Across from the Mosta Dome Wednesday, September 13, 2006

I'm writing this post from a cafe across from the Santa Marija church in Mosta, Malta, known here as the Mosta Dome. Supposedly the third largest dome in Europe (behind the Pantheon and St. Peter's in Rome), the church is truly impressive, and I'm about to go inside to see the artwork done by local artist Giuseppe Cali and see the bomb that fell through the roof during World War II.

It's been a full day: I saw the Dingli Cliffs (the highest point in Malta) and the Blue Grotto — a magnificent azure cove on the southern coast of the island. But the highlight was seeing Hagar Qim, neolithic temples and the oldest free-standing structure in the world, built around 3500 B.C., and Mnajdra, a second temple complex built around 3000 B.C.

I am leaving Malta tomorrow. Be well.

Hello from Paceville Sunday, September 10, 2006

I'm in the nightlife capital of Malta, Paceville, but it's rather dead, being a Sunday in the middle of one of the most Catholic countries in the world. My little brother and I got acquainted with a certain wormood concoction last night (my third taste, but his first) and the little bastard ended up with a split lip, a cut hand and nearly a broken arm from a Maltese mosh pit. Never did I think the words "Maltese mosh pit" would ever be committed to print, but there it is.

We attended a celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Zabbara, and I was simply awestruck. The cathedral's interior was decorated with silver tower candles, gorgeous crystal chandeliers, and beautiful paintings. Outside, the church was covered in lights and there was a thunder of fireworks all around as they carried an enormous silver statue of the Madonna around the square, packed cheek-by-jowl with worshippers.

When I return, I will post my photos. You can expect them on Friday in lieu of a game. I know, I've been lax the past few weeks with finding new games, but I promise to rectify that once I'm settled in my new job. Take care all!

Silence Friday, September 01, 2006

What frustrates me most about these bleak times we live in is the silence of the American people. Why are there no swarms at the capital? Where are the campus protests? Where are the voices raised against the deadly greed that has hijacked our country?

It's all right in front of you: thousands are dying in a war based on bald-faced lies. The Land of the Free has become a police state. Citizens are being abducted, prisoners are being tortured, and those who speak out are "aiding the terrorists". How long can we endure such rhetorical vomit?

Where is the outrage? Where is the indignation? Why shouldn't we stand up? Why shouldn't we cry out? Why do we let these blind men lead us? This land is ours! We cannot be silent!