Happy New Year.
I guess.
I hope.
Really.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Honour Among Thieves
To understand the generosity of such an act, we must look at the broader picture:
China has one of the worst human rights records on the planet.
The Chinese sell arms to whoever will buy them.
The Chinese will not buy Chinese-produced toys but are glad to give them to Canadians (see the conditions in this toy factory).
China has a permanent seat on the UN security council. It has used that very position to oppose Israel.
Now China offers the Palestinians- who want Israel eliminated- one million dollars.
What human beings they are.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Boxing Week Post
Sorry I haven't blogged as of late. I was too busy having fun.
For the first time in Iraq's history, Christmas has been declared a public holiday. Iraqi Christians are still wary, however, due to sectarian violence perpetrated by those who abhor anything not Islamic. This kind of attitude wouldn't be tolerated anywhere else. I have yet to hear Washington Post or Christopher Hitchens say anything. I don't think I ever will.
In Bosnia, things got rather heated when Santa Claus did not appear in local kindergartens. Parents protested the ill-favoured political correctness that racks Western institutions. This proves, I feel, that adults from every walk of life and every stripe can decide what is good for their children and not ban Christmas. God bless us, everyone.
To further prove the goodness of Christmas, candy canes (specifically, the peppermint oil in them) kill germs and settle stomachs, and mistletoe helps cancer patients. Is there anything Christmas can't do?
And now for less pleasant stuff.
The horrendous pounding of the Gaza Strip shows once more how the West refuses to see how Hamas uses the Palestinians as sandbags in its "war" against Jews (not Israelis, Jews). Israel is being battered by the international community because it possesses the temerity to fight for itself.
We must keep in mind these things:
-Israel is its own state with freedoms that exist nowhere else in the Middle East.
-the Palestinian leadership cares not a whit about the human sandbags they string along, and they never have. Everyone who is not them will suffer. A new code in Sharia law has allowed for crucifixion, an ultimate blasphemy in both legal and cosmological terms.
-the Palestinians, indeed, everyone in the Middle East, will always be a small people because they can never forge their own destiny. They instead kill their own children, smash greenhouses and throw rocks at armed soldiers. Not even other Arabs like them (not surprising considering the slavery and maltreatment throughout the region). The Palestinians can throw bombs but can't beg for help from their Muslim neighbours.
Should Israel stop? I think not. Time and again they've waited for peace and all they've gotten for their trouble is Hamas. when Hamas goes, maybe then things will be different.
For some reason, Stalin was voted third best Russian ever in a rather tilted contest. Joseph Stalin, an ethnic Georgian, a dictator responsible for the deaths of millions, engineer of the Great Terror, butcher and tyrant, happens to have surpassed in glory to Shostakovich, Dostoevsky, Solzhenitsyn, Pasternak (both of whom must have had a special place for Stalin), Peter the Great, even Pavel Chekov (yes, I know...). Only in Putin's Russia can such a thing happen. Maybe Ukraine can rehash the glorious memories of its Orange Revolution or when Irakli Tsirekidze, the Georgian judo Olympian, destroyed Ivan Pershin, the Russian one. I do hope Japan is up for rubbing the Russo-Japanese War in Russia's face. Nothing says "your empire is a rotten one" like a history lesson.
In conclusion, check out this old picture I took while in Nagasaki (which, for a time, was the only port open to foreigners). This sign informs visitors that a Russian mission once landed there.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
Luke 2: 7-14
Christmas Myths
This essay was sent to me and it is re-printed with kind permission.
Christmas was placed to moved out Roman holidays and phase in Christian ones
This idea is not a "new" idea as many people think that we have "come to realise this" in our more modern times. It was suggested by German Protestant Paul Ernst Jablonski (does anyone else detect the irony here?) that Christmas was placed on December 25 to muscle out Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. This however would be incorrect.
While there were debates as to when Christ was born (or if we should even mark the date at all), the date being settled upon as December 25 was done in 221 AD. The cult concerning Sol Invictus (the unconquerable sun god) existed during this time, but was small and eventually ceased by 222 AD. While it was celebrated, it was done on December 17. In 274 AD, Emperor Aurelian restored the festival of Sol Invictus and designated December 25 as the date of celebration. This may have been an attempt (to the contrary) to appropriate Christmas. Recall that Christians were still persecuted in this time.
Christians have also been accused of bastardising Saturnalia, another Roman holiday. This argument is flawed as well for several reasons. When the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, it was celebrated from December 17 through December 23. It was not one day. In fact, given the Roman calendar as being as it was, it would be hard to place a Christian holiday on any day in December with out being accused of appropriation. It would be hard to place Christmas on any day of the year with out facing similar accusations. Remember that the Romans had many holidays. Over 120 days of their year had a holiday on it. You could barely go more than 5 days with out celebrating something.
If Christmas was moved to take over Saturnalia, why would an existing Roman holiday be moved to the same day as Christmas? Why not put extra effort into what was already placed there? The two accusations of Roman appropriation clash.
Christmas was placed to moved out pagan European holidays and phase in Christian ones
This idea is also not new, and has been suggested as early as the 17th century by men such as Isaac Newton. However, this idea does not stand to scrutiny.
As already addressed, Christmas was being celebrated in December by the early 3rd century. This predates the spread of Christianity to the Germanic areas of Europe. Christmas is accused of taking over Yule, but history clearly indicates that the Christianising of Scandinavia did begin until (approximately) the 8th century, and in some parts didn't finish until the 18th century.
Still we are brought to the issue of the date itself. With the insurmountable issue of placement to avoid "scheduling conflicts", why place Christmas on the date it was? Unless of course they believed the date to be correct.
Reasons for believing this to be the correct date vary. Many people who made the decision for the placement of Christmas were around when various texts existed, that are no longer extant. Also, much information was considered still part of "recent memory."
Part of the reason for placing Jesus' birth on the 25th (of December), was because there was an ancient Jewish belief that the great prophets were to have an "integral age" (where you die on the same day as either your birth or your conception). Examples of this belief exist in history. It was believed that Jesus was conceived on March 25 (according to some historians, such as Sextus Julius Africanus), so a nine month count would place his birth on December 25. However, modern understand of biology would say that the date could shifted days of even a few weeks one way or the other. This does not negate the fact that ancients people's truly believed this date to be accurate.
Likewise, some traditions traced back from the date ancients people's believed Jesus was crucified. This was believed to have been either March 25 or April 6.
Ultimately the "final decision" was made in the 4th century, but this does not legitimise the claim that it was to ease transition from paganism into Christianity (no one seems to agree which person made the decisions, only that it must have been to force out old ideas), as evidence exists that this practice was already in place. However, Christmas is still celebrated at different times of the year (still in December or January) by various people's world wide.
Christmas is actually a mish-mash of various pagan holidays
Among the reasons for the idea that Christmas is actually pagan in origin, is the belief in Santa Claus. He has been likened to a horned god in the myths of various European faiths. Likening the horned god and the reindeer to Santa is specious as the reindeer are not Santa but the beast of burden used to pull his sleigh. In reality this practice is not uncommon for the cold areas to which reindeer are native. Hence the name reindeer. Reins being the straps used to tie the deer to the sleigh. Similar to the name "sled dog." A flying reindeer however is unheard of.
It should also be remembered, that St.Nicholas was a Turk, not a German. He was a bishop of Myra in Turkey. He was not Germanic figure as modern art depicts him. To liken him to and Germanic gods would be specious. The image of Santa Claus that has been popularised came from the poem "The Night Before Christmas" written in 1822 by Major Henry Livingston Jr. That image sprung up in that time. Saint Nicholas was a very real man, not mythological. People still had beliefs that Saint Nicholas gave gifts on Christmas before the poem was written, though their mental picture of him was different. In fact it was this belief that inspired the poem. St.Nicholas' feast day is December 4. Also we should remember St.Martin who shares similar status as St.Nicholas, but that he has not come under fire equally.
The use of Christmas trees and Advent wreaths also feed into this notion. This is true and these were taken from various customs of pagan peoples, but this still fails to establish "pagan origins" for several reasons:
1) Christmas existed independently from these customs and the peoples who practiced them
2) these customs are not required to celebrate Christmas
3) these customs have no religious significance
4) no culture holds a patent on trees, wreaths or candles
Other religions have also borrowed customs. It was decreed that if possible, the missionaries should allow the converts to keep their old ways, should they not conflict with Christianity. Such as the change from a Celtic Cross to a Celtic Crucifix. Anything that could be kept and Christianised, was. This doesn't change the fact that Christ was born. As such, He would have a birth date.
The Advent Wreath has a debated date of origin, but is is commonly believed to be of German origin. However, when it was originally conceived, it was intended to have a candle for every day of advent until Christmas.
While the use of decorative pines trees with candles existed before hand, it is not a requirement. When this custom was adopted, the use of candles was not included. It was not until Martin Luther (does anyone else detect the irony in this as well?) placed candles on the tree to represent the stars over Bethlehem, that this custom was adopted.
While it is true that traditions from other religions have been borrowed to supplement cultural pass times, these are mere games and decorations. It does not borrow or supplement doctrine. These practices are secular, and are distinguished from Christmas. It is easy to confuse these two when one remains ignorant of what Christmas is about, and what the activities are for.
Christmas is not:
- about trees-
about lights
- about candles
- about winter
- about rebirth (actually, only one birth was needed thanks)
- about frivolousness
Jesus was not some Roman or Germanic hero, Christianised upon the arrival of strange new men who wanted to have words with the local priests, and The Three Wise Men were not members of the Thule.
While we can see that some things are borrowed from the traditions of other peoples, it changes nothing when defining Christmas as truly Christian. Using a wreath concocted by Germanic peoples doesn't change the motivations for using it in the first place. It will not change the fact that Jesus is widely considered to be a historical figure (while the supernatural nature of His being is debated) and as such people would chose to mark the date He was born.
There is also the origin of the word "Christmas" (being Criste-Maesse, or Mass of Christ) first being used in 1038, St. Boniface cutting down a fir tree to prove to Germanic tribes that it was not a god, the decorating of fir trees with apples to mimic Paradise Trees in the Garden of Eden, the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, stars and the fact that feasts like Saturnalia are not only different from Christmas but no longer exist. This essay says quite a lot, actually.
And so does this:
Merry Christmas.
Christmas was placed to moved out Roman holidays and phase in Christian ones
This idea is not a "new" idea as many people think that we have "come to realise this" in our more modern times. It was suggested by German Protestant Paul Ernst Jablonski (does anyone else detect the irony here?) that Christmas was placed on December 25 to muscle out Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. This however would be incorrect.
While there were debates as to when Christ was born (or if we should even mark the date at all), the date being settled upon as December 25 was done in 221 AD. The cult concerning Sol Invictus (the unconquerable sun god) existed during this time, but was small and eventually ceased by 222 AD. While it was celebrated, it was done on December 17. In 274 AD, Emperor Aurelian restored the festival of Sol Invictus and designated December 25 as the date of celebration. This may have been an attempt (to the contrary) to appropriate Christmas. Recall that Christians were still persecuted in this time.
Christians have also been accused of bastardising Saturnalia, another Roman holiday. This argument is flawed as well for several reasons. When the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, it was celebrated from December 17 through December 23. It was not one day. In fact, given the Roman calendar as being as it was, it would be hard to place a Christian holiday on any day in December with out being accused of appropriation. It would be hard to place Christmas on any day of the year with out facing similar accusations. Remember that the Romans had many holidays. Over 120 days of their year had a holiday on it. You could barely go more than 5 days with out celebrating something.
If Christmas was moved to take over Saturnalia, why would an existing Roman holiday be moved to the same day as Christmas? Why not put extra effort into what was already placed there? The two accusations of Roman appropriation clash.
Christmas was placed to moved out pagan European holidays and phase in Christian ones
This idea is also not new, and has been suggested as early as the 17th century by men such as Isaac Newton. However, this idea does not stand to scrutiny.
As already addressed, Christmas was being celebrated in December by the early 3rd century. This predates the spread of Christianity to the Germanic areas of Europe. Christmas is accused of taking over Yule, but history clearly indicates that the Christianising of Scandinavia did begin until (approximately) the 8th century, and in some parts didn't finish until the 18th century.
Still we are brought to the issue of the date itself. With the insurmountable issue of placement to avoid "scheduling conflicts", why place Christmas on the date it was? Unless of course they believed the date to be correct.
Reasons for believing this to be the correct date vary. Many people who made the decision for the placement of Christmas were around when various texts existed, that are no longer extant. Also, much information was considered still part of "recent memory."
Part of the reason for placing Jesus' birth on the 25th (of December), was because there was an ancient Jewish belief that the great prophets were to have an "integral age" (where you die on the same day as either your birth or your conception). Examples of this belief exist in history. It was believed that Jesus was conceived on March 25 (according to some historians, such as Sextus Julius Africanus), so a nine month count would place his birth on December 25. However, modern understand of biology would say that the date could shifted days of even a few weeks one way or the other. This does not negate the fact that ancients people's truly believed this date to be accurate.
Likewise, some traditions traced back from the date ancients people's believed Jesus was crucified. This was believed to have been either March 25 or April 6.
Ultimately the "final decision" was made in the 4th century, but this does not legitimise the claim that it was to ease transition from paganism into Christianity (no one seems to agree which person made the decisions, only that it must have been to force out old ideas), as evidence exists that this practice was already in place. However, Christmas is still celebrated at different times of the year (still in December or January) by various people's world wide.
Christmas is actually a mish-mash of various pagan holidays
Among the reasons for the idea that Christmas is actually pagan in origin, is the belief in Santa Claus. He has been likened to a horned god in the myths of various European faiths. Likening the horned god and the reindeer to Santa is specious as the reindeer are not Santa but the beast of burden used to pull his sleigh. In reality this practice is not uncommon for the cold areas to which reindeer are native. Hence the name reindeer. Reins being the straps used to tie the deer to the sleigh. Similar to the name "sled dog." A flying reindeer however is unheard of.
It should also be remembered, that St.Nicholas was a Turk, not a German. He was a bishop of Myra in Turkey. He was not Germanic figure as modern art depicts him. To liken him to and Germanic gods would be specious. The image of Santa Claus that has been popularised came from the poem "The Night Before Christmas" written in 1822 by Major Henry Livingston Jr. That image sprung up in that time. Saint Nicholas was a very real man, not mythological. People still had beliefs that Saint Nicholas gave gifts on Christmas before the poem was written, though their mental picture of him was different. In fact it was this belief that inspired the poem. St.Nicholas' feast day is December 4. Also we should remember St.Martin who shares similar status as St.Nicholas, but that he has not come under fire equally.
The use of Christmas trees and Advent wreaths also feed into this notion. This is true and these were taken from various customs of pagan peoples, but this still fails to establish "pagan origins" for several reasons:
1) Christmas existed independently from these customs and the peoples who practiced them
2) these customs are not required to celebrate Christmas
3) these customs have no religious significance
4) no culture holds a patent on trees, wreaths or candles
Other religions have also borrowed customs. It was decreed that if possible, the missionaries should allow the converts to keep their old ways, should they not conflict with Christianity. Such as the change from a Celtic Cross to a Celtic Crucifix. Anything that could be kept and Christianised, was. This doesn't change the fact that Christ was born. As such, He would have a birth date.
The Advent Wreath has a debated date of origin, but is is commonly believed to be of German origin. However, when it was originally conceived, it was intended to have a candle for every day of advent until Christmas.
While the use of decorative pines trees with candles existed before hand, it is not a requirement. When this custom was adopted, the use of candles was not included. It was not until Martin Luther (does anyone else detect the irony in this as well?) placed candles on the tree to represent the stars over Bethlehem, that this custom was adopted.
While it is true that traditions from other religions have been borrowed to supplement cultural pass times, these are mere games and decorations. It does not borrow or supplement doctrine. These practices are secular, and are distinguished from Christmas. It is easy to confuse these two when one remains ignorant of what Christmas is about, and what the activities are for.
Christmas is not:
- about trees-
about lights
- about candles
- about winter
- about rebirth (actually, only one birth was needed thanks)
- about frivolousness
Jesus was not some Roman or Germanic hero, Christianised upon the arrival of strange new men who wanted to have words with the local priests, and The Three Wise Men were not members of the Thule.
While we can see that some things are borrowed from the traditions of other peoples, it changes nothing when defining Christmas as truly Christian. Using a wreath concocted by Germanic peoples doesn't change the motivations for using it in the first place. It will not change the fact that Jesus is widely considered to be a historical figure (while the supernatural nature of His being is debated) and as such people would chose to mark the date He was born.
There is also the origin of the word "Christmas" (being Criste-Maesse, or Mass of Christ) first being used in 1038, St. Boniface cutting down a fir tree to prove to Germanic tribes that it was not a god, the decorating of fir trees with apples to mimic Paradise Trees in the Garden of Eden, the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, stars and the fact that feasts like Saturnalia are not only different from Christmas but no longer exist. This essay says quite a lot, actually.
And so does this:
Merry Christmas.
The Iranian Humbug
Ahmadinejad will deliver an address to counter the Queen's Christmas greetings. His planned Christmas Day message will be to all "bullying powers" in the world. He will even evoke the name of Jesus, the Jew who transformed the world thousands of years ago.
How can someone hate Baby Jesus and Christmas so much that they would try to trump the Queen's attempt at being jolly? This is what happens when no one stands up to a true bully. Ahmadinejad, whose own people cannot heat their homes, could be arrested for reading Western literature, and are jailed and tortured, is a far cry from anything resembling a democratically elected leader. He, along with Mugabe, Kim Jong-Il and Putin, are able to strut around the international stage, make threats, deny atrocities and even stoop to the lowest common denominator by referring to Jesus (whom, I'm sure, Ahmadinejad wouldn't hesitate to torture and kill) because no one will say anything to him.
Why doesn't someone give him the gift of forced removal from Iran, or at least a gift card from Chapter's (he can buy the Bible or Jane Austin)?
And Obama wants to talk to this guy...
How can someone hate Baby Jesus and Christmas so much that they would try to trump the Queen's attempt at being jolly? This is what happens when no one stands up to a true bully. Ahmadinejad, whose own people cannot heat their homes, could be arrested for reading Western literature, and are jailed and tortured, is a far cry from anything resembling a democratically elected leader. He, along with Mugabe, Kim Jong-Il and Putin, are able to strut around the international stage, make threats, deny atrocities and even stoop to the lowest common denominator by referring to Jesus (whom, I'm sure, Ahmadinejad wouldn't hesitate to torture and kill) because no one will say anything to him.
Why doesn't someone give him the gift of forced removal from Iran, or at least a gift card from Chapter's (he can buy the Bible or Jane Austin)?
And Obama wants to talk to this guy...
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Giving the Gift of Bull
Obama's appointed team found no impropriety on Obama's part or anyone associated with him regarding (the now disgraced) Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's attempt to sell the senator's seat. Is Obama so full of himself that he thinks people will believe every word he says or is he the greatest trickster of this century?
William Ayers, whom no one in the media found notorious enough to question or discredit, should answer one who has seen him in action. The unrepentant former terrorist can't dodge his past crimes forever.
William Ayers, whom no one in the media found notorious enough to question or discredit, should answer one who has seen him in action. The unrepentant former terrorist can't dodge his past crimes forever.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Fourth Sunday in Advent
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Luke 2:1-5
Thursday, December 18, 2008
All For Nothing
A controversial Afrocentric school in Toronto has failed to attract the necessary body of students to keep it running. The lack of interest is to blame.
I have to ask why people waste their time on useless ventures that profit others nothing. One fat girl wants to play on a boys' team and when granted to do so, she is hailed a hero for all girls. Yet, no other girls want to play on a boys' team. O victory, where is thy meaning?
The same goes for this proposed school. The era of racial segregation, once deemed as morally repugnant, is being re-introduced by some activists who think that it is the only way shore up sagging grades of black students. At the time of its proposal, the school was maligned by some who felt that separation on racial grounds was not only repulsive but ineffective and hailed by others as a turning point for black education. Despite the brouhaha, the turnout for this proposed school yielded only fifteen interested parties. Quite simply, the parents didn't care.
The cornerstone of any society is the family. If a mother and father raise a child to work hard and nurture his interests, the child will, no doubt, actively pursue proficiency in all that he does. When the child succeeds at something, he will be praised and his self-esteem- the new zenith of the individual- will rise. If the child has parents who care about what goes on at the school (what the teachers are doing, the curriculum, ect.), any problems encountered will be dealt with. A good parent will see which teacher is dedicated and which one was hired for no good reason. A good parent would question the curriculum and approach school board trustees (whose funds depend on parents) with their concerns.
So what happened? If this Afrocentric school was supposed to fix all problems racial and academic, why didn't anyone run, not walk, to enroll?
I suppose some people just didn't care. Any reasons to support the existence of this school became moot due to lack of interest.
I have to ask why people waste their time on useless ventures that profit others nothing. One fat girl wants to play on a boys' team and when granted to do so, she is hailed a hero for all girls. Yet, no other girls want to play on a boys' team. O victory, where is thy meaning?
The same goes for this proposed school. The era of racial segregation, once deemed as morally repugnant, is being re-introduced by some activists who think that it is the only way shore up sagging grades of black students. At the time of its proposal, the school was maligned by some who felt that separation on racial grounds was not only repulsive but ineffective and hailed by others as a turning point for black education. Despite the brouhaha, the turnout for this proposed school yielded only fifteen interested parties. Quite simply, the parents didn't care.
The cornerstone of any society is the family. If a mother and father raise a child to work hard and nurture his interests, the child will, no doubt, actively pursue proficiency in all that he does. When the child succeeds at something, he will be praised and his self-esteem- the new zenith of the individual- will rise. If the child has parents who care about what goes on at the school (what the teachers are doing, the curriculum, ect.), any problems encountered will be dealt with. A good parent will see which teacher is dedicated and which one was hired for no good reason. A good parent would question the curriculum and approach school board trustees (whose funds depend on parents) with their concerns.
So what happened? If this Afrocentric school was supposed to fix all problems racial and academic, why didn't anyone run, not walk, to enroll?
I suppose some people just didn't care. Any reasons to support the existence of this school became moot due to lack of interest.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Third Sunday in Advent
After this Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judea; there he remained with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Ae'non near Salim, because there was much water there; and people came and were baptized. For John had not yet been put in prison. Now a discussion arose between John's disciples and a Jew over purifying. And they came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, here he is, baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice; therefore this joy of mine is now full. He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:22-30
Cowardice
There are cowards who harm school girls in Afghanistan and cowards who shoot at innocent people in Mumbai, but it takes a special kind of coward to burn down a church while children were inside.
I thought in American people were supposed to be free from fear.
I thought in American people were supposed to be free from fear.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
You Be the Judge
No, not about Mr. Incredible vs. the Dino.
Did Obama speak with the now disgraced Senator Blagojevich? This article and this one, as well, say yes. Could this be Obama's Watergate? Maybe.
The "calling in gay" scheme didn't work. Could gay activists be over-estimating their importance? Maybe.
Did Obama speak with the now disgraced Senator Blagojevich? This article and this one, as well, say yes. Could this be Obama's Watergate? Maybe.
The "calling in gay" scheme didn't work. Could gay activists be over-estimating their importance? Maybe.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Emily Dickinson
The Savior must have been
A docile Gentleman—
To come so far so cold a Day
For little Fellowmen—
The Road to Bethlehem
Since He and I were Boys
Was leveled, but for that 'twould be
A rugged Billion Miles—
A docile Gentleman—
To come so far so cold a Day
For little Fellowmen—
The Road to Bethlehem
Since He and I were Boys
Was leveled, but for that 'twould be
A rugged Billion Miles—
The Savior must have been a docile Gentleman (1487)
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Palin On Canada
CTV interviewed Governor Sarah Palin and asked her opinion on a number of issues such as oil, NAFTA and her political future. Please go here.
The Snub
I don't know how true this is, but if it is- great. Sarah Palin has reportedly snubbed Oprah Winfrey. Good. Good, good, good, good, good. Someone has the good sense to stand up to that self-important attention-hog. This just further attests to Sarah Palin's character and makes me admire her more. If Governor Palin did meet with Oprah, I'm sure it would have to do with a book deal or something, not a fear of being sat on a by a hippo, or a Harpo. Write your own jokes about this.
A Whole Bowlful of Crazy
Sometimes I wonder if human beings are the keystone species of the cosmos and below are a few very good reasons why I would doubt that we are.
The anti-Proposition bullies, when not threatening people or shouting out racist epithets, are planning on not showing up for work. "Calling in Gay" is supposed to be the grassroots action that will shake up entire cities. I don't think so. Nothing says to an employer in a shaky economy that someone is a dispensable, easily irritated and unreliable loafer like calling in "gay". It's like saying: "Fire me. I hate getting paid for the three hours of work I actually do."
The childishness will never cease. Anti-Proposition 8 "activists" couldn't persuade voters before the election. Their attempts at persuasion now are invasive, if not tiresome, unoriginal and would be wholly inflammatory if they had intestinal fortitude to cheese off people who would really give them the third degree. As the latter would never happen, all we get is the dregs. Remember when street theatre was entertaining? I don't, either.
No matter how many times someone says it or how many times common sense appeals to the cerebral cortex for sanity, some idiots still believe the utterly ridiculous. Some believe the September 11th attacks were orchestrated by someone other than bin Laden, some people believe in aliens and some people believe that Trig Palin is not Sarah Palin's natural son. Only a lone voice in the liberal media has the courage to say: "Oh give it up, already!" This appalling and outrageously absurd conspiracy theory just smacks of misogyny and complete idiocy.
A corrupt politician. Surprise, surprise.
Everyone wanted Stephane Dion gone and Bob "Rae Days" Rae has refused the baton. It is now up to Michael Ignatieff to helm the sinking Liberal ship, the HMS Leaky Boat. Good luck.*
* (By "luck", I meant riddance.)
Will it ever end?
The anti-Proposition bullies, when not threatening people or shouting out racist epithets, are planning on not showing up for work. "Calling in Gay" is supposed to be the grassroots action that will shake up entire cities. I don't think so. Nothing says to an employer in a shaky economy that someone is a dispensable, easily irritated and unreliable loafer like calling in "gay". It's like saying: "Fire me. I hate getting paid for the three hours of work I actually do."
The childishness will never cease. Anti-Proposition 8 "activists" couldn't persuade voters before the election. Their attempts at persuasion now are invasive, if not tiresome, unoriginal and would be wholly inflammatory if they had intestinal fortitude to cheese off people who would really give them the third degree. As the latter would never happen, all we get is the dregs. Remember when street theatre was entertaining? I don't, either.
No matter how many times someone says it or how many times common sense appeals to the cerebral cortex for sanity, some idiots still believe the utterly ridiculous. Some believe the September 11th attacks were orchestrated by someone other than bin Laden, some people believe in aliens and some people believe that Trig Palin is not Sarah Palin's natural son. Only a lone voice in the liberal media has the courage to say: "Oh give it up, already!" This appalling and outrageously absurd conspiracy theory just smacks of misogyny and complete idiocy.
A corrupt politician. Surprise, surprise.
Everyone wanted Stephane Dion gone and Bob "Rae Days" Rae has refused the baton. It is now up to Michael Ignatieff to helm the sinking Liberal ship, the HMS Leaky Boat. Good luck.*
* (By "luck", I meant riddance.)
Will it ever end?
Sunday, December 07, 2008
The Spud
Lebanese farmer, Khalil Semhat, has grown what is reported to be the largest potato ever.
It's not a potato- it's a monster!
Sure- you could make french fries out of that. Monster french fries!
Seriously, though, here are some important facts about potatoes. Let's not forget National Potato Day.
Also, delicious potato recipes.
It's not a potato- it's a monster!
Sure- you could make french fries out of that. Monster french fries!
Seriously, though, here are some important facts about potatoes. Let's not forget National Potato Day.
Also, delicious potato recipes.
The Meaning of Christmas
Is Christmas about presents and turkey?
Or is about Mr. Incredible fighting Glow-In-the-Dark Dino?
You be the judge.
Or is about Mr. Incredible fighting Glow-In-the-Dark Dino?
You be the judge.
The Second Sunday In Advent
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(John 1: 1-5)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Crisis Averted...
...for now.
Prime Minister Harper had Governor-General Michaelle Jean suspend Parliament until late January, thereby stalling the coalition party's attempt to bring down the government.
A power grab is thwarted (even if temporarily) just in time for Christmas.
Prime Minister Harper had Governor-General Michaelle Jean suspend Parliament until late January, thereby stalling the coalition party's attempt to bring down the government.
A power grab is thwarted (even if temporarily) just in time for Christmas.
True Merit
This is what "A for effort" looks like.
Whenever one hears about getting a grade simply because they show up for class, remember those who truly risked everything in pursuit of a dream. That deserves the highest praise.
Whenever one hears about getting a grade simply because they show up for class, remember those who truly risked everything in pursuit of a dream. That deserves the highest praise.
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