Politics: Fighting terrorism

(postcard by Visionworks, Greenfield, MA, USA)

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this card were donated to the American Indian movement (AIM). Check out their website.

Cinema: Azuloscurocasinegro

Azuloscurocasinegro [darkbluealmostblack] es "un estado de ánimo, un futuro incierto, un color que, dependiendo bajo qué prisma se mire, cambia". Es una excelente primera pelicula del joven realizador Daniel Sánchez Arévalo. En 2006 ha ganado 3 Premios Goya: mejor director novel, mejor actor de reparto (Antonio de la Torre) y mejor actor revelación (Quim Gutiérrez). Habia tenido 6 nominaciones. También en 2006 ha ganado varios premios en el Festival de Málaga: el Premio Especial del Jurado, el Premio de la Crítica y el premio para el mejor guión.

Es una pelicula sobre el destino, los sueños y como estos son esenciales para mantenernos vivos y luchando. Rebelarse contra el 'destino' en el cual nos sentimos atrapados. Al contrario de "Requiem for a dream" en el cual los personajes se dejan vencer por sus adicciones, aqui luchan (aunque no siempre de la mejor forma) para alcanzar sus sueños, para romper su condicion de 'atrapados'. El resultado es una pelicula muy agradable de ver, muy entrañable, con algunos personajes también muy especiales. Claro, tiene sus imperfecciones o

contradicciones, pero me hace esperar ansiosamente a la seguiente pelicula de Arévalo.

En las palabras del director: “AzulOscuroCasiNegro es una historia sobre personajes que luchan contra el destino, contra lo que se supone está escrito “en las estrellas”. Personajes atrapados al otro lado del cristal, ese fino cristal apenas perceptible, casi invisible pero imposible de obviar, que les separa de sus sueños, contra el que se golpean constantemente y olvidan a diario con la facilidad de un pececillo de agua dulce. Personajes que no saben diferenciar entre lo que quieren y lo que necesitan, a los que les cuesta renunciar, que lo quieren todo. Y que, poco a poco, deberán a aprender a dejar de resistirse, a dejar de nadar contra corriente, no como una muestra de conformismo, sino todo lo contrario, asumir sus propias limitaciones, para así poder empezar a avanzar. Poco a poco. Para acabar en un sitio completamente distinto al que soñaban, pero igual o más acogedor y placentero.”

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Puedes leer más en el Blogdecine. O ver el trailer en Youtube.

****/5

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Politique: Démocratie électronique

Les nouvelles technologies et l'internet sont de plus en plus au service de la démocratie. La Finlande, pionnière mondiale dans l'utilisation d'internet a lancé des services très innovants lors des dernières élections parlementaires. Les journaux et d'autres sites avaient lancé des 'tests' type quiz par internet, avec des questionnaires, qui permettaient à l'électeur de savoir avec quel(le) candidat(e) il s'identifiait davantage, en termes d'approche et d'idées. Il faut savoir que le système en Finlande est nominal et qu'on vote pour des personnes, pas pour des partis. Mais bon, la même approche aurait pu être appliqué à des partis politiques et leurs programmes.

Et bien voilà, en France le journal Le Monde vient de lancer aussi un QUIZ pour savoir, en 19 question, de quel programme (et candidat à l'élection présidentielle) l'électeur est plus proche.
Moi je suis soulagé… Ségolène l'a remporté de justesse, Sarko n'étais pas très loin ni Bayrou (eh oui, incroyable). Finalement ça change pas mal, si on essaie une analyse de sensibilité du quiz, ça peut changer de Voynet à Bayrou (ça m'est arrivé en changeant 2 seules réponses). Mais bon, essayez le quiz vous-même!

Cinema: Brussels Film Festival for Fantasy

The 25th edition of Brussels Intl. Film Festival for Fantasy

For its 25th anniversary (April 5th to 17th, 2007), the BIFFF undergoes a complete facelift. Moving to Tour & Taxis, the hottest cultural venue in town, the festival will spread on over 9000 m², and will multiply its activities, with films,music, exhibitions, markets, conventions, etc.The 1200-seats theatre will host such premieres as Danny Boyle's ‘Sunshine’, Timur Beckmambetov's ‘DayWatch’, Edgar Wright's ‘Hot Fuzz’, DJ Caruso's ‘Disturbia’, Jonathan King's ‘Black Sheep’ and some episodes from the second season of the Masters of Horror series. There are films from many countries among others the USA, Spain, France, South Korea, Japan, Denmark, Turkey, Russia, Sweden, Brasil. This year’s Méliès d’Argent Competition includes contenders from Russia (The Swordbearer and Ugly Swans), Spain (The Kovak Box, The Dark Hour), Finland (Jade Warrior), Austria (Dead in 3 Days), France (Nos Amis les Terriens) or Great-Britain (Broken).

Cinema & videos: Youtube awards

The famous online video site (which was bought by Google last October) launched its own 'Oscars' last Monday 19, the first "YouTube Awards". Internet surfers are invited to vote, until Friday 23, to elect the best of 7 categories (10 videos for each): most creative, most inspirational, best serial entertainment, best comedy video, best music-video (homemade), best commentary and finally most adorable video ('so cute it hurts').

The results will be made public on March 26. Youtube recognises that 2006 was a pioneering year for online video, user-created content and the YouTube community. According to Jamie Byrne, YouTube's director of marketing, now it's time to reflect on what a tremendous year it was and recognize the best of the best during the first YouTube Video Awards, by letting the public decide! This could be repeated each year. Pitty one is limited to those videos nominated and there isn't a category like 'others', because in that case I know for which video I would vote… :-) So vote (and vote often). Apparently one can vote every hour until they freeze voting on March 23, 2007, at 3pm PT. "The No.1 videos on each list will get bragging rights and a fancy trophy to feature prominently in a future video."

At the end of February, we had the Oscar-Torrents following 133 378 votes - initiative of the site The Pirate Bay (see previous post in February). The result wasn't as alternative as the organisers might have expected, though. Mexico's 'Pan's Labyrinth' got the OscarTorrent for best Foreign Language film along with 5 other OscarTorrents (among which for best Original Screenplay), Forest Whitaker repeated his Oscar for best Actor in a Leading Role, Penélope Cruz got her OscarTorrent for best Actress in a Leading Role (want more mainstream than that?), Alfonso Cuarón got an OscarTorrent for best Adapted Screenplay for 'Children of men', 'The Departed' got the Best Picture OscarTorrent as well as the best director one, to Martin Scorsese

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Cinema: Requiem for a dream

Requiem: "mass for repose of the soul of the dead", "a hymn, composition, or service for the dead", from the latin 'requiem', accusative singular of 'requies' which means 'rest', 'repose'; It is the first word of the Mass for the Dead in the roman catholic liturgy in latin: "Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine..."

So I finally have seen "Requiem for a dream"... Excellent film directed by Darren Aronovsky based on a book by Hubert Selby Jr (who wrote the screenplay together with Aronofsky). Requiem.. is a drama focusing on four people and their dreams, but trapped by their addictions. A 'composition' for their dying dreams, dreams that will never come true. A sad story about drug addictions and their devastating effects. But the story is not new, the most interesting thing in the film is the way it is filmed, not classical at all, with some hallucinating scenes, effects and unique rythm which visually emulate the effect of drugs… Requiem is a visual drug, but quite a rewarding one, without side or post effects. Except maybe that this great film, its story and characters risk lingering for a while in our minds…
[Strange, in the TV show presented "Juice", they say there are three things we shouldn't have, one is sugar, the other is red meat... but I guess we never get to know the third one, or do we?]

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*****/5

Cinema: Australian cinema in Brussels

Australian cinema was not only "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" (1994), "Muriel's wedding" (1994) or even Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" (1995). To prove it the Australian embassy in Brussels is organising the third Australian Film Festival 2007 in Brussels between 19 and 23 March, at the Espace Senghor (Ch. de Wavre, 366 (off Place Jourdan).

The festival takes off on Monday 19 March with 'Radiance' (19.30), followed by 'Japanese Story' (Tuesday 20, 18.30); 'The Wog Boy' (Tuesday 20, 21.30); 'The Man Who Sued God' (Wednesday 21, 18.30); 'Ned Kelly' (Wednesday 21, 21.30); Radiance again (Thursday 22, 18.30); 'Australian Rules' (Thursday 22, 21.30); 'Three Dollars' (Friday 23, 18.30) and finally again 'Japanese Story' (Friday 23, 21.30). Most films are preceded by a short film. However I must say I have no clue about these films...

Music: do you know GOLDFRAPP?

...well, if you don't know GOLDFRAPP, it's about time :-)

The band consists of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory and was formed in 1999. Their debut album, "Felt Mountain" (2000) was excellent (loungy melancholic with an electro touch) but failed to conquer wide public, even though it was well received. With their second CD "Black Cherry" (2003), they moved from chilled out electronica to a more 'electro-rock' or 'glam pop-rock' direction. and that's when they got more 'mainstream' and got much public and critics acclaim. Following the success of 'Black Cherry', they released a third album 'Supernature' in the summer of 2005, which would become Goldfrapp's most successful commercial release. And adding to these three albums, there are loads of remixes and remixes... and of videos. I saw them twice in Brussels, the first when they were not yet so well known and the second when they were beginning to be more commercial. Both times they were great and Allison can really put up a great show and is very cool! So I'm eagerly waiting for the follow up... maybe something more 'tech-house'?...

In the meantime, check their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/goldfrapp

and watch some videos:

> Lovely head

> Strict machine

> Number 1

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Politics: North American culture...

Of course, it takes two to tango... so obviously it takes a low IQ to vote for G. W. Bush. At the time of the last US presidential elections, one could not claim anymore lack of information, and Bush's first term in the White House had provided enough evidence of his IQ and capacities. What followed is well known and there we have the US people (and the world) now 'stuck' with this president... Fortunately... time flies and hopefully we'll have a real Woman with a BIG IQ following, for everybody's happiness!

In the meantime watch this Youtube video, made by australians, and see how north-americans are cultivated and well informed.

Politics: G. W. Bush has the lowest IQ of all the American Presidents in the last 60 years

The Lovenstein Institute of Scranton, Pennsylvania has just published report of a four month study of the intelligence quotient of President George W. Bush. Since 1973, this Institute has published its research to the education community on each new president, which includes the famous "IQ" report among others. The report indicates that there were twelve presidents over the past 60 years, from F. D. Roosevelt to G. W. Bush who were all rated based on scholarly achievements, writings that they alone produced without aid of staff, their ability to speak with clarity, and several other psychological factors. The study determined the IQs of the different American Presidents as accurate to within five percentage points, the highest score was William (Bill) Clinton (Democrat) with 182, the lowest… George W. Bush (Republican) with 91… James E. Carter (D) with 176, Ronald W. Reagan (R) had 105, John F. Kennedy (D) 174, Richard M. Nixon (R) 155, Franklin D. Roosevelt (D) 147 and George H. W. Bush (R) 98 (the father of George W. Bush).

The six Republican presidents of the past 60 years had an average IQ of 115.5, but President G. W. Bush was rated the lowest of all the Republicans with only 91. The six Democrat presidents had IQs with an average of 156, well above the Republicans (no wonder) with Bill Clinton having the highest IQ, at 182. Actually no president other than Carter (D) has released his actual IQ, of 176.

The low ratings of President G.W. Bush are due to his apparent difficulty to command the English language in public statements, his limited use of vocabulary (6,500 words versus an average of 11,000 words for other presidents), his lack of scholarly achievements other than a basic MBA, and an absence of any body of work which could be studied on an intellectual basis. "All the Presidents prior to George W. Bush had a least one book under their belt, and most had written several white papers during their education or early careers. Not so with President Bush," Dr. Lovenstein said. "He has no published works or writings, so in many ways that made it more difficult to arrive at an assessment. We had to rely more heavily on transcripts of his unscripted public speaking."

The IQ or Intelligence Quotient is an attempt to measure intelligence or a person's mental agility. Usually IQ values of 130 or more are classified as "very superior" (some 2.2 % of population); between 120 and 129, as "superior" (6.7%); between 110 and 119, as "normal high" (16.1%); between 90 and 109, as "average" (50%); and between 80 and 89 as "normal low" (16,1%); between 70 and 79 as "border" (6,7%) and of 69 or lower as "mentally hindered" (2,2%). But there are many standard IQ tests in use around the world. On most intelligence tests, average IQ score is 100. For instance the Mensa (the High IQ Society) only offers membership to anyone whose IQ score places them within the top two per cent of the population, no matter which approved test was used. Have you ever tried it?
But of course all these tests have their own shortcomings… for instance anyone familiar with and used to these type of multiple choice questions, quiz and puzzle tests will score higher than others not used to it.

> Thanks to Hector for the tip. Click here to read a related article in spanish.

Music: compilation Colette # 8 is out

Colette (an eclectic concept-store in Paris) celebrates this year 10 years of activity.They have just brought out their compilation number 8, as usual very good, with never-heard-before remixes and tracks... as always, happiness for our hears!
#8 is as usual compiled by Michel Gaubert and Marie Branellec and displays an eclectic mix of electronic, disco, new wave, rock and pop vibes, featuring this time Barry White and Love Unlimited orchestra, Cut Chemist, Spank Rock, J Dilla, Heaven17, Joakim, Lynsay De Paul, Friendly Fires, Xpress 2, among others. A second CD with a mix by Joakim presents his vision of Disco, in its underground, synthetic, cosmic, punk & other versions...
So go to Paris & check Colette's music selection or order it via their website (and be very patient, it can take some time...)
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Cinema: Darren Aronofsky's "The fountain"

What do "Apocalypto" and "The fountain" have in common? Both use the Mayan mythology and history as a source of inspiration, but whereas in the first ‘blood’ is part of the show, in the second case it means life and also 'the prision bars that keep our souls imprisoned in our body'. But similarities end there.

Critics and public are split about their judgment of "The fountain". As Niels Ruëll wrote in the magazine “Cinema: out and about in Brussels”, some film critics think the film is pretentious, pseudo-profound and pseudo-metaphysical, a cheap copy of "2001: A space odyssey" maybe. But I think it’s a brilliant and beautiful parable, a story about life, love, and death. Yet it remains self-contained and intimate in the way it is filmed. As Aronofsky says, “science and medicine keep on making progress in extending our lives”. Indeed life expectancy is nowadays more than double that of 500 years ago and keeps increasing, in parallel with quality of life. Yet, he continues, “does that make death one whit less terrifying for us?” But the film is also about life, and the power of love. Aronofsky says “(The fountain) is about eternal love. We’re only around on this planet for a short period, what should we do with our time? Loving is, I reckon, the best thing we can do”.

In three interlinked ‘stories’ (or part of the same story), we see a spanish conquistador seeking a hidden Mayan temple searching for the secret of eternal life, a biologist/researcher desperatly trying to find the cure for his wife’s terminal illness instead of spending time with her and a shaven-head Buddha-like man travelling towards a dying star-system (called Xilalba, what the Mayan called the 'spiritual world') in a transparent bubble-spaceship containing a dying tree, of which he eats pieces.

This is not a road trip but a space and time travel, a psychedelic and spiritual discovery trip. Not everybody will enjoy it and be ready to travel along with Aronofsky, that’s for sure, but if you get into it, it’s a special experience, one that you won’t forget that easily and that might inhabit your dreams and make you question many issues for a while to come maybe – and hopefully won’t drag you into any existential crisis… It is in any case not a mainstream film for large audiences, those who like action, blood, explosions. in any case I must say the film is quite entertaining and never boring. The photography is excellent and images are aesthetically beautiful, based on nearly monochromatic tones, around golden/fire coulours.

It was not easy for Aronofsky to bring "The Fountain" to life… it took him six years, after his previous film "Requiem for a dream" (which I have not seen yet but which I am eagerly looking forward to discovering now). Brad Pitt abandoned the project(and also production) which reduced the budget from 75 to 30 million US dollars (according to the magazine “Cinema: out and about in Brussels”). So Hugh Jackman replaced Brad Pitt (fortunately) and Rachel Weisz (Aronofsky’s wife) replaced Cate Blanchett. They’re both quite good in their roles and I think they achieve the right measure to the emotional dimension aimed at by Aronofsky. This is the type of cinema I would like to see more and that makes a difference. Cinema needs more films like "The fountain", films that make us dream and think, that question our beliefs and ‘truths’, yet are also capable of making us feel. And Aronosfky seems not to be afraid to make such romantic and passionate films.

Highly recommended!

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****/5

Cinema: Apocalypto

After the controversial film "The Passion of the Christ" (2004), Mel Gibson comes up with "Apocalypto". As we know he is a religious conservative character (a sedisvacantist, a roman catholic current which does not accept the Second Vatican council) and his intentions are never innocent and not to be trusted. His recent films show a nearly insane addiction to blood, violence, cruelty and punishment. One should not expect much content, particular profoundness or message here, and certainly not any particular historical veracity! Yet Gibson knows how to make an action film and how to build quite impressive scenarios and decors, although the film is a bit too long, I felt. But it is effective and breathtaking at moments.

The reconstruction of urban Mayan cities is impressive, yet remains quite superficial and short, leaving most of the action to take place in the jungle (and most of it is the chase of the main character through the jungle and his struggle for survival). Gibson films how the urban-Mayas abduct other people who live in the jungle and countryside to bring them to the city and used them in human sacrifices to please the Gods, bring rain, etc, showing urban Mayan life as exuberant and decadent (reminding us of ancient Rome) as opposed to the more simple family-based and ‘pure’ jungle life. It seems most of the actors were beginners and they had to speak a Mayan language (yucatec) which works quite well in the movie, I must say. But the film finds its limits in its cheap violence and cruelty scenes and unfortunately transmits an inaccurate account of historic facts and Mayan culture (and the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, who actually arrived when most Mayan cities had already declined – the classical period ended in the 9th century AD even though certain cities continued into the XVth century, but most cities had been abandoned).

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**/5

Beijo colectivo em Lisboa

(foto André Kosters/Lusa)

O 'beijame' aconteceu. Foi neste sábado passado, no miradouro de Santa Catarina, em Lisboa. A iniciativa do MAL"Movimento Acorda Lisboa" teve beijos para todos os gostos, com e sem língua, consentidos, roubados, amigáveis, etc. Segundo os organizadores, houve mais mirones (voyeurs) do que actores (beijos), de resto lamentou a «inibição» dos lisboetas pela fraca adesão.
Mas a ideia é interessante e integra-se na filosofia do Movimento, que surgiu de "uma conversa de café" e que quer levar os lisboetas a "desfrutar a cidade", a divertir-se. Neste caso, o objectivo era levar as pessoas a vencerem as inibições, beijarem-se em público e deixarem-se fotografar. O Movimento tem uma página na Internet onde divulga as iniciativas, "sem fim lucrativo", que visam encorajar os alfacinhas (lisboetas) a conhecerem melhor a sua cidade e deixarem de ser "cinzentos". Convenhamos, é bem preciso, nos últimos tempos as coisas não têm andado muito bem para Lisboa, já normalmente com tendências "tristes"...

"O MAL- Movimento Acorda Lisboa, produziu este evento com todos aqueles que quiseram mostrar que esta rua é linda, que viver a cidade na rua é um prazer de partilha, de ver e ser visto de procurar… Nessa senda procuramos os exibicionistas e os voyeurs. Acreditamos profundamente numa comunicação aberta, numa linguagem explícita tão esclarecida e adulta como despretensiosa. Abaixo o tabu! Os voyeurs bateram os exibicionistas em número o que apenas significa que as muitas imagens que irão agora chegar ao beijame.org e a inúmeros blogs vão roer de inveja a quem não teve a coragem de dar um passo em frente!"

Lê mais e vê fotos em: http://www.beijame.org/

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Music > I AM X

Music: Concert > IAMX

So I've just seen the concert by IAMX in Brussels as part of their "alternative tour 2007". We had to wait long, even listen to the first part by local group Piano something... IAM X came late and left early... still nearly one hour of some of their best music, well played, with passion, great voice. At moments they grabbed the audience and were effective, even though it never was extraordinary. I quite like their style and Chris' passionate melancholic voice. I AM X is the brainchild of former Sneaker Pimp’s front man Chris Corner. They have already brought out two albums, "Kiss+swallow" and "The alternative. They are something hybrid between The rapture, Cure and Placebo...

Check out their page at myspace and watch the videos of “Spit it out” and “The president” and listen to some other tracks.

And check here the "Missile" video.

A fun moment with Youtube...

click here for a laugh...

Poem by Emily Dickinson

<<
The Heart is the Capital of the Mind—
The Mind is a single State—
The Heart and the Mind together make
A single Continent—

One—is the Population—
Numerous enough—
This ecstatic Nation
Seek—it is Yourself.
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Emily Dickinson

Portugal: nova lei sobre despenalização do aborto foi ontem aprovada

O parlamento português, de maioria socialista, aprovou a lei que despenaliza o aborto até à décima semana de gravidez, ontem, quinta-feira, data simbólica do Dia internacional da mulher. A lei foi aprovada pelo PS, PCP, BE, Os Verdes e 21 deputados do PSD.

A despenalização da interrupção voluntária da gravidez tinha sido aprovada por referendo por aproximadamente 60% dos eleitores em 11 de Fevereiro último, data histórica. A nova lei autoriza o aborto até às dez semanas a simples pedido da mulher num estabelecimento se saúde legalmente autorizado para o efeito. A legislação precedente, que datava de 1984 era bastante restritiva, apenas permitindo aborto em caso de violação, de perigo para a vida da mãe ou de malformação do feto, prevendo penas de prisão de até 3 anos em casos de infracção.

[EN]
Portugal: new law making abortion legal was approved yesterday.

The Portuguese parliament, of socialist majority, approved the law that makes abortion legal until the tenth week of pregnancy, yesterday, thursday, a symbolic date - the international women’s day. The law was approved by the socialist party, all the left parties (PCP, BE, Greens) along with 21 members of the social-democrat party – centre-right. PSD. Voters had decided this in a referendum held last February 11 last (around 60%). The new law authorizes abortion until ten weeks of pregnancy if carried out at the woman's request in a registered clinic. The preceding legislation, dating of 1984, was rather restrictive, allowing only abortions in cases of rape, a health threat to the mother or serious foetal abnormality. Previously, the offence carried a jail sentence of up to three years.

Citizenship: Ireland still lagging behind

The legislation to legalise same sex unions in Ireland (the so called Civil Unions Bill) was defeated in the country's parliament at the end of February. The defeated bill would have granted all of the same rights for same-sex couples as married couples currently enjoy.The Irish government claimed that the bill proposed by the Labour party would not comply with the constitution, but promised to introduce their own proposal for legislation later this year. Justice Minister Michael McDowell told Irish MPs that the state is constitutionally required to 'uphold the institution of marriage', whereas Article 41 of the Irish constitution only says that the institution of marriage is to be protected, but does not define what marriage is. He also pretended that a referendum to change the constitution would, "be highly unlikely to succeed and could, if attempted, be very counterproductive in terms of achieving social consensus on this issue". Mr McDowell, a member of the ruling Fianna Fail party, promised that the government would be proposing specific legislation to protect the rights of all unmarried couples, gay or straight. Labour leader Pat Rabbitte however, called Mr McDowell's speech: "a shameful, shallow, rowdy, incoherent, arrogant and bombastic farce".

In any case, surveys have shown the majority of Irish people are in favour same sex-marriages (around 84%), which puts the government under renewed pressure to recognise gay partnerships. Strongly catholic Ireland has come a long way since the dark days of prejudice, homosexuality was only decriminalised in Ireland in 1993, but since then the country has embraced gay rights. There is more tolerance nowadays and general agreement that homosexual people are entitled to be equally valued as members of society in every respect. Both discrimination and incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation are illegal.

On the same island, Northern Ireland, still part of the UK, has enjoyed same-sex civil partnerships since December 2005. Ireland is one of the few 'old' European Union member states (together with Italy and Greece) that do not dispose of any legal framework applying to same sex partnerships.