The suspected Islamist terrorist attack in New Orleans overshadows the start of the new year.
Will people in the USA, as in Germany, soon think twice about going to outdoor festivities and entertainment districts? Let’s defy the terrorists with joie de vivre! In Woods Bay, Montana, people do this on New Year’s Day with the “Polar Bear Plunge” into the ice-cold water of Flathead Lake.
To everyone celebrating Christmas on today’s Christmas Eve: PEACEFUL HOLIDAYS!
On the death of Terry Ree: Dakota Sioux, musician, comedian
They were a successful music-comedy duo for 55 years. Their political incorrectness made “The Indian and the White Guy” from the US state of South Dakota legendary in both cultures. Now Terry Ree, the “Indian”, passed on. He was 75 years old. More here.
San Antonio, part 1: River Walk Parade 2024
“You have to see this! For me, it’s the prettiest place in North America,” a friend said to me. Parades are not really my thing, but I really like illuminations. So I made my way to downtown San Antonio for this year’s River Walk Parade – and I have no regrets. More here.
A visit to the Family Search Library in Salt Lake City
Have you always wanted to know who your ancestors were and where they came from? In the US state of Utah, the Family Search Library offers a unique opportunity to do just that. The world’s largest genealogical data collection is free to use. Also via home computer. More here.
In Alabama, a married couple has founded their own church.
What to do if you are not quite happy with the churches in your area? You simply found your own! At least when you live in the USA. Dolores and John Eads did just that – and now offer social work for children and adults in a slum. More here.
A book review about a taboo subject. Guest post by Volker Seitz
The film “The Abused Servants of God” (2019) and Pope Francis’ admission that the abuse of nuns exists have sensitized societies in Europe. In Africa there was silence. In her pioneering work, nun Mary Lembo describes the exploitation of young nuns by Catholic priests. More here.
The Second World War began 85 years ago. And the “sitting war” in Alsace.
The war began on September 1, 1939 – in the East. Strasbourg was evacuated on the same day. 400,000 people had to leave Alsace and Lorraine. Ghost towns, cats and dogs were left behind. More here.
August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
Even before Europe’s colonial rulers divided up Africa, Africans hunted Africans and sold them to Muslim slave traders who exported them to the Arabian Peninsula or further. While the Europeans ruthlessly exploited their colonies, they also abolished human trafficking within Africa. More here.
August 9: 30th International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples
As part of the exhibition “Matriarchs of Wounded Knee – the strong Indigenous women” in Munich, a Zoom call with activist Marcella Gilbert and film director Elizabeth Castle (“Warrior Women”) will take place at 1pm EST via Link.
