The most disgusting news I’ve every heard…
The British television Channel 4 plans to emit January 2, a “documentary” on new Chinese “artists.” The artists are known for eating the body parts (or whole) of animals and humans. This isn’t television, this is sick!
One of the major attractions of the program will be to watch the “artist” Zhu Yu who will eat a human “fetus.”
According to the Spanish daily ABC, there are several of these so-called artists in China, the most famous being: Peng Yu, Sun Yuan, Quin Ga, Zhang Hanzi, Xian Yu, and the aforementioned Zhu Yu.
Curiously, Zhu Yu claims to be a Christian, but says “there’s no religion that prohibits cannibalism, nor are there any laws that prohibits that we eat people. I take advantage of the grey area that exists between the morality and the law, and I base my work on that.”
Sick, sick...sick!
Tuesday, December 31, 2002
New Year's Eve in Spain
Well we got a quiet night planned, hey we're broke and with children!
I've got a leg of lamb I'll plop in the oven later, then we'll eat dinner watching the tele. At midnight, we'll tune in to watch the celebrations in Madrid, and eat our 12 grapes as the New Year is rung in.
Happy New Year to all!
Well we got a quiet night planned, hey we're broke and with children!
I've got a leg of lamb I'll plop in the oven later, then we'll eat dinner watching the tele. At midnight, we'll tune in to watch the celebrations in Madrid, and eat our 12 grapes as the New Year is rung in.
Happy New Year to all!
Check out this Job advert!
Would you hire this fellow?
The above work, was written by a fellow attempting to avoid prison by seeking employment with the ETA terrorist organization. The letter was published in the Spanish daily ABC.
Would you hire this fellow?
I’m 24 years old and currently awaiting a decision in relation to my participation in street disturbances (related to Basque nationalism) in the regional court in Barakaido, they are seeking a sentence of four years in prison. Previously, for the same item, I had to appear last January in the National Courts. My intention, of course, is to avoid entering prison when the trial occurs in September, and for that reason I direct myself to you seeking employment in your business, and which I am willing to do anything that you would ask of me. This is my political resume: Kimuak, Jarral, kale borroka. Currently, I haven’t had formal education. I have only received a grade school education. Work that I have held: I am a “first class” bricklayer, primarily laying tiles, and I have a driving license. I await your response with respect to the possibility of my working for you.
The above work, was written by a fellow attempting to avoid prison by seeking employment with the ETA terrorist organization. The letter was published in the Spanish daily ABC.
Ratoncito Perez to be honored in Madrid
You ask, “Who is Ratoncito Perez, or Perez Mouse?”
Why none other than Spain’s “Tooth Fairy.”
The story is told that King Alfonso XII asked in 1894 the Jesuit priest, Father Luis Coloma to write a story for the king’s son – Alfonso XII – who was eight years old at the time and had just lost a tooth. Father Coloma invented a story about a little mouse that lived in a cookie box with his family, and who at night visited the children, leaving them a surprise in place of their lost teeth.
Jump forward to today, and Madrid’s mayor has decided that January 5 a tile will be placed on a building at the address, Arenal 8, where Ratoncito Perez lived.
You ask, “Who is Ratoncito Perez, or Perez Mouse?”
Why none other than Spain’s “Tooth Fairy.”
The story is told that King Alfonso XII asked in 1894 the Jesuit priest, Father Luis Coloma to write a story for the king’s son – Alfonso XII – who was eight years old at the time and had just lost a tooth. Father Coloma invented a story about a little mouse that lived in a cookie box with his family, and who at night visited the children, leaving them a surprise in place of their lost teeth.
Jump forward to today, and Madrid’s mayor has decided that January 5 a tile will be placed on a building at the address, Arenal 8, where Ratoncito Perez lived.
Pope John Paul II to publish book of poems
News out of Spain today says Pope John Paul II is to shortly publish a book of poems. This is the first book of poetry that that he’s published since 1978. The poems are to be published in January in Poland, and include some of the Pope’s “religious thoughts.” The book is to later be translated into other languages.
News out of Spain today says Pope John Paul II is to shortly publish a book of poems. This is the first book of poetry that that he’s published since 1978. The poems are to be published in January in Poland, and include some of the Pope’s “religious thoughts.” The book is to later be translated into other languages.
Monday, December 30, 2002
360,391 people died in Spain in 2000
The Spanish national statistics institute, INE, said today that in 2000, 360,391 people died in Spain, of that number 189,468 were men, and 170,823 were women. These means that the mortality rate in Spain was 903 for every 100,000, or down 2.9% from 1999.
The majority of the deaths, around 35%, were cardiovascular in nature, while tumors came in second at around 26%. That said, the majority of women died from strokes (21,577). Breast cancer deaths were 5,677, near the same level as in 1999. For men, the majority of deaths were related to heart attacks (22,541), with the second highest incident being lung cancer (15,458), followed by prostate cancer (5,456).
Other interesting items: Deaths related to old age were 10,544 in 2000, of which the vast majority (7,193) were women. Deaths from AIDS were 6,019, 32 more than in 1999 - and is the principle cause of death in the 15 - 34 age bracket.
The Spanish national statistics institute, INE, said today that in 2000, 360,391 people died in Spain, of that number 189,468 were men, and 170,823 were women. These means that the mortality rate in Spain was 903 for every 100,000, or down 2.9% from 1999.
The majority of the deaths, around 35%, were cardiovascular in nature, while tumors came in second at around 26%. That said, the majority of women died from strokes (21,577). Breast cancer deaths were 5,677, near the same level as in 1999. For men, the majority of deaths were related to heart attacks (22,541), with the second highest incident being lung cancer (15,458), followed by prostate cancer (5,456).
Other interesting items: Deaths related to old age were 10,544 in 2000, of which the vast majority (7,193) were women. Deaths from AIDS were 6,019, 32 more than in 1999 - and is the principle cause of death in the 15 - 34 age bracket.
There have been some questions out there about Raelians and Catholics
So with that in mind, following is a list of "interactions," as Father Tucker at Dappled Things has called it...
Among other things, definitely read post 12 ... there you find that Rael claims he was born December 25, supports the idea of abortion as a means of contraception and hates the physically or mentally disabled...
1. An article on how Raelians hangout at Catholic schools intending to convince school children to give up their faith...
2. Here's a Raleian press release supporting the shock jocks "Opie and Anthony"... Check out the title: "Raelians Support Sex in Churches"
3. Here's a Raelian June press release "extending their apostasy campaign..."
4. A Raelian May press release against Catholics and announcing apostasy campaign...
5. The Rael Deal
6. Rael Testimony at US Congress...
Don’t burn Giordano Bruno alive again! Killing him was a crime against humanity by the Catholic church. As well as burning alive thousands of people during the Inquisition, thousands of Moslems during the crusades, thousands of Jews, thousands of Protestants, thousands of black people by supporting slavery. What would the world say if the nazi power was still in place in Germany and didn’t apologize for his crimes? The power in Rome is still in place and is now committing a new crime against humanity by trying to slow down science and human cloning with a new inquisition
7. Rael Website
8. The Raelian Movement sues the Vatican for its crimes before the United Nations
9. Raelian Movement congratulates Sydney psychologist who made decision to allow a 15-year-old boy with terminal cancer to have sex with a prostitute before he died.
10. Clonaid website
11. History of Raelians
12. the raelians: is this the true face of god?
The ethics of Raelianism is as vague as its ontology; because Raelianism is a one-trick pony so far as religions go. The most that can really be said is that it veers closest to Crowley's maxim "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"--but without ever admitting it. There is the usual concern for the rights and welfare of others, and, as usual, the rejection of moral duty. There is the usual 'non-judgementalism': everybody has the right to be themselves and nobody should be forced into doing anything they don't want to do, etc--dressed up as profundity. The closest thing to a controlling principle is a concern for the feelings and welfare of others--a kind of Do What Thou Wilt So Long As Nobody Else Gets Hurt. Daily devotions are equally undemanding: "You will think at least once a day of the Elohim, your Creators. ... "You will try to radiate the message of the Elohim around you by every possible means." But there is a darker side to Raelianism. One of the things we discover about the Elohim is their hatred for the physically or mentally disabled: "symbols of failure and therefore unbearable to the eyes of the creators." Implicit in this is the rejection of weakness or imperfection--prompting parallels with LaVeyan Satanism. The similarities are indeed stark. Anton LaVey preached survival of the fittest, the abolition of the welfare state, and the maintenance of order through fear. Rael recommends the electoral principle of 'geniocracy'--government by geniuses--under which system "only those with an intellectual capacity of at least fifty per cent above the average should be eligible for a public post." Exactly how intellectual capacity is to be measured, and by whom, is never stated. To be eligible to vote individuals would require "an intellectual coefficient of at least ten per cent above average." He also urges the establishment of a universal single currency, a common language and a world government: which presumably he would be best qualified to lead. (One senses LaVey would have approved.) He also advocates of the corporal punishment of children, which he argues should be "rigorously applied."
13. Raelians Seen By Themselves
the right to contraception, to abortion, to free intercourse (union libre/ common life??), to homosexuality, to masturbation, to equality between races and sexes, to assisted suicide in cases of incurable illnesses causing intolerable sufferings, the right to resort to genetics to improve the human species and to eliminate illnesses, the right for children to divorce from their parents in cases of sexual abuse, violence or disrespect from the latter by allowing the young victims to choose their guardian with the help of a judge, while enjoying a subsistence and education allowance at the charge of the parents,
So with that in mind, following is a list of "interactions," as Father Tucker at Dappled Things has called it...
Among other things, definitely read post 12 ... there you find that Rael claims he was born December 25, supports the idea of abortion as a means of contraception and hates the physically or mentally disabled...
1. An article on how Raelians hangout at Catholic schools intending to convince school children to give up their faith...
2. Here's a Raleian press release supporting the shock jocks "Opie and Anthony"... Check out the title: "Raelians Support Sex in Churches"
3. Here's a Raelian June press release "extending their apostasy campaign..."
4. A Raelian May press release against Catholics and announcing apostasy campaign...
5. The Rael Deal
6. Rael Testimony at US Congress...
Don’t burn Giordano Bruno alive again! Killing him was a crime against humanity by the Catholic church. As well as burning alive thousands of people during the Inquisition, thousands of Moslems during the crusades, thousands of Jews, thousands of Protestants, thousands of black people by supporting slavery. What would the world say if the nazi power was still in place in Germany and didn’t apologize for his crimes? The power in Rome is still in place and is now committing a new crime against humanity by trying to slow down science and human cloning with a new inquisition
7. Rael Website
8. The Raelian Movement sues the Vatican for its crimes before the United Nations
9. Raelian Movement congratulates Sydney psychologist who made decision to allow a 15-year-old boy with terminal cancer to have sex with a prostitute before he died.
10. Clonaid website
11. History of Raelians
12. the raelians: is this the true face of god?
The ethics of Raelianism is as vague as its ontology; because Raelianism is a one-trick pony so far as religions go. The most that can really be said is that it veers closest to Crowley's maxim "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"--but without ever admitting it. There is the usual concern for the rights and welfare of others, and, as usual, the rejection of moral duty. There is the usual 'non-judgementalism': everybody has the right to be themselves and nobody should be forced into doing anything they don't want to do, etc--dressed up as profundity. The closest thing to a controlling principle is a concern for the feelings and welfare of others--a kind of Do What Thou Wilt So Long As Nobody Else Gets Hurt. Daily devotions are equally undemanding: "You will think at least once a day of the Elohim, your Creators. ... "You will try to radiate the message of the Elohim around you by every possible means." But there is a darker side to Raelianism. One of the things we discover about the Elohim is their hatred for the physically or mentally disabled: "symbols of failure and therefore unbearable to the eyes of the creators." Implicit in this is the rejection of weakness or imperfection--prompting parallels with LaVeyan Satanism. The similarities are indeed stark. Anton LaVey preached survival of the fittest, the abolition of the welfare state, and the maintenance of order through fear. Rael recommends the electoral principle of 'geniocracy'--government by geniuses--under which system "only those with an intellectual capacity of at least fifty per cent above the average should be eligible for a public post." Exactly how intellectual capacity is to be measured, and by whom, is never stated. To be eligible to vote individuals would require "an intellectual coefficient of at least ten per cent above average." He also urges the establishment of a universal single currency, a common language and a world government: which presumably he would be best qualified to lead. (One senses LaVey would have approved.) He also advocates of the corporal punishment of children, which he argues should be "rigorously applied."
13. Raelians Seen By Themselves
the right to contraception, to abortion, to free intercourse (union libre/ common life??), to homosexuality, to masturbation, to equality between races and sexes, to assisted suicide in cases of incurable illnesses causing intolerable sufferings, the right to resort to genetics to improve the human species and to eliminate illnesses, the right for children to divorce from their parents in cases of sexual abuse, violence or disrespect from the latter by allowing the young victims to choose their guardian with the help of a judge, while enjoying a subsistence and education allowance at the charge of the parents,
Found this amusing article via Khaki Chronicles
US Air Force agrees to pay woman $12,000 for dropping dummy bomb on her home
US Air Force agrees to pay woman $12,000 for dropping dummy bomb on her home
Although the dummy didn't contain explosives, it pierced the home's roof, flew through a bathroom, slammed through a wall, then ploughed 6 feet into the ground. Later, a device used to locate the bomb discharged smoke throughout the house.
Sunday, December 29, 2002
The Burrowing Nuke
Built ram tough with a heavy metal casing for smashing through earth and concrete, the B-61 explodes with the force of an estimated 340,000 tons of TNT. It is lots of bang for the buck, literally two apocalypse bombs in one—a boosted plutonium firecracker called the primary, and a heavy hydrogen secondary for that good old-fashioned H-bomb fireball. The B-61 also features a detonation option called the Dial-a-Yield for those times when 340 kilotons is just a little too much.
To get a handle on the full power of the B-61, consider that the WW II A-bombs produced fireballs about 800 yards across. Seventeen times more powerful, a B-61 over the tip of Manhattan would probably provide decent annihilation, engulfing most of the borough while extending the same courtesy to Brooklyn, Queens, and a good chunk of Staten Island.
Built ram tough with a heavy metal casing for smashing through earth and concrete, the B-61 explodes with the force of an estimated 340,000 tons of TNT. It is lots of bang for the buck, literally two apocalypse bombs in one—a boosted plutonium firecracker called the primary, and a heavy hydrogen secondary for that good old-fashioned H-bomb fireball. The B-61 also features a detonation option called the Dial-a-Yield for those times when 340 kilotons is just a little too much.
To get a handle on the full power of the B-61, consider that the WW II A-bombs produced fireballs about 800 yards across. Seventeen times more powerful, a B-61 over the tip of Manhattan would probably provide decent annihilation, engulfing most of the borough while extending the same courtesy to Brooklyn, Queens, and a good chunk of Staten Island.
Well, I guess it's possible...
I mean, he certainly wasn't an Anglo...
The Jesus pictured on the cover of this month's Popular Mechanics has a broad peasant's face, dark olive skin, short curly hair and a prominent nose. He would have stood 5-foot-1-inch tall and weighed 110 pounds
Why does the man in the painting have a quizzical look?
From science and computers, a new face of Jesus
I mean, he certainly wasn't an Anglo...
The Jesus pictured on the cover of this month's Popular Mechanics has a broad peasant's face, dark olive skin, short curly hair and a prominent nose. He would have stood 5-foot-1-inch tall and weighed 110 pounds
Why does the man in the painting have a quizzical look?
From science and computers, a new face of Jesus
An excellent "Wired" article...
If one of Osama bin Laden's goals, as has been reported, was to trigger crackdowns against freedoms by Western governments, he got the ball rolling quite effectively on Sept. 11, 2001. ... The United States now imprisons its own citizens incommunicado, indefinitely and without lawyers or trials, for the duration of what we're told is an essentially permanent state of war. ... In the good old days of the iron curtain, we condemned other countries for such actions, calling them human rights violations. Now some of those same nations are our partners of convenience in the war on terror, and our own government has enthusiastically embraced our former adversaries' old tactics.
Year in Privacy: Citizens Lose
If one of Osama bin Laden's goals, as has been reported, was to trigger crackdowns against freedoms by Western governments, he got the ball rolling quite effectively on Sept. 11, 2001. ... The United States now imprisons its own citizens incommunicado, indefinitely and without lawyers or trials, for the duration of what we're told is an essentially permanent state of war. ... In the good old days of the iron curtain, we condemned other countries for such actions, calling them human rights violations. Now some of those same nations are our partners of convenience in the war on terror, and our own government has enthusiastically embraced our former adversaries' old tactics.
Year in Privacy: Citizens Lose
Some interesting tidbits about Brigitte Boisselier
Raised as a Catholic on a farm in France, the mother of three joined the sect in 1993 after going to see group founder Rael, aka Claude Vorilhon, speak. ... ``I am not the kind of girl who can trust a theory based on one person,'' she said emphatically. But suddenly, that December day, she felt an intense connection, and just knew ``he wasn't lying.'' ... Boisselier got interested in the Raelian faith shortly after leaving her husband, the father of her three children. ... She said he was physically violent. Apparently a judge didn't buy it. During a fight over their youngest - Iphijenie, now 13 - a French judge awarded custody to the father. This, Boisselier says, is nothing but French intolerance for non-mainstream religions. ... She said she hasn't seen the girl for 18 months.
Spokeswoman for human-cloning project defends religious beliefs
And related article:
Islam prohibits cloning: Palestinian body
And one other thing...to the person who came here via the Google search "naked Brigitte Boisselier" I'm afraid this isn't the site that you're looking for...
Raised as a Catholic on a farm in France, the mother of three joined the sect in 1993 after going to see group founder Rael, aka Claude Vorilhon, speak. ... ``I am not the kind of girl who can trust a theory based on one person,'' she said emphatically. But suddenly, that December day, she felt an intense connection, and just knew ``he wasn't lying.'' ... Boisselier got interested in the Raelian faith shortly after leaving her husband, the father of her three children. ... She said he was physically violent. Apparently a judge didn't buy it. During a fight over their youngest - Iphijenie, now 13 - a French judge awarded custody to the father. This, Boisselier says, is nothing but French intolerance for non-mainstream religions. ... She said she hasn't seen the girl for 18 months.
Spokeswoman for human-cloning project defends religious beliefs
And related article:
Islam prohibits cloning: Palestinian body
And one other thing...to the person who came here via the Google search "naked Brigitte Boisselier" I'm afraid this isn't the site that you're looking for...
New Year for a gay icon
The mother of four-month-old "CC" is singing at one of the world's most famous gay clubs, Trade, on Wednesday morning.
The mother of four-month-old "CC" is singing at one of the world's most famous gay clubs, Trade, on Wednesday morning.
Worldwide Fund For Nature actually makes sense in this article...
Cracking open the New Year bubbly could contribute to the first feline extinction since the prehistoric Saber-tooth tiger, wildlife campaigners said on Friday. Lynxes in Spain and Portugal are becoming critically endangered as their cork-forest habitat dwindles. ... With demand waning for traditional corks in favor of synthetic stoppers in wine and champagne, farmers are felling the cork forests to make way for more profitable crops and the pointy-eared Iberian lynx could become one of the casualties. ... "Clever propaganda by the manufacturers of screw tops and plastic corks has led many people to think that cork stoppers are bad for the environment when exactly the opposite is true," Beatrix Richards of the London-based Worldwide Fund For Nature (WWF) said in a statement.
Bubbly Threat to Spain's Rare Lynxes
Cracking open the New Year bubbly could contribute to the first feline extinction since the prehistoric Saber-tooth tiger, wildlife campaigners said on Friday. Lynxes in Spain and Portugal are becoming critically endangered as their cork-forest habitat dwindles. ... With demand waning for traditional corks in favor of synthetic stoppers in wine and champagne, farmers are felling the cork forests to make way for more profitable crops and the pointy-eared Iberian lynx could become one of the casualties. ... "Clever propaganda by the manufacturers of screw tops and plastic corks has led many people to think that cork stoppers are bad for the environment when exactly the opposite is true," Beatrix Richards of the London-based Worldwide Fund For Nature (WWF) said in a statement.
Bubbly Threat to Spain's Rare Lynxes
Anglican's not welcome in Serbia?
Around 50 people, mostly young, and carrying Orthodox icons and candles, blocked the entrance to the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate, preventing followers of the Anglican faith from attending a Christmas service there.
Serbian Ministry of Religion condemns assault on Christmas service
Around 50 people, mostly young, and carrying Orthodox icons and candles, blocked the entrance to the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate, preventing followers of the Anglican faith from attending a Christmas service there.
Serbian Ministry of Religion condemns assault on Christmas service
Going, going...gone?
AUSTRALIA'S mainstream Christian churches may be gone within 15 years, senior Anglican officials believe. ... ."Attitudes in the church are antiquated . . . they have as much chance of surviving as the Titanic," he said. ... "Within the next 10 to 20 years, most of the mainline churches will be appropriately down on their knees, praying for their own survival."
Grim outlook for churches
AUSTRALIA'S mainstream Christian churches may be gone within 15 years, senior Anglican officials believe. ... ."Attitudes in the church are antiquated . . . they have as much chance of surviving as the Titanic," he said. ... "Within the next 10 to 20 years, most of the mainline churches will be appropriately down on their knees, praying for their own survival."
Grim outlook for churches
Strange story about Alaska...
More than 53,000 people have been reported missing in the state since the clearinghouse was established in 1988. Of those, 1,027 are still listed as missing. ... One such recent find--a human foot inside a shoe discovered in northwestern Alaska--is being sent to the FBI's new National Missing Person DNA Database at the agency's Quantico, Va., academy. Alaska authorities also are sending saliva samples from relatives of three missing fishermen involved in a boating accident in the area a few years ago. The samples could provide a DNA link to the missing.
Lost in the Last Frontier
More than 53,000 people have been reported missing in the state since the clearinghouse was established in 1988. Of those, 1,027 are still listed as missing. ... One such recent find--a human foot inside a shoe discovered in northwestern Alaska--is being sent to the FBI's new National Missing Person DNA Database at the agency's Quantico, Va., academy. Alaska authorities also are sending saliva samples from relatives of three missing fishermen involved in a boating accident in the area a few years ago. The samples could provide a DNA link to the missing.
Lost in the Last Frontier
Here's a way to not win fans...
"These people stand behind a fence drinking beer with most of them 50 kilos overweight making ridiculous comments," Langer said. "It's easy for someone to say that from behind a fence, they're within their rights because they've paid their money, but there's still some integrity in life, I think."
Not content with thrashing England, Australia takes on the Barmy Army
"These people stand behind a fence drinking beer with most of them 50 kilos overweight making ridiculous comments," Langer said. "It's easy for someone to say that from behind a fence, they're within their rights because they've paid their money, but there's still some integrity in life, I think."
Not content with thrashing England, Australia takes on the Barmy Army
A very late Monday thanks...
...to Andy at World Wide Rant for the plug last Friday...sorry for the belated thanks!
...to Andy at World Wide Rant for the plug last Friday...sorry for the belated thanks!
Just a couple of thoughts...
So the Clonaid - Raelian - people say that they have around 300 fertilized eggs that they used to select the "one" - the girl they are calling Eve?
What about the other "fertilized eggs?"
And, is the Raelian Dr. said Brigitte Boisselier any relation to Cyndi Lauper?
Sect will 'present DNA proof' of baby cloning
The group expects four more babies to be born in the next several weeks, another from North America, one from Europe and two from Asia. Two of the couples are using preserved cells taken from their own children before their deaths, and one is a lesbian couple, she claimed.
So the Clonaid - Raelian - people say that they have around 300 fertilized eggs that they used to select the "one" - the girl they are calling Eve?
What about the other "fertilized eggs?"
And, is the Raelian Dr. said Brigitte Boisselier any relation to Cyndi Lauper?
Sect will 'present DNA proof' of baby cloning
The group expects four more babies to be born in the next several weeks, another from North America, one from Europe and two from Asia. Two of the couples are using preserved cells taken from their own children before their deaths, and one is a lesbian couple, she claimed.
Another story on BBC "Virgin Mary" Documentary
"Giving prominence to such legends only falsifies the truth," the cardinal said. "As a Christian I am especially mortified by the fact that such rubbish was aired on the eve of Christmas." ... The documentary questioned the belief that Mary was a blue-eyed virgin and raised other doubts about the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. ... It reported claims put forward by a second-century historian, who alleged she was raped by a Roman centurion. ... Another version alleged that she was a hard-working, dark-haired, uneducated teenager who might have conceived Jesus ahead of an arranged marriage with Joseph.
I've said it before, but I think it's worth repeating...for me one of the biggest outrages, is that Christians just sit back and "take it all in." I'm not advocating violence, but there could be some things learned from others...I wonder how those of the Islam faith would have reacted if somebody had something such as this on the eve of the most Holy of nights. But of course, we Christians are "civilized" and must accept all in the name of being brothers...ah, bah humbug on that idea...
Uproar over claims that Virgin Mary was raped
"Giving prominence to such legends only falsifies the truth," the cardinal said. "As a Christian I am especially mortified by the fact that such rubbish was aired on the eve of Christmas." ... The documentary questioned the belief that Mary was a blue-eyed virgin and raised other doubts about the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. ... It reported claims put forward by a second-century historian, who alleged she was raped by a Roman centurion. ... Another version alleged that she was a hard-working, dark-haired, uneducated teenager who might have conceived Jesus ahead of an arranged marriage with Joseph.
I've said it before, but I think it's worth repeating...for me one of the biggest outrages, is that Christians just sit back and "take it all in." I'm not advocating violence, but there could be some things learned from others...I wonder how those of the Islam faith would have reacted if somebody had something such as this on the eve of the most Holy of nights. But of course, we Christians are "civilized" and must accept all in the name of being brothers...ah, bah humbug on that idea...
Uproar over claims that Virgin Mary was raped
Is it "ironic" or poetic justice?"
Steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center in New York has been sent to a Mississippi shipyard to be used in the construction of a new US warship. ... According to reports, a massive structural beam which supported the south tower will be used to build USS New York, an amphibious vessel capable of carrying more than 1,000 soldiers.
Twin Towers steel set for US warship
Steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center in New York has been sent to a Mississippi shipyard to be used in the construction of a new US warship. ... According to reports, a massive structural beam which supported the south tower will be used to build USS New York, an amphibious vessel capable of carrying more than 1,000 soldiers.
Twin Towers steel set for US warship
The Little Drummer Boy, and The Archbisop
Today we thought we'd try Mass at the Archbishop's residence beside our home. There are three churches inside the residence, and the services are for the most part very traditional. I've mentioned in the past, that it's here Pope John Paul II will stay when he comes to visit Spain in May.
There was only one thing that struck me as funny about the entire thing. At the end of Mass, a vocalist sung the Little Drummer Boy in Spanish...
I'm still trying to figure that one out...
Today we thought we'd try Mass at the Archbishop's residence beside our home. There are three churches inside the residence, and the services are for the most part very traditional. I've mentioned in the past, that it's here Pope John Paul II will stay when he comes to visit Spain in May.
There was only one thing that struck me as funny about the entire thing. At the end of Mass, a vocalist sung the Little Drummer Boy in Spanish...
I'm still trying to figure that one out...
Saturday, December 28, 2002
I just got an e-mail...
...from my parents telling me the reason why I haven't heard from them for a while.
Maybe I should explain. Nine months of the year my parents hop in their truck and travel, leaving behind Idaho winters and head toward family in friends in the south of the US. That usually means, that the only contact I have with my "snow bird" parents is via e-mail, as they hit Arizona, New Mexico, Texas on their way to Nashville, and then making their way back - usually stopping off in Mexico for a fishing trip - before heading back to Idaho in the late Spring. It's something they dreamed of doing for years, and well, they've been doing it now for years, every year. We often joke that maybe it's the tinker blood or something running through our veins, that our family is always on the move, and so spread out.
Well, I hadn't heard from my parents in over a week, I knew that they were supposed to be in Arizona with my brothers who had gone to meet them, but I hadn't gotten any response from them - and that's something to worry about, since I usually get a note every other day, and more so during holidays.
Tonight I found out why. My parents and brother drove in their rig to Las Vegas to pick up my other brother and wife and baby, and on the way back a car ran a red light, sending their big rig across five lanes. While it looks like their travels might be cut short this year, as the rig looks like it could be totalled, the good news is that besides bruises and bumps, all members of my family are alive.
Still, it's quite upsetting...to think that I could have lost my brothers, sister-in-law, neice, and parents, all at once.
...from my parents telling me the reason why I haven't heard from them for a while.
Maybe I should explain. Nine months of the year my parents hop in their truck and travel, leaving behind Idaho winters and head toward family in friends in the south of the US. That usually means, that the only contact I have with my "snow bird" parents is via e-mail, as they hit Arizona, New Mexico, Texas on their way to Nashville, and then making their way back - usually stopping off in Mexico for a fishing trip - before heading back to Idaho in the late Spring. It's something they dreamed of doing for years, and well, they've been doing it now for years, every year. We often joke that maybe it's the tinker blood or something running through our veins, that our family is always on the move, and so spread out.
Well, I hadn't heard from my parents in over a week, I knew that they were supposed to be in Arizona with my brothers who had gone to meet them, but I hadn't gotten any response from them - and that's something to worry about, since I usually get a note every other day, and more so during holidays.
Tonight I found out why. My parents and brother drove in their rig to Las Vegas to pick up my other brother and wife and baby, and on the way back a car ran a red light, sending their big rig across five lanes. While it looks like their travels might be cut short this year, as the rig looks like it could be totalled, the good news is that besides bruises and bumps, all members of my family are alive.
Still, it's quite upsetting...to think that I could have lost my brothers, sister-in-law, neice, and parents, all at once.
He wasn't born again --
... he saw little green men
Founder of Raelian religion seeks secret to immortality
... he saw little green men
Founder of Raelian religion seeks secret to immortality
This doesn't surprise me about the FBI...
After all, didn't they hire Elvis also?
IN the golden age of Hollywood, Harpo Marx was the definitive clown - a wild-haired mute in a dirty raincoat who chased women, sounding a loud horn. ... Yet the most anarchic of the Marx Brothers - in order of age, Chico, Harpo, Groucho, Gummo and Zeppo - was a secret agent for the US government. J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI, was so impressed he wanted Harpo to work for him as well, according to US records to be released soon
FBI chief 'recruited' Harpo
After all, didn't they hire Elvis also?
IN the golden age of Hollywood, Harpo Marx was the definitive clown - a wild-haired mute in a dirty raincoat who chased women, sounding a loud horn. ... Yet the most anarchic of the Marx Brothers - in order of age, Chico, Harpo, Groucho, Gummo and Zeppo - was a secret agent for the US government. J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI, was so impressed he wanted Harpo to work for him as well, according to US records to be released soon
FBI chief 'recruited' Harpo
Interesting editorial in ABC on children...
"These Children"
By Alfonso Ussia
Children these days are more intelligent than the children we were. I was once again reminded of that a few days ago at a children's party. When my children were little I had the chance to check it out. Children nowadays aren't easy to entertain with puppet shows. Children now, boo when the princess appears, and only become more animated when, suddenly, in a reduced scene, appears the ogre. The ogre receives a sounding round of applause. When we're talking about Red Riding Hood and the Bad Wolf, children now place themselves immediately on the side of the Bad Wolf and desire, and together cry out, for the end of this singular cretin (Red Riding Hood). Children now are more intelligent than the children we were, because they aren't confused. Children now have figured out the big truth. Nothing about the family of Red Riding Hood is outstanding in the good sense. A mother that has a child, with so many years, living so far away from home, isn't an example of an affectionate home. A mother that permits her child, such as the case of Red Riding Hood, to enter a forest alone to carry to the abandoned grandmother a basket of assorted homemade goods, is a mother who is absolutly egotistical and irresponsible. To have been the slightest bit understanding, this mother would have accompanied her daughter in such a long and dangerous journey. The Bad Wolf isn't the perverse individual that he's painted to be. He's a normal wolf who's been presented with a snack. And he's doing what he's got to do, who beats Red Riding Hood to her grandmother's home, eats the grandmother that lives alone because her daughter doesn't want her in her house, dresses in the grandmother's dressing gown, adjusts the cap on her head and gets in bed to wait for this little stupid girl who has told everything talking to a stranger. And Red Riding Hood arrives and doesn't recognize that the wolf is her grandmother, which demonstrates how little she has visited her grandmother. And the wolf eats her, because she deserves it. For this reason, when the wolf jumps on Red Riding Hood, the children today furiously applaud, and they've gotten rid from the story the figure of the hunter who saves both the girl and the grandmother. No child today wants the hunter to appear. When the wolf has eaten Red Riding Hood, the children applaud, and then they get up to have a snack. Us adults, on the other hand, shout with joy when the hunter appears and kills the wolf, saving the two people who were previously eaten. We applaud the barbarous act. We defend the selfish family and celebrate the death of a beautiful animal that just does what comes naturally to him and what has been given to him. That's the basis of our problem, that has continued until this current day.
The same with the Three Kings. To us it appears logical and normal that the Three Kings were more generous with the rich families, than with the poor families. The selfishness that we have blocks our ability to reflect more on such a complicated subject. "What do the Three Kings bring poor children?" I once asked a certain aunt of mine who believed in the differences of the social classes. "They bring them food, Alfonsito," she quickly responded. And to me, who was full of the illusion and magic of the occassion, it didn't seem too bad this revelation from my august family member. Of course, I was an idiot that defended Red Riding Hood, her mother and her abandoned grandmother, who was the only one in the story who wasn't guilty of anything. Maybe for that reason, the Bad Wolf shouldn't have eaten the grandmother. But it's not a good idea at this time to blame the Wolf for this little failure, which after all it was only natural and understandable.
The children today don't forgive the mother of Red Riding Hood for how she treated the grandmother. You shouldn't leave a grandmother alone and ill in the forest. They also don't forgive Red Riding Hood, who is unable to distinguish between a grandmother and a wolf who's in bed with the dressing gown and hood of her grandmother. And children today are firmly on the side of the Bad Wolf, a simple and hungry animal that did what he had to do. Now is the time to put things squarely where they deserve to be.
"These Children"
By Alfonso Ussia
Children these days are more intelligent than the children we were. I was once again reminded of that a few days ago at a children's party. When my children were little I had the chance to check it out. Children nowadays aren't easy to entertain with puppet shows. Children now, boo when the princess appears, and only become more animated when, suddenly, in a reduced scene, appears the ogre. The ogre receives a sounding round of applause. When we're talking about Red Riding Hood and the Bad Wolf, children now place themselves immediately on the side of the Bad Wolf and desire, and together cry out, for the end of this singular cretin (Red Riding Hood). Children now are more intelligent than the children we were, because they aren't confused. Children now have figured out the big truth. Nothing about the family of Red Riding Hood is outstanding in the good sense. A mother that has a child, with so many years, living so far away from home, isn't an example of an affectionate home. A mother that permits her child, such as the case of Red Riding Hood, to enter a forest alone to carry to the abandoned grandmother a basket of assorted homemade goods, is a mother who is absolutly egotistical and irresponsible. To have been the slightest bit understanding, this mother would have accompanied her daughter in such a long and dangerous journey. The Bad Wolf isn't the perverse individual that he's painted to be. He's a normal wolf who's been presented with a snack. And he's doing what he's got to do, who beats Red Riding Hood to her grandmother's home, eats the grandmother that lives alone because her daughter doesn't want her in her house, dresses in the grandmother's dressing gown, adjusts the cap on her head and gets in bed to wait for this little stupid girl who has told everything talking to a stranger. And Red Riding Hood arrives and doesn't recognize that the wolf is her grandmother, which demonstrates how little she has visited her grandmother. And the wolf eats her, because she deserves it. For this reason, when the wolf jumps on Red Riding Hood, the children today furiously applaud, and they've gotten rid from the story the figure of the hunter who saves both the girl and the grandmother. No child today wants the hunter to appear. When the wolf has eaten Red Riding Hood, the children applaud, and then they get up to have a snack. Us adults, on the other hand, shout with joy when the hunter appears and kills the wolf, saving the two people who were previously eaten. We applaud the barbarous act. We defend the selfish family and celebrate the death of a beautiful animal that just does what comes naturally to him and what has been given to him. That's the basis of our problem, that has continued until this current day.
The same with the Three Kings. To us it appears logical and normal that the Three Kings were more generous with the rich families, than with the poor families. The selfishness that we have blocks our ability to reflect more on such a complicated subject. "What do the Three Kings bring poor children?" I once asked a certain aunt of mine who believed in the differences of the social classes. "They bring them food, Alfonsito," she quickly responded. And to me, who was full of the illusion and magic of the occassion, it didn't seem too bad this revelation from my august family member. Of course, I was an idiot that defended Red Riding Hood, her mother and her abandoned grandmother, who was the only one in the story who wasn't guilty of anything. Maybe for that reason, the Bad Wolf shouldn't have eaten the grandmother. But it's not a good idea at this time to blame the Wolf for this little failure, which after all it was only natural and understandable.
The children today don't forgive the mother of Red Riding Hood for how she treated the grandmother. You shouldn't leave a grandmother alone and ill in the forest. They also don't forgive Red Riding Hood, who is unable to distinguish between a grandmother and a wolf who's in bed with the dressing gown and hood of her grandmother. And children today are firmly on the side of the Bad Wolf, a simple and hungry animal that did what he had to do. Now is the time to put things squarely where they deserve to be.
Friday, December 27, 2002
I wasn't going to say anything, but I can't keep my "mouth shut..."
There's been a lot of Europe bashing in the blogosphere today as the result of The New York Times article, Persistent Drop in Fertility Reshapes Europe's Future, some of the comments themselves are just plain silly, as if the authors were merely seeking an excuse to ridicule Europe.
Perhaps one of the silliest comments has come from the respected Glenn Reynolds where he somehow equates this drop in birthrates to "massive psychological trauma from the world wars, and that it would take a century for it to recover, if it ever did." I guess that sort of logic would mean that there must have been a similar "event" in the States after the Civil War? I can only guess, that Mr. Reynolds is playing with us.
Let me tell you a bit about Spanish birthrates.
First off, as I've mentioned in some others comments sections, and touched on in previous posts, yes Spain's birthrate is low, but the New York Times article doesn't paint the whole picture. Spain's birthrate in 2000 was around 9.22 births per 1,000, almost the same as the death rate of 9.03 deaths per 1,000. That's sharply down from just 25 years ago, when the "average Spanish woman gave birth to more children than women from most other countries. Only the Irish had larger families in Europe."
So if it wasn't "collective psychological trauma" that caused the drop in birthrate, what was it? How about a rising standard of living? As Spain's economy grew and matured, with people beginning to have more disposable income, family values were becoming, well more like the US. It's now the norm for both husband and wife to work. But there are other factors working here as well. Besides the emphasis on careers, often accompanied by marrying later, people are allowed to be "children" longer here in Spain. It's still quite common in Spain to see single children in their 20s living at home with their parents, or holding off marriage until early 30s. Other factors? The high cost of owning a first home in relation to salaries. I have known many Spanish couples that held off their marriages until they were able - or their parents - to buy their first home.
Okay, now I've got that out of my system, let me explain a bit about how The New York Time's article fails to mention one very important thing...the Spanish birthrate (and maybe in other countries as well?) is actually increasing thanks to immigration...
I can hear the groans now from some of those "closed border" types, but for the others who want to listen, just let me say a few things. Life as an immigrant isn't easy, and yes there are times when you do feel a bit put out - but that said, Spain actually is doing a fairly good job of integrating its immigrants. Yes, I'd be lying if I said there are no tensions, but the truth of the matter is, for the most part it's pretty peaceful - perhaps since for many immigrants, Spain is the Home Country, with which they share cultures, a language, etc. Spain for me, and my family is home. Spain has been good to us!
NOW, back to the Spanish birthrate...I'm going to use an article from the Spanish daily El Mundo from last year, titled La Espana que pare
Or this...
And finally this...
There's been a lot of Europe bashing in the blogosphere today as the result of The New York Times article, Persistent Drop in Fertility Reshapes Europe's Future, some of the comments themselves are just plain silly, as if the authors were merely seeking an excuse to ridicule Europe.
Perhaps one of the silliest comments has come from the respected Glenn Reynolds where he somehow equates this drop in birthrates to "massive psychological trauma from the world wars, and that it would take a century for it to recover, if it ever did." I guess that sort of logic would mean that there must have been a similar "event" in the States after the Civil War? I can only guess, that Mr. Reynolds is playing with us.
Let me tell you a bit about Spanish birthrates.
First off, as I've mentioned in some others comments sections, and touched on in previous posts, yes Spain's birthrate is low, but the New York Times article doesn't paint the whole picture. Spain's birthrate in 2000 was around 9.22 births per 1,000, almost the same as the death rate of 9.03 deaths per 1,000. That's sharply down from just 25 years ago, when the "average Spanish woman gave birth to more children than women from most other countries. Only the Irish had larger families in Europe."
So if it wasn't "collective psychological trauma" that caused the drop in birthrate, what was it? How about a rising standard of living? As Spain's economy grew and matured, with people beginning to have more disposable income, family values were becoming, well more like the US. It's now the norm for both husband and wife to work. But there are other factors working here as well. Besides the emphasis on careers, often accompanied by marrying later, people are allowed to be "children" longer here in Spain. It's still quite common in Spain to see single children in their 20s living at home with their parents, or holding off marriage until early 30s. Other factors? The high cost of owning a first home in relation to salaries. I have known many Spanish couples that held off their marriages until they were able - or their parents - to buy their first home.
Okay, now I've got that out of my system, let me explain a bit about how The New York Time's article fails to mention one very important thing...the Spanish birthrate (and maybe in other countries as well?) is actually increasing thanks to immigration...
I can hear the groans now from some of those "closed border" types, but for the others who want to listen, just let me say a few things. Life as an immigrant isn't easy, and yes there are times when you do feel a bit put out - but that said, Spain actually is doing a fairly good job of integrating its immigrants. Yes, I'd be lying if I said there are no tensions, but the truth of the matter is, for the most part it's pretty peaceful - perhaps since for many immigrants, Spain is the Home Country, with which they share cultures, a language, etc. Spain for me, and my family is home. Spain has been good to us!
NOW, back to the Spanish birthrate...I'm going to use an article from the Spanish daily El Mundo from last year, titled La Espana que pare
In the last few years, in the Spanish maternity wards foreign last names are no longer the exception. The experts say that the children of the immigrants are saving the low national birthrate and changing demographics; If in January of 2000 we surpassed 40 million citizens (in the next census it is anticipated to reach 41 million) are thanks to them, immigrants. Without immigrants, without their children, the National Statistics Institute, INE, assures us that by 2025 there will only be 36 million living in Spain.
There is a lack of data that authenticates the fertile procreative activity of the foreigners in our country, but there is ample evidence. In Barcelona, 10% of new born are born to foreigners, when these only suppose 6.1% of the population.
Or this...
The Spaniards, wait for maternity until at least 30, gaining the title of least procreative country of the world (the number of children by fertile woman at 1.2) and the experts suggest within 25 years we will also be one of the countries with the oldest citizens on this planet. For that reason, it's surprising our birthrate balance, to the delight of demographers, has in the last few years been positive. In 2000 in Spain, 395,756 children were born, 17,497 more than the previous year and although the data does not specify what influences there have been on the birthrate increase immigrant mothers may have had, INE looks toward them (immigrants) when it tries to find an answer. "The Spanish birthrate is also rising", explains the head of maternity of La Paz (hospital), "but the rise is very slow, barely noticeable. Childbirths are increasing 10% every year, thanks to the immigrants ".
And finally this...
If more immigrants aren't allowed to enter, or the birthrate doesn't increase by 2020 in Spain there will be one worker for every three who are retired. If we consider that our Social Security model is based on a rate of five workers for each pensioner (just what Spain had in 1990) the conclusion is more than evident that in 20 years our pension system will be bankrupt. ... A study by the bank BBVA claims that 300,000 immigrants need to arrive each year to maintain the balance, and the United Nations' division on Population says that Spain needs to welcome in 12 million immigrants from now until 2050 to maintain its workforce. That is to say, about 240,000 per year. ... Leaving aside future numbers, there are currently 1,410,107 foreign residents. Of which 90% (1,156,000 people) are of work age, but only 600,000 have a job. It's surprising that, although more than half a million are unemployed, only 73,980 have gone to the offices of the INEM (unemployment offices) to request a work. The government says that because that many of the immigrants who do not work have family members who are working.
Related article:
Get breeding, Pope tells Italians
Tired of being pretty, Kidman goes for a new look...
Makeup artists had to transform Nicole Kidman into the homely novelist Virginia Woolf for "The Hours," a task that took three hours a day. The key was a large prosthetic nose that rendered Kidman virtually unrecognizable. ... "I did enjoy being anonymous," the star told me. "It was fun to be able to go out of my trailer and not have anyone know me." Still, she was shocked to find that preview audiences sat through the movie without realizing it was her. ... It must have been liberating not to rely on her looks because Kidman gives an Oscar-worthy performance. "I felt myself opening up. I've always had a lot of things bubbling inside of me, but for whatever reason I didn't allow them to come out. At the moment I am willing to expose myself and give, like, blood.
Just breaks your heart...to be shackled with such looks. Oh the crosses we must all bear...
'Hours' of makeup for Kidman
Makeup artists had to transform Nicole Kidman into the homely novelist Virginia Woolf for "The Hours," a task that took three hours a day. The key was a large prosthetic nose that rendered Kidman virtually unrecognizable. ... "I did enjoy being anonymous," the star told me. "It was fun to be able to go out of my trailer and not have anyone know me." Still, she was shocked to find that preview audiences sat through the movie without realizing it was her. ... It must have been liberating not to rely on her looks because Kidman gives an Oscar-worthy performance. "I felt myself opening up. I've always had a lot of things bubbling inside of me, but for whatever reason I didn't allow them to come out. At the moment I am willing to expose myself and give, like, blood.
Just breaks your heart...to be shackled with such looks. Oh the crosses we must all bear...
'Hours' of makeup for Kidman
Internet legend soon to make a return...
What do you want to bet he starts a blog?
Noted hacker nears end of probation
What do you want to bet he starts a blog?
A man the federal government once labeled "the most wanted computer criminal in U.S. history" has won a long fight to renew his ham radio license and next month can resume surfing the Internet.
Kevin Mitnick, 39, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., served five years in federal prison for stealing software and altering data at Motorola Inc., Novell Inc., Nokia Oyj, Sun Microsystems Inc. and the University of Southern California. Prosecutors accused him of causing tens of millions of dollars in damage to corporate computer networks.
Noted hacker nears end of probation
Interested in buying a N. California town? Only a couple hours to go
Here's an interesting read about a family that couldn't sell their "town," until they turned to eBay...
`Nothing generated much interest. Around Thanksgiving, Lapple came up with an unconventional notion: Why not auction off the town -- all 10 houses, four cabins and post office -- on eBay, the San Jose online auctioneer where virtually every kind of product imaginable is available for sale?... `You can put an ad in the Chronicle for, say, $500 for a day. Or you can put it on eBay for $269 for a month and it goes all over the world,'' said Lapple. ... All over the world, indeed. On Thursday night, the high bid was just over $1.65 million -- more than double the minimum asking price of $775,000 -- with interested parties calling from New York, Washington, D.C., Colorado and Germany. The auction ends just before 10 a.m. today.
Online auction of town has keen interest
Here's an interesting read about a family that couldn't sell their "town," until they turned to eBay...
`Nothing generated much interest. Around Thanksgiving, Lapple came up with an unconventional notion: Why not auction off the town -- all 10 houses, four cabins and post office -- on eBay, the San Jose online auctioneer where virtually every kind of product imaginable is available for sale?... `You can put an ad in the Chronicle for, say, $500 for a day. Or you can put it on eBay for $269 for a month and it goes all over the world,'' said Lapple. ... All over the world, indeed. On Thursday night, the high bid was just over $1.65 million -- more than double the minimum asking price of $775,000 -- with interested parties calling from New York, Washington, D.C., Colorado and Germany. The auction ends just before 10 a.m. today.
Online auction of town has keen interest
Just a thought ...
I've seen quite a bit of bloggers lately posting on how they are outraged, or offended, when somebody greets them with a "Happy Holidays," instead of "Happy or Merry Christmas." The argument seems to be that if somebody greets you with "Happy Holidays," then they are some how "lessening" the importance of Christmas, or somehow lumping "pagan" holidays into the same boat as Christmas.
Could I just suggest that maybe both greetings are correct, and people should stop being so closed minded...
When a person says "Merry Christmas," yes they are speaking in specifics, about one day. When they say "Happy Holidays," they are speaking in a broad sense - and for Christian bloggers it shouldn't mean anything less, if anything it should - or could - be an acknowledgement of much, much more.
Let's see, "Happy Holidays" includes, at least the following: December 6, Saint Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor; December 8, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception; December 12, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe; December 18, Feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; December 25, Christmas; January 1, the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God; January 6, Feast of the Epiphany Three Kings Day...
Need I continue?
Felices Fiestas
I've seen quite a bit of bloggers lately posting on how they are outraged, or offended, when somebody greets them with a "Happy Holidays," instead of "Happy or Merry Christmas." The argument seems to be that if somebody greets you with "Happy Holidays," then they are some how "lessening" the importance of Christmas, or somehow lumping "pagan" holidays into the same boat as Christmas.
Could I just suggest that maybe both greetings are correct, and people should stop being so closed minded...
When a person says "Merry Christmas," yes they are speaking in specifics, about one day. When they say "Happy Holidays," they are speaking in a broad sense - and for Christian bloggers it shouldn't mean anything less, if anything it should - or could - be an acknowledgement of much, much more.
Let's see, "Happy Holidays" includes, at least the following: December 6, Saint Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor; December 8, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception; December 12, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe; December 18, Feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; December 25, Christmas; January 1, the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God; January 6, Feast of the Epiphany Three Kings Day...
Need I continue?
Felices Fiestas
Thursday, December 26, 2002
A big Friday thanks ...
... for the very nice plug over at Dappled Things ...
... also, thanks to Chirp for the plug
... and, a belated thanks to blogs4God for the plug!
If you haven't seen the above sites before, check them out!
And, if I've forgotten to mention any others out there, forgive me - and leave a note in the comment box below.
... for the very nice plug over at Dappled Things ...
... also, thanks to Chirp for the plug
... and, a belated thanks to blogs4God for the plug!
If you haven't seen the above sites before, check them out!
And, if I've forgotten to mention any others out there, forgive me - and leave a note in the comment box below.
Has there ever been a war fought on three fronts and won?
Bin Laden, problems still in Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea...
But the US still believes it can fight two wars simultaneously...
The situation is this: The Bush administration says Iraq is lying about its weapons of mass destruction, as the United States moves forces to the Persian Gulf for an invasion to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. In the Pacific, North Korea is exploiting the crisis with Saddam to test President Bush's resolve. Pyongyang has resumed its nuclear-weapons program, which Washington believes poses a threat to world security. ... With tensions rising, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld asserted on Monday that U.S. forces can simultaneously fight North Korea and Iraq. A Pentagon policy statement, known as the Quadrennial Defense Review, states that the military today is funded and structured to fight and occupy one enemy nation, while defeating another foe.
U.S. ability to fight two wars doubted
Bin Laden, problems still in Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea...
But the US still believes it can fight two wars simultaneously...
The situation is this: The Bush administration says Iraq is lying about its weapons of mass destruction, as the United States moves forces to the Persian Gulf for an invasion to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. In the Pacific, North Korea is exploiting the crisis with Saddam to test President Bush's resolve. Pyongyang has resumed its nuclear-weapons program, which Washington believes poses a threat to world security. ... With tensions rising, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld asserted on Monday that U.S. forces can simultaneously fight North Korea and Iraq. A Pentagon policy statement, known as the Quadrennial Defense Review, states that the military today is funded and structured to fight and occupy one enemy nation, while defeating another foe.
U.S. ability to fight two wars doubted
What do you think?
The Washington Times carried a Christmas Day report on the efforts of some people to have Fr Mychal Judge proclaimed a saint. Burt Kearns, has set up a Web site urging Father Judge's canonization. He sees Fr Judge "like a modern-day St. Francis." ... In January, Mr. Kearns was reading a newspaper when he was struck by the famous picture of rescue workers carrying Father Judge's limp body from the World Trade Center - a shot compared by many to Michelangelo's "Pieta."
Should he be Saint Mychal?
The Washington Times carried a Christmas Day report on the efforts of some people to have Fr Mychal Judge proclaimed a saint. Burt Kearns, has set up a Web site urging Father Judge's canonization. He sees Fr Judge "like a modern-day St. Francis." ... In January, Mr. Kearns was reading a newspaper when he was struck by the famous picture of rescue workers carrying Father Judge's limp body from the World Trade Center - a shot compared by many to Michelangelo's "Pieta."
Should he be Saint Mychal?
$10 doesn't seem like very much, especially considering inflation...
George Kelley believes the nation has lost its moral conscience and he plans to do something about it - one child and $10 at a time. ... The 76-year-old retired flower shop owner has started a ministry out of his home that pays children $10 each to memorize and recite the Ten Commandments.
I wonder if it matters what version of the 10 Commandments are used?
Religion Today
George Kelley believes the nation has lost its moral conscience and he plans to do something about it - one child and $10 at a time. ... The 76-year-old retired flower shop owner has started a ministry out of his home that pays children $10 each to memorize and recite the Ten Commandments.
I wonder if it matters what version of the 10 Commandments are used?
Religion Today
Saw on the news this morning a clone has been born
It's kind of a strange time for announcing the birth of a clone, I mean this is the time when many are celebrating the birth of Christ...
Spanish television claims a cloned baby has been born in Miami, Florida...news announcements are to be made today, Friday...
US cult claims birth of first human clone
The baby girl was born on Thursday by caesarean section and the birth "went very well," Boisselier, president of the human cloning society Clonaid, said in a telephone interview. ... Boisselier, a 46-year-old French chemist who is president of the Clonaid human cloning society, declined to give further details of the birth, saying, "I prefer not to say more for now." She added that a full press conference was scheduled in Miami on Friday. ... Nor would she say whether the baby would be presented at the press conference. ... "We are very happy. It's a triumph," Clonaid spokeswoman Nadine Gary said earlier.
Clonaid Plans Human Cloning Announcement
A chemist who said last week her company would soon produce the first human clone - an infant girl genetically identical to her 30-year-old mother - prepared an announcement on the effort even as scientists remain skeptical about the feat. ... A spokeswoman for Brigitte Boisselier and the company, Clonaid, declined to answer directly when asked if they will claim at a briefing Friday to have produced the world's first cloned baby.
Group may claim birth of cloned human today
The French news agency Agence France-Presse reported that Boisselier confirmed Thursday the birth of the baby girl by Caesarean section at an undisclosed location. The delivery ''went very well,'' Boisselier reportedly said. ... A Holiday Inn employee said a ''cloning conference'' was scheduled at the hotel this morning but said there was very little information about it.
It's kind of a strange time for announcing the birth of a clone, I mean this is the time when many are celebrating the birth of Christ...
Spanish television claims a cloned baby has been born in Miami, Florida...news announcements are to be made today, Friday...
US cult claims birth of first human clone
The baby girl was born on Thursday by caesarean section and the birth "went very well," Boisselier, president of the human cloning society Clonaid, said in a telephone interview. ... Boisselier, a 46-year-old French chemist who is president of the Clonaid human cloning society, declined to give further details of the birth, saying, "I prefer not to say more for now." She added that a full press conference was scheduled in Miami on Friday. ... Nor would she say whether the baby would be presented at the press conference. ... "We are very happy. It's a triumph," Clonaid spokeswoman Nadine Gary said earlier.
Clonaid Plans Human Cloning Announcement
A chemist who said last week her company would soon produce the first human clone - an infant girl genetically identical to her 30-year-old mother - prepared an announcement on the effort even as scientists remain skeptical about the feat. ... A spokeswoman for Brigitte Boisselier and the company, Clonaid, declined to answer directly when asked if they will claim at a briefing Friday to have produced the world's first cloned baby.
Group may claim birth of cloned human today
The French news agency Agence France-Presse reported that Boisselier confirmed Thursday the birth of the baby girl by Caesarean section at an undisclosed location. The delivery ''went very well,'' Boisselier reportedly said. ... A Holiday Inn employee said a ''cloning conference'' was scheduled at the hotel this morning but said there was very little information about it.
If you could, what would you ask God?
Would you ask...
“What surprises you most about humankind?” or "As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”
The Interview with God
Would you ask...
“What surprises you most about humankind?” or "As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”
The Interview with God
Is there any reason for US to drag feet on this?
Eight United States human rights groups are urging the administration of President George W. Bush to urgently release hundreds of classified documents to the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission which Bush himself earlier this year promised to support.
In case you don't know what's this in reference to...
Despite Pledges, U.S. Lags in Cooperation with Peruvian Truth Commission
Eight United States human rights groups are urging the administration of President George W. Bush to urgently release hundreds of classified documents to the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission which Bush himself earlier this year promised to support.
In case you don't know what's this in reference to...
The 12-member Commission--which began work just after the inauguration of President Alejandro Toledo in July, 2001--set up offices throughout the country to collect evidence about abuses committed by the Maoist Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) and the Tupac Amaru rebel groups and the military during the administrations of former presidents Fernando Belaunde (1980-1985), Alan Garcia (1985-1990), and Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000). The abuses resulted in some 30,000 deaths and 6,000 disappearances, according to estimates by human rights and other groups.
While the U.S. was not directly involved in the violence, it provided anti-drug, intelligence, and other support to the military during much of the period, particularly under Fujimori whose intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, was regarded as especially close to the Central Intelligence Agency, which reportedly recruited him in the 1970s, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Despite Pledges, U.S. Lags in Cooperation with Peruvian Truth Commission
Humanoids aim sights on Mars
Under proposals being discussed by member states, a robotic outpost could be set up on the Red Planet to pave the way for a human landing. The European Space Agency (Esa) believes that by 2025, the technology will exist to send humans to Mars.
Humans on Mars 'by 2025'
FOR some reason this reminds me of a scene from Ray Bradbury's "The Fire Balloons"
Under proposals being discussed by member states, a robotic outpost could be set up on the Red Planet to pave the way for a human landing. The European Space Agency (Esa) believes that by 2025, the technology will exist to send humans to Mars.
Humans on Mars 'by 2025'
FOR some reason this reminds me of a scene from Ray Bradbury's "The Fire Balloons"
"Oh, we priests pride ourselves on being litmus papers, changing color in sin's presence," retorted Father Peregrine, "but what if Martian chemistry is such we do not color at all! If there are new senses on Mars, you must admit the possibility of unrecognizable sin."
"If there is no malice aforethought, there is no sin or punishment for same - the Lord assures us that," Father Stone replied.
"On Earth, yes. But perhaps a Martian sin might inform the subconscious of its evil, telepathically, leaving the conscious mind of free man to act, seemingly without malice! What then?"
"What could there be in the way of new sins?"
Father Peregrine leaned heavily forward. "Adam alone did not sin. Add Eve and you add temptation. Add a second man and you make adultery possible. With the addition of sex or people, you add sin. If men were armles they could not strangle with their hands. You would not have that particular sin of murder. Add arms, and you add the possibility of a new violence. Amoebas cannot sin because they reproduce by fission. They do not covet wives, or murder each other. Add sex to amoebas, add arms and legs, and you would have murder and adultery. Add an arm or leg or person, or take away each, and you add or subtract possible evil. On Mars, what if there are five new senses, organs, invisible limbs we can't conceive of - then mightn't there be five new sins?"
Political agenda?
Government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh said here on Wednesday that Iran insists that Iraq had used 6,000 tons of chemical bombs against its citizens during the eight years of Iraqi-imposed war from 1980 to 1988.
Iran insists Iraq had used 6,000 tons of chemicals weapons
Government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh said here on Wednesday that Iran insists that Iraq had used 6,000 tons of chemical bombs against its citizens during the eight years of Iraqi-imposed war from 1980 to 1988.
Iran insists Iraq had used 6,000 tons of chemicals weapons
Is this a case of the "poison pen or cigars" finally working?
Out of the public eye for more than a week, President Fidel Castro told Cubans in a letter published Wednesday that he is recovering from a serious infection caused by a bug bite to his left leg.
Could it be a cover-up? A bug bite?
Serious Leg Infection Sidelines Castro
Out of the public eye for more than a week, President Fidel Castro told Cubans in a letter published Wednesday that he is recovering from a serious infection caused by a bug bite to his left leg.
Could it be a cover-up? A bug bite?
Serious Leg Infection Sidelines Castro
I think there's probably something still missing from this story...
Three Kenyan schoolboys were arrested for eating a cat they suspected of stealing chickens set aside for their Christmas feast, newspapers reported on Tuesday. The three boys aged 12-14 killed, skinned and roasted the cat for lunch last Thursday, the state-owned Kenya News Agency (KNA) reported. They were arrested after complaints from residents in Mororo village in eastern Kenya.
Boys Eat Cat That Stole Christmas Dinner
Three Kenyan schoolboys were arrested for eating a cat they suspected of stealing chickens set aside for their Christmas feast, newspapers reported on Tuesday. The three boys aged 12-14 killed, skinned and roasted the cat for lunch last Thursday, the state-owned Kenya News Agency (KNA) reported. They were arrested after complaints from residents in Mororo village in eastern Kenya.
Boys Eat Cat That Stole Christmas Dinner
Second quote of the day:
"There is a momentum here that's hard to quantify," says Jon Fleischaker, an attorney for the Louisville Courier-Journal, which this year has published church documents filed in 200 sex-abuse lawsuits. "But the fact that Law resigned -- you know, people smell blood."
Priest scandal snowballs: Boston case starts a chain reaction
Here's a related article:
The Christian Science Monitor reports: "From Boston to California, Roman Catholic leaders are carrying out high-profile acts of public contrition aimed at rebuilding the moral authority of their scandal-plagued church."
Catholic Church undertakes acts of contrition
"There is a momentum here that's hard to quantify," says Jon Fleischaker, an attorney for the Louisville Courier-Journal, which this year has published church documents filed in 200 sex-abuse lawsuits. "But the fact that Law resigned -- you know, people smell blood."
Priest scandal snowballs: Boston case starts a chain reaction
Here's a related article:
The Christian Science Monitor reports: "From Boston to California, Roman Catholic leaders are carrying out high-profile acts of public contrition aimed at rebuilding the moral authority of their scandal-plagued church."
Catholic Church undertakes acts of contrition
Quote of the day:
"If you don't violate someone's human rights some of the time, you probably aren't doing your job," said one official who has supervised the capture and transfer of accused terrorists.
U.S. Decries Abuse but Defends Interrogations: 'Stress and Duress' Tactics Used on Terrorism Suspects Held in Secret Overseas Facilities
"If you don't violate someone's human rights some of the time, you probably aren't doing your job," said one official who has supervised the capture and transfer of accused terrorists.
U.S. Decries Abuse but Defends Interrogations: 'Stress and Duress' Tactics Used on Terrorism Suspects Held in Secret Overseas Facilities
Great article on "celebrating" Christmas in Saudi Arabia
Expatriate workers hold discreet holiday parties within walled compounds, out of sight of the government's religious police, who guard against offenses to the faith. For many other foreigners, the anniversary of Christ's birth is a private day of reflection. ... "I only pray in my room," said a Roman Catholic laborer from Sri Lanka, noting there is little else to do to celebrate Christmas. ... Some embassies, he said, organize gatherings for their citizens during the holiday season, but generally not on Christmas Day to avoid offending Saudi sensibilities.
Is this "reverse" PC at work?
A Saudi Christmas Is a Hidden, Whispered Affair
Expatriate workers hold discreet holiday parties within walled compounds, out of sight of the government's religious police, who guard against offenses to the faith. For many other foreigners, the anniversary of Christ's birth is a private day of reflection. ... "I only pray in my room," said a Roman Catholic laborer from Sri Lanka, noting there is little else to do to celebrate Christmas. ... Some embassies, he said, organize gatherings for their citizens during the holiday season, but generally not on Christmas Day to avoid offending Saudi sensibilities.
Is this "reverse" PC at work?
A Saudi Christmas Is a Hidden, Whispered Affair
From reader Jesus Quiroga...
Jesus and I have been chatting via email, and he mentions in a comments section below (Spanish guide to drinking) about an article that appeared in the New York Times regarding the interception of the North Korean missile shipment by the Spanish Navy.
Unfortunately, that article is not easily found....
Since the article was such a good read, I'm going to post a bit of it ...
And this very interesting fact...
My favorite section, though was the following...
Jesus and I have been chatting via email, and he mentions in a comments section below (Spanish guide to drinking) about an article that appeared in the New York Times regarding the interception of the North Korean missile shipment by the Spanish Navy.
Unfortunately, that article is not easily found....
Since the article was such a good read, I'm going to post a bit of it ...
German and Spanish Navies Take on Major Role Near Horn of Africa
By MICHAEL R. GORDON
The mission began when two Spanish warships were ordered to intercept a cargo vessel in the Indian Ocean. After concluding that the ship was trying to get away, a Spanish helicopter zoomed to the scene so Spanish commandos could slide down a rope to the deck.
The discovery of a hold full of North Korean missiles was not the only noteworthy development of the operation early last week. It was also striking because of who carried it out: an antiterrorist naval task force under European command.
American commentators have often criticized European nations for not pulling their weight on defense. But there is no question whose navies have
the main role in the waters near the Horn of Africa.
Rear Adm. Juan A. Moreno is the Spanish officer who commands Task Force 150, an eight-ship flotilla that is charged with searching for operatives
of Al Qaeda and terrorist contraband. The Spanish recently took command from the Germans, who are still an important part of the task force.
Only one ship in the flotilla is American.
A recent visit to the Spanish and German ships in the task force during their patrols off the coast of Africa offers an unusual look at an often-overlooked mission, one that few Americans are aware of but represents a major commitment of Europe's military resources. The Spanish and German ships operate far from home, performing missions that were all but unthinkable just a few years ago.
"For 90 percent of my crew, this was the first time they have gone through the Suez Canal," said Gonzalo Rodriguez, the commanding officer of the Navarra, who allowed that he was one of the newly initiated. The counterterrorism mission is logistically demanding for European navies unaccustomed to the kind of power projection that is the core mission for the United States Navy. But it is a prestigious task and a career enhancing assignment for Spanish and German naval officers.
And this very interesting fact...
Currently, about 1,200 Germans serve in the task force and supporting operations, like the long-range patrol aircraft the Germans fly from Mombasa, Kenya. They are part of the approximately 8,600 German troops deployed in Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Afghanistan and other locations.
The vast majority of the troops are deployed on peacekeeping missions, and Germany is scheduled to take over joint command of the international
peacekeeping force in Afghanistan. Germany, in fact, currently has more troops deployed on foreign missions than Britain, the United States'
closest military ally.
My favorite section, though was the following...
The atmosphere on the Spanish ships is more relaxed than on a United States Navy ship. Spanish officers are allowed to smoke on the bridge. The crew is allowed to wear shorts, a practice strictly forbidden by the more rule-bound Americans.
At night, the Spanish keep the crew occupied by giving classes in mathematics and even Flamenco dancing. The Spanish insist they need to maintain a balance to maintain morale on the high seas and, unlike the Americans, do not rely on a steady stream of action films to entertain their crew.
"We need to take care of people," Commander Rodriguez said. "They are not used to a long deployment. The most important thing is the mission, but we
need to keep a balance."
The Spanish crew is allowed to drink wine or beer with meals. When the Patino refueled the Brandenburg, the two captains used a line between the
vessels to exchange bottles of Spanish and German wine. The Americans, in contrast, strictly forbid the consumption of alcohol at sea, except for the
two beers American crew members are allowed after a 45-day continuous stretch of sea duty
Wednesday, December 25, 2002
Just one post ...
Yesterday, as we prepared our Christmas Eve dinner, something happened that's actually quite normal, and yet it made all the difference. Family and friends dropped by to visit, to have a quick Christmas drink, and to wish us a Happy Christmas.
This year for some reason, we were feeling a bit down about Christmas, well to tell you the truth feeling sorry for ourselves under the blanket of bills, and being far away from our parents and brothers and sisters. And somewhere during the day, that feeling left as were so reminded that this day, Christmas, isn't about us.
First with the few family in town that dropped by, then the friends that called, then the opening of the few gifts that we bought for the children, that self-pity began to melt away. So we didn't have enough to buy a ton of gifts, or to put it more frankly, to buy a gift for my wife and vice versa. But that was a decision we made, and rightly so. Instead, a few gifts for the children and a nice meal. Afterward, as the children drifted off to sleep, we switched on the tele to watch at midnight the mass brought live from the Vatican. Both of us watched, as Pope John Paul II suffered - for a lack of words - through the mass, his voice failing, wiping saliva, and at times appearing to being needed prompted, or cued, and then I noticed that I was shedding tears, as was my wife.
The only thing I can say, is what a beautiful example is Pope John Paul, absolutely reminding us that even when our voices fail, when all we can do is but whisper God's name, when our hands tremble, that life still is a precious gift - a gift that we must every day be reminded to thank our Creator for giving us.
Afterward, we watched until 5am "It's a Beautiful Life," and drifted off to sleep. This morning we woke up at 930am and prepared the family to head to Mass. There we were once again reminded that this not our day, it's not a day for tons of gifts, consumerism, parties, etc. This is a Holy Day, this is Christ's Day.
Just wanted to share that with you all.
Yesterday, as we prepared our Christmas Eve dinner, something happened that's actually quite normal, and yet it made all the difference. Family and friends dropped by to visit, to have a quick Christmas drink, and to wish us a Happy Christmas.
This year for some reason, we were feeling a bit down about Christmas, well to tell you the truth feeling sorry for ourselves under the blanket of bills, and being far away from our parents and brothers and sisters. And somewhere during the day, that feeling left as were so reminded that this day, Christmas, isn't about us.
First with the few family in town that dropped by, then the friends that called, then the opening of the few gifts that we bought for the children, that self-pity began to melt away. So we didn't have enough to buy a ton of gifts, or to put it more frankly, to buy a gift for my wife and vice versa. But that was a decision we made, and rightly so. Instead, a few gifts for the children and a nice meal. Afterward, as the children drifted off to sleep, we switched on the tele to watch at midnight the mass brought live from the Vatican. Both of us watched, as Pope John Paul II suffered - for a lack of words - through the mass, his voice failing, wiping saliva, and at times appearing to being needed prompted, or cued, and then I noticed that I was shedding tears, as was my wife.
The only thing I can say, is what a beautiful example is Pope John Paul, absolutely reminding us that even when our voices fail, when all we can do is but whisper God's name, when our hands tremble, that life still is a precious gift - a gift that we must every day be reminded to thank our Creator for giving us.
Afterward, we watched until 5am "It's a Beautiful Life," and drifted off to sleep. This morning we woke up at 930am and prepared the family to head to Mass. There we were once again reminded that this not our day, it's not a day for tons of gifts, consumerism, parties, etc. This is a Holy Day, this is Christ's Day.
Just wanted to share that with you all.
Tuesday, December 24, 2002
Third time a charm?
I get the feeling that nobody is listening.
For the third time in six days the Vatican has issued a statement that preventative war, as in a military intervention in Iraq, doesn't meet the "Just War" criteria.
The chief of diplomacy for the Vatican, Jean-Luis Tauran has said that the UN doesn't contemplate a "preventative war," and has also said:
I get the feeling that nobody is listening.
For the third time in six days the Vatican has issued a statement that preventative war, as in a military intervention in Iraq, doesn't meet the "Just War" criteria.
The chief of diplomacy for the Vatican, Jean-Luis Tauran has said that the UN doesn't contemplate a "preventative war," and has also said:
"no member of the international community can say "I'm going to do this, and the rest of you, either you help me, or stay at home." If countries act that way, the entire system of international laws will fall. We run the risk of the return of the law of the jungle."
80 years ago today...
... Ava Lavinia was born in North Carolina. Eva, better known as Eva Gardner is still remembered by many here in Spain, as mentioned in today's edition of the Spanish daily ABC.
In an article written by Enrique Herreros, the author in fact claims that Eva was happiest while in Spain. The article for the most part mentions many of the "downs" and "ups" that Eva had while in Spain. I too have heard some stories from the old timers, most of which center around her affairs with bullfighters, or how she was person non grata in some of the best hotels in Madrid because of the famous drunken fights that seemed to always swirl around her.
Mr Herreros comments though, seem to mostly focus on Eva's relationship with Frank Sinatra - noting how one time he saw Sinatra call Eva and sing several songs to her over the phone, only to later the two have a drag-out fight - leaving Sinatra with his face marked up so bad that he couldn't film the next day.
Then there was the story of how Eva dissappeared from a film set, only to be found in the Hilton hotel in a room with a bellboy. The hotel wanted to fire the bellboy, but Eva's publicist Howard Newton went to the management and asked them what they would do if Eva came through the door and said that she wanted to make "war." It seems the argument worked, and the bellboy kept his job.
Who says actors are any different these days?
... Ava Lavinia was born in North Carolina. Eva, better known as Eva Gardner is still remembered by many here in Spain, as mentioned in today's edition of the Spanish daily ABC.
In an article written by Enrique Herreros, the author in fact claims that Eva was happiest while in Spain. The article for the most part mentions many of the "downs" and "ups" that Eva had while in Spain. I too have heard some stories from the old timers, most of which center around her affairs with bullfighters, or how she was person non grata in some of the best hotels in Madrid because of the famous drunken fights that seemed to always swirl around her.
Mr Herreros comments though, seem to mostly focus on Eva's relationship with Frank Sinatra - noting how one time he saw Sinatra call Eva and sing several songs to her over the phone, only to later the two have a drag-out fight - leaving Sinatra with his face marked up so bad that he couldn't film the next day.
Then there was the story of how Eva dissappeared from a film set, only to be found in the Hilton hotel in a room with a bellboy. The hotel wanted to fire the bellboy, but Eva's publicist Howard Newton went to the management and asked them what they would do if Eva came through the door and said that she wanted to make "war." It seems the argument worked, and the bellboy kept his job.
Who says actors are any different these days?
Merry Christmas, from our home to yours
Hope you all are enjoying these holidays. It's quiet here today in our home. This evening we'll have suckling pig, but won't go to the midnight mass - just too much work with the wee ones. We're planning on eating, watching some films on the tele, and letting the children open their presents. Usually around midnight, we place their presents in bags outside the door...then somebody knocks on the door and the children go running to see who it is, and surprise, surprise. Also of course, we'll be calling our families in Peru and the States.
God Bless everyone!
Hope you all are enjoying these holidays. It's quiet here today in our home. This evening we'll have suckling pig, but won't go to the midnight mass - just too much work with the wee ones. We're planning on eating, watching some films on the tele, and letting the children open their presents. Usually around midnight, we place their presents in bags outside the door...then somebody knocks on the door and the children go running to see who it is, and surprise, surprise. Also of course, we'll be calling our families in Peru and the States.
God Bless everyone!
Monday, December 23, 2002
For the fun of it, I'd thought I'd post ...
... some old timer, classic recipes from Spain... For more recipes, check out John's at Iberian Notes
"Conejo al ajillo" (Garlic Rabbit)
Ingredients:
1. large rabbit (chopped into "biteable" pieces)
2. lots of garlic
3. salt
4. virgin olive oil
5. fresh parsley
6. virgin vinegar
This is best cooked in earthernware pots heated over a gaslit stove. If you don't have that, then a large metal pot will also work. - Begin heating container and pour in the virgin olive oil until the bottom of the container is covered about 1 to 2 inches deep in oil. - As the oil is heating, rub the rabbit pieces with a large piece of garlic, and thin sprinkle salt over the surface... - In the oil, place three garlic "teeth" with skin included. - Once the oil has heated, place a few pieces of rabbit in the oil, being careful to not completely cover the bottom with meat..you want space in between the pieces of meat so that you have room to move them around, ensuring they get deeply browned. - Continue cooking all the peices in the same way, removing into a separate container those bits that have already been cooked. Also, be aware that there will be quite a bit of splattering, and for some reason, I've noticed the head (split in two pieces) seems to splatter more than any other part of the body. - As you're finishing up with the last pieces of meat, chop three more garlic "teeth" into small cubes, and grab some fresh parsely, rinse, and then dice as well - not too finely! - Once all the meat has been cooked to a fine dark brown color, lower the temp of the flame, and add first the garlic, and then the parsely. You don't want the garlic to be in too long, or it will begin to burn. - Add all the meat back into the pot and stir around on the lower temp. - Be generous now, and pour in quite a bit of vinegar (I use probably about a quarter cup)...and step back, because the vinegar will react to the oil, sending up steam, and sputtering a bit. Stir, and remove the pot, serving the cooked rabbit in another dish (that's been preheated if you so desire), and pour on top of everything the entire oil/vinegar/garlic/parsely contents in the bottom of the containter. Sprinkle salt on top is you want. Serve with sliced lemons on the side, that can be squeezed individually over each person's plate. - SERVE with a full bodied red wine, or in summer with a chilled rose, french fries and salad. A good salad to accompany, is lettuce, tomato, thinly sliced and washed onions, and fresh tuna fish, salted and served with white vinegar and virgin olive oil. Bread is also a must, a good "chapata" style I find best - the bread is to sop up all the drippings!
"Rabo de Toro" (Bull's or Oxtail soup)
Ingredients
1. l large bull's tail, cut in about 2 inch thick pieces
2. 1 large onion, chopped finely
3. 1 large tomatoes, diced
4. a cup of fresh peas
5. 2-3 carrots, diced
6. brandy
7. 2 garlic teeth (crushed inside skin)
8. salt
9. pepper
10. 2 laurel leaves
11. virgin olive oil
12. potato (optional)
- Bring a large container of water to boil, add the meat and let boil to soften - I let boil at least one hour. - Remove the meat, cut off the fatty skin that's still attached, and make also make vertical incisions in the meat between the cartilege, but being careful so that you don't remove the meat from the bone. You just want to "soften it a bit" - Heat another container (again earthernware is best) with virgin olive oil, not much just enough so you can begin to cook the meat - searing it on all sides - and adding the chopped onion. - Once the meat has been seared, cover the meat with water, add in the vegetables (tomato, carrots, peas and potato if you want). Add salt and black pepper to taste, and two leafs of laurel. - Let cook, on medium height, usually around 1 hour - when the sauce has been reduced, add a cup of brandy, and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. SERVE in shallow bowls, with sauce included - It's not really a soup - but the sauce is to be eaten with spoon or bread. Drink strong red wine, accompany with salads, or boiled cauliflour and mayo.
Sopa Castellana
This soup is easy as pie ... it's a standard first plate here in central Spain in the winter...
1. two teeth of garlic
2. 1 chorizo sausage (chopped)
3. 1 bar of day old bread cut in slices
4. 1 egg
5. water
6. virgin olive oil
- In an earthenware pot heat a small portion of olive oil. - Once warm, add the chopped sausage, browning on all sides. - add the garlic, stir. - before the garlic begins to burn, add the sliced bread into the pot, stirring so that the bread absorbs all the oil, etc. - Cover the bread with water, and bring to boil.
- Once boiling, there are three ways to finish this... One is to crack open the egg directly into the pot making sure the yolk doesn't break; two is to stir making sure the yolk breaks; and three is to serve in separate eartherware containers, placing an egg in each container and then in the oven for a quick pop, before serving to eat.
... some old timer, classic recipes from Spain... For more recipes, check out John's at Iberian Notes
"Conejo al ajillo" (Garlic Rabbit)
Ingredients:
1. large rabbit (chopped into "biteable" pieces)
2. lots of garlic
3. salt
4. virgin olive oil
5. fresh parsley
6. virgin vinegar
This is best cooked in earthernware pots heated over a gaslit stove. If you don't have that, then a large metal pot will also work. - Begin heating container and pour in the virgin olive oil until the bottom of the container is covered about 1 to 2 inches deep in oil. - As the oil is heating, rub the rabbit pieces with a large piece of garlic, and thin sprinkle salt over the surface... - In the oil, place three garlic "teeth" with skin included. - Once the oil has heated, place a few pieces of rabbit in the oil, being careful to not completely cover the bottom with meat..you want space in between the pieces of meat so that you have room to move them around, ensuring they get deeply browned. - Continue cooking all the peices in the same way, removing into a separate container those bits that have already been cooked. Also, be aware that there will be quite a bit of splattering, and for some reason, I've noticed the head (split in two pieces) seems to splatter more than any other part of the body. - As you're finishing up with the last pieces of meat, chop three more garlic "teeth" into small cubes, and grab some fresh parsely, rinse, and then dice as well - not too finely! - Once all the meat has been cooked to a fine dark brown color, lower the temp of the flame, and add first the garlic, and then the parsely. You don't want the garlic to be in too long, or it will begin to burn. - Add all the meat back into the pot and stir around on the lower temp. - Be generous now, and pour in quite a bit of vinegar (I use probably about a quarter cup)...and step back, because the vinegar will react to the oil, sending up steam, and sputtering a bit. Stir, and remove the pot, serving the cooked rabbit in another dish (that's been preheated if you so desire), and pour on top of everything the entire oil/vinegar/garlic/parsely contents in the bottom of the containter. Sprinkle salt on top is you want. Serve with sliced lemons on the side, that can be squeezed individually over each person's plate. - SERVE with a full bodied red wine, or in summer with a chilled rose, french fries and salad. A good salad to accompany, is lettuce, tomato, thinly sliced and washed onions, and fresh tuna fish, salted and served with white vinegar and virgin olive oil. Bread is also a must, a good "chapata" style I find best - the bread is to sop up all the drippings!
"Rabo de Toro" (Bull's or Oxtail soup)
Ingredients
1. l large bull's tail, cut in about 2 inch thick pieces
2. 1 large onion, chopped finely
3. 1 large tomatoes, diced
4. a cup of fresh peas
5. 2-3 carrots, diced
6. brandy
7. 2 garlic teeth (crushed inside skin)
8. salt
9. pepper
10. 2 laurel leaves
11. virgin olive oil
12. potato (optional)
- Bring a large container of water to boil, add the meat and let boil to soften - I let boil at least one hour. - Remove the meat, cut off the fatty skin that's still attached, and make also make vertical incisions in the meat between the cartilege, but being careful so that you don't remove the meat from the bone. You just want to "soften it a bit" - Heat another container (again earthernware is best) with virgin olive oil, not much just enough so you can begin to cook the meat - searing it on all sides - and adding the chopped onion. - Once the meat has been seared, cover the meat with water, add in the vegetables (tomato, carrots, peas and potato if you want). Add salt and black pepper to taste, and two leafs of laurel. - Let cook, on medium height, usually around 1 hour - when the sauce has been reduced, add a cup of brandy, and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. SERVE in shallow bowls, with sauce included - It's not really a soup - but the sauce is to be eaten with spoon or bread. Drink strong red wine, accompany with salads, or boiled cauliflour and mayo.
Sopa Castellana
This soup is easy as pie ... it's a standard first plate here in central Spain in the winter...
1. two teeth of garlic
2. 1 chorizo sausage (chopped)
3. 1 bar of day old bread cut in slices
4. 1 egg
5. water
6. virgin olive oil
- In an earthenware pot heat a small portion of olive oil. - Once warm, add the chopped sausage, browning on all sides. - add the garlic, stir. - before the garlic begins to burn, add the sliced bread into the pot, stirring so that the bread absorbs all the oil, etc. - Cover the bread with water, and bring to boil.
- Once boiling, there are three ways to finish this... One is to crack open the egg directly into the pot making sure the yolk doesn't break; two is to stir making sure the yolk breaks; and three is to serve in separate eartherware containers, placing an egg in each container and then in the oven for a quick pop, before serving to eat.
Soon, and very soon...
UN chief issues secret orders for war in Iraq
Now, match the above article with this from Reuters...
U.S., Britain Plan Seaborne Attack on Iraq-Source
UN chief issues secret orders for war in Iraq
THE United Nations is making secret contingency plans for a war that would halt all Iraqi oil production, “seriously degrade” the country’s electricity system, provoke civil unrest and create 900,000 refugees, The Times has learnt.
Internal UN documents predict that the worst fighting will be in the three central governorates around Baghdad, with the Kurdish-controlled north remaining largely free of conflict. But it will take a month after war breaks out before the predominantly Shia south is calm enough for UN humanitarian workers to work there.
Now, match the above article with this from Reuters...
U.S., Britain Plan Seaborne Attack on Iraq-Source
Discussions on future amphibious operations are at an advanced stage," the source said, adding that Britain would commit its elite 3 Commando Brigade of Royal Marines to the proposed invasion.
In the 1991 Gulf War, U.S.-led forces assembled a large amphibious task force in the Gulf, but never mounted an assault by sea. Instead, infantry poured into parts of Iraq and Kuwait from Saudi Arabia by land.
The British defense ministry source said planners were this time leaning toward an amphibious assault in the case of a war with Iraq in part because of the difficulties of protecting a large ground-based army from chemical or biological attack.
I mentioned in passing this item in a post Saturday...
...so I thought in fairness, I should post more on the subject to which I was referring ...
Inquiry finds Church covered up IRA bomb priest
And a related article: 'It became obvious Father Chesney was south Derry's answer to Bonnie and Clyde'
...so I thought in fairness, I should post more on the subject to which I was referring ...
Inquiry finds Church covered up IRA bomb priest
Both the Catholic Church and the British Government knew of a priest's role in the murder of nine people by Irish terrorists in 1972, according to a British police inquiry.
It alleges the activities of Fr Jim Chesney were known to the British Government and the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, but he was never arrested, questioned or charged.
The inquiry has found evidence that the priest was an IRA member involved in an attack on the village of Claudy, County Londonderry, in which three car bombs exploded without warnings. Fr Chesney's terrorist activities were discussed at a private meeting between Cardinal William Conway and Northern Ireland secretary William Whitelaw in December, 1972
And a related article: 'It became obvious Father Chesney was south Derry's answer to Bonnie and Clyde'
"At the time, many priests were very active in running large social events, but Father Chesney was in a different league. He organised big dances and massive bingo events, where all the little towns and villages round about could join in by radio link for what were huge prizes in those days."
But there was a disturbing pattern. Mr Cooper said some of Father Chesney's parishioners began to point out the alarming regularity with which these events would be robbed. They suspected the takings were going straight to the IRA's coffers, with the priest's connivance.
At first, Mr Cooper dismissed the claims out of hand, but he changed his mind. He said: "It became obvious that Father Chesney was south Derry's answer to Bonnie and Clyde
Spanish Guide To Drinking
FIBE, the Spanish liquor federation, has published their annual guide to drinking, right in time for the Holiday Season. At first I thought it was a joke...my favorite is point number 3 (for the religious alcoholic?)
1. Slowly enjoy your drink, and space them out: Drink slowly, little by little, enjoying your drink that you've ordered from the barman, and let your glass rest on the bar between drinks. This way, you'll enjoy the contents better, as well as noticing the wide variety available of drinks. It's advisable to alternate the consumption of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.
2. Know your limits and don't pass them: Your level of alcohol intake depends upon weight, age, physical state and sex. Women, given they have a different metabolism, assimilate less quanties of alcohol than men. Remember, that although the alcoholic grade of the different drinks such as beer, wine or spirits varies, the glasses for each of these drinks have been designed so that the quantity of alcohol for each drink will be the same.
3. Don't drink if your fasting: If you drink after eating something you will avoid upset stomachs (and the changing of the stomach's mucosity level) and your body will better assimilate the alcohol.
4. Drink only quality products, and in moderation: Give priority to quality over quantity. Moderate drinking can be an enjoyable social and festive activity.
Other points are:
FIBE, the Spanish liquor federation, has published their annual guide to drinking, right in time for the Holiday Season. At first I thought it was a joke...my favorite is point number 3 (for the religious alcoholic?)
1. Slowly enjoy your drink, and space them out: Drink slowly, little by little, enjoying your drink that you've ordered from the barman, and let your glass rest on the bar between drinks. This way, you'll enjoy the contents better, as well as noticing the wide variety available of drinks. It's advisable to alternate the consumption of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.
2. Know your limits and don't pass them: Your level of alcohol intake depends upon weight, age, physical state and sex. Women, given they have a different metabolism, assimilate less quanties of alcohol than men. Remember, that although the alcoholic grade of the different drinks such as beer, wine or spirits varies, the glasses for each of these drinks have been designed so that the quantity of alcohol for each drink will be the same.
3. Don't drink if your fasting: If you drink after eating something you will avoid upset stomachs (and the changing of the stomach's mucosity level) and your body will better assimilate the alcohol.
4. Drink only quality products, and in moderation: Give priority to quality over quantity. Moderate drinking can be an enjoyable social and festive activity.
Other points are:
5. Only celebrate parties in bars/restaurants that have known alcoholic brands:
6. Avoid long trips when selecting your party
7. Remeber that cars and alcohol aren't compatible
8. If you're ill, pregnant, or have psychological problems don't drink
9. Respect the laws and don't give alcohol to minors.
10. Have fun, and enjoy drinking
Christian Tourism suffering in Israel
Yesterday at Mass, several tracts were handed out that explained that "our Christian" brothers are really suffering in Israel. The brochures gave examples of how many of the Christians who live in the Middle East rely on tourism as a means of livelihood. Obviously, tourism isn't the same in the region compared to a few years ago. But the thing that caught my eye, was the idea that we in the rest of the world could help our Christian brothers in Israel by still buying their products. In fact, the tracts went so far as to say that if we want to guarantee a Christian presence in Israel we should consider buying their products, which are exported and sold throughout the world.
Now, I have to admit, I've got some mixed feelings about all this, and I admit I may be overly sensitive. First off, I don't quite like being handed something at Mass and telling me where I should shop. Secondly, how do I know that this is all legit? Anybody else heard anything similiar?
Anyway, the following item is kind of related...
Experts rebut claim of Jesus' biblical bathhouse
Yesterday at Mass, several tracts were handed out that explained that "our Christian" brothers are really suffering in Israel. The brochures gave examples of how many of the Christians who live in the Middle East rely on tourism as a means of livelihood. Obviously, tourism isn't the same in the region compared to a few years ago. But the thing that caught my eye, was the idea that we in the rest of the world could help our Christian brothers in Israel by still buying their products. In fact, the tracts went so far as to say that if we want to guarantee a Christian presence in Israel we should consider buying their products, which are exported and sold throughout the world.
Now, I have to admit, I've got some mixed feelings about all this, and I admit I may be overly sensitive. First off, I don't quite like being handed something at Mass and telling me where I should shop. Secondly, how do I know that this is all legit? Anybody else heard anything similiar?
Anyway, the following item is kind of related...
An ancient bathhouse unearthed beneath a Nazareth souvenir shop dates back to Crusader times and is not, as the shop owner believes, a Roman bath which may have been used by Jesus, archaeologists and Bible scholars said Tuesday.
In 1993, Christian Arab businessman Elias Shama bought the shop, which lies a few paces from a well where Eastern Orthodox churches believe the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus.
Its location should have made it a gold mine, but the post-Sept. 11 slump in tourism worldwide, exacerbated locally by 26 months of Israeli-Palestinian fighting, has knocked the bottom out of the souvenir business in Jesus' traditional hometown.
Experts rebut claim of Jesus' biblical bathhouse
Yet another example of how crime doesn't pay
Two men stole a digital camera from a Vienna photo shop, but in their haste to flee the crime scene forgot to take their holiday photos with them.
Photo Shop Thieves Forget Holiday Pictures
Two men stole a digital camera from a Vienna photo shop, but in their haste to flee the crime scene forgot to take their holiday photos with them.
Photo Shop Thieves Forget Holiday Pictures
Mice continue to twist men to their will
Like something out of "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy," we discover today that mice once again trick men into new medical experiments.
Complete working kidneys have been grown in mice using stem cells derived from human and pig fetuses. If the feat can be repeated in humans, it will allow doctors to replace damaged organs without the need for a donor.
Working kidney grown in mouse
Like something out of "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy," we discover today that mice once again trick men into new medical experiments.
Complete working kidneys have been grown in mice using stem cells derived from human and pig fetuses. If the feat can be repeated in humans, it will allow doctors to replace damaged organs without the need for a donor.
Working kidney grown in mouse
Archbishop: Gay priests are not on my agenda
Dr Williams said: "It's certainly no part of my programme to change this or even to push it as a matter of discussion but there it is on the table, we have to think about it. My hope is simply that we think about it without too much rancour, too much prejudice or too much fear."
Dr Williams said: "It's certainly no part of my programme to change this or even to push it as a matter of discussion but there it is on the table, we have to think about it. My hope is simply that we think about it without too much rancour, too much prejudice or too much fear."
Sunday, December 22, 2002
So the BBC documentary shouldn't be a shocker...
...If 25% of your clergy don't even believe in the virgin birth...
The other day I posted a quick item on a BBC documentary that "presents a series of historical theories on Mary's life including that Jesus was the offspring of a Roman soldier who raped her, or possibly the result of an illicit affair."
Well, that shouldn't be a shocker, given the following...
Oh brother...so nothing special about the birth of Christ, but he was just a nice fellow. Also it's great to see this vicar admitting what is really important - his job. ...
But there's more...
Well, if we use that criteria I'm sure we can get rid of almost all the controversial topics in the Bible, and while we're at it water down the Church's stance into nothing more than just a feel-good, get-together time.
In a related editorial, which I post almost in its entirety - because if for no other reason it shows how Christmas and Santa are more important than Christ's virgin birth...
Would it be too radical to suggest that maybe Christians could learn a few things from those who practise the Islam faith ... such there is a time to express and be outraged when somebody messes with the core of your faith. No, I suppose that wouldn't be very politically correct...
For a related item, check out the post at Conservative Commentary on
PC intolerance darkens another Christmas and weakens the national spirit
...If 25% of your clergy don't even believe in the virgin birth...
The other day I posted a quick item on a BBC documentary that "presents a series of historical theories on Mary's life including that Jesus was the offspring of a Roman soldier who raped her, or possibly the result of an illicit affair."
Well, that shouldn't be a shocker, given the following...
More than a quarter of Church of England clergy do not believe in the virgin birth of Christ, according to a survey carried out by The Telegraph.
A poll of 500 clerics found that 27 per cent privately reject the traditional story of Jesus's birth, which forms a vital part of the Nativity.
The view of a Hampshire vicar was typical. "There was nothing special about his birth or childhood - it was his adult life that was extraordinary," he said.
He declined to be named, saying: "I have a very traditional bishop and this is one of those topics I do not go public on. I need to keep the job I have got."
Oh brother...so nothing special about the birth of Christ, but he was just a nice fellow. Also it's great to see this vicar admitting what is really important - his job. ...
But there's more...
Many of the sceptics who took part in the survey, one of the biggest ever conducted by a newspaper, said that the story of the virgin birth was a product of poor biblical translations and literary tradition rather than divine intervention.
The Rev Dr Keith Archer, who is based in Salford, said: "It is not particularly important because it is a debatable translation of a Hebrew prophecy which first appeared in Isaiah."
Another vicar added: "Writers at the time used to stress a person's importance by making up stories about their early life. I think that is exactly what has happened here."
Well, if we use that criteria I'm sure we can get rid of almost all the controversial topics in the Bible, and while we're at it water down the Church's stance into nothing more than just a feel-good, get-together time.
In a related editorial, which I post almost in its entirety - because if for no other reason it shows how Christmas and Santa are more important than Christ's virgin birth...
A survey of Church of England clergy, by this newspaper, has found that more than a quarter of those polled do not believe in the virgin birth of Christ. Some privately argued that the story was a product of poor biblical translations, or of an early writer "making up stories". Yet almost all said that they will conduct Christmas services which emphasise the miraculous nature of Christ's birth.
These fundamental doubts will probably pass largely unnoticed amid the Christmas bustle, but it is worth contrasting this indifference with the furore that erupted earlier this month when a vicar told schoolchildren that Santa Claus did not exist.
Public outrage ran so high that the Rev Lee Rayfield, the vicar in question, was forced to apologise. His remarks may indeed have been tactless, but then a belief in Santa Claus is not a tenet of his Christian beliefs. For the vast majority of Christians, the virgin birth is.
That one should excite strong feeling and not the other is a measure of how fiercely Britain has come to value the sparkly, commercial trimmings of the Christmas festival far above the Christian faith
Would it be too radical to suggest that maybe Christians could learn a few things from those who practise the Islam faith ... such there is a time to express and be outraged when somebody messes with the core of your faith. No, I suppose that wouldn't be very politically correct...
For a related item, check out the post at Conservative Commentary on
PC intolerance darkens another Christmas and weakens the national spirit
I was going to post...
...something on Saint Death from The News Mexico.com...but you know what...they block you from copy text...Check it out...try to copy the text and you get a popup that says "Copyright 2002 by TheNewsMexico.com All Rights reserved"...
...something on Saint Death from The News Mexico.com...but you know what...they block you from copy text...Check it out...try to copy the text and you get a popup that says "Copyright 2002 by TheNewsMexico.com All Rights reserved"...
Disney says no to religion?
The Orlando-based Disney resort and theme park began offering regular, weekend church services in 1975, but corporate officials claim the 35,000-acre facility can no longer accommodate 1,500 Catholic and Protestant families who want to go to those Sunday services. ... Disney is now advising Christian guests to find other places of worship, some of which are miles outside of the Magic Kingdom's boundaries
And of course, there are some who see something even more sinister behind this decision
Disney World Cancels Christian Services, Flap Ensues
The Orlando-based Disney resort and theme park began offering regular, weekend church services in 1975, but corporate officials claim the 35,000-acre facility can no longer accommodate 1,500 Catholic and Protestant families who want to go to those Sunday services. ... Disney is now advising Christian guests to find other places of worship, some of which are miles outside of the Magic Kingdom's boundaries
And of course, there are some who see something even more sinister behind this decision
Sheldon believes the Walt Disney Company's decision to suspend its Christian church services is an attempt to appease its diverse clientele, which includes homosexuals.
"I see this as a very clear, clear way of becoming more politically correct," Sheldon said. "They do not want to have to deal with the fact that they are accommodating Christianity, Catholic or Protestant, or any other group that has a strong religious faith as their basis."
Sheldon said Disney has made a high-profile attempt to accommodate the homosexual community by playing host to "Gay Day," an annual event billed by its sponsor as "America's Biggest Gay and Lesbian Vacation Experience."
Disney World Cancels Christian Services, Flap Ensues
This is not the purpose of confessionals...
Syracuse police said a suburban man and a city woman apparently had something else on their minds when they entered St. John the Baptist Church on Court Street a few weeks ago and got caught in a confessional by the parish pastor investigating a burglary alarm in the church. ... "With that, the door opened and a balding white man emerged, bareass, with no pants on and a girl," DeLorenzo told police. "He quickly jumped into his pants, grabbed his coat and socks and with the girl ran out."
In fairness, I feel I should print the other side's story...
Oh, well that makes all the difference, you see they were grieving...
Priest catches man, woman in confessional
Syracuse police said a suburban man and a city woman apparently had something else on their minds when they entered St. John the Baptist Church on Court Street a few weeks ago and got caught in a confessional by the parish pastor investigating a burglary alarm in the church. ... "With that, the door opened and a balding white man emerged, bareass, with no pants on and a girl," DeLorenzo told police. "He quickly jumped into his pants, grabbed his coat and socks and with the girl ran out."
In fairness, I feel I should print the other side's story...
Police reported both Shamlian and Sessler said they had had dinner together and were talking about recent deaths of family members when they decided to go to a church. Officials said the pair said they had tried the downtown Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption Church on North Salina Street but both were locked.
Oh, well that makes all the difference, you see they were grieving...
Priest catches man, woman in confessional
A big Monday thanks...
... to Bob Boyd at Khaki Chronicles for the very kind words, and the link! I've also added his site in my blogroll...
...also, a big thanks for the plug at blogs4God!
... to Bob Boyd at Khaki Chronicles for the very kind words, and the link! I've also added his site in my blogroll...
...also, a big thanks for the plug at blogs4God!
So this is *big* news...
... if you're an Austrian.
It appears that historian Egon Fein in his book "Hitler Weg nech Nurnberg" had proven that Hitler wasn't Austrian, but rather German after all.
Fein bases this on comments from some Capuchin monks, specifically one called Ubald, who has declared that he baptized Hitler two days after being born in Germany.
According to the monk, Hitler's mother, Klara, in an advanced state of pregnacy travelled to the Austrian-German border to get closer to where her husband, Alois Hitler, was working in Germany. It appears that Klara crossed the river Inn, entering Germany, to bring Alois his dinner. However, once in Germany she began to experience pain, and was rapidly taken to the hospital in Simbach. It was only later, that Hitler's parents crossed back over the river to enter Braunau in Austria to avoid legal paperwork.
So the Austrians can finally claim that Hitler wasn't their fault. But there is one disturbing thought...Hitler was Roman Catholic?
... if you're an Austrian.
It appears that historian Egon Fein in his book "Hitler Weg nech Nurnberg" had proven that Hitler wasn't Austrian, but rather German after all.
Fein bases this on comments from some Capuchin monks, specifically one called Ubald, who has declared that he baptized Hitler two days after being born in Germany.
According to the monk, Hitler's mother, Klara, in an advanced state of pregnacy travelled to the Austrian-German border to get closer to where her husband, Alois Hitler, was working in Germany. It appears that Klara crossed the river Inn, entering Germany, to bring Alois his dinner. However, once in Germany she began to experience pain, and was rapidly taken to the hospital in Simbach. It was only later, that Hitler's parents crossed back over the river to enter Braunau in Austria to avoid legal paperwork.
So the Austrians can finally claim that Hitler wasn't their fault. But there is one disturbing thought...Hitler was Roman Catholic?
Buyer beware...
There's an article in the middle section of El Mundo today that talks about a "side job" that Struan Stevenson is doing in the European Commission.
It appears that Mr. Stevenson in his many trips throughout the EU checks out the tourist shops, and the things he discovers... such as that fake cat that you may have bought, is well, really "clothed" in real cat fur.
According to the article, and Mr. Stevenson, trading in cat and dog furs is big business, the majority of which comes from Asia. In this multi-spread report - with graphic photos of cats being skinned - El Mundo discovers that even here in Spain - in the Malaga airport - there are teensy-weeny stuffed animals that are made with the skins of Fido and Tom.
The report goes on to mention, that of course this is legal trade - since there are no laws currently prohibiting its practise - but warns that a lot of this "fur" also finds its way into clothing as well.
So what are my feelings? Well readers of this site might have read a similar post of mine a few days ago, but here goes again.
First off, I don't see anything wrong with the selling of "cat" and "dog" fur for garments, toy, etc. as long as it's fully identified on the product as such. The way I see it this really comes down to a question of why it's okay to use some animals for food or fur and not others. As I mentioned before, I think true vegetarians may be a bit more honest about this than some of us meat eaters.
The problem is when people began to humanize animals, when they begin to give them human attributes. If you call Fido your child, well I guess it's difficult to think of him on somebody's coat. In a roundabout way, I guess I'm tipping my hat to the vegetarians.
That said, I'm not a vegetarian. I'm a meat eater. I'm from the country - where for years we didn't eat beef. Instead, we ate elk, deer, bear, puma, antelope, etc. Basically, anything that we hunted. And yes, I like my cat...he's a great cat, and sitting right beside me as I'm typing. And even though he likes cigars, drinks my coffee and sits with his legs crossed, I know he's not a human.
Right now though, he's glaring at me...
There's an article in the middle section of El Mundo today that talks about a "side job" that Struan Stevenson is doing in the European Commission.
It appears that Mr. Stevenson in his many trips throughout the EU checks out the tourist shops, and the things he discovers... such as that fake cat that you may have bought, is well, really "clothed" in real cat fur.
According to the article, and Mr. Stevenson, trading in cat and dog furs is big business, the majority of which comes from Asia. In this multi-spread report - with graphic photos of cats being skinned - El Mundo discovers that even here in Spain - in the Malaga airport - there are teensy-weeny stuffed animals that are made with the skins of Fido and Tom.
The report goes on to mention, that of course this is legal trade - since there are no laws currently prohibiting its practise - but warns that a lot of this "fur" also finds its way into clothing as well.
So what are my feelings? Well readers of this site might have read a similar post of mine a few days ago, but here goes again.
First off, I don't see anything wrong with the selling of "cat" and "dog" fur for garments, toy, etc. as long as it's fully identified on the product as such. The way I see it this really comes down to a question of why it's okay to use some animals for food or fur and not others. As I mentioned before, I think true vegetarians may be a bit more honest about this than some of us meat eaters.
The problem is when people began to humanize animals, when they begin to give them human attributes. If you call Fido your child, well I guess it's difficult to think of him on somebody's coat. In a roundabout way, I guess I'm tipping my hat to the vegetarians.
That said, I'm not a vegetarian. I'm a meat eater. I'm from the country - where for years we didn't eat beef. Instead, we ate elk, deer, bear, puma, antelope, etc. Basically, anything that we hunted. And yes, I like my cat...he's a great cat, and sitting right beside me as I'm typing. And even though he likes cigars, drinks my coffee and sits with his legs crossed, I know he's not a human.
Right now though, he's glaring at me...
I've got to check these facts still...
...but there's an interesting article in Sunday's edition of the Spanish daily El Mundo that says according to a recent study by the IMF and the BID immigrants in the United States send around $12 billion back to their home countries every year. According to this article, that amount is around 10 times the amount that the US government gives in the form of aid to its southern neighbors.
I'll try and get a hold of a copy of the report this week and post something on it.
...but there's an interesting article in Sunday's edition of the Spanish daily El Mundo that says according to a recent study by the IMF and the BID immigrants in the United States send around $12 billion back to their home countries every year. According to this article, that amount is around 10 times the amount that the US government gives in the form of aid to its southern neighbors.
I'll try and get a hold of a copy of the report this week and post something on it.
It's Sunday, and siesta time...
We got a late start today. Maybe it had something to do with watching horrible television until 3 am. We watched, okay I admit it - I actually watched the show with my wife - a disgusting program, Salsa Rosa. The purpose of this program is to bring on somebody who's "famous," because they've been sleeping with somebody else who's famous - or even better yet, they say they've been sleeping with that person and there's no proof. And then, in plan of being a "victim," this pseudo-famous person is questioned by a panel of journalists, and then somebody else - usually an "enemy" of the victim is brought out to tell everybody on live TV that everything the victim has said is a pack of lies.
Of course the victim charges a fee to be on the show, and is then guaranteed that their performance will be covered in the following week's trash magazines, and hey, who know's maybe another follow up on another similiar show.
Last night they had some fellow from Gran Hermano (Big Brother) who supposedly did some "sexual" acts with one of the gals on the show, and yet claims he's really in-love with his girlfriend. His girlfriend meanwhile has been filmed by a television crew from Salsa Rosa dancing in the discos with another guy, and then ...
Well, you see how bad this all is. But this is Spanish TV. And guess what? If you don't like Big Brother, you can blame that on the Spanish. You see the company that produces the show, is the Dutch company Endemol, which was bought by the Spanish telecom giant Telefonica a few years ago.
To tell you the truth, I'm usually pretty snobbish when it comes to watching TV - that's why I had a satellite installed. But last night I couldn't sleep, and in the bedroom I still don't have that TV hooked up to the dish. Meaning I was stuck with some horrible programming.
Well, finally drifting off to sleep, we were then woke up at 4 am by first one of our children, and then later by another. Finally getting back to sleep around 5 am, the buzzing of the alarm woke me up at 9am, and I just couldn't force myself out of bed to make it to mass. So I did the logical thing...I went back to sleep until 11am, then we got the family up and made it to 1pm mass, came back to the house, made dinner...and now it's time for siesta.
I figure we got about 30 minutes of rest until the baby decides to wake up.
We got a late start today. Maybe it had something to do with watching horrible television until 3 am. We watched, okay I admit it - I actually watched the show with my wife - a disgusting program, Salsa Rosa. The purpose of this program is to bring on somebody who's "famous," because they've been sleeping with somebody else who's famous - or even better yet, they say they've been sleeping with that person and there's no proof. And then, in plan of being a "victim," this pseudo-famous person is questioned by a panel of journalists, and then somebody else - usually an "enemy" of the victim is brought out to tell everybody on live TV that everything the victim has said is a pack of lies.
Of course the victim charges a fee to be on the show, and is then guaranteed that their performance will be covered in the following week's trash magazines, and hey, who know's maybe another follow up on another similiar show.
Last night they had some fellow from Gran Hermano (Big Brother) who supposedly did some "sexual" acts with one of the gals on the show, and yet claims he's really in-love with his girlfriend. His girlfriend meanwhile has been filmed by a television crew from Salsa Rosa dancing in the discos with another guy, and then ...
Well, you see how bad this all is. But this is Spanish TV. And guess what? If you don't like Big Brother, you can blame that on the Spanish. You see the company that produces the show, is the Dutch company Endemol, which was bought by the Spanish telecom giant Telefonica a few years ago.
To tell you the truth, I'm usually pretty snobbish when it comes to watching TV - that's why I had a satellite installed. But last night I couldn't sleep, and in the bedroom I still don't have that TV hooked up to the dish. Meaning I was stuck with some horrible programming.
Well, finally drifting off to sleep, we were then woke up at 4 am by first one of our children, and then later by another. Finally getting back to sleep around 5 am, the buzzing of the alarm woke me up at 9am, and I just couldn't force myself out of bed to make it to mass. So I did the logical thing...I went back to sleep until 11am, then we got the family up and made it to 1pm mass, came back to the house, made dinner...and now it's time for siesta.
I figure we got about 30 minutes of rest until the baby decides to wake up.
Saturday, December 21, 2002
Ironic news item of the day
The author of a book on how to keep from paying child support could be headed for prison for being a deadbeat dad. ... Robert H. Morrison pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to failing to support financially a son born in 1990.
Divorce guide author faces prison time
The author of a book on how to keep from paying child support could be headed for prison for being a deadbeat dad. ... Robert H. Morrison pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to failing to support financially a son born in 1990.
Divorce guide author faces prison time
Is it just me, or is this a strange comment...
"I don't know what we're going to do," said Cindy Gillaspie. "Maybe we'll turn them all into sausage."
To understand the context, you have to understand that Gillaspie is a reindeer "farmer," and she can't ship her reindeer due to fears of chronic wasting disease. So, let's get this straight ... they can't ship the reindeer, but they can make them into sausage for human consumption. Hmm...
Reindeer can't join in games
"I don't know what we're going to do," said Cindy Gillaspie. "Maybe we'll turn them all into sausage."
To understand the context, you have to understand that Gillaspie is a reindeer "farmer," and she can't ship her reindeer due to fears of chronic wasting disease. So, let's get this straight ... they can't ship the reindeer, but they can make them into sausage for human consumption. Hmm...
Reindeer can't join in games
Some interesting comments from Archbishop on terrorism
The Spanish archbishop Antonio Canizares has issued some interesting comments on terrorism. Here was the question: "Are the terrorist and the victim of terrorism both "equally" the children of God?"
Here is the response:
I find those comments very interesting, especially in light of recent news that a priest in Ireland belonged to the IRA and participated in an attack in 1972 that killed 9 people. How can a priest be involved in such butchery, and then minister to his flock?
But back to Spain and the Church. There's also been news this past week that the Bishop for the region of Leon, has refused allow Andres Mayo to be married in the Church.
Who is Andres Mayo? None other than "The Sweatsuit Rapist," a serial rapist who was condemned to 106 years in prison, although he has since been allowed out of prison on "conditional liberty" after serving 12 years of his sentence.
In the view of the Church, and the Bishop's office, the fact that Andres Mayo has been convicted of these crimes, suggests that he exhibits serious "mental instability," voiding the possibilty of understanding the nature and sacrament of marriage.
The Spanish archbishop Antonio Canizares has issued some interesting comments on terrorism. Here was the question: "Are the terrorist and the victim of terrorism both "equally" the children of God?"
Here is the response:
We are all children of God and loved by God, but the terrorist is committing a crime against God. God, via the victim of terrorism, asks, "Where is your brother?" just as He asked Cain...it then follows, that for God, the terrorist and the victim are not the same. God doesn't exclude, but the terrorist does everything to the contrary. God forgives the terrorist, if he asks for forgiveness. And the terrorist must change (seeking forgiveness), he must change his life because it doesn't make sense to continue killing and spreading this terror that prevents society to be free and to have hope.
I find those comments very interesting, especially in light of recent news that a priest in Ireland belonged to the IRA and participated in an attack in 1972 that killed 9 people. How can a priest be involved in such butchery, and then minister to his flock?
But back to Spain and the Church. There's also been news this past week that the Bishop for the region of Leon, has refused allow Andres Mayo to be married in the Church.
Who is Andres Mayo? None other than "The Sweatsuit Rapist," a serial rapist who was condemned to 106 years in prison, although he has since been allowed out of prison on "conditional liberty" after serving 12 years of his sentence.
In the view of the Church, and the Bishop's office, the fact that Andres Mayo has been convicted of these crimes, suggests that he exhibits serious "mental instability," voiding the possibilty of understanding the nature and sacrament of marriage.
Dates fixed for Pope John Paul II visit
It's looking more and more like Pope John Paul II will visit Spain May 2 and 3, and only will be visiting Madrid. There had been some talk that the Pope could also travel to Barcelona and Zaragoza, but those visits appear to have been called off, with Church officials suggesting that Pope John Paul's health wasn't up to making such an extensive visit. As I've mentioned before, the Pope is supposed to stay right by our house, with a large open air mass to be held a few blocks away as well.
During Pope John Paul's visit it's also planned that he will canonize four Spanish saints. Pope John Paul's last visit to Spain was in 1993 when he blessed Madrid's cathedral, La Almudena.
It's looking more and more like Pope John Paul II will visit Spain May 2 and 3, and only will be visiting Madrid. There had been some talk that the Pope could also travel to Barcelona and Zaragoza, but those visits appear to have been called off, with Church officials suggesting that Pope John Paul's health wasn't up to making such an extensive visit. As I've mentioned before, the Pope is supposed to stay right by our house, with a large open air mass to be held a few blocks away as well.
During Pope John Paul's visit it's also planned that he will canonize four Spanish saints. Pope John Paul's last visit to Spain was in 1993 when he blessed Madrid's cathedral, La Almudena.
The Three Kings and Barca
There are a lot of jokes going around lately dealing with football and the three kings. To understand the main thrust, you need to know the names of the three kings, Melchor, Baltazar and Gaspar - which tradition says visited the baby Christ, and in Spain is celebrated with the giving of gifts Jan. 5 (or Jan. 6, Epiphany - The Three Kings Day), rather than Christmas day, although that is changing.
One of the jokes says that the children come to Gaspar, who asks the children what they want for "Christmas." The children answer that they want him to "step down," or resign. To understand the joke, you have to know that the President of Barcelona's football team has a very familiar name - Gaspart.
I suppose this shows how much people - or fans of Barca - are beginning to be concerned with their team's play. In fact, if the team loses this evening against Mallorca, the head coach, Van Gaal, will most likely lose his job, and the voices asking for Gaspart's head will also increase.
In other league play, Atletico de Madrid plays against Racing. This will be the first match for star forward Fernando Torres who was booed by Real Madrid fans earlier this week when he played in a star-packed match to celebrate Real Madrid's 100 years.
There are a lot of jokes going around lately dealing with football and the three kings. To understand the main thrust, you need to know the names of the three kings, Melchor, Baltazar and Gaspar - which tradition says visited the baby Christ, and in Spain is celebrated with the giving of gifts Jan. 5 (or Jan. 6, Epiphany - The Three Kings Day), rather than Christmas day, although that is changing.
One of the jokes says that the children come to Gaspar, who asks the children what they want for "Christmas." The children answer that they want him to "step down," or resign. To understand the joke, you have to know that the President of Barcelona's football team has a very familiar name - Gaspart.
I suppose this shows how much people - or fans of Barca - are beginning to be concerned with their team's play. In fact, if the team loses this evening against Mallorca, the head coach, Van Gaal, will most likely lose his job, and the voices asking for Gaspart's head will also increase.
In other league play, Atletico de Madrid plays against Racing. This will be the first match for star forward Fernando Torres who was booed by Real Madrid fans earlier this week when he played in a star-packed match to celebrate Real Madrid's 100 years.
Friday, December 20, 2002
Ask Jeeves helping criminals plot their crimes
Two days before stabbing Dennis Cottrill, 71, who was out for a walk, Thomas Clark, 30, logged on to the Ask Jeeves website to ask: "What sentence would I get for stabbing somebody in an unprovoked attack?"
Murderer sought internet advice before knifing
Two days before stabbing Dennis Cottrill, 71, who was out for a walk, Thomas Clark, 30, logged on to the Ask Jeeves website to ask: "What sentence would I get for stabbing somebody in an unprovoked attack?"
Murderer sought internet advice before knifing
Pope to move Mother Teresa closer to sainthood
Today Pope John Paul is set to approve a miracle attributed to Mother Teresa, bringing the nun who spent her life helping the poorest of the poor a step closer to sainthood. ... The official acceptance of the miracle of a woman's cancer being cured after she prayed to Mother Teresa means the nun, will likely be beatified next year.
Today Pope John Paul is set to approve a miracle attributed to Mother Teresa, bringing the nun who spent her life helping the poorest of the poor a step closer to sainthood. ... The official acceptance of the miracle of a woman's cancer being cured after she prayed to Mother Teresa means the nun, will likely be beatified next year.
Wow...so there's a new American toilet?
High-Pressure Toilets Shake Up Bathrooms
Some people think a little noise is worth the powerful flush. "It'll suck a cat down it," says Kevin Sanders, 40, of Big Lake, Alaska, 75 miles north of Anchorage. He has two of the toilets, including one outside his master bedroom. "It sounds like a turbo going off inside the bathroom," he says. "But you can't hear it outside the bathroom." ... Three years ago, Ms. Dunn's husband, Andy, was at a convention in Las Vegas when he encountered his first pressure-assisted toilets at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. "It was like the space shuttle flew over," he says
A cat? Is that from the voice of one who is "in-the-know," or is this some bizarre Alaskan ritual? These things sound dangerous...
High-Pressure Toilets Shake Up Bathrooms
Some people think a little noise is worth the powerful flush. "It'll suck a cat down it," says Kevin Sanders, 40, of Big Lake, Alaska, 75 miles north of Anchorage. He has two of the toilets, including one outside his master bedroom. "It sounds like a turbo going off inside the bathroom," he says. "But you can't hear it outside the bathroom." ... Three years ago, Ms. Dunn's husband, Andy, was at a convention in Las Vegas when he encountered his first pressure-assisted toilets at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. "It was like the space shuttle flew over," he says
A cat? Is that from the voice of one who is "in-the-know," or is this some bizarre Alaskan ritual? These things sound dangerous...
It's interesting the take on this...
According to Reuters the Romanian gymnasts that were banned appeared in a porn flick...Gymnasts Banned After Appearing in Porn Flick
But in other press, the headline is quite a bit tamed-down...Nude gymnasts banned
Which headline is accurate? Is nudity "pornography?"
According to Reuters the Romanian gymnasts that were banned appeared in a porn flick...Gymnasts Banned After Appearing in Porn Flick
But in other press, the headline is quite a bit tamed-down...Nude gymnasts banned
Which headline is accurate? Is nudity "pornography?"
The trio had "tarnished the image of gymnastics" with their naked performance on competition-standard apparatus such as the balance beam in a DVD filmed in Chiba prefecture outside Tokyo, said the Romanian gymnastics federation president Nicolae Vieru.
"This decision is a result of the negative reaction in Japan after the broadcasting of pictures of the three gymnasts in the nude," said Vieru.
The gymnasts' performance was partially broadcast in a late-night show on a private Japanese television network.
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