Sisters from a closed order dating back to 6th century win contract for a new album of Gregorian chant
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Acupuncture works. So does fake acupuncture.
A recent study from scientists at the Technical University of Munich has suggested that ‘faked’ acupuncture can work nearly as well as the real thing. The research also showed that acupuncture worked as well as drugs and traditional medicines for headaches and migraines.
Scientists studied 6, 736 acupuncture patients. Some of the patients enjoyed real acupuncture but some had a ‘fake’ form where the needles were simply placed close to the surface of the skin rather than on the appropriate pressure points. Both sets of patients reported improvements in their conditions but the patients receiving the real thing did better.
Lithuanian debt collector uses witchcraft to collect arrears
A debt collecting firm based in Vilnius in Lithuania has appointed Vilija Lobaciuviene – a self proclaimed witch – to use her arts and techniques to hunt down those individuals who are failing to pay their credit crunch debts.
“There are certain people, who are using this crisis situation and refuse to pay back banks or other companies,” said Amantas Celkonas, director of the Skolu Isieskojimo Biuras, or debt collecting bureau.
“Our new employee will help them to understand the situation, reconsider what is right and wrong and act accordingly,” he said. “We will also help those who are in real trouble, suffering from psychological impact of bankruptcy and depression.”
The White Lady of Tyrone: Ghost-hunters flock to the scene
In recent weeks there have been a number of reported sightings of a white lady haunting a remote spot in Country Tyrone in Northern Ireland.
The reported sightings have become so wide spread and so common that cars belonging to sightseers and ghost-hunters clog the Mullaghmoyle Road, near Coalisland, where the ghostly woman has been seen the most often.
The sightings are compelling. Raymond Bell told the Daily Telegraph that his 17-year-old son did not believe in ghosts but after witnessing the white lady on numerous occasions had changed his mind.
Local politician Desmond Donnelly dismissed the sightings, saying; “If you ask me, it’s more likely to be a reflection of the moon on the river that flows through the area.”
Young woman burned at the stake after witchcraft accusations
A woman from the highlands of Papua New Guinea was murdered after being accused of being a witch and being involved in an extra material affair. She was tied to a pole, covered in propellant and set aflame.
Local authorities are blaming the murder on the island’s long standing superstitions, fear of black magic and ongoing Aids epidemic.
Papua New Guinea has a population of around six million, Aids infection rates as so high in the island that it accounts for 90% of all the HIV infections in the Oceania region.
The rain god Chaac and the 10 most important archaeology discoveries of 2008
The Archaeological Institute of America has published their top 10 list of the most important archaeological discoveries of 2008 via the Archaeology Magazine. Here’s the list; Sacred Maya Blue – Chichén Itzá, Mexico Wari Masked Mummy – Lima, Peru Kuttamuwa’s Soul – Zincirli, Turkey American Genes – North America Oldest Oil Paintings – Bamiyan, Afghanistan […]
Save the common seal in Scotland: Time for an emergency ban?
It is currently legal for licensed individuals in Scotland to shoot the common seal. This is unusual for the United Kingdom, which has strict gun laws and where fox hunting was banned despite hundreds of years of tradition.
Scotland has had a large population of common seals. Shooting licenses are granted to cull the seals and help prevent damage to fish farm cages.
Recent research by the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St Andrews University suggests that the seal population has dropped by 56% in the last 7 years. This figure is much larger than expected.
Supernatural figure holds burglar hostage for three days
Adbul Marlik Hakim Johar, a police official working in Kuala Lumpur, told the local The Star newspaper that the owners of the house found the exhausted and dehydrated would-be burglar when they returned after a holiday.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a form of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) which aims to encourage well-being through the use of horses as co-therapists and the facilitators of therapy. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy uses the interaction of humans and horses to empower recovery. Horse professionals and psychotherapists are present throughout. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is used to encourage […]
Greek riots threaten Arch of Hadrian
Central Athens has seen nights of violence this week following the police shooting of a 15-year-old boy. Anger boiled over in cities throughout Greece after police officers shot the teenager dead. The shooting has acted as a spark of public discontent. Although there are suspicions of anarchist orchestration behind the scenes it is widely believed […]
