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Off the Record
God, why did you let this happen?
NEW YORK : A 72-ycar-old painting known as the 'weeping icon" of peace, which attracted hundreds of thousands of pilgrim during the Gulf War. was stolen at gunpoint from a church Monday, police said, reports AP
Three men and a woman burst into St. Irene's Greek Orthodox Church and removed the painting of St. Irene Chrtsovalantou. said police.
"It's a shock for us.' said Bishop Vikenlios, who was working tn a church office across the street at the lime of the robbery.
"We heard the bells of the church ring and saw the priests at the door, crying Help' Help' they've taken the icon," said the bishop, who uses one name in accordance with Orthodox practice. His voice cracked with emotion during a telephone Interview.*
Bishop Vikentios said he noticed beads of moisture and streaks running from the icon's eyes on October 17, 1990, while the icon was on display in a Greek Orthodox church in Chicago.
The icon continued to weep as the Gulf confiict escalated into war. "After the Persian Gulf War finished, we don't see tears on Its face," the Bishop said.
Bishop Vikenlios said the church needs the icon back, even if the jewels and gold remain missing.
"ft Is a holy icon, ft is a miracle icon." he said. She is the patron saint of peace. We don t know why the Lord allowed this to happen."
Keep beer away from elephants
GAUHAT1 : Rogue elephants have killed at least 31 people this year in Asam state, sometimes after guzzling barrels of homemade beer in the villages they raided, officials said, reports AP.
Wildlife officials say urbanisation and a growing elephant population is squeezing the jungle habitat, forcing the animals to look for space and food in villages on edges of forests
During the raids the elephants feast on stored grain and gulp down "ladpanf." and Assamese rice beer popular among tribespeople, said state Chief Widllfe Warden H.C Changkakati
He said wild elephanta attacked human settlements at least 17 times this year, six of them in a state of drunkenness. At least 31 people were trampled to death by the elephants compared to 40 killed last year.
Dull X-mas for Japanese
TOKYO : Christmas In this non-Chrisllan nation used to be another excuse for workers to get smashed in the name of social obligation, or the big night for lovers splurging on an expensive dinner and hotel, exports AP.
This year, trend watchers say. the party's at home, brought on in part by the economic slowdown.
Potluck gatherings. Christmas clothing such as red miniskirts and veranda lights are In the air this year. Even the Christmas trees are bigger, growing from the usual tiny foot-high trees to six-footers, retailers say.
The common standard that city restaurants and plush hotels are the trendiest places lo spend Christmas is breaking down this year," the national Asahi Newspaper said.
Many youths are trying to celebrate the season In their own way. "rather than going lo the places recommended in magazines like everyone else." ft reported.
A pamphlet urges families to throw potluck parties, and gives instructions on what to cook. Because turkeys are loo big for the average oven, roast chicken, meatloaf and a fir shaped salad are recommended.
ft also gives ideas for decorations, like lighting up your veranda, as well as telling moms to wear scarves and dads to wear casual sweaters with Christmas patterns.