It's a reaction against Western culture, symbolized by the teddy bear's improper naming from the view of Muslim hardliners who interpret it as a blasphemous disrespect for the prophet Muhammad, whose name is considered holy in Sudanese culture. It's similar to if someone were to name a teddy bear 'Jesus Christ' as if to encourage worship of an object instead of the true Christ. In the Judeo-Christian tradition there is a similar view where God gave the ten commandments to Moses, one being, "I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have strange gods before you," or something similar. From the Muslim hardliner viewpoint, a teddy bear so improperly named becomes in effect a false god for the children. So the Sudanese see the English teacher as misleading the children in religious terms, in effect encouraging the children to worship a false god. In Islam there are no human images of Allah allowed. None of their buildings are decorated with images of saints, no human images at all, and neither animals (teddy bears), as they are forbidden. That is why you will see many remarkable patterns decorating mosques, as they absorb all the artistic efforts.

Britain tried to influence the Sudanese government once before. It is very fortunate for the English woman the government was kind enough to give her a token light sentence (brief incarceration for 15 days and deportation) otherwise the mobs would seek and destroy her entirely if they could. It's not enough to travel into the Sudan knowing so little about their culture. If she had realized the history and current events there she would have chosen her words more carefully. Culture shock is a major factor in the Sudan whether or not you are familiar with their way of life. The British woman needs to leave the Sudan while she still can; she is too much of a target for the mobs who would kill her if she remains there. She should be grateful to escape alive, as that is the actual situation she is now facing. Incarceration for 15 days is nothing compared to the real risk of death. Even though the courts and the government have protected her, if the mobs get a hold of her she may not survive. Teacher Hidden As Sudan Mob Urges Death

It seems more like self-preservation in view of the grind a Zeppelin tour can become. Sometimes that audience just can't be satisfied; they are forever chomping at the bit for one thing or another, like a racehorse that never finishes its course and runs itself ragged when it belongs in a cozier spot. Dashing through the snow may have its advantages but horses need to curl up by the hay and unwind with a nice massage every so often.

So, do you really want Led Zeppelin to tour?

This thread has reached locking stage.

Houses Of The Holy - Led Zeppelin

It's a simple matter of trusting one's best instincts.

Annie Songs - Hank Ballard and the Midnighters

However, if he says that it puts a different slant on the picture.

And so long as he proves it, I'm fine with that.

Robert is very giving of himself and generous. Occasionally some of the fans may be demanding, selfish and spoiled, thinking they have the right to whatever they want. Btw, Robert, if you have any problems you need help working through, you just let me know.

Does the VA still have problems?

Yeah, I think he was just being mean with this one, and there is no point in talking to him if he is being mean.

I'll bet Robert feels really guilty now you've said all that, and he's totally changed his mind. You can expect him to hire you as his tour manager any day now. What he needs is you to tell him what to do and his life will be complete.

You summarized it there.

Education is supposed to improve people's lives, at any level, including the universities.

RP

He's too funny!! (I'm guessing the interviewer is Lisa Robinson.) Lisa Robinson - If you toured do you think you'd ever be able to get up on a stage and not do Stairway to Heaven? Robert Plant - But that would be the only way I could do it. Lisa Robinson - You wouldn't do any of the Zeppelin material? Robert Plant - No, never. Lisa Robinson - What do you think it is about that song that's just been so special to people; I mean it still is the most played song on the air. Robert Plant - I can't comment on that song because I've heard it that much. But I mean, we had such great, you know I'm not blowing me own trumpet, but I do happen to listen to those records now that I'm that much further away from them; and they were great songs. But I would have absolutely no heart in playing them with anybody else; just, there's no morals if you do that. You know, you might as well go to Vegas and you know, and do it there, with a studio, with a sort of resident band. crawdaddy.wolfgangsvault.com

Maybe that is one reason why he does not want to do a Led Zeppelin tour.

Thank you for the link!

Thank you, RER!

Blessed sounds good.