Watch: “A Goal, A Ghost” The Sad Story of Joe Gaetjens

“Joe Gaetjens, a Haitian immigrant, scored the greatest goal in American soccer history. He should have been a hero. Instead, Gaetjens was abducted and died in a Haitian prison. ‘Outside the Lines’ sheds light on his story.” (via ESPN)

Don’t forget the U.S. Soccer team plays England at the 2010 World Cup this Saturday starting at 1:30 pm CST. You can catch the game on ABC. See the entire schedule of games here

posted by: Harold Johns III

Photo Flash: Catholic Magazine Cover Fail

“This is the actual cover of the current issue of Vermont Catholic magazine, the monthly publication put out by the Diocese of Burlington. No joke…” (via: ThePlaidCrew)

I wonder who is doing PR for the Vatican these days? Maybe they are sharing a PR firm with BP and Tiger Woods.

posted by: Harold Johns III

Photo Flash: New, Pink and Rare

Using its fins to walk, rather than swim, along the ocean floor in an undated picture, the pink handfish is one of nine newly named species described in a recent scientific review of the handfish family. Only four specimens of the elusive four-inch (ten-centimeter) pink handfish have ever been found, and all of those were collected from areas around the city of Hobart (map), on the Australian island of Tasmania.

Read the full article via National Geographic

posted by: Brent Carter

In WTF News: Israel Goes Rambo on Gaza Aid Fleet

According to Al-Jazeera (published May 31, 2010):

Israeli forces have attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships aiming to break the country’s siege on Gaza. At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured when troops intercepted the convoy of ships dubbed the Freedom Flotilla early on Monday, Israeli radio reported.

The flotilla was attacked in international waters, 65km off the Gaza coast. Avital Leibovich, an Israeli military spokeswoman, confirmed that the attack took place in international waters, saying: “This happened in waters outside of Israeli territory, but we have the right to defend ourselves.”

Footage from the flotilla’s lead vessel, the Mavi Marmara, showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding the ship and helicopters flying overhead.

Al Jazeera’s Jamal Elshayyal, on board the Mavi Marmara, said Israeli troops had used live ammunition during the operation. The Israeli military said four soldiers had been wounded and claimed troops opened fire after “demonstrators onboard attacked the IDF Naval personnel with live fire and light weaponry including knives and clubs”.

Free Gaza Movement, the organisers of the flotilla, however, said the troops opened fire as soon as they stormed the convoy. Our correspondent said that a white surrender flag was raised from the ship and there was no live fire coming from the passengers.

Before losing communication with our correspondent, a voice in Hebrew was clearly heard saying: “Everyone shut up”.

Shortly after, two Israeli naval vessels had flanked the flotilla on either side, but at a distance. Organisers of the flotilla carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid then diverted their ships and slowed down to avoid a confrontation during the night.

Read the full article here
Follow updates to the story via Al-Jazeera’s Middle East Blog
Watch another report of the incident via the Guardian

Every Islamic nation along with the U.N. Security Council are condemning the actions of Israel; while Turkey, Spain, Greece, Denmark and Sweden have summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective countries to protest against the deadly assault. France, Russia, China and the UK are calling for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted. The White House declined Tuesday to specifically condemn Israel for its raid on the flotilla headed for Gaza, but said it showed Middle East peace moves were needed “more than ever.” That’s an understatement to say the least…

Turkish activists hold a news conference on board the Mavi Marmara ship in the Mediterranean Sea, late Sunday, shortly before Israeli naval commandos stormed their flotilla

If you’re interested in helping end Israel’s Gaza blockade you can sign a petition here

posted by: Harold Johns III

Photo Flash: That Sinking Feeling

Via Boing Boing:

Above, this photo just posted to the Guatemalan Government’s Flickr feed shows a spontaneous sinkhole (“hundimiento”) 20 meters deep and 15 wide (roughly 60 ft. by 49 ft. for us crazy Americans) that appeared today in Zone 2 of Guatemala City, after overwhelming saturation of rains from tropical storm Agatha. Local press reports that it swallowed an entire 3-story building.  Sadly, these “hundimientos” happen from time to time during major storms because of unstable geology and bad urban engineering.

Learn more via National Geographic

posted by: Harold Johns III