years!!! This set the stage for the work of Kepler, Galileo, Newton and others.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Celebrating the coronation of Pedro I of Orléans e Bragança on December 1, 1822
On 12 October 1822, his 24th birthday, Dom Pedro was acclaimed as the first Emperor of Brazil. He was crowned on December 1, 1822. This glorious event in Brazilian history followed a chain of significant events which had been unfolding since the middle of that year, when the Prince had formally issue the Brazilian Proclamation of Independence.
In a famous Brazilian scene by the Ipiranga River (in São Paulo state) on September 7, 1822, Prince Pedro – the son of King João VI of the United Kingdom of Portugal and Brazil – while riding his horse during his return from São Paulo (where he had just begun a disastrous affair with the Marchioness of Santos), received a distressing letter from Rio de Janeiro indicating that the Portuguese Royal Court – now back in Lisbon – had declared his government traitorous and were dispatching more troops. Insulted, the Prince tore the Portuguese blue and white insignia from his uniform, drew his sword, and swore in the presence of his guard of honor: "By my blood, by my honor, and by God: I will make Brazil free." Then he cried "It is time! Independence or Death! We are separated from Portugal". Those words constituted Brazil's Proclamation of Independence. The "Independence or Death" cry would become the motto of the Brazilian emancipation.
Tarot obtained from the blog of Edward Pearse, Duke of Argylle
You are The High Priestess
Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.
The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.
What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
An avid Admirer of the Glorious Nineteenth Century Empires
Despite their refusal to acknowledge or recognize London’s inescapable decline, the inevitable downfall of Empire became irrefutable as soon as the deadly guns of the Great War became “loud and clear”, thereby triggering countless strikes and the eventually loss of colonies, wealth and prestige…
Meanwhile, the equally powerful ‘eagles’ of the Prussian Hohenzollern's’, Russian Romanov's’ and Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg's fell (one after another), as their Empires not only experienced a decline but were completely eliminated from the World Arena, along with the less prestigious, but equally charming Brazilian Empire which, in 1889 was replaced by a lame republic while its brilliant Emperor Pedro II of Orleans e Bragança was sent to exile in Paris…
This blog represents a refuge for any and all ‘lost souls’ who remain longing for the glorious days of the Great European Empires (and/or its minor South American equivalent in Brazil) of the Nineteenth Century – the apex of Reason, Science and Western Civilization!