A Deal and Then No Deal on Iraq Oil Law; Freedom, at Long Last, for a Reporter; Overcounting an Epidemic in India; A Fierce Fight Over a Wine Tradition; A Holy Sacking, Without Benefits
That's not even the most controversial part. What really has some winemakers and oenophiles agitated is a plan to loosen the long-standing stringent labeling restrictions. The change would bring Europe more in line with the rest of the world and permit broader marketing of midlevel wine of single-grape varieties. But some producers fear that premium wines, which bear prestigious geographical labels like Saint-Emilion or Sancerre, could lose some of their cachet.
A Holy Sacking, Without Benefits
Is it really possible to fire a living goddess? Apparently. Last week, the government of Nepal stripped 10-year-old Sajani Shakya of her status as a "kumari," or living goddess, after she traveled to the United States and elsewhere last month to promote a British documentary about the ancient tradition. As one of Nepal's top three kumaris, she is forbidden to leave the country. Officials said that the trip, which included a tour of the White House, rendered her "impure."
Both Hindus and Buddhists worship the living goddesses, who are selected very early in life. Requirements are strict: They must have perfect skin, hair, and teeth, without any scars. They always wear red and have a "third eye" painted on their forehead. Kumaris take part in religious festivals but otherwise live a secluded life until they reach puberty, when they must retire. The search is on for a replacement for Sajani.
With Associated Press
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