Davao's night sky phenomenon

Last Sunday, December 16, we observed, to our delight, the Geminid meteor shower. I estimate that we saw around 15 meteors within one hour and that was when we were paying attention. It's estimated that 60 to 120 meteors were to be seen during the peak on December 13, however, light pollution would cut the number.

Tonight, we were surprised to see unusual patterns in Davao's night sky. The first one (7˚04'52.30"N, 125˚36'36.23"E) appeared sometime near midnight. We saw a streak of white plume the stretched across the sky going from southeast to northeast. Whatever caused the phenomenon, it was low enough to have disturbed the clouds. This was followed by another at around 1:00AM and yet another at around 2:45AM (7˚04'13.55"N, 125˚36'49.90"E). The directions were more or less parallel to the first. I tried to take pictures but the SE K800 phone wasn't suited for the task.

Tianx was really intrigued by this. As soon as he got home, he scoured the net for information. He sent an SMS telling me that last week's event was right after the peak of the Geminid meteor shower and tonight was the peak of the Ursid shower.

Tianx was thinking that perhaps the three meteors (at least) entered the Earth's atmosphere and caused the unusual patterns.

I'm curious to find out whether the meteors made impact, sank into the sea or simply burned out.

Staying out until the wee hours has its rewards.

Catholic Pope declares atheists are behind the greatest cruelty

Benedict had to find the 'greatest' executor of cruelty so that Catholic priests molesting children won't have to look so bad.

Benedict probably has forgotten that his church has done its own share of cruelty, atrocities and hate-mongering:

(From Infidel.org)

1. The Crusades
   
2. The Inquisition
3. The Salem Witch Trials
4. Exploitation by Missionaries
5. Anti-semitism

During the Spanish Inquisition, the Catholic Church took great care in torturing 'sinners'.

Both the inquisitor and the bishop were to be present. The prisoner was to be shown the instruments of torture and urged to confess. Upon refusing he was to be stripped and bound and again entreated to confess and to be promised mercy if he did. He/she would stand bound and naked in the presence of grim, implacable friars and watch the irons heated, the pulleys of the rack tested, the bearings of the wheel greased in preparation for their use on his own bones and body.

It's also interesting to take note that Benedict's predecessor has apologized for the sins of his flock.

Lying to people about going to "paradise" after they die as long as they cater to your fancies and whims is for me the greatest cruelty.

Thanks to Truemors.