Real Eyes Realize Real Lies
A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' mother's name?" One child answered, "Mary.".
The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' father's name was?"
A little kid said, "Verge."
Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?"
The kid said, "Well, you know they are always talking about Verge n' Mary
What are your top ten Led Zeppelin songs? I'd have to mostly agree with this guy, but I'd put Song Remains the Same, Communication Breakdown, and the Ocean on there, and take off Ten Years Gone, Dyer Maker, and Black Dog.
Pei and I both know what she's talking about. It sure ain't easy coming out of College and trying to figure out your place in the world. This situation seems compounded when the ollege/university is religious in nature. The notion that when religious folks graduate from their studies, they are endowed with Divine direction and discernment about their life is not accurate! Take it from Pei and me, it ain't that simple! But it's important to keep on keeping on. A good friend of mine told me that once and I believe it. Keep making positive decisions, keep struggling through, and look to that light at the end and say "that's where I'm going". Even if the goal is far away, each step brings you closer.
The forest Fire situation in BC isn't getting very much better. Currently, there are around 385 fires burning throughout the province. According to the Forest Service, containment for the five largest is next to nothing on all but one of them. Here's a neat map which shows the level of precipitation which has fallen in the last twenty four hours. As you can see, thie situation is ripe throughout the southern three quarters of BC. No rain plus hot weather equals big risk.
"The men and women in the various agencies are, to be blunt, working their asses off right now."
Muahahah! Hey Bombers Fans! Your team SUCKS!!!! HEHEHEHE They got CLOBBERED again last night! And do you know what? It's gonna happen on August 12th. Edmonton is gonna do to them the same as they did last night! Woo Hoo!
When I heard about this guy's story last year, I thought it was absolutely brilliant. Now that he has finished the course, I'd like to comment about the insane jealousy I feel right now. Why couldn't I come up with an idea like that??? Heck, I bet Titleist or Ping would help pay the expenses if I used their equipment!
Well, as many of you know by now, I've been rather ill this past week. There's been plenty of great stuff to blog out there, especially the Democratic National Convention, but I've been bed-ridden since Sunday night, and was only now able to break free into the wilderness that is downtown Smithers.
Over the past little while, the infectious disease known as Varicella Zoster has been wreaking irritation upon many people I know. My pastor's two youngest kids had it, my nephew got it, and three weeks ago, my dad contracted it and had to miss a week of work! According to my mom, I contracted it as a baby, and since a recurrence of the disease is as unlikely as the Leafs winning the cup next year, I figured I was safe. So arrogant and cocky was I that, when my Pastor offered the housesitting job to me while he goes on vacation this month, I wholeheartedly agreed! Sure, why not swim in a house full of good ol' varicella? I'll be fine!
Well, Friday night my head began to hurt, and my back began to ache. Saturday at work I could hardly function, and told my co-worker I was quitting early*, Sunday night saw me as catatonic as a corpse... and the fun was just beginning! I did not sleep Sunday night. When Monday morning finally rolled around, a trip to doctor revealed that, yessir, I was infected big time! Not only did my head feel as though someone was scraping at my scalp from the inside, but I was convinced that someone was peeling the skin off of my back with a pitchfork. Looks like I'm get a week off work. That night, my throat was so constricted I couldn't eat (even if I had an appetite!), but on Tuesday morning everything I had drank came RIGHT BACK UP in one hideously disgusting vomit session.... this after about five minutes of dry heaving! I thought my very guts were gonna be next. And then there was the itching...
But that afternoon saw the tide turn. Tuesday night I was alert and alive, and glory-be I actually got some sleep. The worst is certainly over, and now, on Thursday afternoon, I can say that the baddest thing now is the itching. Most of the lumps have cracked, and have turned into annoying scabby bits, which I'm told don't last. I look hideous, and I'm probably still contagious, but at least I'm not considering euthanasia anymore! since this weekend is a long on in BC, I've got until Tuesday off work. I'm hoping to be close to 100% by then.
This explains the lack of posting lately. As I say, I really wanted to, since the Dems are doing their best to look like complete buffoons at their national convention. The only speech that I thought was done well, was spoken by Jennifer Granholm, the governer of Michigan (full transcripthere). Her brother, Bob Granholm, taught me during my first year of college, so yes, I'm biased. He had to cancel class one week because he wanted to be with his sister as she won her election in 2002. For a democrat, she's alright. A little piece of Canada in the American government!
But seriously, most of the speeches I watched on C-span were delivered terribly. I know it isn't always easy to deliver a speech from a teleprompter but come on! These are supposed to be professionals! Many looked like amateurs just trying to struggle through their ten or fifteen minutes. And don't even get me started on Teresa Heinz-Kerry's speech. Was that not the lamest, most boring thing you've ever heard?!?!?! Who the heck put that thing together for her? Please tell me she didn't write it herself! She spoke with about as much vigor as a can of molassis. I know she's rich and snooty and doesn't give a crap about anyone, but she could at least PRETEND to be interested in what she's saying! The red dress was a nice touch though... a not-so-subtle reminder that she's the billionaire heir to the throne of the ketchup company. hehe.
So that's probably it for the day. For those of you who didn't link the link through the title of this post, here is the truth about Varicella Zoster.
* I worked for ten hours that day, so it wasnt like I went home really early, I just didnt want to keep going.
I almost choked on my tongue when I read this. To any Cloutier supporters out there, I have only one word: FOOLS! Why do we continue to hold on to a man who can't even make it through a post season anymore without getting hurt? The guy's always been fragile, and he's certainly shown us that he can't be relied on when we need him most. What we need is a Brodeur or a Theodore... someone who's there all the time, and is always playing well. I suppose it's good that we avoided arbitration, but geez... we need to take a page out of Ottawa's book and start looking at new options.
Well, my insane-busy workweeks are basically done now, so I can start posting here again. It's been psycho... really, it has. I'm not really a fan of overworking, so it hasn't been quite my cup of tea. I really love to relax, which is why I've decided to spend the next two weeks almost anywhere but the office. Ah yes... I smell the sweet scent of freedom.
This is quite something:
'Magic' Johnson Opens Starbucks in Compton
The basketball phenomenon and businessman was on hand Saturday for the official opening of the city's first Starbucks. The Seattle-based coffee chain and Johnson Development Corp. have opened 68 coffee shops in ethnically diverse neighborhoods since 1998.
The sentiment is good news for the residents of this Los Angeles suburb whose image has been tarnished in recent years by a political corruption scandal, a financially troubled community college, and a school district that was under state control for several years because of low test scores and other problems.
In order to execute the perpetrators of this piece of ass-helmetedness.
Via Kevin Fox, check out Google's search engine, circa 1960!
Via the New Blog Showcase, we have this:
Hey Kerry! Which is it?
Hey Dems! When will you get tired of this guy?
I mean do you really take this guy seriously? What is your reasoning in voting for him? Is it that he’s not Bush? Wow! That’s intelligent. That’s like saying, “I don’t care who runs this country or what he believes … doesn’t believe… believes. As long as he’s not that Eeevil Bush!” In fact, I think that his campaign slogan is “Vote for me, I’m not Bush!”
You know the one I mean "You will receive 25 million dollars blah blah blah give us your account number, etc". Here's a sweet way to deal with it.
OUTKAST LYRICS
While attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend, Walter and his wife Ann, listened to the instructor declare, > > >"It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other." He addressed the men, "Can you name and describe your wife's favorite flower?" With a sweet smile on his face, Walter leaned over touched Ann's arm gently and whispered, "Pillsbury All-purpose, isn't it?" And thus began Walter's life of celibacy.
Can I actually call it my alma mater? That sounds really, really weird!
I love winning hockey pools. The key to success: don't pick any stupid Maple Leafs!
Get Ready, Bomber Fans. On August 12th, the Eskimo's are gonna do to you what the Lions just did last night! Muahahahah!!!!
The Lions outscored the Bombers 24-0 in the third quarter on a 37-yard field goal by Duncan O'Mahony and touchdowns by Printers, Ryan Thelwell and Chris Brazzell.
If there is someone in your life who has done something special for you (or whose efforts have impacted you), let them know about it. It's important to give a little back from time to time. Don't wait to tell them (or show them) how you feel.
I've gotta say I'm pretty darn pleased by the variety of people who view my site. There are people from all parts of Canada, the United States, Taiwan, England... it's pretty cool to look at my Site Meter Visitor Time Zone Share and see lines all over the place!
This is gonna sound really lame, but I'll say it anyways. Yesterday I set a new personal record for blog traffic in one day. 24 unique visitors accessed my site. Huzzah! I hope I didn't scare them all off though!
A while back, Pei and I were discussing the upcoming US election. I prognosticating about it here.
Go read this bizarre story.
Don't believe me? If there wasn't enough evidence already, go read this.
Lance Armstrong is leading the Tour de France. Ho hum, what a surprise. I swear this guy has mechanical legs or something, he's amazing! And P.E.T.A. is upset at KFC chicken suppliers again. Ho hum, that's a shocker as well.
I have a lot to say about this story, but I'll save the rant and let you all just go read it instead. I'm sure you can imagine what I would say anyways.
UNITED NATIONS - Israel vowed Wednesday to continue building its barrier across the West Bank, despite a United Nations resolution demanding that it comply with a recent World Court ruling recommending that the barrier be torn down.
A senior adviser to the Israeli prime minister said that despite the vote, Israel would continue building the 640-kilometre system of walls, fences and ditches because it is already carrying out its goal of diminishing the number of Palestinian attacks against Israeli citizens. "When all is said and done, it is simply outrageous to respond with such vigour to a measure that saves lives, and respond with such casual indifference and apathy to the ongoing campaign of Palestinian terrorism that takes lives," said Dan Gillerman, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.
The General Assembly voted 150-6 in support of the resolution.
The United States, Australia and Israel were among the six countries opposed to the resolution,
which was drafted by the Palestinians
and sponsored by the European Union.
There were 10 abstentions, including Canada's.
"Thank God that the fate of Israel and of the Jewish people is not decided in this hall," said Gillerman after the vote. "This resolution cannot but embolden those who are the true enemies of the Israeli and Palestinian people."
The vote, like the ruling of the International Court of Justice, is not legally binding but is considered to have symbolic value.
On July 9, the world court ruled 14-1 that Israel's West Bank barrier should be torn down because it violates international laws and infringes on the rights of Palestinians.
The panel also recommended that Israel compensate individual Palestinians whose land was seized and homes and businesses that were destroyed during the construction of the barrier network
Working hard. In fact, working so hard that I only have a couple of seconds to write this, hit publish, make sure it hits the screen, and then run away, waving my arms in the air and screaming all the way. Ah yes - I've worked 14 hours a day for the past week now. But once this week is over, I will become a slacker once again, and then I will begin posting more.
The blogroll is undergoing continual upgrades. Check 'em all out folks. I don't have them there for looks!
This is a follow-up to Asylum's last comment, from a few posts back...
IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD! Let's get back to the word not to what we derive from everyday living
Anyone can say "The Spirit is leading me into this or that", and unless we look to the Bible, Reason, and Experience, we cannot dispute such a claim.
Alright, it's time to play some Battlefield Vietnam. Enough talk about marriage and missions... I'm gonna go kill people!
After much posting the last two days, today is weak sauce indeed! I've got just enough time to point out that I've updated my blogroll again, adding to the "New Found Friends" section. Go check out Solomon Isaacs!
Just added the Last Stand to my blogroll. He/She doesn't post a lot, but when there is new material up, it is usually worth the read. I especially liked the post on Michael Moore, it's pretty stinking funny... and true as well!
This is the first post in which I link to something at Instapundit. This guy gets like, 100,000 unique hits per day for cryin' out loud! He doesn't need anymore traffic, but this little snippet here is worth reading. The Insta-man is anything but right-wing, in fact, as I recall, he supported Gore and even helped his campaign. But when he nails something, he nails it bang-on, so go read his blog... heck, if enough of you click my link he may take notice and link to me... THEN I'd be on the good end of the phenomena known around the blogosphere as an Instalanche.
Actually, screw it... I don't want an Instalanche... I'm perfectly happy dwelling in 5-10 hits-per-day territory. hehehe!
I really shouldnt be helping anyone who has gotten more traffic in a week than I have in two months, but go check Sabiv's blog when you get a minute, and help add to her traffic totals.
You need a subscription to read this, but it only takes a second and it totally worth it. However, I must put up a "WARNING! EXTREME BAD TASTE ALERT", because after you read it you WILL be left with a bitter taste in your mouth. I could not imagine thinking the way this couple thinks. What a sad, sick, selfish, pathetic couple indeed.
I can't wait for the football game on the 12th. To all my bomber friends, this is what will transpire! Go Esks Go!
Muahahahah! That's a dirty cheap shot... but he'll forgive me... won't ya, Bergen?
Fascinating, but not very surprising:
Nicotine could soon be rehabilitated as a treatment for schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as hyperactivity disorders.
Research shows that the chemical that has addicted millions to smoking has a powerful impact on brain activity in patients who suffer from psychiatric and degenerative disorders.
Some experiments have shown that nicotine can slow down the onset of Parkinson's symptoms; others have had revealed its power in curtailing the hallucinations of schizophrenics.
Muahahah! Check out what Michelle found!!!!
Starting tomorrow night, I'll be housesitting for my Pastor... muahahah! What a fool! The only instruction he gave me was to water his plants! hehehe!!!! He said I could do whatever I wanted, and his wife said if I wanted to have a little "suare" it was no problem! Huzzah! If anyone is interesting is smashing, thrashing, and bashing the PAstor's house, let me know!
I'm happy to report that a Google search of the term "Pei Yusei" will result in three of the top ten returns pointing to this blog. The first return is to Pei's blogger profile, the second is to the main page of my blog, and the fourth on the list is to my contest, which you can find here.
Dave Kopel, you are a king!
I would also recommend to everyone that they check out Cox and Forkum's latest political cartoon here. In fact, just check out their whole site and read their commentary. They have great insights and lots of awesome humour (yes, humour with a U... heh).
For a while there, I thought I was the only one left here still writing posts. Then, all of the sudden Temujin comes back with a wild passion with 7 Saturday posts - not only this, but he insults his fellow journeyman in the art of writing by saying this in a post called "Back in Black":
Holy Zeus on a Pogo Stick! I go away for a couple of days and this blog turns to absolute shunt. My "contributors" haven't been contributing very much, now have they????
Continuing with the whole love/marriage/relationship theme... This seems a little disfunctional to me! Go read for yourself.
So, the brother of our friendly neighborhood Asylum wrote the following:
However, while there is no biblically prescribed ceremonial marriage function, the biblical concept of marriage is quite important -- which is probably why, dating back to the pre-Mosaic times, marriage ceremonies have always been very important and quite elaborate. In fact, God instituted marriage from the time of man's original creation - truly a divine institution on the highest ground (Gen. 2:18-25). God goes on to attribute to marriage an extremely important role; that is to reflect the relationship of the Godhead, and to exhibit the spiritual relationship between God and his people.
The relationship of the Godhead is not seen in marriage anymore than it is in any other relationship. God's original intention in Genesis is that all relationships (God to man, man to creation, man to woman, etc) are whole. When I think of married couples, I don't think "Gosh, that is what the Godhead must be like!". And although the argument can be made that the Holy Spirit represents the feminine, the Father represents the masculine, and the Son represents... uhhh... the Son, I can think of plenty of non-marriage examples that better represent the kind of relationships that God originally intended. David and Jonathan, Paul and Silas (or Timothy), Ruth and Naomi all come to mind. In fact, I see God using marriage to to represent wickedness and unfaithfulness! Don't believe me? Look at poor Hosea!
As far as I can tell nothing is more important in this world than giving non-believers a picture of our God. And this is partly the importance of marriage as an institution and even of the marriage ceremony itself.
And it seems that the importance God placed and places on marriage plays out in our world today. Marriage may indeed be the most basic and significant social relationship to humankind. And it is evident that without the nurturing and maintaining of the marital structure, society fails (we're seeing it happen right now in many western countries).
Good grief, what was I talking about again? Oh yeah, right... marriage!
I just cannot consider marriage "sacred". Perhaps for some people it is, and for me, I think the story of Paul Henderson scoring three game winning goals in the Autumn of '72 was an act of the Divine. It's just a matter of perspective.
So, it looks like the Arabic news network Al-Jazeera will be available in Canada. Well that's just great. Another anti-american network to go along with CBC! Watch out Mansbridge, you've got competition now!!!!!
I, for one, will utilize my free choice not to watch anything I don't want to. It's not up to the CRTC to decide what I watch, it is up to me. I've got the power to change the channel if something offends me, and with the Al-crapjeera network, I think I'll just choose not to watch.
Oh, this one is rich:
OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jack Layton defended a decision to send Svend Robinson to an international conference in Scotland despite the former MP's plans to plead guilty to a charge of theft.
Robinson joined a group of eight MPs and senators attending a session of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Edinburgh. He is vice-chair of the group's committee on democracy, human rights and humanitarian questions
He (Layton, ed.) added that Robinson has always taken responsibility for his actions. "Right from Day 1, he said he did something wrong. I think a lot of people respect the fact he took that responsibility."
Pei wrote something to me the other day that sparked some interest:
You think Kerry's flip-flopping will do him in?
Do I think his flip-flopping will do him in? Sadly, it hasn't done him any harm so far. Actually, I should qualify that statement, Bush has not helped his own cause much lately, and that has shifted the focus off of Kerry. I'm not sure what the President's campaign strategy is, but I thin his advisors need to be smacked upside the head! I should be seeing advertisements DELUXE about Kerry's record. Also, the President has been pandering a lot lately, in what seems to be an attempt to win votes. This is tragic in the sense that he is alienating himself from those who voted for him last time. There are tons of right wingers who are pissed right off with the Prez. He should be a shoo-in to win the election, instead, he is trailing in most polls, and if you look at Scott Elliott's numbers, if the election were held today, Kerry would be President, winning almost 51% of the popular vote, and 291 electoral seats. I recommend that everyone check out Scott's site if you are interesting in tracking the US election. He views polls from every state and compiles them in an easy-to-follow format. He also has good commentary and fascinating insights in the US political system. You will note that his site as been added to my blogroll, under American Pride. Check it out.
All that being said, I think Kerry could actually pull this thing out. I'm totally hoping for Bush, because I like the fact that he didn't pander to the UN on the Iraq issue (not to mention he is the closest thing to right wing out there). Finally someone who stands up and takes action! If Chretian were half the man Bush is, Canada would not be the socialist shunthole it is today. Let's see... no military, a failing medical system, support for democracy in words only, and separatists left, right, and centre (both politically and geographically)! What a great country to live in!
Sheesh, I keep going off on tangents. Okay, here's the deal: in my heart of hearts I think Bush is going to win the election, and I have said that since the beginning. But there are enough people in the US who are pissed at Bush for acting like a complete clown. If he doesn't really smarten up in the next couple of months, he'll be the second one-term President named Bush. Pray that Ralph Nader's campaign takes off! Lots of people who would vote democratic will give their vote to Nader, and that may just be enough to help the Prez (as it did in 2000).
Holy Zeus on a Pogo Stick! I go away for a couple of days and this blog turns to absolute shunt. My "contributors" haven't been contributing very much, now have they???? And Yammers... what up dawg? When I get to Winnipeg I'm gonna give you a piece of my mind!
Oh yes, you heard correctly... I'm going to Winnipeg indeed!!!!!! Muahahahaha! Portage & Main... here I come! $600 bucks less in the wallet... but oh well, it's worth it. I'll be in the 'Peg on August 11th! Huzzah! So here is the deal: we are all going to a Bomber game on the 12th. I'm getting FIVE tickets. I figure myself, the Dueck, Yammers, Chaps, and my friend from 1st year, Ruchkall. It's gonna be a good time... and go eskimos go!
Well, it would seem that all of those words of affirmation that Mike Danton's St. Louis teammates directed towards him were, as I called them, just words. What you would have heard a couple months ago when Danton was first accused of hiring a hitman to kill his agent was a bunch of Blues players saying "oh, I'm sure he couldn't possibly have done it" and "there's got to be some mistake - Mike's a quality person, and he wouldn't have done something like this", along with a bunch of "we're going to support him through this until he's been absolved of this terrible accusation". I exaggerate not - these were the words of his teammates and coaches. And now we discover that it was all just rhetoric. Danton is as evil as we all thought he is. He went so far as to admitting it at court today, leaving us with no doubt now that Danton should be locked up for at least seven years.
Laughable, isn't it? When team Canada has a player go down with an injury, we have the resources to come up with something that is arguably better than what we lost. Although Yzerman is a true leader, and capable of many things, I think Lecavalier has an equal, if not better chance of making a big splash on the ice in the World Cup.
So last night at about 2:00 am I woke to something horrible. All I remember is a big bang, a feeling of falling, and then turning on the lamp at my bedside to discover that the right side of my mattress had fallen through the bed-frame to the ground. Naturally, I was immediately imbittered. I couldn't understand why something like this had to happen to me... the night before yet another big day at the office (yes, I am very busy today, despite the fact that I've found time to post here).
It would seem that while teams like Ottawa, Chicago and even Pittsburgh have been out improving their teams, the Canucks management has once again decided to take a back seat, not only in the draft, but in the signing of free agents. Now, I'm not one to complain - oh wait, yes I am - and let me tell you, this is despicable. I wrote a post a little while ago warning everybody that the Dominator might not quite be his dominating self with Ottawa, and that Sens fans shouldn't get their hopes up. But now that we've all been enlightened as to the strategical workings of Dave Nonis and our precious Canucks, I'd say that Sens fans have it very good. You know, there was a time when I thought we were going to get Hasek, and if not Hasek, perhaps Lalime. Both goalies would have made a heck of a better show than Cloutier (in case you are not aware, I am a Cloutier hater). But don't worry folks... Dave Nonis has something better for us.... he has a Wade Flaherty! A Wade Who-The-Freak-Is-Flaherty! Oh woooonderful! Well, unless Nonis does something pretty fast, we're looking at yet another season of dashed hopes and broken hearts. I don't think any of the Flahertys, Aitkens or Gorens are going to provide us with a Stanley Cup, folks.
So, with regards to the Cursed Marriage Essay, someone whom I respect immensly write the following:
Finally, marriage is talked about alot in the bible...does that not mean anything??
Marriage is not overly important to me, and just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I have to have the same priorites as everyone else. Sabbath keeping is not important to me, but it is important to many of my Christian friends. It is in the Bible too... in fact, it is described quite elaborately and is very heavily promoted, as I recall. Jesus even kept the Sabbath, although he did a lot of things that cheesed off the authorities. There are many within the spectrum of Christian thought that differ on their view of the Sabbath, Baptism, Communion, and a whole host of other things. We respect these differences and agree to disagree. Yet marriage is held up as something more sacred than sacred. I have a question: Why are wedding ceremonies an hour long, and baptism ceremonies only go ten minutes? Why spend thousands of dollars on cake, flowers, music, dresses, shoes, invitations, gifts, food, booze, etc etc etc, and fifty cents on grape juice and bread??? Does anyone else see the absolute stupidity in this? Please tell me I'm not the only one!.
I'm not saying that people shouldnt get married, and I'm not saying that weddings are horrible. In fact, as a capitalist, I think people should do whatever they want with their money. If they wanna spend it on weddings, go ahead. My question is WHY?
It seems to me that when I ask a woman to marry me, and she says "yes", that is it. ame over. End of Story. We are married in the sight of God. No Pastor, no best man, no thousand dollar dress... nothing. Just me, her and the big G.
Darnit Asylum... now look what you've made me do! Thanks for the comments.
I should let you all know my opinions on the world cup, and hockey in general. There's been a lot of crapola festering in this morbid mind, and I need to get it out.
An important news alert....
Go check out Kapla's latest pics from Mongolia. There are some amazing shots of a gold mine, lots of cool cultural shots, pics of people and cities and animals... DANG I WANNA GO THERE SO BADLY IT ISNT EVEN FUNNY!!!!!!!
There are lots of crazy things going on with hockey lately. Vinny Lecavalier is going to replace Steve Yzerman at the World Cup. I don't really have a problem with that, but it is too bad that Stevie Y. can't play. Also, Mike Ricci signing with the Coyotes is quite something, and Mark Recchi playing for the Penguins again??? Sheesh, I can't believe the cash-strapped Penguins would shell out $3 million a year for him! However... he'll definitely be in my hockey pool come September...
Lemieux... to Recchi... SCORES!
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Former NHL enforcer Tony Twist has been awarded $15 million US by a jury that found Spawn creator Todd McFarlane profited by using Twist's name without his permission.
Anyone with comic book knowledge should let me know if anyone used the name "A-Nizzle Drizzle-R-E-to th' Wizzle". I could sue and make a fortune!
Just so we are all clear, with some of my posts, clicking the title will reveal the story to which my post speaks about. On other occasions, I will have the link within the post itself. In this case, the former is true. Anyways:
GAZA CITY - Four Palestinians, including three militants, were killed when their car exploded in the central Gaza Strip Saturday in a blast that Palestinian security officials blamed on Israel.
The Israeli army said one of its helicopters had fired a warning shot toward Palestinian gunmen, who were shooting at Israeli soldiers. But the army said they weren't aiming for any vehicles.
Security sources said the blast appeared to have been caused when explosives blew up prematurely
HAVANA - Wearing T-shirts calling for "Regime Change in the US – Not in Cuba," members of a U.S. humanitarian group defied U.S. travel restrictions and entered Cuba Saturday to deliver tonnes of desperately needed supplies.
Travelling via Mexico, U.S. members of Pastors for Peace chose to ignore tough new restrictions that limit travel to the Communist-run country knowing they might face prosecution or jail time upon their return home.
That threat did not seem to bother the group's leader, Baptist minister Lucius Walker, who called for an end to the 40-year U.S. embargo against Cuba.
"We know in our hearts and in our heads … that the blockade is immoral, is illegal, is illogical and is unjust," he said.
*sigh* Would someone please remind me of why I am a Christian? It's guys like this (whose hearts are in the right place, but whose heads are on another planet) who screw everything up for the rest of us.
There is a Global Aids Conference set to go in Thailand this week.
A giant condom has been placed in a busy neighbourhood of the capital, acting as a display board for people wishing to pin up positive messages in the fight against the disease.
Vendors have been selling a variety of related T-shirts, including one featuring a series of colourful condoms in the shape of the Olympic rings. Other shirts depict a U.S. dollar with the words "In Rubber We Trust."
Thailand has received worldwide praise for its open-minded view of tackling the disease.
But despite initial progress made in curbing HIV infections, the United Nations has warned that Thailand's vigilance has seriously declined.
So, I did the whole wedding thing today. It was quite something.
Anyways, the dance tonight was kinda fun. I went in half-goosed... which made it even more interesting HEHEHE! I also danced... which was a unique experience... but hey, when a really pretty girl asks you to dance, you don't say no! I was happy to see half a bottle of wine at my table tonight. I suppose it was a remnant from the dinner that I didnt get invited to :-) The wine was certainly tasty... let me tell you (although it wasnt really in my mouth long enough to taste muahah!). So, here I sit, and the Local Zone internet cafe... half-savaged and ready to play some Battlefield:Vietnam. I'll probably play like shunt, but oh well, it'll be fun.
I promise that in the future I'll post most interesting things than random half-sallied comments.
Pie, you need to post more. heh.
A few weeks ago I posted a little something about a Preacher I saw on TV. You can read the original post here. Since I've just finished ranting and raving in a most unchristian manner, I thought I'd better change the subject to something a little more... holy (?).
If it took the death of Christ to defeat him, it's going to take some dedication from you to complete that defeat and keep the devil from controlling your life. Jesus has stripped him of authority, but just like any common criminal, he'll do whatever you let him get away with...The devil doesn't really care if you're saved or not as long as you don't go spreading salvation around. He wants to defeat you in any way he can
Thank God I'm a preterist. When people ask me about Satan, I just tell 'em "he's in the lake of fire where he belongs".
!!!WARNING!!! Extreme Bad Taste Alert !!!WARNING!!!
There is an old saying that goes something like: "Show me the prettiest girl in the world, and I'll show you a guy who is tired of fucking her." Sadly, this statement is true in many cases of marriage. This past week, I heard that a couple I know of have split up. It's the classic soap opera story: man cheats on wife with a co-worker.
In the 21st century, these kinds of stories come as no surprise. However, I was shocked to hear of it with this couple. The thing is, they are both extremely attractive people. Both work out regularily, both have decent jobs, and they seemed to be building a life together. Did I mention, she's totally hot! Like, super-model type hot. Blonde, thin, super-pretty... when I heard that he cheated on her, I thought "what a fuckin' dumbass! A thousand guys would kill for the opportunity to have her, and he throws it all away!". What this guy was thinking is anybody's guess. I suppose only he knows for sure, but I suspect that he wanted something different. He had used what he had over and over again, and was bored with it. Call it mimetic desire if you will, but whatever it was, something within this guy made him order fast food even though he had the steak and eggs at home. I like the term mimetic desire, as it implies that as humans, we want what others have. Almost regardless of what it is, if someone else has it, I need it. This desire is what causes people to lie, cheat, steal, and blame everyone but themselves. In this man's case, he chose a hurtful option (one he knew was hurtful) because what he had did not satisfy him. His selfishness has ruined his relationship with his wife. I hope he is happy! I bet he never thought of that when he was fucking his co-worker! What a shitheel thing to do.
At any rate, this past week has got me thinking again about marriage, married life, and to a smaller extent, children. I won't rehash a lot of the questions I asked while I was at college (to new readers, and those who aren't familiar with my "questions on marriage", I'll try to make it easy to follow the flow of my thoughts. For more information email me). However, I will summarize a few things which I think are important. These really have nothing to do with the rest of my essay, but they are worth noting and could help the read understand where I am coming from.
1. Except for those who adhere to Catholic doctrine, we can all agree that marriage is NOT a sacrament. As long as the denomination you belong to was formed out of the Reformation (assuming the reader is a church-goer... for those who are not... your views on marriage are entirely your own), you believe that there are only two sacraments (ie things that Jesus wants us to do): Baptism and Communion.
2. Separation of church and state is a GOOD thing.
3. The state's view of marriage is different than that of the church because of this separation, and that is okay. The state doesn't force the church to marry people it doesn't want to. Anyone who that the state's view of marriage is incorrect or wrong should look at the status of marriages within the church... helloooooo 50% divorce rate!
4. Nothing spiritually special happens during a wedding. Whatever significance the couple places on their wedding day is entirely their own (and that is okay too, there are things I find important that others think are stupid... and I don't mind). A wedding does not change one's position before God, it does not make him/her any more important, nor is getting married "better" that being single. Conversely, being single is not "better" than being married, it is just different.
As I mentioned in a previous post, a friend of mine is having a wedding ceremony tomorrow. She met a guy last year, dated him for a few months, and decided to "tie the knot", as it were. Since meeting this guy, I have noticed a number of things. First, she has been stressing like crazy over preparations for the wedding. Second, she has constantly worried about "screwing it up" and losing this great guy (and I concur, he is a really cool guy). Third, I can no longer call her to just "hang out". When I first met her, we would cruise around in her car, or go for coffee, or something like that. Now, it is no longer about Sally, it is about Sally and Danny (pseudo-names, by the way!). That is perfectly fine to me; as I said, I like hanging out with both of them and think they are both cool. But what really gets me is that for so many couples I know, the partner half-dictates the schedule. With my single friends, I can call them up whenever and go hang out. Not so with the "marrieds". There needs to be permission asked, and the schedule needs to be checked. Very seldom can I hang out with just one member of the couple. As singles, I've hung out with tons of people, both men and women, and it is no big deal. But with married couples, you get two for the price of one. Going out for a brew with a brutha can turn into an arguement later on, when the brutha gets home to his perturbed better half! I've seen this with many couples, and it makes me feel bad for inviting a married guy out (and don't even get me started on me hanging out with the wife... I stay away from that business!). Why can't things just be normal? Why does there have to be a quasi-dictatorship on time spent together? Is there a couple out there that are actually chill about stuff like this? I haven't found one. There is no freedom in that kind of life. Why in the blue hell would anyone ever choose to live that way? Always having to appease... having to change plans to suit the other... screw that. As it stands, I can spend my paycheque however I damn well please. I can go out to eat whenever I want, I can go with whoever I want, I can stay out as long as I want, and I don't have my conscience reminding me that "your wife is waiting up for you". And don't even get me started on having kids... geez! If marriage doesnt shackle you, having a kid damn sure will!
I'm gonna make a statement right now that I intend on keeping:
If I ever get married, it will be NORMAL. Things will not suck, I won't let them. There won't be any of this monkey-shit business about "waiting up all night" and "feeling guilty about going out without her". And I promise my spouse this: it will work both ways. I will absolutely NOT dictate with who or how you spend your time. We do NOT have to do absolutely everything together. You can have fun on your own if you choose, you can meet up with whomever you like, and if you want to go away for a couple of days to get away and hang with the girls, that's damn-sure fine by me. I will not stand in the way of any plans you might have. I will trust you enough to let you go, and you will trust me with da boyz when I go out.
I believe this is the best way. In fact, it seems to me that in this, there is selflessness, instead of selfishness. No dictatorships... no meaningless phony self-sacrifices... no stupid-ass appeasement policies that cause more tension than they relieve.... none of that shit.
I think that is about all I have to say right now. There was more I wanted to add, but my mind is going a little numb. Hopefully I havent totally ostracized myself from everyone! I've just re-read everything and as per usual, the point is a little unclear. I guess what it comes down to is that everything fucking changes when people get married, and it licks harsh ass. I think of all the people I've known who got married, and everything totally changed. There can never be the fun times of the past, and that is too bad. But the choice was made, and that is that. I may hate it with all the hatred inside of me, but it will never revert back to the way it was. All I can say is that I will not let that happen to me. I want something different for myself.
I suppose I'll add to this sometime in the future. There is some stuff I wanted to say about having kids. Tonight my parents babysat my brothers kid... and he was screaming like a dirty demon. Seriously: screaming non-stop for an hour. Now I love my nephew, and would gladly die (or kill for that matter) to save his little life, but when I think of having to put up with a crying baby night after night... welcome to the land of No-Fucking-Thank-You. Although it would be great to play hockey with my son... that might almost make it worthwhile...
I need to go overseas, dammit.
Ok, one more quick post:
Nice work dawg! You got it figured out! Sweet! Hopefully Chaps and Yammers can get posting soon too (ahem!).
Oh yes, and I will post a warning before the essay, but I should also warn you all now: there will be harsh invective used! Do not be surprised or upset by my tone. If you don't like coarse language, then don't read it. Just giving you the heads up, that's all.
Well, last night I drove to Vancouver to attend a jazz concert put on by CBC's own N.B. Of course, I get to Abbotsford and I find myself in the middle of the most horrific episode of traffic constipation you can imagine. I turn on my radio, and sure enough, they're informing me that the cars are backed up all the way from 150th street, which is a good deal West of Langley. So when I finally get to the first EXIT into Langley, I do the only sensible thing, and get off, heading South towards the Fraser Hwy. It turns out that a lot of people have the same idea, and after feeling free for about two minutes while zipping down the EXIT and down Glover Rd, I suddenly come upon yet another piece of highway hideousness - traffic backed up as far as the naked eye can see.
Dang, Melissa is an Aunt! I bet that I'm a better uncle than she is an auntie!
He is a chubber lubber, chub chub-a-rammer!!
Some say:
So, I go my own cell phone from work today. CURSES! Now I'll always be at the behest of my employer! Rats! I dont wanna have to carry around a dumb cell phone. I hate these stupid things. I can already envision the 3:30am phone call now:
Blech! Who needs it? Apparently I do. Other than that work is going fine today. I've got to return a pile of curtains to the courthouse, which will probably take the better part of two hours, since they are those stupid curtains with the dumbass metal hooks that are astronomically irritating to work with. *Sigh*. Actually... I think Brendan is supposed to help me... sweet!
I've worked all day and I've got sweet plans for the night, so this will probably be my only post tonight. Thankfully, Brendon is back to work after his holidays! WOO HOO! Now all I have to do is convince him to take back the cell phone and his keys so I'm no longer responsible in an emergency....
Hey Manitoba boys: sorry I missed yer call the other night. It looks like Manitoba is becoming a reality for the Shizzle, but I need to know what dates work best for you. How about if I arrive on Wednesday 11th and leave Tuesday 17th? I'd like to book those days off if I could. Whattya say?
And one more thing: boy was I ever wrong about this!
Stupid Senators!
And yes, I haven't forgotten...
I received my cd in the mail this past week as well! If you haven't got one already, go BUY ONE NOW! The Dueck and his cohorts worked very hard on this project, and it is worth buying!
"Whisper In Time"
all those stories that my dad told me,
they are just a whisper in time
all those things that never came to be,
they are just a whisper in time
a whisper in time, a whisper in time
things that I can't shake from my mind
a whisper in time, a whisper in time
moments that just flicker and die
all those places I wanted to go,
they are just a whisper in time
all those friends who now I do not know,
they are just a whisper in time
maps and roads that brought me here today,
they are just a whisper in time
circumstances that were explained away,
they are just a whisper in time
...we are messengers of memory,
just whispers in time
by Bad Religion
There are some people that you meet in life who are just whispers in time. Such people often come into your life and cause chaos to it (for example, the woman who smashed into my car several years ago!). You are focred to deal with these people because they have wronged you, or have impacted your live in other negative ways. There have been many such people in my life; people who were mere whispers in time. Sadly enough, there have been some good people in my life who have moved on (or I have moved on from them). They too are whispers in time, a memory that has flickered and died. Perhaps I should have done more to remain in contact with them. Conversely, they may have been brought into my life for a specific purpose (and now we both must move on). But what of those whose impact is most lasting? I think that is the case with the Girls from Ontario. I did not get to know them extremely well, nor did I get into any major discussions with them on any heavy subjects. But they seem to have made a tremendous impact on my life. They think in positive ways. They act unselfishly, and are open with people they meet. In fact, I can honestly say that I have never met a more naturally friendly, welcoming, and extroverted person than Angie. There doesn't seem to be any fear of rejection in her. When she introduces herself to people at church (and keep in mind... she is a "new" person in her own right!), she carries a conversation with no awkward silent moments. That is unique to me. I certainly wish I was more like that.
At any rate, I hope I get to see them again someday. Hopefully I'll get to go to Winnipeg in August, and if I do I'll have to convince the Chap and the Yammers to go on a road trip to Ontario (hehehehe!). The impact that they have had on me was not a mere whisper in time. The maps and the roads that brought us together were destined to be. And I for one am grateful for it. Thanks, ladies.
Team Canada
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