Richard III bones bring new discussion

Old bones which bring back history causing discussion and controversy fascinate me.

My knowledge of British history, especially in regards to their kings is truly lacking. But then again, thanks to Shakespeare I have had the pleasure to have some knowledge of this Richard III dude.
Of course, the Bard's version may be flawed, as some real historians on the subject seem only to eager to point out.

 Unverified remains dig up the twisted legacy of England’s Richard III

 LONDON — Tyrant or hero? Rightful monarch or child-killer? Despotic hunchback or brave scoliosis sufferer? Now is the winter of our debate over one of England’s most notorious villains: Richard III.






Underneath a drab parking lot 90 miles northwest of London, archaeologists have unearthed what may become one of this nation’s finds of the century — half-a-millennium-old bones thought to be the remains of the long-lost monarch. But if the discovery has touched off a feverish round of DNA tests against his closest living descendants, it has also lurched to the surface a series of burning questions in a country where even arcane points of history are disputed with the gusto of modern-day politics.

Whether the bones prove to be Richard’s or not, the discovery in September has already set academic journals, Web sites, university lecture circuits and the mainstream media abuzz across Britain, sparking intense and occasionally impolite exchanges. On the floor of the House of Commons, members of Parliament are eloquently clashing, with representatives from York — for whom Richard was the last hope against rival Lancastrians in the War of the Roses — demanding the restoration of his tarnished image. One organization of die-hard Richard III supporters (there are at least two) is running a national ad campaign to clear the king’s name.

FULL STORY-Washington Post


I only posted three paragraphs to this story, follow the title link or the one just above for a very interesting read.

LONDON “Zil lanes”

Normally I take a very dim view of protests which inhibit my freedom of travel, among other annoyances some protests create.



I don't have a strong view of this taxi protest. A lot of that is because it seems the London officials are playing favorites at the expense of the local taxi driver.

Never seen one, but I think those black taxis are just so cool. If ever in London, I will ride in one, for certain I would not try to learn how to drive on the wrong side of the street.


Cab drivers create gridlock in Games Lane protest

Blaring their horns, the cabbies took their case to Parliament Square, creating gridlock in the heart of the capital. with the jam swiftly spreading to Millbank and Whitehall.


London’s iconic black cabs are being excluded from the 30 miles of games lanes, which have been reserved for Olympic competitors, officials and sponsors.


Dubbed “Zil lanes” by critics, they come into force on Wednesday next week. Drivers who transgress face a £130 fine.


The restrictions will ban drivers from the lanes, making journey times across the capital longer and dearer for passengers.


Many cab drivers have said they will leave London during the Games rather than put up with the frustration of navigating the capital’s traffic.


"There will be no access to these lanes for any traffic apart from the Olympics family.


"Taxis are excluded, which is unacceptable and wrong. This is a working city and we need to get around and do our job," said Jonathan Myers, of the United Cabbies group union.


“We've come to Parliament so MPs can wake up and hear what we're talking about."

FULL STORY-THE TELEGRAPH