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One of my colleagues was pointing out the other day that on the web one can find pretty much anything, even the signature of the Devil himself as it appeared in a 17-th century official document. But behind that document there is a very interesting story: the story of Urbain Grandier. Grandier was a catholic priest who lived in France and who at some point gained a few enemies including some nuns and the famous and powerful cardinal Richelieu. As it was the habit at the time, enemies were quickly dealt with. So Grandier was acused of witchcraft. But since there was no evidence to support these serious claims, some evidence had to be produced. And conveniently, a document appeared out of nowhere showing clearly that Grandier made a diabolical pact with the Devil. The document appeared to be signed by Grandier and several demons. This is the English translation:

“We, the influential Lucifer, the young Satan, Beelzebub, Leviathan, Elimi, and Astaroth, together with others, have today accepted the covenant pact of Urbain Grandier, who is ours. And him do we promise the love of women, the flower of virgins, the respect of monarchs, honors, lusts and powers.
He will go whoring three days long; the carousal will be dear to him. He offers us once in the year a seal of blood, under the feet he will trample the holy things of the church and he will ask us many questions; with this pact he will live twenty years happy on the earth of men, and will later join us to sin against God.
Bound in hell, in the council of demons.
Lucifer Beelzebub Satan
Astaroth Leviathan Elimi
The seals placed the Devil, the master, and the demons, princes of the lord.
Baalberith, writer.”

Sadly, Grandier was found guilty and sentenced to death.

Things to Worry About

This week, UK raised its heat-wave warning level to amber (the second highest), for the first time since 2006 when UK had the warmest summer in the last 300 years or so.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global swine flu pandemic, which is Phase 6/6 – Red (Widespread human infection). First pandemic in 41 years!

And of course, the cherry on the cake is the current terrorist threat level which is set at Severe (second highest again), meaning that an attack is highly likely.

Now, I wonder whether I should worry more about the above bleak prospects or about the two new wrinkles I’ve just noticed this morning while shaving. Or maybe I shouldn’t worry about any of these and just “get on with life and make the most if it”, as my good wise friends always tell me.