NO MORE BULLS*** IN BARCELONA

Nearly 250,000 people signed a petition calling for the abolition of bullfighting in Catalonia, of which Barcelona is the capital. The BBC reports that 21 councillors voted in favour, 15 against, with two abstentions. The ban still could theoretically be vetoed, and "traditionalists" are wringing their hands and stomping their feet, but it looks like the tide has really turned in this town, which had staged the third most bullfights of any city, killing 100 bulls a year. On to Madrid and Seville, number one and two, next. Either way, Beijing ain't gonna be catching up - it has "given up its drive to host a bullfighting performance in Asia's biggest bull ring. The bullring has a seating capacity of 3,000 and is intended to open this May. However, project officials are now consulting with investment companies about converting the area into a multifaceted entertainment facility. Many people have argued that bullfighting is a cruel form of entertainment, which will not only injures and kills bulls but also has the potential to tarnish Beijing's-and China's-image." Not if you keep that crap out, it doesn't.