Bhutan grieves fire of historical monument
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| Wangdue Phodrang Dzong |
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| Wangdue Phodrang Dzong Burns Mournfully into the Night |
Late Sunday afternoon, June 24, 2012, Bhutan's Wangdue Phodrang Dzong sparked on its embellished hilltop view and burned mournfully late into the night. The four-century-old dzong, built in 1638 by the nation's founder Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stood as a fotress and administrative outlet for the country of Bhutan. It was built so long ago as an effort to take control over - and unify - the country, as were many dzongs built in that time. Still uncertain of what caused the spark Sunday afternoon, the Home Minister, Minjur Dorji, assumes it to have been prompted by an electrical short in the building's wiring. No one was hurt, as conveniently Sunday was a holiday for the nation, and most of the relics were salvaged (hundreds of them, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries). But seeing as "95% of the dzong" is completely timber, the only remains, according to the local newspaper, are the stone that used to be the front steps leading up to the magnificent landmark. Today, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 was held in reverence throughout the Himalayan region, closing all schools and offices to remember the historical structure and what it meant to the country. Suggestions of rebuilding the structure are being considered as they have rebuilt another dzong after a 1998 fire. News will continue to be shared over the next several weeks on progress of the Bhutanese effort to unify the people in events like these.
Jack Osborne reveals diagnosis of MS
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| Sharon Osborne, left, and 26-year-old son, Jack Osborne, right |
In lighter, more social news, Jack Osborne, son of Ozzy (Prince of Darkness) and Sharon Osborne, revealed in a People magazine interview that he had recently been diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Sharon Osborne, a co-host of televeision show, The Talk, and British pop-celebrity, broke down thanking everyone for their prayers and goodwill towards their family for Jack's sake. MS, overtime, attacks the brain and spinal cord and can cause mild or sever disability, such as paralysis. Sharon reassures the public that Jack is doing fine, and and that she believes in the vibes of prayer.
Saudi Arabian Women - Olympic Debut
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| First Saudi Arabian Women's Basketball Team |
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| Dalma Rushdi Malhas, Saudi Arabian equestrian rider |
For the first time in their history, Saudi Arabian officials decided to allow their female athletes to comete in the International Olympics in London this summer, July 27. Until now, Saudi Arabia remained as one of three countries (Qatar and Brunei being the other two) that did not allow its female athletes to compete in the games. This year, all three countries have caved to the promptings of the International Olympics Committee and are sending women to the London Olympics. This isn't the only socail matter Saudi Arabia is learning to loosen up on, but by 2015, women will also be allowed to vote and run for public office, however, they are still not allowed to drive cars.
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| First Saudi Arabian Women's Olympic Soccer Team |
The reason for not allowing the women to compete thus far is due to the moral belief of not performing in front of a mixed-gender crowd - an understandable reasoning. However, physical fitness and exposure to the games and athletics are seen as a "step towards immorality" - another understandable assumption, wisely considered, but still a painful hinderance to the morale of women in their country. Equestrian rider, Dalma Rushdi Malhas states that the country opening it's permission to women in the Olympics is "a dream come true" and "will open the door for so many women." Truly an event worth celebrating, we can look forward to seeing the woman of Saudi Arabia representing their country with pride as Olympians on July 27 for the Summer Olympics 2012.
This concludes my latest segment on world news for now. See? Only a handful ;) Next time, I will update everyone on prgoressions in the Middle East, home country conflict, and the UEFA EURO2012 tournament.
Anything interesting you want to hear more about? Comment below and I will write about that too!
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