@iamnotadoctor A great performer on a great mission. Although Halloween is only growing as a custom here, I find the idea appealing that the spirits come and ask for their share. For us a nice way to ask for a one year blessing on one's house. Kind of spiritual fire insurance. And that it is children doing the errand is thrice-charming: to them, to us, and to the spirits. Happy Halloween to you and Mrs. Dr. Omed.
@markstoneman@rikefranke One goal is to undermine the rapprochement of Saudi Arabia and Israel. Because if both states find something like a negotiated settlement, that would put a two-state solution in far distance. It also would benefit financially Abbas from the PA. OTOH, today is Putin's birthday, and Russia and Iran are allies, so it's reasonable to assume that they create a second front in the Middle East.
@stigatle There has been this tremdenous autumn light here in my city (which is one of the three main reasons I still live here): A plethora of colours in a crystal clear light that -- which is the charactistic of this place -- is crystal clear while at the same time not harsh or hard but warm in quality. A brilliance of colours shining in warm but concise tones. (The same happens for a few days in spring.) Otherwise nothing new here but I feel delighted by this autumn's weather.
@stigatle That's truly awful. I hope you could somwehat comfort your son. The double pain of losing the phone and then encounter the rude and inconsiderate act must have pained him a lot. And I guess the latter even more so than the first. It's difficult to react as a parent in this situation: How does one explain willful destruction of other people's possessions, esp. ones carrying so many memories Realizing that the world can be cruel must have been a major blow to him. I'm sorry for you all.
@stigatle My main bafflement with UFOs is that it's never explained why the aliens should have this seeming predilection to appear over the U.S., of all nations. If we had reports on sightings over Europe, Africa, Asia, or South America, I'd take it more seriously, but thus, it's rather a story that miraculosly matches the U.S.'s yearning for exceptionalism. But who knows? Would aliens be aliens if we could understand their fondness for the U.S.?
I am a dishwasher, cleaner, lavatory attendant. Late at night, when the restaurant crew has left, the latrine faerie and I sing dirty duets.This is an archive and backup account. You can find me at @simsa03