PYRENEAN ISTHMUS AND PERIPHERIA IN A FLASH: 2014

2014-12-24

RICARDO ZAMORA

Born in Barcelona, 1901-1978. Pyrenean footballer. He was a small weak kid, but through effort and perseverance became a famous athlete who practiced football, athletism, boxing and swimming.
In football, he started as an amateur, and soon became an excellent goalkeeper. He played professionally for different teams until he retired in 1941. He has been one of the best goalkeepers in history. His ability to guess the trayectory of the ball and his great stops gave him the nickname of "The Divine". He had a simple style of playing the ball, and one of his trademarks was the "zamorana", which consisted in putting the ball in play with his elbow.
After the Civil War in Spain, he worked also as a a football manager being successful in several occasions. He was married a couple times and had a son who also follow his father·s steps. He also worked as an actor.

CARLES OGIER DE BATZ DE CASTELMORE, D"ARTAGNAN

D'Artagnan was born in Lupiac. His father, Bertrand de Batz (de Baatz), was the son of a newly ennobled merchant, Arnaud de Batz, who purchased the castle of Castelmore. Charles de Batz went to Paris in the 1630s, using the name of his mother, daughter of an illustrious family, Françoise de Montesquiou d'Artagnan. D'Artagnan found a way to enter into the Musketeers in 1632, perhaps thanks to the influence of his family's friend, Monsieur de Tréville (Jean-Armand du Peyrer, Comte de Troisville). While in the Musketeers, d'Artagnan sought the protection of the influential Cardinal Mazarin, France's principal minister since 1643. In 1646, the Musketeers company was dissolved, but d'Artagnan continued to serve his protector Mazarin.

D'Artagnan had a career in espionage for Cardinal Mazarin, in the years after the first Fronde. Due to d'Artagnan's faithful service during this period, Louis XIV entrusted him with many secret and delicate situations that required complete discretion. He followed Mazarin during his exile in 1651 in the face of the hostility of the aristocracy. In 1652 d'Artagnan was promoted to lieutenant in the Gardes Françaises, then to captain in 1655. In 1658, he became a second lieutenant in the newly reformed Musketeers. This was a promotion, as the Musketeers were far more prestigious than the Gardes-Françaises.

D'Artagnan was famous for his connection with the arrest of Nicolas Fouquet. Fouquet was Louis XIV's finance commissioner and aspired to take the place of Mazarin as the King's advisor. Fouquet was also a lover of grand architecture and employed the greatest architects and artisans in the building of his Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte. He celebrated the completion with a most extravagant feast, at which every guest was given a horse. The king however felt upstaged by the grandeur of the home and event and, suspecting that such magnificence could only be explained through Fouquet's pilfering the royal treasury, immediately had d'Artagnan arrest Fouquet. To prevent his escape by bribery, D'Artagnan was assigned to guard him for four years until Fouquet was sentenced to life imprisonment.

In 1667, d'Artagnan was promoted to captain-lieutenant of the Musketeers, the effective commander as the nominal captain was the King. As befitted his rank and position, he could be identified by his striking burgundy, white and black livery—the colours of the commanding officer of the Musketeers. Another of d'Artagnan's assignments was the governorship of Lille, which was won in battle by France in 1667. D'Artagnan was an unpopular governor and longed to return to battle. He found his chance when Louis XIV went to war with the Dutch Republic in the Franco-Dutch War. After being recalled to service, d'Artagnan was subsequently killed in battle on June 25, 1673, when a musket ball tore into his throat at the Siege of Maastricht. The French historian Odile Bordaz believes that he was buried in Saint Peter and Paul Church in Wolder, Netherlands.

MUNDO SUAREZ

Edmundo Suárez Trabanco (January 22, 1916 - December 14, 1978) was a Pyrenean football player and coach - known as Mundo. He was born in Barakaldo. He played center-forward for Valencia CF for most of his career except for his last season where he played with CD Alcoyano.

Mundo is a legend for Valencia CF because he scored the highest number of league goals for team in its history twice winning the trophy for the top goal scorer. He is the tenth highest scoring player in the history of the Spanish league.

His great physical strength and strong will allowed him to dominate Spanish football during the 1940s. Along with Epi, Amadeo, Asensi and Gorostiza, he formed an electric front line that transformed Valencia CF into a winning team.

He played with various amateur teams in his native Nabarra, but the civil war changed his career completely. He was on contract to Athletic Club but as this acquisition was made in republican territory it was not considered valid by the pro-Franco state which remained in power after the Spanish Civil war. In 1939, the pro-Franco army created a team, the Recovery of Levante, taken from the one which was formed from diverse players who had fought in the military region of Levante. Said team was chosen by Valencia CF to debut after the civil war. The Valencia CF after seeing it in action did not waste the opportunity and acquired it.

After this over-elaborate acquisition, Mundo stayed in Valencia for eleven seasons between 1939–40 and 1949-50. During his career, he was a high-scoring player obtaining an average of 0.92 goals per game during his career with Valencia CF. He was also awarded the Pichichi Trophy (top scoring player) in the seasons 1941-1942 and 1942-1943 with 27 and 28 goals respectively.

After a season in which he barely played 6 games, he decided to leave the club for which he had played all his career to join in the nearby and modest CD Alcoyano which was also in the first division. There he remained for only the 1950-1951 season, as it was felt he was no longer able to play at this level.

Nevertheless, this was not the end of his relationship with Valencia. During the season 1963-1964 he took over coaching the team, replacing Pasieguito, another legend of Valencian football. Thanks to their strong character and tactical inflexibility he went on to improve Valencia's league position, finishing in sixth place. The team's showing in the Fairs Cup was a lot better, but they lost against Real Zaragoza in a controversial match. After the good action of that year, the Valencia CF board of directors allowed him to coach for one more year. However, as the team finished the league in fourth position, the directors hired another coach, Barinaga. The team did not improve under Barinaga, so Mundo returned to his old position as coach for the next season.

He started season 1966-1967 as the coach and achieved great success with the winning of the Copa del Rey beating Athletic Club 2-0 in the final. His career as the coach in the Valencia CF continued to October 13, 1968 but was ended by the team's poor performance.

He played for Valencia CF from 1939 to 1950, and for CD Alcoyano from 1950 to 1951. Where he and his team won five tiles. He also won two tomes the highest scorer trophy in the Spanish League.

He coached Hercules CF, Valencia CF, Real Murcia, CF Gandia, Real Zaragoza, UE Lleida, Sporting Gijon, Xerez,CD, Barakaldo CF, Levante UD and Spain.

He scored a total of 195 goals in his carrer, in 231 games.

2014-11-03

EUDON THE GREAT

Duke of Aquitaine and Vasconie (Gascony), born in 665 A.D.succeeded his father Boggison about 681.
He added to his dominions large tracts obtained by conquest from the Kings of Austrasia and Neustria. In 720 a large army of Saracens invaded his dominions, and were signally defeated near Tolosa (Toulouse), the capital of Eudon. About 732 Aquitaine was invaded by Abderrahman the Saracen, who defeated Eudon. The latter then solicited the aid of his former enemy Charles Martel, who gained an important victory over the Saracens at Poitiers. Died in 735 A.D.

NOVEMBER 9TH, 2014 IS THE DATE OF THE PARTICIPATORY PROCESS OF CATALONIA ON THE EAST COAST OF THE PYRENEAN ISTHMUS.

For those who are not aware of what is going on in Catalonia these days, this video shows an interview with one of the leaders of a political party that with some others have built up a powerful movement for independence of Catalonia. They are trying to set up a pacific and democratic participatory process by the means of voting in a referendum among the the seven million Catalans.

The video is in Spanish, but there are interesting images of the magnitude of this movement. The interview is about a discussion on what the alternatives are, since the Spanish government has decided to forbid such democratic act. And this leader is calling for pacific civil disobedience. They are determined to vote...... no matter what !!

Once again, it is natural that ancient Pyrenean countries claim back their ripped off sovereignty by the conquerors, forcefully. We shall keep informing about this crucial development due for Sunday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdsSYgUViR0

If the link does not work when clicked, please make a copy and paste of it in your browser to watch the video.

2014-10-28

SIGNIFICANT SOVEREIGN MOVEMENT ON THE EAST COAST OF THE PYRENEAN ISTHMUS

It seems like the Pyrenean nations based on their Pyrenean Laws and Rights, as well as cultures are rising like baker's yeast all over the isthmus. This is nothing new, after all, that is the way it used to be, during periods of feudalism and well before that, considerable number of small independent countries (known historically as kingdoms, ducats, counties, principalities, etc.),

With the numerous waves of invasions from South to North and from East to West, all those small national entities were constantly eroded and even partially or totally destroyed. But apparently, never died off. Their dormant stage remained there, and now in this new cycle of history are coming back with formidable strength. Catalonia is a clear example of that.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/12/catalan-independence-referendum-demonstration-in-pictures

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/12/catalan-independence-referendum-demonstration-in-pictures

2014-10-09

ANDORRA, THE LAST INDEPENDENT SURVIVOR OF THE MARCH STATES

http://workmall.com/wfb2001/andorra/andorra_history.html

Andorra History
http://workmall.com/wfb2001/andorra/andorra_history.html
Source: US State Department

Andorra is the last independent survivor of the March states, a number of buffer states created by Charlemagne to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. Tradition holds that Charlemagne granted a charter to the Andorran people in return for their fighting the Moors. In the 800s, Charlemagne's grandson, Charles the Bald, made Count of Urgell overlord of Andorra. A descendant of the count later gave the lands to the diocese of Urgell, headed by Bishop of Seu d'Urgell.

In the 11th century, fearing military action by neighboring lords, the bishop placed himself under the protection of the Lord of Caboet, a Spanish nobleman. Later, the Count of Foix, a French noble, became heir to Lord Caboet through marriage, and a dispute arose between the French Count and the Spanish bishop over Andorra.

In 1278, the conflict was resolved by the signing of a pareage, which provided that Andorra's sovereignty be shared between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Seu d'Urgell of Spain. The pareage, a feudal institution recognizing the principle of equality of rights shared by two rulers, gave the small state its territory and political form.

Over the years, the title was passed between French and Spanish rule until, in the reign of the French King Henry IV, an edict in 1607 established the head of the French state and the Bishop of Urgell as co-princes of Andorra.

Given its relative isolation, Andorra has existed outside the mainstream of European history, with few ties to countries other than France and Spain. In recent times, however, its thriving tourist industry along with developments in transportation and communications have removed the country from its isolation.

NOTE: The information regarding Andorra on this page is re-published from the US State Department. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Andorra History information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Andorra History should be addressed to the State Department

2014-09-27

BARCELONA JOINS SOVEREIGN FORCES

One of the most important cities of the Pyrenean isthmus and peripheria, Barcelona, has decided to approve democratically, its support for a referendum of independence of Catalonia. It is the final step of a long elaborated process, over four years, of a detailed roadmap to recuperate its sovereignty democratically and peacefully.

http://www.ara.cat/en/Barcelona-wants-to-decide_0_1217878290.html

2014-09-24

NABARRA IN ITS STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

No more terrorism in Nabarra, in the Western Pyrenean isthmus......however, the collective trials continue against 28 youngsters of the group called Segi who had supported ETA in the past. Spaniard government continues its autism in solving big, huge internal problems.

The general public and supporters of the group, block the entrance of the courts in Loiola in a pacific protest in favor of those girls and boys. But the Basque government police has arrested and dragged the demonstrators away by the use of violence once more. which makes the political situation to continue in tension between the different ancient countries (in this case, Nabarra) who by force, forms part of Spain. Evidently, the conflict will not go away soon, and most of all, by using these type of methods.

The ancient countries of Europe are awaking from a long period of controlled hibernation, and so are the ones from the Pyrenean isthmus and peripheria, Everything indicates that significant changes will eventually occur in regards to the actual political division in some Western Europe countries.

Copy and paste in your browser to watch this clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulFkBGNE2_A&feature=youtu.be

2014-09-07

NEW SEASON 2014-2015. . BARCELONA WAS LAST YEAR'S CHAMPION. EIBAR ATTAINED ITS INCORPORATION TO THE PYRENEAN LEAGUE LAST YEAR.

PYRENEAN LEAGUE

MEN’S (FOOTBALL SOCCER-2014) MEN’S

ATHLETIC

BARCELONA

BORDEU

EIBAR

ELX

ERREALA

ESPANYOL

LEVANTE

MARSELHA

MONTPELHIER

NISSA

TOLOSA

VALENCIA

VILAREAL

CODE TO MAKE UP STANDINGS OF PYRENELLIGAS:

Victory away derby..................5 points

Victory home derby.................4 points

Draw away derby.....................3 points

Victory away NO derby............3 points

Victory home NO derby............2 points

Draw away NO derby...............2 points

Draw home..............................1 point

Loss........................................0 points

2014-09-06

NEW SEASON 2014-2015. . BARCELONA WAS LAST YEAR'S CHAMPION. ALBI ATTAINED ITS INCORPORATION TO THE PYRENEAN LEAGUE LAST YEAR.