In This Months Issue: June 2009

It is over six years since the beginning of the Iraq War, and two and a half years since Saddam Hussein was hanged, but shocking details of the former Iraqi dictator’s reign of terror are still emerging. Much has been written about Saddam and his two sons, Uday and Qusay - that they were sadistic rapists, cold-blooded murderers, self-serving, brutal animals without morals or conscience, but only those closest to the tyrannical ruler and his family can fully comprehend the true evil of the Hussein regime.

It’s that time of year again. What can we do to keep the kids occupied during the long school holidays?

Well there is the beach and the sea, but how many times can we do this before everyone wants something else? A popular choice is the summer camps, where a host of activities are available all under supervision.

As the temperatures rose and the whirring of the cicadas increases to become the noise that typifies mid-summer here in Cyprus, I was pleased to hear the song of two of our more common, but also most attractive, resident birds. In fact, their calls were earlier this week audible throughout the day in my Nicosia garden It is likely that they have nested nearby, as in addition to the loud song of the male Greenfinch Carduelis chloris, family parties of both this bird and its even more colourful relative, the Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, can be heard calling to each other throughout the local area.